Gear Cart?

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I'm looking at buying a used baby jogger (3-wheeled) to convert into a photo gear carrier.

Has anyone here ever seen or have something like this? Or have tips or suggestions about how to convert the jogger to a gear carrier?

My thoughts are that it has to carry at least two cameras with large lenses attached, as well as a tripod, extra batteries, memory cards and a camp chair for me to use when I'm waiting for an event to occur. (Or when I just want to sit down and rest.) Carrying extra lenses would be a bonus.

WM
 

BeegRhob

Senior Member
Just some thoughts. I would think to make sure it has locking brakes. If you are parked on a slope, I would want it to be there when I turn around from taking the most awesome picture that I ever would! I learned in automotive shop class, THE most important system on a vehicle, is the brake system! I would inspect the brakes, and adjust them so that they are tight, but not too tight that they will break from cheap parts. Possibly take something along on your venture to stop the wheels from moving, attaching it to the stroller with a small rope so that you don't overlook it before you venture out.

Most, if not all of them will have a cover to protect baby from the sun and rain. Make sure it will be good enough for camera equipment. A small hole can ruin your day. There is waterproofing spray that you could use to better protect it, probably other ways as well. If you want new material, you could use a heavy duty outdoor trash bag.

I would think some kind of cushion/shock absorber would be in order as well. The equipment will be jostling around even on almost smooth surfaces. Soft blankets may be enough, or "egg crate" foam or even both. Not sure if there would be a good suspension system on a stroller, but springs alone may not be good, as they could potentially toss the equipment around.

Pockets, hanging from the rear for easy access to batteries and memory cards and such, but not camera bodies and lenses. I would keep the weight from those closer to the ground to help prevent tipping.

Some kind of shelf on the bottom for the tripod and camp chair, secured by ratchet straps or bungee cords. These could also be attached on top or from the rear handles.

Do you want 3 wheels or 4? If 3, do they have them with 2 wheels in the front or back and would that matter how it would work for you?

Rob
 

STM

Senior Member
I doubt you will get that much gear into a baby stroller, and I would certainly be suspicious of how secure it will be from falling out :eek: . When you are lugging around 50+ pounds of gear (3 camera bodies, 4+ very large lenses (10+ pounds each), tripod with gimbal mount, foldable camp stool, etc., around like I routinely do when I shoot wading birds, something like this is indispensable. I can even fit a folded up 1 person blind I use when I photograph deer. And at 63 that stuff gets heavier every year, especially the D850/grip/600mm f/4 ED IF AIS Nikkor, which tops the scale at close to 20 lbs . The handle also unlatches from the top and extends out. It is a little bit on the heavy side but folds up very compactly. It is very ruggedly built and I am sure it will last me a very long time. I get inquiries all the time into where I got it!


cart.jpg

I got mine though Amazon:

Amazon.com : Mac Sports CAMO Mac Wagon in Next (WTC-130) : Sports & Outdoors


I have ordered some waterproof RealTree fabric so I can make a slip on cover for it should I get caught in a rain storm while transporting my gear, something that happens frequently here in the deep south!

– Realtree MAX-5 600D Waterproof Camouflage Fabric – CAMO901 – Lura’s Fabric Shop
 
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nikonpup

Senior Member
Check out Rugged Gear Gun Carts. I used mine for a few trips, pain in the a_ _.
Even when folded it takes up a heck of a lot of room.

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Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Found this doing a search baby stroller conversion to carry camera gear, not sure it it's helpful Wayne.

https://petapixel.com/2012/10/13/in...d-stroller-use-it-to-haul-around-camera-gear/

--- Thank you Marilynne. That's one option I'm looking to get to modify. - Wayne

..., THE most important system on a vehicle, is the brake system! Rob
---Come on Rob, even a teenager knows that the most important system in a car is the "Sound System!!!" - ;) JK. Good points, thank you for the input. - Wayne

I doubt you will get that much gear into a baby stroller, and I would certainly be suspicious of how secure it will be from falling out :eek: . When you are lugging around 50+ pounds of gear (3 camera bodies, 4+ very large lenses (10+ pounds each), tripod with gimbal mount, foldable camp stool, etc., around like I routinely do when I shoot wading birds, something like this is indispensable. I can even fit a folded up 1 person blind I use when I photograph deer. And at 63 that stuff gets heavier every year, especially the D850/grip/600mm f/4 ED IF AIS Nikkor, which tops the scale at close to 20 lbs . The handle also unlatches from the top and extends out. It is a little bit on the heavy side but folds up very compactly. It is very ruggedly built and I am sure it will last me a very long time. I get inquiries all the time into where I got it!


View attachment 352191

I got mine though Amazon:

Amazon.com : Mac Sports CAMO Mac Wagon in Next (WTC-130) : Sports & Outdoors


I have ordered some waterproof RealTree fabric so I can make a slip on cover for it should I get caught in a rain storm while transporting my gear, something that happens frequently here in the deep south!

– Realtree MAX-5 600D Waterproof Camouflage Fabric – CAMO901 – Lura’s Fabric Shop
-- Also something I'm looking at, but am looking for a smaller footprint on the trail if I can get it. For the requirement of capacity, this one seems to beat all except for an electric or gas powered one. Good stuff; thank you. Wayne

Check out Rugged Gear Gun Carts. I used mine for a few trips, pain in the a_ _.
Even when folded it takes up a heck of a lot of room.

View attachment 352192View attachment 352193
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I haven't seen these before, and I'm intrigued. It requires further investigation. Thank you! Wayne
 

BeegRhob

Senior Member
---Come on Rob, even a teenager knows that the most important system in a car is the "Sound System!!!" - ;) JK. Good points, thank you for the input. - Wayne

Well since you mentioned it, and I am glad you did seeing how I overlooked it, I could help out there but I first need to know if you would like a straight AM radio or would you like the premium upgrade to FM with a built in 8-track? They happen to be my specialty! :cool:

Rob
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
First I've ever heard of using a stroller for that reason - but certainly understandable. Have you considered a portable dolly or small hand truck that can have your camera bag attached? There's a local portrait studio near me that stuffs their items into some type of large plastic container then fastens that to a folding dolly. However, I don't recall there being padding inside the container which is something I'd definitely want.

After you've come up with your version of whatever you are going to do, I hope you will post a pic and let us know how it's working for you. :)
 

BF Hammer

Senior Member
I can see how the large wheels of the stroller would be an advantage for this project, but the rest just seems like you are adapting and overcoming a bit too much.

I've not done the browsing, but I think I would look at portable power tool storage solutions at your local store that would cater to carpenters. They often have 2-wheel rolling hard-carts for transporting gear over some terrain to a work-site. And I have looked at rolling Pelican boxes with the wheels on one end and a collapsible handle on the other end so you just lift up and pull it behind you. Sort of like those giant beer coolers.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I've even seen some folks using "old lady" shopping carts to carry their stuff.

Mayilynne,

I'm not sure what you're referring to.... What's an "old lady"? ;)

I've looked at folding shopping carts and haven't found one that I think will do the job. There may be one that does fit the bill, though, and I continue to look.

Wayne
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I can see how the large wheels of the stroller would be an advantage for this project, but the rest just seems like you are adapting and overcoming a bit too much.

I've not done the browsing, but I think I would look at portable power tool storage solutions at your local store that would cater to carpenters. They often have 2-wheel rolling hard-carts for transporting gear over some terrain to a work-site. And I have looked at rolling Pelican boxes with the wheels on one end and a collapsible handle on the other end so you just lift up and pull it behind you. Sort of like those giant beer coolers.

It is exactly the large wheels that make the jogging stroller seem the best option to me, but you are correct in that there is much to adapt to optimize one for carrying photo gear.

I've already looked into rolling work-site tool carriers and the wheels are the weak link, the same as the Pelican cases. I've looked at putting an adapter on a Pelican case so that I can put an axle with large wheels on it, in addition to a folding leg to enable it to be supported so that it soesn't have to be placed upon the ground when not handling it. The biggest advantage with the Pelican case is that it would provide waterproof storage for when I'm caught out in the rain.

WM
 

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Mayilynne,

I'm not sure what you're referring to.... What's an "old lady"? ;)

I've looked at folding shopping carts and haven't found one that I think will do the job. There may be one that does fit the bill, though, and I continue to look.

Wayne

I use to see old ladies with these all the time at the grocery store when I lived in Brooklyn. I've seen a few folks at Wako carry their gear in them.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Costway-...ility-Trolley-Adjustable-Handle-New/601302608
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
First I've ever heard of using a stroller for that reason - but certainly understandable. Have you considered a portable dolly or small hand truck that can have your camera bag attached? There's a local portrait studio near me that stuffs their items into some type of large plastic container then fastens that to a folding dolly. However, I don't recall there being padding inside the container which is something I'd definitely want.

After you've come up with your version of whatever you are going to do, I hope you will post a pic and let us know how it's working for you. :)

Good padding and packaging are a must for this, along with good wheels and some bit of ruggedness. I've got a case that is just a carry-on size luggage with a Pelican Case insert that is good for improved surfaces (pavement) but isn't good for movement over soil and grass trails.

If I end up with something that works, I will post photos here.

Wayne
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
I haven't seen this one, Marilynne. I can see it working on improved paths, but how do you think it would work at a place like the Circle-B-Bar Reserve? I like it because it folds!

Wayne

If it has the right wheels it may work at CBBR. Like I mentioned, I've seen it at Wako so it on the boardwalk. Haven't seen any at Loxahatchee.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
If it has the right wheels it may work at CBBR. Like I mentioned, I've seen it at Wako so it on the boardwalk. Haven't seen any at Loxahatchee.

Speaking of Loxahatchee, Marilynne, how is it for photo opportunities? For instance, how does it compare to Wako? I know, from what you've indicated here earlier, that is isn't as crowded as Wako.

Wayne
 

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Speaking of Loxahatchee, Marilynne, how is it for photo opportunities? For instance, how does it compare to Wako? I know, from what you've indicated here earlier, that is isn't as crowded as Wako.

Wayne

Haven't been to Green Cay or Wako in a very long time, to many people. Thursday morning I walked for almost two miles on the Marsh Trail at Lox and didn't see one other person. Yesterday my friend and I walked the Marsh Trail for two miles and saw two people. All my photos have been from Lox. Guess you'd have to check the Green Cay/Wako Facebook page to see what's there right now. I understand Wako has a lot of nesting going on.

Scored yesterday on seeing the Barred Owl. Been hearing it for weeks but never found it. Ran into another friend while looking for the owl.
 

BF Hammer

Senior Member
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