Backpacks

[john_gregor]

I am wondering how others approach the problem of carrying their gear. When I go out to shoot it is not unusual for me to cover several miles and carry upto 55 lbs of gear (4x5 field camera, lenses, 35mm camera, lenses, tripod, film, ect...) I currently have the Tenba Aw backpack, which is large enough but the suspension system sucks and my back really pays.

[william_marderness1]

I use the extra-large F-64 backpack to carry an 8x10, two lenses, and

two film holders. Everything fits nicely, but it hurts to carry this

for more than 10 minutes.

[david_grandy1]

I use a LowePro Photo Trekker AW. I carry the old Toyo 5X7 field

camera (factory configured to 4X5), five lenses, 12 sheet film holders

and the usual suspects of focusing cloths, filters, meters, and so

forth. I think the farthest that i've ever carried it was about two

km with no problems. I'm sure that I could carry it much farther if

necessary.

 

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I do have to carry my tripod in my hand since this must have been one

of the slightly older models with no built in tripod sling.

 

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I'm pretty happy with this bag and it easily fits under the seat on

commercial aircraft.

[sal_santamaura]

I use several Kelty external frame packs. They are lighter than

"photo" backpacks, maintain separation between my back and the load to

maximize cooling/minimize sweat buildup in warm weather and, most

importantly, transfer the weight to my hips where it belongs. Hanging

a load on your shoulders is the worst thing you can do to your back.

The larger of my two Keltys (which was only $175) swallows a Phillips

8x10, four holders, three mounted lenses, meter, dark cloth,

extra clothing, water and lunch, with room left over, at a total of

around 25 pounds. The under-six-pound Gitzo 1325/Arca B-1 combination

rides in my hands, switching from side to side as necessary. Hiking

packs offer the option of setting up your gear however you like; just

use a little foam padding where necessary to keep things in place.

[roger___3]

John, I'll second a vote for a conventional backpack vs a photo

specific pack if your going long distances with a lot of weight. I

use a large Gregory day pack and loaded with my normal gear I'm in

the 30-35 pound range. I've never used a photo-dedicated pack, but

it seems fairly plain from their appearance that they typically lack

the quality of hip and shoulder suspension of traditional high

quality outdoor packs. What you will loose in this trade off is the

convenience the compartmentalized photo packs have to access your

gear. I would also suggest that 55 pounds would justify an external

or internal frame overnighter size pack. Most of these packs will

have plenty of lash on loops to secure your tripod, and I would look

for panel loading (vs top loading) with plenty of external

pockets.

[jeff_thompson]

Well, I share your opinion of the Tembra's suspension. Rather that

buy a new setup, I bought an external frame at a camping store for

about $70. I can attach my pack to the frame if I need to go far

from the car, or leave it off for working out of the trunk.

[julio_fernandez]

BACK-PACKS

I have used several Lowe Pro backpacks of the old foam-filled design

and the new compartmented design consisting of Velcro attached

dividers. The latter is a Super Trekker for 4X5 gear. I typically

carry a weight of 25-30 lbs not including tripod. I gave up carrying

35mm equipment + 4X5 to lessen weight. The harness of the Super

Trekker is excellent and probably would solve your problem. I can't

imagine any pack being better in that regard. The interior is

another matter. The compartmented design results in a floppy,

shapeless body within which the components jingle about without

adequate restrain even when the compartments are set as tight as

possible to the equipment. On occasion, lenses end up elsewhere but

where they were placed. This was never a problem with the foam-

filled designs. The cover, which is removable, supposedly to be used

as a reflector when wrapped up by a reflector accessory, (a silly

idea) is an awkward encumbrance that fails to act as a lid to the

compartmented body and is difficult to put back in place as it bends

out of shape when the bag is laid down on its bottom. Dividers are

designed with 35mm gear in mind, (Camera +600mm lens). Space is more

than ample, that�s OK, but I do not think that the weight of each

component was taken into consideration. The waterproof cover is

permanently attached which is a pity, as it feels like it weighs

about 1 pound that you have to carry, need it or not, and adds

unnecessarily to the already heavy pack. Summarily, the harness is

great, it would solve your problem, but the bag is detestable. In

future I hope to modify it by filling at least half the space with

foam, appropriately cut out for the photo gear, and modifying the

idiotic cover. As worthy of the most expensive photo back-pack,

construction is of first class materials, pity that this and the

great harness are spoiled by mindless interior design.

[vnc1]

Can't say enough good things about the Kelty Redwing. The Kelty

Redwing (large) is a superb panel loading technical pack that is wide

and large enough to hold a 4x5 kit. It is available from REI for

about $100. I use this with my 4x5 Arca and find its suspension

system makes my load feel amazingly light.

[david_vanmeter]

I also vote for standard backpacks. I have a Lowe Alpine

internal frame backpack with 6000 Cubic inches of storage. This is

made by the same company who makes the LowePro photo packs. I added my

own foam (free) and can carry all of my 8x10 gear plus a 4x5 back and

10 holders of each film size and can still dance. Shame on LowePro for

charging such ridiculous prices for small "vertical market" backpacks.

I paid $150 for my pack and for something that would have carried much

less from LowePro I would have paid aound $400.

[sharon_gervasoni]

another vote for the kelty redwing. I carry my hassy kit in it,

including a small gitzo tripod that fits inside (I sewed in a velcro

strap to hold it over on one side), and it works well for my small 4x5

outfit (wood field, 2 lenses and 6 holders), with much space to spare.

the suspension system is comfortable for substantial distances

(several miles).

[burke_griggs]

John: My sympathies-- backpacks are a surprisingly complicated problem

for the LF photographer. (A. Adams had his Travelall and his self-

appointed successors use Llamas, groupies and such; the rest of us have

to carry it ourselves.) I use two different setups depending upon the

situation. Situation #1: for when I fly somewhere, and/or am shooting

out of a rental car, I use a Tenba 264 with the LF dividers. This works

well because I can carry it on the airplane. The Tenba's tripod system

works well, even for a Ries Tripod. The 264 is newer, and I am very

happy with both the suspension system and the ventilation-- you can

cinch it so the weight is on your hips and it has a very substantial

padded belt. This is a good setup for day hikes, and you're probably

smarter than I am and have a lighter tripod. But there is little room

for anything else after the camera, three lenses, holders, cloth,

loupe, tripod, film, and a quart or two of water.

Situation #2: Backpacking for more than a day requires the Kelty-- a

big frame pack, to carry your 55 lbs plus bag clothes food and water

and you're pretty close to a maximum weight. Frame packs are superior

for photog work because you can tuck the tripod horizontally between

the storm flap and the main compartment on top of the pack, thus

keeping the heavy stuff high. Don't get an internal frame pack for

photo stuff. The big backpack does not work as well for airline travel

since you can't carry a pack that size on board with you.

 

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Photo backpacks are ludicrously overpriced. A final idea would be to

get a Jansport SUper Sack ($70 and indestructible), which is designed

for x-country skiers. As long as all your gear is in padded cases (such

as the Canham) you would have enough room in there for the LF stuff, if

not the 35mm. Good luck. I bought and returned two backpacks before

hitting on the right system. Burke

[ellis_vener_photography]

You might want to look at the BP1420 Backpack from Lightware.

[jeff_green2]

Well, I guess I have the most unconventional way.

I am new to LF, but certainbly not new to photography and carrying

camera gear. I am also not new to backpacking. It is true that hiking

backpacks will give you far more support that you need to make your

gear 'carryable'.

I use a US Army 'ALICE' pack which is the standard external frame

backpack for the US army. It has a very small frame (aircraft

aluminum) and a pretty new pack only costs around $60-70 from the

surplus stores. Sometimes you can find almost new ones there. The pack

is basically just a huge open sack with a bunch of compartment pockets

on the outside. I also bought one of those aluminum cases from Lowes

for $25 which looks just like a more expensive hard camera case. It is

actually quite well built and a superb value. I pack my camera and

lens and delicate gear into the case and then slide the case into the

ALICE pack. It fits nicely and would protect it against a Mack truck!

When I am not hiking, I can just carry the case. This is definitely

not the lightest way to do this, but it's cheap, protects well, and

the pack is surprizingly good at suspension and comfort for a cheap

backpack. It will stand up MUCH better than a cheap external frame

pack. The pockets on the outside hold rain pncho (also surplus!) film

holders, lunch, water, etc.

BTW-these packs are outstanding cheap backpacks for hiking. They also

work exceptionally well for canoe camping (ala Boundry Waters, MN) as

they are shorter and more compact than a regular hiking pack (like my

Gregory Dru) and fit into canoes better. They also come with 'quick

release' straps so you can drop your pack instantly and hit the ground

with your M16 just in case you are hit with enemy fire while you're

out doing landscape photography. Bonus.

[david_distefano]

I just came across this forum and thought that I would put in my 2

cents worth. I carry an 8X10 with an 8X20 back, holders for both

formats, lens and other accessories. Total weight 80lbs. I put all

this in the largest North Face back pack. I hike up to 10 miles daily

with this setup. I just put my clothes and food in Outdoor Research

bags and attach them to the exterior of the pack along with the tent

and sleeping bag.

 

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david distefano

[neil_poulsen1]

I got a Tenba AW pack for my MF camera outfit, and trying it on, it

didn't seem very comfortable. However, after taking it apart, I

noticed a number of adjustments that could be made. For example,

changing the relative position of the top straps to the bottom straps,

or bending the metal rods that are inserted in the spine. (Not

mine, the pack's.) Etc.

 

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The MEI backpack for my LF stuff is nothing more than a big rectangle,

and when I purchased it, the knowledgeable store clerk made a number

of adjustments, bending the rods to the shape of my back, etc. After

she was finished, it fit beautifully. I've never had a problem with

this pack.

 

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You might consider taking your pack into a mountaineer's store, and

seeing what they can do.

[david_goldfarb]

For day hikes, I've been using a laptop computer knapsack from EMS for

my 8x10 Gowland Pocket View, 3 lenses (one mounted), usually 3

holders (but it holds 5), meter, cloth, filters, etc. Probably about

25 pounds all told. It has a light waist strap (not what you would

find on a backpack designed for backcountry hiking, but it takes some

of the load off the shoulders) and a sternum strap, and I've carried

it comfortably for one to two hours at a stretch. I carry my tripod

separately with a strap.

[larry_gaskill]

After reading some of these responses (which are really very good) i.e.

hiking 10 miles a day with 80ibs of gear.

Sounds like if I had to do this for a living I would look for better

work.

 

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I think the best solution is hire someone to carry my gear and when I

arrive at the destination I will have enough energy left to set up and

shoot

 

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I currently use a Pro Treker and carry around 40-45ibs up to 4 miles

or so.

[gary_ross]

I bought a Domke Photo Backpacker from B&H Photo in NYC. It is

very tough and can be used as a case with built in strap or a

backpack by unzipping the back cover. Has many compartments for

accessories and lenses. Comes with a waterproof cover that can

be installed if needed. Price was $169.00 plus freight. I like it

very much after having it for a year. (-:

[bob_mccready]

Based on the recommendations above, I bought a large Kelty Redwing. Although I have yet to take it on a long hike, I did load it up with a Graphic View II (which is not exactly a small camera), 2 lenses, film holders, Grafmatic, etc., and took it for a 2 mile hike in 6 inches of fresh snow. It felt fine; no shoulder strain and great balance. Plus a lot of extra room.