Help with customized backpack lining

[Laszlo]

I carry my equipment (Tachi 4x5, 4 lenses, Pentax spotmeter, Toyo loupe, filter pouche) in a 16 qt Target clear plastic box in a Kelty Redwing backpack.

I would like to line the box with foam, such that half the box (where the folded camera goes) would have a thin layer of insulation, and half would have a block of foam or styrofoam into which I'd carve room for the lenses.

Can you suggest a source for close-cell foam (1/2 in and ~2 inch)? Is styrofoam a good idea (I'm concerned it might crumble or break)? Any other experience, tip or suggestion?

Many thanks.

[David Karp]

Don't use styrofoam. It will break and crumble and get into everything.

I purchased some closed cell foam from Foam Mart in Burbank. Ask them for the stuff that they cell to the movie industry to line movie camera cases.

http://site.iwebcenters.com/afoammart_2/foammarthome.html

[Ron Marshall]

See this thread:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=34611

[John Schneider]

Check out the fabric overstock store Tempe Sales; they often have sheets of foam as well.

[Vaughn]

I have used the closed cell foam in the form of sleeping pads for backpacking.

Vaughn

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Go to Wal Mart and get one of the blue sleeping pads in the camping section. It is about 1/2" thick and you get a big piece for about $ 8.00.

Jim