Opinion: Satori EXP for 8x10

[Regular Rod]

You might want to look at www.photobackpacker.com before parting with your hard earned...

I love mine for my 8x10 and all the bits.



RR

[dodphotography]

I think one of the difficulties is a lot of people will show their respective packs and they're older items that are no longer made. It seems like one of those products that just aren't common in 2014 so people tend to hold on to those precious bags that fit their system.

[dodphotography]

I have not used the Satori, but I own and use the Tilopa BC on a daily basis to haul 25 to 30 lbs. of camera gear. This is an awesome bag (and will soon buy an additional bag). You choose which ICU you want when you purchase the bag. And the ICU's are totally configurable, so do not favor one format over another. The XL Pro ICU is 19 x 11.5 x 7 so should easily accomodate an 8x10 plus plenty of other gear. These bags are designed (by adventure photographers) to #1) carry great in the backcountry, and #2 protect a wide variety of gear. So way better than better than any other bag I have owned (and I have a closet full of bags that I bought that were awful). But the best feature is the gear section opens from the back panel. So when you put the pack down in snow, dirt, or mud, the back panel stays clean (unlike virtually every other backpack out there). No more putting a wet/dirty pack back on your back...

I like the bags but I don't think an ICU will fit the camera.

Camera folded 14 x15 x 5 3/4 weight 6.4 pounds

Being able to use the bag as a carry on the bag would be pretty amazing.

[Photobackpacker]

Fitting frequently used Large format gear - not difficult. Protecting cherished camera equipment - not difficult. Fitting the photographer who is 5'2 to 6'3 with all shapes and sizes? - Difficult ................. and priceless.

[Regular Rod]

Fitting frequently used Large format gear - not difficult. Protecting cherished camera equipment - not difficult. Fitting the photographer who is 5'2 to 6'3 with all shapes and sizes? - Difficult ................. and priceless.

I couldn't agree more! Fatigue now takes many miles more before its onset, thanks to the correct torso fit and positioning of my P3. My previous (and expensive) Lowepro 600 made me quit sooner than I do now...

RR

[Carl J]

+1 on Photobackpacker. I don't have the backpack (but if I was looking I'd give them a good look). I do have the 8x10 camera case (for KMV), 3 lens holder case, and the superb 8x10 Cascade film holder case as well. All very nicely made and prompt support from Bruce.

[Greg Miller]

I like the bags but I don't think an ICU will fit the camera.

Camera folded 14 x15 x 5 3/4 weight 6.4 pounds

Being able to use the bag as a carry on the bag would be pretty amazing.

I guess your camera is much larger than Ben's.

[Roger Thoms]

Fitting frequently used Large format gear - not difficult. Protecting cherished camera equipment - not difficult. Fitting the photographer who is 5'2 to 6'3 with all shapes and sizes? - Difficult ................. and priceless.

I can highly recommend Bruce and Photobackpacker. He made a custom enclosure for my Eastman Kodak 2D 8x10 and it fits great. Very comfortable pack.

Roger

[dodphotography]

I'm going to give the photobackpacker a shot. Now just to figure out what size and fittings I'll need!

[NancyP]

+1, Photobackpacker. I have the Satori, bought it before I found out about your pack system. Satori and inserts are great, BUT..................The dang things have suspension suitable for men with 18" torso length. I am a 15" torso, thin, full breasted woman. No amount of tweaking of load lifters made a difference for hikes with 35 pound load - shoulders hurt, and I had to move the sternum strap (not use existing sternum strap, add strap higher up). This year I am trying a homemade set of supplementary shoulder pads to take up that excess space. If that doesn't do the trick, Photobackpacker, you may be getting an order from me this summer.

The biggest issue with large packs is the access issue. Access is brilliant with the Satori, front of pack is face down on ground, unzip back of pack to get at your camera gear, your camping gear doesn't get in the way, your back stays clean.