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Thread: External Frame Backpack

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    417

    External Frame Backpack

    Looking for recommendations for a pack to carry a large rail camera, approx 17"x19"x7" and 20lbs

    Don't need padding as I'll make whatever I need

    All accessories will be stored/carried separately

    Not moving very long distances but need something comfortable

    Thinking an external pack frame is best

    I'm 6'4" tall and lean

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Canmore Alberta
    Posts
    754

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    This would work for you. Can't get better quality for less $$. I know Drew likes them. I haven't owned or used one for years....but a good choice. $29
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-XL-Ext...0AAOSwNRdX9X9M

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    417

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    Thanks!

    Wondering if the pack tapers

    Seller says it's 16x20x9"

    May be tight

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    417

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    It's only 14.5" across inside the bag, wouldn't work

    Too bad

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Collinsville, CT USA
    Posts
    2,330

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    I used one for years in the 1970s carrying my 8x10 in its bulky case up many a gorge south of Rochester NY. Tried attaching the case to the pack frame with tight bungie cords which failed on my first hike in. Ended up using 2 very secure non-elastic tie-down cords which were permanently attached to the frame with small sheet metal screws and duct taped to the case... looked ugly but worked.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    I am from York PA, living in Norman, OK
    Posts
    249

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    Have you thought about heading over to your local Army/Navy store and seeing if they had an ALICE pack there? I did the same thing your thinking about with the frame of one. I have a Calumet CC-403 in its case. I had a friend weld me a platform and I attached it with some nuts and bolts as well as 550 cord to the pack frame. It works ok but akward to carry around.

    R/
    Dave

  7. #7
    David Schaller
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Williamstown, MA
    Posts
    818

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    I use an old Lowe internal frame with a big bag. It's a tight fit, but I get everything in.

  8. #8
    Drew Bedo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Houston Texas
    Posts
    3,225

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    There are good external pack frames out there. I know Kelty is good, as mentioned above. In the old days, I had a Gerry external frame pack and liked it. These tings turn up new and used on The-Bay all the time.

    You might think about using one of these external pack frames with a hard-shell case from Pelican or one of the others; just strap it on. There is an aftermarket set of shoulder straps for Pelican cases which might meet your needs.
    Drew Bedo
    www.quietlightphoto.com
    http://www.artsyhome.com/author/drew-bedo




    There are only three types of mounting flanges; too big, too small and wrong thread!

  9. #9
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    SF Bay area, CA
    Posts
    18,338

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    All these old packs take a bit of tweaking for sizing and comfort. I use em for general backpacking too, and given the fact that vintage Keltys and certain other old US mfg packs have better frames than new packs, and can be found cheap, often completely unused, I have a number of em. But you have to be careful with misleading Fleabay listings regarding sizing, condition of hip belts and back supports (replacements for these are no longer available). And there are some tricksters out there who list packs cheap, but then attach utterly ludicrous shipping fees. You want to have extra clevis pins and rings in your first aid kit. Capacity of side pouches and condition of zippers is another issue - this is one area where newer packs are an improvement. My backpacking pals always seem to have the latest and the greatest, and basically find their huge internal frame packs comfortable, except for being a bit hot on the back due to limited ventilation. But then I see how much fuss it is for them to unpack things, and appreciate the better compartmentalization and rigidity of a true frame pack. I can rapidly switch the pack configuration using Gatorboard dividers, bubble packing, and even Rubbermaid wastebaskets for use with different camera systems,
    whether MF. 4x5 folders, Sinar monorails, or my 8x10 system. No need for a bunch of redundant sponge foam like an official camera pack, though those might
    be fine for smaller dedicated day use systems. For really bulky camera, you can get game-carrier frames new, then customize those. Talking to some of the
    Vets here, I dunno about Alice packs. They're awfully heavy and maybe way too many pouches n' pockets.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Camano Island, Washington
    Posts
    396

    Re: External Frame Backpack

    I have been looking for a pack for my calumet 8x10 about 17x14x9 inches and a few pound more than other 8x10 cameras. I think there are some expedition packs made that will be big enough.

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