Backpackfor8x10

**Jim Fitzgerald** · 11-Jul-2008, 19:19

Lenny, I use an REI large travel pack. It hold all of my gear and then some for 8x10. It has a separate day pack that can hold 6 holders and the suspension is really nice. I use their Mars pack for my 8x20. It is a clamshell design and will work nicely for an 8x10 set up. I took my 8x20 into the store to make sure it would fit. I did it mid week. Didn't want to cause a scene.

Jim

**Lenny Eiger** · 16-Jul-2008, 17:03

I called REI and just had one of those bad calls, where the guy on the phone knew nothing about what he was talking about.... So before I travelled 45 mins to go to REI I called Bruce at photobackpacker.com. This fellow was so knowledgeable, and a large format shooter. He asked what lens I was using, and he had a sheet with the exact size so he could tell me which lens box to get.

I was so impressed I bought the pack on the spot. It's great when you find someone so professional. I can't recommend him highly enough. Pack arrives on Friday.... I suppose the proof is in the pudding and I should say that up front - that I haven't used it yet... but I expect it will be just what the doc ordered.

Lenny

**QT Luong** · 16-Jul-2008, 17:42

The Super Trekker weights a ton, but for air travel it can be checked in without damage to the contents.

**mccormickstudio** · 16-Jul-2008, 19:27

I found an interesting 8x10 backpack solution. I bought a LowePro Stealth AWII which is designed to carry a laptop and 2 SLRs with lenses. The laptop sits within a separate removable inner case, which when removed fits my folded Chamonix perfectly. I carry three lenses on boards (two are big plasmats), six 8x10 film holders and all of the small accessories no problem. It's compact and light and I couldn't be happier. It's way lighter and smaller than the super trekker, which I also looked at.

**Lenny Eiger** · 16-Jul-2008, 19:46

FYI - Stealth is 5.2 lbs, Super Trekker is 13 and the photobackpacker is 6 or so.

Lenny

**Joakim Ahnfelt** · 17-Jul-2008, 05:09

Here's an economy tip. A Samsonite Cabin bag with back straps.
I holds a Arca 8x10 plus the two lenses I have for this format. Filmholders carried separately.
The stuff inside is just foam cut to fit. This is the prototype, hence the different colours and rough apperance.
I have another insert for the Wista 4x5, 6 lenses, filmholders and bits & pieces. Sorry no pictures.
This set up has to great advatages for me. Price 80 Euro, (about 130 USD) + some foam and its the maximum size to carry onbord airplanes.

Cheers
Joakim

**clay harmon** · 17-Jul-2008, 06:24

I bought one of the big backpacks from Photobackpacker. It is essentially a Kelty Redwing with some mods to make it easy to add all of his custom photo boxes for various things like lenses and cameras. It carries like a real backpack, and is a wonderful improvement after suffering with an f/64 pack for a few years. I cannot recommend Bruce's products highly enough.

One other nice thing is that the pack can be converted back to a regular backpack with absolutely no hassle.

**Matus Kalisky** · 17-Jul-2008, 08:11

I bought some camera and lens cases from Bruce some time ago. He handled so kindly the late delivery (caused by German customs) that I ended up with two identical sets of camera/lens cases - as Bruce have jsut sent me the same cases again for free and did not ask for the money when finaly both shippings have arrived. If i would have an 8x10, his backpacks would be my choice Nr.1. They are just a bit too large for my Tachi 4x5. The camera cases get quite some use - one for the camera and the second one for 2-3 lenses + filmholders. For me they offer a perfect ballance between weight and robustness.

**Photobackpacker** · 25-Jul-2008, 08:17

Originally Posted by Lenny Eiger

FYI - Stealth is 5.2 lbs, Super Trekker is 13 and the photobackpacker is 6 or so.

Lenny

When comparing the weight of one backpack to another, it is important to determine the source of the weight. If it is caused by a more rigid suspension and a heavier, more supportive waist belt, that extra weight will actually make the entire load seem lighter. A backpack that does a great job of transferring the weight to your skeletal frame is amazing. The perceived load is reduced dramatically.

**JPlomley** · 25-Jul-2008, 11:17

I've got two of Bruce's packs, the Nimbus and the new Kelty with the side pouch film holders. They are just an incredible design and have allowed my wife and I to put in 10+ mile hikes which we never would have tried with our previous Lowe SuperTrekkers. You cannot go wrong with one of Bruce's systems.