storage/carrying options for ULF gear?

[Scott --]

Hi, all -

I'm trying to mentally commit to taking the 10x12 out in the field. Arguably, the biggest roadblock right now is not having something reasonable to carry the camera, lenses, holders, and meter in. Been using a Gatemouth bag for the camera and holders, and an old Canon case for two lenses and a meter. But it's cludgy, the camera and holders don't actually fit in the bag, and there's still the Ries to carry.

So, I ask all of you - what are you using to tote your gear? The 4x5 kit fits in a MiniTrekker bag; I'm doubting I'll find something simliar for the 10x12. And I'm not really interested in a stroller set-up. Too many rocky paths nearby for that.

Iedas?

Thanks,
Scott

[Tin Can]

I'm with you on this one. But I may be the stroller kind of old man.

[Scott Davis]

Some of those baby joggers have large off-road type wheels. There's also the Sherpa carts - http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?37990-Sherpa-Cart
which have gotten a lot of positive feedback from others on this forum.

[Tin Can]

And maybe I can fool some Chicago muggers with a fake baby...



Some of those baby joggers have large off-road type wheels. There's also the Sherpa carts - http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?37990-Sherpa-Cart
which have gotten a lot of positive feedback from others on this forum.

[Bruce Barlow]

Richard Ritter found an old suitcase at a consignment store - fits camera, holders and lenses. I think he paid $5.

[Tin Can]

I use old grocery bags, best to look like nobody, but watch out for the other homeless, they will steal your pants.

We see that often, a drunk laying in an alley with no pants or shoes.





Richard Ritter found an old suitcase at a consignment store - fits camera, holders and lenses. I think he paid $5.

[Ari]

I use a large messenger bag, the kind that will fit a 17" laptop, for my 8x10 (Kodak Master). It can also carry three film holders and some accessories.

It has decent padding and lots of pockets, and is expandable, so it's quite roomy.

You can take a small photo backpack for lenses and other accessories; so, one bag on your shoulder, the other on your back.

It's a good set-up for when you don't have to go too far with your gear.

[Drew Bedo]

I would go with wheels. Not only is the camera bigger (heavier) but so is the tripod, holders and so on.


I have used a heavy duty baby stroler and a golf bag cart for 8x10 gear . . .and they can be made to work.

What about a heavy duty wagon from a garden supply store? they are stoutly built and have pneumatic tires on ball-bearing wheels. You couls pack the camera and thiungs into a hard case and just put it into the wagon.

[Daniel Stone]

If you're rolling over smooth ground, try one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/home-improvement/dp/B000HVVSDU

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519631fhj8L.jpg



if rolling over uneven terrain, you might want to look into something with bigger wheels.

working out of a box(that holds all your stuff) greatly reduced the "bulk" unless you're intending to backpack. AND, you can sit on it if you have to wait for the light to be right :)

I own a magna cart, and it's very handy and compact. Not to mention rather light!

-Dan

[Tin Can]

Costco sells those for $20, if you are nice to it, it works great, but I have destroyed 2 moving large objects.

Folds up small and goes everywhere.

[John Kasaian]

Coyote tan GI surplus coolers will fit a 5 gallon jerry can and have a shoulder strap. That's what I've been using for my V8 'dorff and larger cameras should fit. About $20 and definitely "mil-spec"

[Tin Can]

Have you got a link, I found other things, but not what seemed any good.



Coyote tan GI surplus coolers will fit a 5 gallon jerry can and have a shoulder strap. That's what I've been using for my V8 'dorff and larger cameras should fit. About $20 and definitely "mil-spec"

[Jim Noel]

I use a folding wagon. The front wheels swivel independently making it very maneuverable. it folds up to about 5" thick and weighs about 5 pounds. Although I usually carry only one outfit, i can carry the 8x10 outfit along with the 7x17.

[John Kasaian]

Have you got a link, I found other things, but not what seemed any good.

http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13239.html

I bought mine at a local hardware store. They seem to be rarely in stock at the on-line surplus stores but at least this will give you an idea of what they look like

[Tin Can]

That thing is perfect and cheap!

May be hard to find in the fake Chicago Army surplus stores.


Thanks!




http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13239.html

I bought mine at a local hardware store. They seem to be rarely in stock at the on-line surplus stores but at least this will give you an idea of what they look like

[Jac@stafford.net]

I made a field unit of a backpack frame to which I added 12" pneumatic tires. You can wear it on your back and also take it off and pull it behind you. The frame extends at the top to serve as a pull handle. I would make a picture but right now the wheels are on my old lawnmower. :)

[Vaughn]

I have a MEI Trekker for my 8x10. It has been working great.

http://www.meipacks.com/

You might find a size that work nice for you. My Zone VI 8x10 goes nicely into the pack with a couple layers of closed-cell foam on each size. The 'Eurail" is another 2 inches wider if you need that with your 10x12.

The holders go in the detachable daypack...very handy. The daypack on the Trekker holds five 8x10 holders easily, another one in a pinch...and I can put another couple holders in the main pack if needed. Saves the space inside for all the other gear. I made my own dividers using closed-cell foam.

I hike for miles with it -- about 45 pounds, plus the Reis A100/!250 over the shoulder.

[ghostcount]

Pointed out by a fellow LF'er.

http://www.monowalker.com/video.html

Not cheap - I wish I had a sugah' mamah'.:p

[thomasfallon]

Here is a great cart. Goes over sand or rocks, no problem.

http://www.beachmall.com/product/HEBCF/Wheeleez-Folding-Beach-Cart-Low-Price-Beach-Carts.html?meta=AMZPA&metacpg=HEBCF&utm_source=amazon-pads&utm_medium=cpc

[William Whitaker]

I've used the Tenba Car Cases and have been happy with them. The CC17 is what I used when I had the 10x12. It would hold the camera and three holders. Lenses went in a shoulder bag to give them their own space and to help balance the load.

The car cases are very minimalist, with no pouches, pockets or compartments and as such, are lightweight. They do the basic job well, but you still need to be careful hauling the camera around.

[David Lobato]

I use a Kobalt tool case with wheels from Lowe's. The soft sided one fits the 8x10 Deardorff, film holders, 3 lenses, light meter, and odds and ends perfectly. What's nice is it has plenty of handles to lift it in and out of the car, and a long extended handle for pulling it to where I want to set up. The 11x14 camera and its gear fits also, but the lid can't zip shut. It works okay considering the lack of good alternatives, and it needed no modifications to begin using.

[evan clarke]

Here's what I use with my 11x14. A meat hauler for elk hunting, Camera, dark cloth, 3 lenses and 2 holders..

[Jim Fitzgerald]

My 11x14 and 8x20 systems fit nicely in the MEI backpacks. I also use one for my 8x10 system. Now the 14x17 is a different story. I found a Kondos canoe pack and it swallows up my camera two film holders, two lenses and the kitchen sink!!! Really I only take one holder and one lens when I go out because with the tripod (walnut with Gitzo 1570m head) which is 15 lbs. I'm pushing 60 lbs. Man I wish I was younger. Oh, I also use my double wide jogging stroller which will see more and more use as the years move on. I have used it at Bodie and can get my 8x10 and 14x17 systems in it. Makes life good!!

[Scott --]

Thanks for all the responses, folks! Right now, the surplus bag seems easiest to swallow cost-wise; I need to measure the folded camera when I get home to see if it'll fit. Found them on eBay for about $35 shipped. I'll add some of the other bags to the Christmas list for this year.

Rolling carts/strollers/bags just aren't an option for me. Too many place around here are rock paths, where you literally crawl over boulders.

Scott

[joselsgil]

Scott,

Here is what I purchased, but have yet not tested on off road conditions. This will be used to carry an 8x10 kit.


http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/deer-cart-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=351879

[Bob Mann]

Someone has finally made a jogging stroller frame without a child seat - this one is designed for shooting guns, but looks like it would also work for shooting film - I have no connection to the seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/390606160808?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[Scott --]

Okay, I know a lot of people swear by their jogging strollers, but I need help here: Say you're out in the woods, climbing over boulders, and you have a steep ridge to ascend (or descend). How do the strollers work in these situations? I can't picture it...

[Tin Can]

Go back a few replies and look at the one wheel wonder. The video shows it going everywhere.


Okay, I know a lot of people swear by their jogging strollers, but I need help here: Say you're out in the woods, climbing over boulders, and you have a steep ridge to ascend (or descend). How do the strollers work in these situations? I can't picture it...

[Scott --]

I missed that, Randy. Very cool, but $1,300.00?!

[Tin Can]

Even worse, there is no way I could use it.

I'm becoming a studio guy...and maybe out of my van.

Hiking, LOL.


I missed that, Randy. Very cool, but $1,300.00?!

[William Whitaker]

I've used the Tenba Car Cases and have been happy with them. The CC17 is what I used when I had the 10x12...
The car cases are very minimalist, with no pouches, pockets or compartments and as such, are lightweight. They do the basic job well, but you still need to be careful hauling the camera around.

I just received from B&H a Tenba CC-22 Car Case for the 14x17. It fits like it was made for it. It's a nice bag, cordura with an internal structure of closed-cell foam and corrugated plastic. It does provide some protection and a bit of padding.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=tenba+cc22&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

I like carrying the film holders and the lenses separate from the camera. It just weighs too much anyway all put together. Dividing the load into other bags lets me distribute it better both in the car and on my body for carrying it. But to each his own. It's a lot of work however you do it.

[Steve Sherman]

[QUOTE=Vaughn;1037798]I have a MEI Trekker for my 8x10. It has been working great.

http://www.meipacks.com/

I have the Trekker for my Phillips 7x17 and four holders plus three lenses. The MEI packs are outstanding quality in their construction, especially the support system.

Cheers

[Scott Davis]

I just received from B&H a Tenba CC-22 Car Case for the 14x17. It fits like it was made for it. It's a nice bag, cordura with an internal structure of closed-cell foam and corrugated plastic. It does provide some protection and a bit of padding.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=tenba+cc22&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

I like carrying the film holders and the lenses separate from the camera. It just weighs too much anyway all put together. Dividing the load into other bags lets me distribute it better both in the car and on my body for carrying it. But to each his own. It's a lot of work however you do it.

That's the same bag I have for my Canham 14x17. While in theory I can fit the film holder bag inside that bag along with the camera, that's pushing it, and I certainly don't want to carry it that way for any distance beyond from the house to the trunk of the car. But it's a great bag for the camera.

[William Whitaker]

One more re-purposed piece of Tenba equipment is my 16x20 portfolio case which is just right for carrying three S&S 14x17 film holders.