ULF Pack

[William Whitaker]

On the suggestion of Jim Fitzgerald here, I looked into canoe packs as a possible solution to the issue of transporting a ULF camera. I decided to try a Kondos 'Outfitter Explorer' with advertised dimensions of 26" x 25" x 6.5" (HxWxD). The pack arrived the end of this week and it is certainly big enough. In fact, I need to work out a solution with some polyethylene foam to fill out the pack. As it is now, it's just too oversized to be reliable, although the initial attempt to shoulder the load went better than I expected. It shows great promise and will allow me to carry the 12x20 also (but not at the same time, obviously!) Some different internal fitting will be required for the 12x20, of course.

This shows my Wisner 14x17 hiding in the pack:
http://wfwhitaker.com/tech/kondos_03.jpg

And I just added this to show the relative size of the pack:
http://wfwhitaker.com/tech/kondos_01.jpg

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Will, nice! Go to the local Walmart and get some of that blue camp pad foam. You can bend it around or cut it to fit. Works great. I'll break my pack out later and take some pic's. For the 12 x 20 I'm not sure if the MEI packs will work. I have my 8 x 20 in one. I think it is the Explorer pack. Cheap on flebay

[William Whitaker]

Polyethylene foam is rigid. It's the stuff that "pool noodles" are made of. It can be cut easily to shape and provides good shock absorption. Cut pieces can be glued together to form shapes such as I want to do to create a fitted pack for a specific camera. I think I'll be able to do this so that the 12x20 rests on the bottom and the film holders in their individual sleeves can ride atop the camera. I'll update as I make progress - slowly.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Will, makes a lot of sense. I have to spend the time to cut and shape mine to fit better. Right now it is just bent around the inside with a cut piece on the bottom. The Kondos pack is a great one for ULF. It is not heavy. The suspension is adequate. Let's face it who wants to hike a long way with a ULF on their back!Also as I recall the pack is not that much. $150.00 or something like that?

[William Whitaker]

https://www.kondosoutdoors.com/product/3-outfitter-explorer

Very reasonable considering the price everything else in ULF.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

https://www.kondosoutdoors.com/product/3-outfitter-explorer

Very reasonable considering the price everything else in ULF.

Will, you got that right! The thing I like about the pack is that it is well made and does not weigh that much. Anyone who wants to have something to carry their ULF camera in should check it out. Thanks for the link.

[Tin Can]

https://www.kondosoutdoors.com/product/3-outfitter-explorer

Very reasonable considering the price everything else in ULF.

Wow, nice stuff and made in Ely MN, which is a wonderful place to start an adventure.

In the Cities we always talked about Ely. Sometimes we even went there. :)

[Lachlan 717]

Thanks guys; useful info.

[Pete Roody]

Will,

Thanks for the idea. How is it in use?

Pete

[Fred L]

this may not fit 8x20 cameras but a good pack nonetheless. I imagine they might be able to make a custom sized one if asked and willing to pay extra.


http://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=6&categoryId=3

[Kodachrome25]

Hugo Zhang of Chamonix uses a really nice pack that is from an outfitter company I do believe and seemed to ride well with his 16x20, I wore it and it was pretty nice in terms of comfort, very well built. The material was heavy pack cloth and would likely be fairly waterproof when wet due to expansion.

I will update with the name of it if I can but if not just drop Hugo an email and he will be happy to oblige the info. I recall it to be in the price range of $225-$250 all in.

133264

[Tin Can]

this may not fit 8x20 cameras but a good pack nonetheless. I imagine they might be able to make a custom sized one if asked and willing to pay extra.


http://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=6&categoryId=3

I think this will fit my 7x17 horizontally on the bottom with a pack of holders above. The price is nicer than the other MN supplier. Line it with poly foam perhaps.

http://www.cookecustomsewing.com/traditional.htm

Then I need Drew's ultralight collapsible tripod.

I never liked a backpack. In the city and woods you are a clumsy mule. Yes, one does have hands free to grasp and fight, but getting it off fast is tough. I always want my hands free and ready. You only need to lose one battle.

[Lachlan 717]

I use an 80ltr Black Wolf backpack for my 7x17. It's one of those that zips right around for access. Easily fits the camera (Korona), 4 holders, 3 lenses, the extension rail and a Blackjacket. Easy!

[Tin Can]

I use an 80ltr Black Wolf backpack for my 7x17. It's one of those that zips right around for access. Easily fits the camera (Korona), 4 holders, 3 lenses, the extension rail and a Blackjacket. Easy!

Which one? They sell many.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Randy, for 717 I'd recommend an MEI pack. I use one for my 8x20 and have room for a holder and lenses. You have to find them used on the bay or Craig's list but they are great. I have three of them.

[Tin Can]

These? http://www.meivoyageur.com/

Which one?

[Jim Fitzgerald]

These? http://www.meivoyageur.com/

Which one?

I think that is the one I have.

[Tin Can]

I think that is the one I have.

Thanks!

[BILL3075]

Frost River is the company, 'Lewis & Clark' is the backpack....


Hugo Zhang of Chamonix uses a really nice pack that is from an outfitter company I do believe and seemed to ride well with his 16x20, I wore it and it was pretty nice in terms of comfort, very well built. The material was heavy pack cloth and would likely be fairly waterproof when wet due to expansion.

I will update with the name of it if I can but if not just drop Hugo an email and he will be happy to oblige the info. I recall it to be in the price range of $225-$250 all in.

133264

[Jim Fitzgerald]

The one thing at least for me that I did not like about Hugo's pack is that it seemed heavy when empty where the Kondos pack seemed lighter. However it is very well made and looks great!

[William Whitaker]

Will,

Thanks for the idea. How is it in use?

Pete

You give me way too much credit. Besides, I just got the bag.

[Steve Sherman]

Randy, for 717 I'd recommend an MEI pack. I use one for my 8x20 and have room for a holder and lenses. You have to find them used on the bay or Craig's list but they are great. I have three of them.

+ 1 on the MEI I use this pack for a Phillips 7x17, 3 holders, 3 lens and the rest of the related gear, the suspension system / waist belt is superb !!

[Corran]

That MEI bag sure looks nice, and it's pretty cheap via Randy's link.

My 8x20 came in a Pelican case, but that isn't quite suitable for hiking. Well, neither is the 8x20 I suppose...

[Tin Can]

On the suggestion of Jim Fitzgerald here, I looked into canoe packs as a possible solution to the issue of transporting a ULF camera. I decided to try a Kondos 'Outfitter Explorer' with advertised dimensions of 26" x 25" x 6.5" (HxWxD). The pack arrived the end of this week and it is certainly big enough. In fact, I need to work out a solution with some polyethylene foam to fill out the pack. As it is now, it's just too oversized to be reliable, although the initial attempt to shoulder the load went better than I expected. It shows great promise and will allow me to carry the 12x20 also (but not at the same time, obviously!) Some different internal fitting will be required for the 12x20, of course.

This shows my Wisner 14x17 hiding in the pack:
http://wfwhitaker.com/tech/kondos_03.jpg

And I just added this to show the relative size of the pack:
http://wfwhitaker.com/tech/kondos_01.jpg

Not sure how i missed your pics, but they explain everything. I just wrote this, but it still applies to the MEI bag,

Are we all talking about the same size bag? My link is to the new model, 'MEI "Voyageur" pack (pictured above), which is 22 × 14 × 9 inches (maximum permitted carryon size)'.

My 7X17 Korona is 21.5" wide at the rear tilt knobs. That's a close fit, especially if I want some padding for those rather delicate knobs and the shafts that carry them.

I don't see how an 8X20 would fit in the new carry-on design.

Perhaps that's why Jim says we need to find old ones on eBay?

Room for padding is why i am leaning towards the canoe pack bags.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Randy, one of my bags came from a mentor of mine, Gordon Chapple. I use it for my 11 x 14 just as Gordon did before he tragically lost his life. I think it may be called Explorer and it is big enough for my 8 x 20 as well. The two additional bags that I have I can't honestly remember where I got them from. The bay most likely. My 8 x 20 is a tight fit plus I have padding in the bag. The do not have any model designations on the bag so I can't even tell by looking at it what model it is. All I know is they are great bags. No extra fluff and the suspension is great.

[Lachlan 717]

Which one? They sell many.

Sorry; it's a 90ltr bag. It's the Black Wolf CUBA pack.

133307

[Corran]

Randy, for 717 I'd recommend an MEI pack. I use one for my 8x20 and have room for a holder and lenses. You have to find them used on the bay or Craig's list but they are great. I have three of them.

Hi Jim,

Do your packs look like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231545700898

I just bought it. The size seems perfect for the 8x20, but even if it is too small, this should make a good travel duffel, which I do not have.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Bryan, yes that looks like one of the bags. Hell of a deal.

I'll try to take some picks of the one I use for my 8 x 20 and post it.

[Corran]

Great! Thanks!!

(I didn't ask earlier when the auction was still happening, to make sure my deal was safe :cool:)

[Tin Can]

Great! Thanks!!

(I didn't ask earlier when the auction was still happening, to make sure my deal was safe :cool:)

Good thinkin! :)

Don't we all do that?