Bag Advice (F-Stop ICU, Filson, etc)

[appletree]

Ok. I have read through countless threads but need some advice. I cannot make up my dang mind.

What I Want (I think):

To travel with two bags. Both of which can generally be carry-on (I sometimes fly standby and must carry on). One a backpack, the other a duffle or similar.
Organized containers/etc for different camera systems.
To travel with Hasselblad and Leica.
Have space to slip in smaller bag full of 4x5 kit...especially so I can decide to go hike with Leica/Hassie or Leica/4x5.
Ability to hike/walk with one bag and leave the other at the hostel/hotel.


What I Own:

I have been traveling with one bag Gregory Z55 pack (https://gregorypacks.com/en/GM396_cfg.html), but it is too difficult to travel. When I go on day trips I either carry all my stuff with me or leave clothes and stuff laying around in a hostel locker.
I do own a North Face duffel (https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/base-camp-duffel-medium), but it is somewhat big. I normally check it when traveling with it.
Photobackpacker cascade film holder
Photobackpacker lens cases for LF lenses
Small organized bags (lightweight) that I have my dark cloth, loupe, etc in.
Leica M2 with one lens
Hasselblad 500C/M with two lenses (I normally only travel with 80mm)
Chamonix 4x5 with two lenses, film holders, etc
Harrison pup changing tent
CP26-L3S FLM Tripod (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999189-REG/flm_32_26_905_cp26_l3s_carbon_fiber_tripod.html) (folded length - 24")


What I Am Considering:

Any feedback on these (http://shop.fstopgear.com/us/product/icu.html)?
Been wanting to get a Medium Shallow ICU, but they are always out of stock or on backorder. (Any alternatives similar to this that you know of? Maybe I should get a RPT case for the camera itself?)
Inside a backpack or duffle or whatever I can slip the ICU.
Similar to this:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/14404532944_095e620737_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nWSZNh)F-Stop Medium Shallow ICU (https://flic.kr/p/nWSZNh) by alkanphel (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alkanphel/), on Flickr

Leaning toward a duffle bag (smaller than I own) for clothes, etc. And using my backpack for photogear only. I can leave a camera in the duffle bag (locked in locker) or have them all with me.
Originally was leaning toward using the duffle bag for cameras...but this doesn't seem optimal for hiking/walking around cities/country-sides.
I am hesitant to get another backpack since the Gregory is nice and made for hiking.


ANY advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

[baro-nite]

I have an f-stop pack and two of the Small Pro ICUs. Really like the pack (Loka) for use with my medium format kit (Pentax 645). It's not deep enough to hold my 4x5 (Arca Swiss) without taking the frames off the rail, but it's a good versatile system and I especially like how I can safely get to everything even when I can't put the pack down, because I'm standing in a river or a swamp, a not infrequent occurrence with me. I don't know why the Medium Slope ICU is so hard to get, but I vaguely recall that was the case when I bought my pack over a year ago.

A Mountainsmith Kit Cube Traveler (http://www.mountainsmith.com/index.php/activities/photography/kit-cube-traveler-2014.html) might do it, if the 5" interior depth is enough.

[Ari]

A small shoulder bag should be enough for the Hasselblad; I'm thinking something like the Think Tank Retrospective 50, or perhaps even smaller, should do it.
A medium-sized rolling case, like a Lowepro x100, should be able handle your 4x5 equipment and change of clothing for short trips.

[appletree]

Thanks for the information/advice.

Ah, I have a similar Mountainsmith that houses my hasselblad and other stuff, but its all ripped and shredded. About 5 years old.
Although that might fit the bill. It is large enough (in fact it is larger than the F-Stop). Although I am going to have to measure my pack tonight, as not sure if it will squeeze into my pack.

For the Hasselblad I am thinking about replacing my busted Mountainsmith back with one from Crumpler (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/877385-REG/Crumpler_HVN001_R00G50_Haven_Camera_Pouch_Medium.html).
Not sure if it will fit my Hasselblad for every day use within another pack.

I am leaning toward getting new inserts, using my existing hiking pack, and getting a separate duffel for clothes, etc.
This allows me to not have anything with wheels, can carry everything if need be, and have my cameras separate from my other travel stuff. Also allows me to carry on everything. With the option to carry LF only, MF only, etc etc.

[Drew Bedo]

Appletree: Please let us know what youdecide to do and share a few pictures of your outfit and how the combinations work.

[appletree]

Hey Drew. I will do that for sure! Thanks for the suggestion.

[Drew Bedo]

Two packs that admittedly not quite what you say you want. I bring them into the discussion because sometimes out-of-the-box is just the right solution.

This is a backpack that has a removable/configurable insert that will take padded deviders common to photography bags.

http://www.2vetsarms.com/LBT-2VA-Covert-Pack-p/covert-pack.htm

This is a dedicated photo oriented bag, but it is a sling, not a backpack.

http://www.hazard4.com/products/packs/slings/photo-recon

[Ari]

In anticipation of a new 8x10 next month, I bought this sight unseen: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898201-REG/cinebags_cb27_cb_27_lens_smuggler_bag.html
The new camera will be under 3" wide when folded down, so I thought to get a messenger-type bag that can accommodate the camera and a few holders for a few hours' walkabout.
I like that it can hold a lot of stuff, but appears to be, at least to watchful airport check-in staff, a regular shoulder bag; that means I can also bring a carry-on suitcase with me.

[Drew Bedo]

Looks like a really nice bag. Couldn't find dimensions besides thee total H+W+L=40". Is this an under-seater or Overhead bag? What else will you be able to get into it besides the camera body?

And What camera is on-the-way?

[Ari]

Drew, it's described as an under seat in the lone review. The dimensions are well under maximum carry-on size.
I'm hoping to get the camera, two lenses and accessories in there, as well as 2-3 holders.
It seems to be an excellent travel bag, though I'm sure no one had 8x10 in mind when they designed it.
But, going by Jonathan's o.p., it would probably fit his 4x5 kit and a few other things, and do so with a minimum of fuss. He'd be free to have a second bag for personal items.
Another space-saver is taking a Harrison changing bag, leave the tent at home.
I ponied up the dough for a Gibellini, the size and weight were too tempting, and I'm hoping they're as precise and stable as advertised.

[Peter De Smidt]

Ari, that looks like a great bag. I look forward to hearing what you think of it. My small Billingham bag is near the end of it's life.

[Ari]

Ari, that looks like a great bag. I look forward to hearing what you think of it. My small Billingham bag is near the end of it's life.

Will do so happily, Peter.

[ndevlin]

Just saw this thread. I have the Gura Gear Unita, with two inserts, and it is by far the most versatile and best-built backpack I have ever owned. The internal configurability is also amazing. Built quality, needless to say, is top-of-class. Because you access it from the side that faces your back, it's also more secure in many ways.

I can carry my 645z and 6 lenses in the main area, leaving enough room for a Leica M and two lenses, plus a space for a light meter or flash, in the bottom module.

I saw these seriously on sale recently at a big online retailer. Might be worth a look.

Cheers and happy travels.

- N.

[Peter Lewin]

In all of these combinations, where does the tripod go? That's always the item that has stumped me in flying with 4x5 equipment.

[Songyun]

I am interested in a combination of Loka UL and ICU, in the product page PRO ICU is listed as accessory to Loka UL. Does anyone know if XL PRO ICU can be fitted in Loka UL.

[Peter Lewin]

Realized, seeing my own post, that this is a 1.5 year-old thread. How did it end, both for Appletree's purchases, and Ari's satisfaction with his pack?

[Patrick Gauthier]

Hi songyun,

With F-stop bags, the ICU compatibilities are listed on a product tag that comes attached to the bag. This is a little frustrating for online buyers. When you have the Loka UL bag selected in their online store, you'll notice they provide the option to add ICU's along with the bag to your cart. In that list the XL PRO ICU is not included so I would assume it's too big for the bag.

F-stop has decent customer service so I would shoot them an e-mail or give them a call.

[Songyun]

Hi songyun,

With F-stop bags, the ICU compatibilities are listed on a product tag that comes attached to the bag. This is a little frustrating for online buyers. When you have the Loka UL bag selected in their online store, you'll notice they provide the option to add ICU's along with the bag to your cart. In that list the XL PRO ICU is not included so I would assume it's too big for the bag.

F-stop has decent customer service so I would shoot them an e-mail or give them a call.

I have already sent them an email, no one pick up the phone though. I think xl pro icu might fit, but won't be easy to access. I just need a little bit room for accessory. I have a trip coming up, hope to use this backpack.

[RocketScientist90]

I have already sent them an email, no one pick up the phone though. I think xl pro icu might fit, but won't be easy to access. I just need a little bit room for accessory. I have a trip coming up, hope to use this backpack.

I believe the Ajna is the replacement of the Loka. The Pro ICU XL does fit in the Ajna (http://printerattic.com/2017/04/bag-review-f-stop-ajna/).

I just saw that F-Stop does not list the specs of their UL bags, so there is no possibility to compare the inner dimensions..

Roy

[Drew Bedo]

Figure out what you want to bring (youj have), then get the padded inserts and dividers that will pack that stuff and put them into bags/backpacks that will work for you.

By using these inserts (I have seen them on e-Bay) you can pack in ordinary looking luggage, bags, duffels and backpacks . . .not obvious and expensive dedicated photo bags.

This also allows you to switch-out one system for another without handling all the constituent bits individually.

Be open to redefining and refining your selection of baggage and packing methods as time goes by and your creative process evolves.

Please let us know what you finally do.