Minimalist Bags for 8x10

[dodphotography]

Anyone here using something along the lines of a minimalist rucksack (Frost River , Filson, Duluth) for a bag? I have been looking at the bag below but haven't seen anyone using these brands for cameras. I know there are more modern bags made for high mileage hiking and mountaineering but these bags intrigue me. I'm just curious, opinions always welcomed and appreciated.

https://www.frostriver.com/shop/canoe-camp/canoe-packs/isle-royale-bushcraft-packs/?attribute_pa_choose-size=732-isle-royale-jr

[Hugo Zhang]

Yes, I use Frost River to carry my 16x20 camera plus two holders.

[dodphotography]

I'm looking to carry a Canham JMC and three / four holders via a Photobackpacker Cascade case.

[dentkimterry]

Yes, I use Frost River to carry my 16x20 camera plus two holders.

Which model?
Terry

[Hugo Zhang]

Which model?
Terry

Their largest one.

https://www.frostriver.com/shop/canoe-camp/tregurtha-canoe-pack/

[Drew Wiley]

You could get several real packs for that kind of money.

[dodphotography]

You could get several real packs for that kind of money.

Like what? Every time I’m in REI packs all cost north of 300.

The other choice I see peoplegoing with is the F Stop Shinn with film ICU that’s like 600 bucks


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[Fred L]

Almost got an Isle Royale (largest one) for summer and winter camping but put it off for now. For hauling LF, I'd prefer a pack that had a very good suspension system, esp a good waist belt. Also prefer panel load vs top drop in for accessing the camera and lenses.

[Drew Wiley]

Lots of people never used their pack at all, or maybe only once. Look at the auction site for 'vintage' Kelty, Jansport, or Camp Trails. Check photos and description carefully, and make sure they aren't trying to deceive you on price by adding an obscene shipping charge. Thesew older US mfg packs were way
better than what you can buy new today. Forty bucks maybe, for something that cost $250 in the 70's. Realize that there were different sizes made too.
You have to find the correct frame and strap fit - kids vs small vs med vs lg vs XL. Make sure the straps, hipbelt, and back mesh are in good shape, cause
you cant find replacements anymore (though a spare pack now costs less than those components themselves originally did - I have a whole stack of packs on
hand just for the spare parts). A couple years ago I traded a half-empty qt of varnish for a brand new domestic Kelty that had been in someone's closet the entire time, entirely unused, at a local garage sale. Dedicated camera packs have a lot of redundant heavy padding. Just use bubble wrap. Don't think you're
getting something better from a camera store. For 8x10 you need something more serious; but that doesn't mean it will weigh more - probably less!

[dodphotography]

Almost got an Isle Royale (largest one) for summer and winter camping but put it off for now. For hauling LF, I'd prefer a pack that had a very good suspension system, esp a good waist belt. Also prefer panel load vs top drop in for accessing the camera and lenses.

I picked a JR up today ... I’ll see how it fits, at least I can return if it doesn’t seem to work. I don’t mind too load if the only thing in that section is a camera and holders.

I have a top loader for my 4x5 and it’s a nightmare with the camera case, 3 lens wrapped, and holders. I’m constantly digging through crap.


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[Greg]

Yes, I use Frost River to carry my 16x20 camera plus two holders.

Hi Hugo,
Recommendations for carrying your (mine) 11x14 Chamonix in a backpack? Would just love to use my 11x14 in the field and not just using it from the back of my SUV.
thanks,
Greg

[Drew Wiley]

Just use a game rack. You could carry a far bigger camera than an 11X14, plus the accessories.

[CreationBear]

older US mfg packs were way
better than what you can buy new today.

If any of you decide to explore the "vintage" route, a Bozeman-era Dana like the Arcflex should be on your short list as well. Realize too that you can often mix-and-match components (e.g. hip belts, shoulder straps) from other makers if they fit you better. Otherwise, big packs that can handle a bit of weight with aplomb get spendy in a hurry--expect to pay RRS tripod prices for Mystery Ranch, Kifaru, or from custom maker Dan McHale, but for a lot of folks they're worth the premium.

[Hugo Zhang]

Greg,

Chamonix has its 11x14 camera bag. It can hold the camera plus 2 holders and dark cloth on the bottom and light meter and lenses on the top. Very well padded, but heavy. Expensive ($400 plus shipping) as well. I had to find a heavy duty US army shoulder strap to add to the bag to use it as a backpack. 2 miles hike is my limit with this bag.

Hugo

[John Kasaian]

I got a Kelty Redwing on sale at REI about six years ago. It gives decent service.

[Greg]

Greg,

Chamonix has its 11x14 camera bag. It can hold the camera plus 2 holders and dark cloth on the bottom and light meter and lenses on the top. Very well padded, but heavy. Expensive ($400 plus shipping) as well. I had to find a heavy duty US army shoulder strap to add to the bag to use it as a backpack. 2 miles hike is my limit with this bag.

Hugo

Thanks Hugo. Could you post a picture of the case? Currently I use a (re-configured interior) large Sinar Norma case for transporting my 11x14 Chamonix equipment. Image attached. A layer of cushioning goes atop the bottom portion of the case and above it I store holders and the WA bellows. Case has 4 metal attachments to which 2 shoulder straps are attached to. Then you can carry (per Sinar) the case on your back... In practice is totally uncomfortable and after carrying the case on my back and tripod on my shoulder, after about 200 yards question my sanity in walking any further.
Greg

[ericantonio]

One of my friends at work is giving me an ALICE pack. I think that'll work out good. He said the new version of the ALICE is much better. But we'll see when I actually get it to see how much I can put in it.

[fuegocito]

I uses an older model Lowepro Phototrekker(one with weird Lowepro green), it's kinda boxy compare to most other backpacks but it fits most folding 810 nicely plus a couple lenses/meter, and 3/4 film holders in the outer pocket.

It's fairly light compare to its later versions of various trekkers.

[Drew Wiley]

Why on earth would someone use a pack frame to carry a camera case - essentially a heavy bulky redundant suitcase, wholly unnecessary if your pack itself is logically arranged. And dedicated camera cases have "steal me" written all over them.

[tgtaylor]

If you can, take your camera to a camera store and see if it will fit into a Lowepro 650AWII Trekker. From the internal dimensions you might be able to squeeze it in:
Interior Dimensions
14 x 8.5 x 19.6" / 35.5 x 21.5 x 49.7 cm

It looks to be 3.4" shy on one side but it may still fit as the external dimension are
Exterior Dimensions
21.7 x 14.4 x 24.9" / 55 x 36.6 x 63.2 cm

I use it for my Toyo 810MII, up to 4 lens, 5 film holders, dark cloth, spot meter, etc.

Thomas