YUP. Here it is...another backpack question. Bear with me... [Archive]

Laminarman

4-Feb-2019, 16:10

For my Chamonix 4x5 F2 and three lenses, 6-8 holders, meter, dark cloth..etc. I would like SPECIFIC recommendations, as every thread I find references backpackphoto and they're out of business, or models of Lowepro or F.64 backpacks that have changed (since most threads are quite old). I need to buy from BHPhoto since I have a gift card there. I have a Lowepro bag now but it won't fit the camera. My regular back packs, while they work, require too much digging around the bottom and too much bangs around. Think Tank has good recommendations but I NEED a backpack with those wrap around lumbar straps, chest strap, tripod holder thingy and those dividers that remove. I don't see me ever using it for 8x10 or moving up in size so don't want it big enough to carry a human in. I'll spend up to $250 bucks and want it to last a long time. Any help is appreciated. There is nowhere close to me to look at bags.

Greg

4-Feb-2019, 16:53

If it helps any... I carry my Chamonix 4x5 system consisting of the camera, WA bellows, 5+ lenses: 65mm to a 500mm f/7 (tele) KOMURA, Chamonix's reflex viewer (non-foldable one), spot meter and/or Horseman 45 exposure meter, 6+ 4x5 holders, and other stuff in a thinktank Airport Antidote backpack. Everything is very well padded/protected, one main zipper to access everything, and the items do not move around at all. Two straps on the side of the pack solidly hold my tripod in vertical position. Turned 71 last year and think nothing of carrying the system on my back for miles along trails in New England and the ones I hike are not class 1 but many times class 4 in places.

Laminarman

4-Feb-2019, 18:25

Thank you Greg. It looks like that one isn't available anymore but i'm sure there's a current model that replaced it.

pepeguitarra

4-Feb-2019, 18:40

For my 4x5 Chamonix or Intrepid, three small lenses, Pentax spot meter, small loupe, dark cloth and another bag with strictly 6 filholrders, I use a bag/cooler from Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Insulated-Cooler-Bags-Set-of-3/884480376) that cost $18. I am 66 and do not spend hours walking on a trail anymore. For my 8x10, an f64 backpack. Although I do not walk long distances on trails, I do walk couple of miles, and the weight is almost double. The f64 backpack is at its lowest prices ever at B&H and Adorama ($159) shipped.

Laminarman

4-Feb-2019, 18:53

I was looking at that f.64 but it seems much larger than what I need. My current pack is 21L in volume and I'm thinking closer to 26-30L would be about right. Wondering if this one would work:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1363015-REG/mindshift_gear_362_backlight_26l_backpack_woodland.html

Larry Gebhardt

4-Feb-2019, 19:02

For large format I use a photobackpacker setup, but as you said they are out of business. But for my digital system I use f-stop gear (https://fstopgear.com/products/packs/tilopa) and it's a great hiking pack and the internal units are configurable enough to hold the F2 and your listed equipment. The downside is it's not at b&h and it's outside your price range. Still I'd save for a bit over compromising with a regular photo bag (I find them overly heavy and poor to hike with). You could also just buy the ICUs (https://fstopgear.com/products/icu) and put them in a regular hiking pack you already own. That's what I would do if I had to buy again.

Edit: I should add that it's been a few years since I last bag shopped. The MindShift you list above looks like a huge improvement over the old mainstream brands like Lowepro et al

Laminarman

4-Feb-2019, 19:18

Peter Lewin

4-Feb-2019, 20:41

If you can, take a look at Peak Designs "Everyday Backpack." It comes in 20 & 30 liter sizes, is carried at B&H, and is only fractionally above your $250 budget. I recently bought the 20L size as a compact pack for my Canham 4x5, 6 holders, one lens, and meter. It can probably be configured to hold more lenses, and of course the 30L version would have even more room. (I have the usually mentioned Backpacker rig when I want to carry all my lenses, filters, etc. and don't have size limitations to deal with.) The design is unique, with a top opening, but also side opening. You have to see it, or at least the videos on the Peak Designs website, to understand how it works. I'm very happy with mine.

jmontague

4-Feb-2019, 20:45

I am also using a F-Stop with my Chamonix, four lenses and all the usual goodies. Great pack and I found it on Craig’s List for a great price. But, having used it, I would gladly pay retail. If you plan to do any serious hiking with your rig, it is worth considering.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dkonigs

4-Feb-2019, 22:47

I've been pondering the same question for a similar set of gear. I saw a lot of people saying that the Mindshift FirstLight 40L was a great bag for their 8x10 setups. So I went ahead and just ordered a FirstLight 30L.
I'd love to tell you how well it works, but I'm still waiting for my own Chamonix order to get past EMS limbo.

Drew Bedo

5-Feb-2019, 07:16

Not what you are l;ooking for. I know, but this worked for me once:

When I had no money and my gear reflected that: Packed my Speed Graphic and everything elsed into a Jan Sport book bag. First I cut up a closed cell foam sleeping pad to fit the internal volume of rthe bag, stacking it in layers tacked together with a hot glue gun. Then layed out the gear on the foam and cut (with a steak knife) the foam layer by layer to fit the gear snuggly. Made a solid package that carried well and held all my stuff. Cost was well under 4100 . . .probably well under $50.

yerah, I know you want a new bag dedicated by designe. I am just shareing a workable alternative that will get you by till you get a slick outfit.

Before dismissing this idea, consider that it is fully effective with respect to protecting your gear and facilitaiting your photography, while being totally stealth regarding what is inside. And no, none of your friends will sasy . . ."What a cool bag you have!"

GG12

5-Feb-2019, 07:28

Have had Mindshifts. Prefer Fstop. Let me know if you are looking for the Mindshifts. Used lightly.

Laminarman

5-Feb-2019, 08:06

You guys are great, I appreciate it. After looking at Youtube videos, I think the f.stop is a winner on several fronts. I didn't realize at first the whole ICU concept, but can see that I can purchase and leave stored some camera gear and move it in and out as needed (ie SLR vs Hasselblad vs MF) and that is a gigantic advantage. And not least of all is traveling should I need to remove the ICU to check the bag. I'm going to look a bit closer and sizing and options but I think I'm heading down the f.stop path. I appreciate all the help a great deal!

Larry Gebhardt

5-Feb-2019, 08:09

Wow that F-stop looks gorgeous, never heard of them. I don't mind paying for quality. Thanks for the recommendation. What I don't like about the MindShift is that you open it from the back, not sure I'll like that.

The f-stop also opens from the back. In practice it's nice because you don't put the part that goes against your back down in the damp grass or mud. You can also work out of it while wearing it if you just leave the waist belt attached and rotate it to the side. But I don't find that necessary or comfortable.

Laminarman

5-Feb-2019, 09:22

Larry I am not finding out that is probably a benefit rather than a hindrance, I just never had one like that before.

pepeguitarra

5-Feb-2019, 10:40

The advantage of carrying a bag, or a cooler bag is that you do not need to put it on the ground and it opens from the top. So, you can carry it as a sling bag. Once you remove the camera and one lens to put it on the tripod, it becomes very light to carry it on the side. In case of emergency, you just take the tripod with the camera and move out of the way. Nothing to pick up from the ground, nothing to get lost. Of course, this is for 4x5.

jforney_54

5-Feb-2019, 10:53

Very happy with my F-Stop Shinn and Tilopa. I put my 8x10 in the Shinn and Hasselblads in the Tilopa. Staying organized in the field is a big priority to me (because I'm naturally unorganized). These packs give me a "home" for everything and I can then stay focused on making images and not on digging around in my pack for xyz items. Obviously, other packs can work just as well, but I like the F-Stop system and they are comfortable to carry around.

Daniel Casper Lohenstein

6-Feb-2019, 00:28

Hi,

let me recommend the "Otlieb Atrack 45". https://www.ortlieb.com/us/atrack

It opens like a travel bag, with a zipper on the inside (vs. your back), so it is thief-proof, and it is waterproof, too.

When you deposit the back on the ground (snow, ice, mud, grassland with bugs), the zipper is automatically on the upside. This is very useful. Because humidity does not enter your bag.

And it does not fall over.

You don't fall over the bag, either, when you choose a red one.

It costs half as much as a f.stop bag. Although Ortlieb produces quite durable things.

It does not scream "steal me".

The bag will be wide open and spacious. You will directly find everything.

There is enough space to take a sleeping bag / bivouac sack, a stove, some water etc with you.

You can attach your tripod and the hiking poles, a helmet, the ice axe and the climbing irons, with net pockets and daisy chains.

Such bag packs are much better than all these dedicated photo bags, IMHO.

There are very useful inserts for cameras etc, e.g. "Tenba Byob 10" and "Tenba Byob 13", with zippers, what I can recommend, too.

Regards

Joshua Dunn

6-Feb-2019, 18:24

So let me say from the start that I own a LOT of bags/backpacks. Lowepro, ThinkTank, Mindshift, Domke, Tamarac and a bunch of others. Even a custom made one. Between large format, digital and the military I always seemed to need something different. I'm pretty good with what I have right now but if you are open to something different look at Eberlestock (http://www.eberlestock.com/). They make a huge range of hunting and tactical packs. They are not cheap but I can vouch for their quality. I have used several of their tactical packs and they quite versatile. They have a size for virtually any camera format you could ever carry. They are not padded so you would have to use lens and film holder cases. If you don't have a case for your camera you could use multiple lens/camera wraps (look at Stone Photo gear in the Member Made LF Gear section). The nice thing about tactical packs verses camera backpacks is they put a huge emphasis on weight distribution. If you take the time to learn how to wear your pack correctly (there is more to it than you think) you can walk further with less effort versus a camera backpack with just a waist belt.

Hope this helps.

-Joshua

Drew Bedo

7-Feb-2019, 06:33

Eberlystock makes good stuff.

There are a number of companies that offer "tactical" backpacks. All are really stoutly made for rugged use in the field. Most look like you are up to something . . well "Tactical" Most are not designed for photo gear, but some are. All look as butch as can be . . .form follows function.

"Hazard-4" makes two packs that are set up for cameras. One is a smaller bag ideal for a limited DSLR kit. The other is a larger sling style pack thqat could hold a 4x5 camera body with a few lenses , film holders and the other stuff. TRipod strasps on too. Find them on Amazon and E-Bay.

These items are expensive because first of all they are made pretty tough and secondly are made in the USA.

May not be what you really wqant but they are out there.

Whir-Click

7-Feb-2019, 07:17

I’m very happy with Think Tank Photo’s Airport Accelerator backpack. I use it with my Chamonix 4x5 setup, but I also use it for my 8x10 kit.

Very well made and comfortable to wear.

pepeguitarra

7-Feb-2019, 19:45

After reading so much about backpacks, I ordered the Extra Large f64 Backpack from B&H at the lowest price I have seen. I got it today and can tell you that I am very happy with it. It looks humongous, but it is perfect for the 8x10, reduced back to 4x5, 4 8x10 film holders, four lenses, dark cloth, meter, couple, and two side bags with 10 4x5 film holders. This last one can be reduced to 5 by leaving one of the side bags. The backpack is well padded, the dividers are strong, and it is so comfortable to wear it on the back. When full with all the stuff plus the tripod is about 23 pounds. Thanks to the weight of the super light Intrepid.

otto.f

8-Feb-2019, 00:51

SPECIFIC in the sense that I’ve got exactly the same camera, lenses and holders as you mention here. To be more specific, I’ve got two small lenses 150 and 300 and a big one, 90, and sometimes also my 210 as a 4th lens, which is also big. It fits all perfectly in my Osprey Farpoint 40. I deliberately chose for a general backpack and not for a camera backpack, although I use it exclusively for my LF photography. In the house I use it for storage of all the gear I need when I go out, so that I do not have to remember and forget what I need to take with me when the light is suddenly special. I hate specific camera backpacks because they very seldomly care for space you need for being one or two nights from home, but more important, they are only designed for dslr’s with telelenses, which do not fit viewcamera’s at all. This is, when you don’t want to carry one of the very huge camera backpacks. I am perfectly happy with this Osprey because it carries very comfortable. Only thing is that I did not find the ideal solution for my tripod. I have a small Rollei tripod which fits inside, but this is only really stable at lower heights up to 80cm or so. My better tripod is longer and I have to carry that one on the outside, which is not ideal with airport security controls. This is an issue which you would have with any backpack as far as I can see.

andrewch59

8-Feb-2019, 03:21

I retired all my large army backpacks, they just held too much. At sixty I realize I am not as durable as I was, so to limit my items I bought a Sony backpack, I did see one at B and h. I got mine second hand unused (unwanted gift) it is perfect for my 4x5, four lenses and all the other acoutriments including half a dozen film holders and very well padded. My tripod just slings in the middle of the pack. Great on my bike as well.

Drew Bedo

8-Feb-2019, 05:22

^+1

I keep looking at how to convert a golf bag pull cart to carry photo gear.

Current walking rig is a set of folding luggage wheels that iworks for me . . .just barely.

Laminarman

8-Feb-2019, 07:12

The F.stop bag is on it's way and will be delivered today. I felt after watching as many reviews as I could that it would fit the bill. We shall see. I have some military pack and other types of backpacks, none of which seem to work well. I'm curious about this one as it has an aluminum frame inside. WORST case I simply return it after looking at it. If anyone would like, I'll post photos after I get gear loaded into it. I need to be organized since, by nature, I am very unorganized. My bag collection is just getting out of hand. I have a L A R G E Lowepro bag that serves as my "storage" bag for 4 SLR's and all of my Nikon glass, a smaller Lowepro bag for the Hassy and stuff, a large tupperware bin with all of my spare filters, dividers from the aforementioned bags, cords, straps...etc. And a small Tamrac backpack good just for one DSLR and/or Hassy and spare lens. I intend to keep the 4x5 in the F.stop bag so when we get the rare nice light I can grab and go, or even put it on my back and walk my 90 acres.

Laminarman

8-Feb-2019, 17:58

Got the pack from fstop. Dang, it's very, very, very well built. I may have gone one size larger but I'm not that large and I think this will work. Have the F2, two lenses, dark cloth, lens cleaning stuff in the medium slope ICU. Above that sits a film carrier bag with six film holders. Meter up top. I have plenty of room and room for 1 or 2 more lenses. It's comfortable as all get out. Now to go walk a few miles in and report back.

Kiwi7475

8-Feb-2019, 20:06

Laminarman

9-Feb-2019, 06:22

Which one is it? The Tilopa, or..?

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I got the Lotus which seems plenty big enough. If I were camping and taking a tent I would have gone much bigger.

Greg

9-Feb-2019, 12:19

Was looking for a backpack to dedicate to my Chamonix whole plate camera, 2+ lenses, and more. Not looking for a large backpack, but one on the smaller side for short hikes. Ended up taking a chance and acquiring a Lowepro Droneguard BP 400 Backpack (Drone Case for DJI Phantom Black fractal) for only $67.00 (returned item to dealer but still in like new condition with original tags attached to it). Dividers in the pack configured for holding a drone system. Took me less than a minute to reconfigure it to hold my whole format equipment.

Good: Pack is very well padded. Easily holds the camera, WA bellows, 2 holders in padded cases, focusing cloth, 2 or 3 lenses, spotmeter, and various small accessories. Pack rides great on my back.

Not so good: No waist belt. No tripod holder, but the face of the backpack has 4 horizontal straps of looped webbing that I will attach 2 straps to to snuggly carry the tripod. No extra storage for water bottle and more, but since I intend on using the pack for only short hikes, not really a problem.

This "drone" pack or a similar one would easily work for carrying a 4x5 or 5x7 system. Best thing is that Drone backpacks seem to be bargain priced over similar "photo" designated backpacks.

dkonigs

9-Feb-2019, 13:04

Its still a bit of a work-in-progress, but here are some photos of how I've been setting up my MindShift FirstLight 30L for all this.

187509187510

Laminarman

9-Feb-2019, 16:34

Bear with the horrid photos. Basement renovations, plus photos in the workout room and makeshift photo table.

One criticism is the lack of tripod carrying attachment. This is in front of the weight rack, and the tripod is on the ground. Honestly, a tripod never bothered me carried this way as long as it doesn't sway or rock and is somewhat tight. I walked around our house today, looking like a total geek (thank God we have no neighbors. It felt good even in 5 degree wind chill.

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Side view. With Chamonix 4x5, 210 and 150 lens, dark cloth, meter, filters, notebook, pack, 6 film holders in carry pouch and rain cover we're at 18.4 pounds.

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Top view with meter in mesh bag and film sitting atop the Slope Medium ICU

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The business end, with two lenses (poor view sorry) and F2 below the dark cloth (dark cloth is a great protective cover at this point)

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Laminarman

9-Feb-2019, 16:37

With the dark cloth off, the F2 is snug as a bug in a rug. I may get the large ICU and see how that works. I'll lose the top space but have more pockets. As it is I have much more room. I think the carry straps could be more padded and the belly belt better, but we'll see. I like the flexibility of this setup with the removable ICU. Thanks to all who helped me.

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CreationBear

10-Feb-2019, 13:55

it doesn't sway or rock and is somewhat tight.

It looks as if your pack has some attachment tabs at the bottom--one thing I've done in the past is use Grimloc carabineers to attach an Arc'teryx chalk bag to serve as a field-expedient wand pocket (though a water bottle holster would work as well.) Also, you might remember the classic solution to lashing a flyrod tube to a pack--make turn around the tripod legs with the compression strap(s) before clicking your QR buckle closed.

Laminarman

10-Feb-2019, 18:23

It looks as if your pack has some attachment tabs at the bottom--one thing I've done in the past is use Grimloc carabineers to attach an Arc'teryx chalk bag to serve as a field-expedient wand pocket (though a water bottle holster would work as well.) Also, you might remember the classic solution to lashing a flyrod tube to a pack--make turn around the tripod legs with the compression strap(s) before clicking your QR buckle closed.

Thank you. I did wrap the top most tube around before attaching in my first attempt, and it did seem to help keep it a little more snug. What did help eventually, was tightening that bottom strap so that the middle post of the tripod "hung up" on it and that kept it a bit higher. If it becomes a problem I'll attach a chalk bag. My only concern is if I put a laptop or tablet (highly unlikely) on the outermost pocket I'd be afraid to cinch it down too tightly.