Backpack for 4x5 or 617

[bmikiten]

I'm looking for a (currently made) backpack that I can use for 2-5 mile hikes that will be configurable to carry either my 4x5 Wisner and a few lenses and holders OR my Fuji Pro 617 with a 90mm and 180mm lens and a bunch of film rolls. I use a Gitzo carbon tripod (24") with both when hiking. I'm having trouble finding a quality product that will cover both situations and/or is still available. Any ideas? The configuration of the 617 lenses is a bit odd which is causing part of the problem.

Thanks

Brian

[Ari]

I use Tenba Axis backpacks for digital and 8x10. They are terrific.
Three sizes to choose from. I can tell you that the smallest 20L pack can hold a lot of gear.
The 32L is the largest and my 8x10, 3 giant lenses and 3 film holders fit in there.
They're streamlined and compact packs, high-quality, and comfortable.

[xkaes]

For day hikes with 4x5 gear, I use regular camera bags inside a regular, external frame backpack. No need for a separate pack just for camera gear -- in my book.

[bmikiten]

I appreciate that but I also have to bring this on a plane as carry-on luggage. I should have mentioned that as well.

Brian

[CreationBear]

I appreciate that but I also have to bring this on a plane as carry-on luggage. I should have mentioned that as well.


A bit spendy, but you might look at the Goruck GR1--it's in a sub-category of packs called 3-day "assault packs" that to my mind are a bit more useful to the photographer than hiking/backpacking designs. They're usually panel-loaders in the 30-50 liter range, with squarish packbags that lend themselves to toting around ICU's (not to mention fitting in overhead bins.) The better designed packs will also have an internal molle/PALs field that helps with organization if you can find compatible pouches/bags.

FWIW, my travel kit goes into an old Kifaru Marauder, with a (sadly discontinued) f-stop Harney camera bag mated to the internal PALs at the top. Otherwise, you'll find a lot of bags at different price points, some with a definite "Tactical Timmy";) vibe, others skewing toward the "gray" design philosophy.

[David Schaller]

For a hiking pack with an excellent design, look at the Mystery Ranch Y-zip packs. I use an older Dana Designs pack for my Wisner tech 4x5, and a Dana Terraplane for 8x10. The newer Y-zip designs make your gear very accessible.

[xkaes]

I have not had any problem bringing large backpacks on planes -- of course they have to fit according to the airlines' requirements. If you don't have such a pack, there are tons of used ones on EBAY -- in like new condition -- for pennies compared to new. Whether it's internal frame or external is up to you.

[bmikiten]

I just ordered both the 20L and 24L Tenba. Good suggestion. It looks like they are configurable and will fit on as a carry-on piece of luggage.
Brian

[Drew Bedo]

One option is to shop for a genuine hiker's backpack. Get one that fits you right, that you can carry for miles.

Then adapt it to your camera gear with a dedicated photo gear insert.

[fiddle]

I have a 40L REI hiking pack, not the best, but thats a different subject. Have my 4x5, lenses, etc in a cheap camera cube i got on Amazon, inside the pack, with room for other stuff. Flew with the setup recently, no issues.

[Greg]

When I want the option to "wheel" the backpack behind me - ThinkTank Street Walker Rolling Backpack V2.0, or a ThinkTank Airport Antidote when carrying the backpack on my back.

[Ari]

I just ordered both the 20L and 24L Tenba. Good suggestion. It looks like they are configurable and will fit on as a carry-on piece of luggage.
Brian

Let us know how you like them, Brian.
My 20L fits a GFX 50S II, five lenses (2 of them GF lenses, and one Canon TS-E), and digital extras like CF cards, adapter mounts, etc.
I still have room for another body with lens mounted, and the side and front pockets are empty.
I'm sure it will serve your 617 well.

[dodphotography]

Don’t pay the Photo Tax. Photo bags quite frankly suck, are overpriced , and under built.

Look up a Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack. American made, essentially bombproof. If seals trust them it can handle a camera. It has a triple zipper design so you can access top only or open it all the way up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dodphotography]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220209/c5c5a653e29d315716ac2d53988a495d.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mudrunner]

Very timely post. I've been thinking about this lately.
I tend to hike several miles in the mountains, and I've never been satisfied with photo-specific packs. They tend to be too heavy, uncomfortable (hot), or they don't have an adequate way of fixing the tripod in a balanced and sturdy manner.
My current set-up is a Patagonia Ascentionist 40. I originally used it for climbing and fast packing in the Sierras, so it is comfortable, light, reliable, and sturdy. I adapted it by inserting a thin closed cell pad (like a giant tube), and my camera and lenses are in Domke wraps. It's not a perfect system. Since it is a top-load, it requires being systematic about packing/unpacking and setting up. It has enough room for all my gear, accessories, lunch, water, and extra layers. I seem to have that dialled....but...
...i would prefer a panel type pack (the Mystery ranch looks like a strong possibility...thanks).
Right now, the Deuter Freerider pro 34 , or their Freescape Pro 40+ are looking very good to me as I plan to add an F-Stop or Cube into it for padding and access. Both those packs are actually designed for back country skiing, so the suspension is very comfortable (designed to carry skis or board). They also have extras you may not need (I ski tour, so it'll serve double duty). The front of the pack is designed for carrying avalanche gear, but it would also do well for separating food/water from camera gear...or for holding film. They offer several options for carrying the tripod secure and snug.They both have a streamlined silhouette, so they are less likely to get hooked on branches when bushwhacking (tripod would have to come off). The smaller one has a sleeker profile, but it's a bright colour. It boils down to whether I can fit everything into the smaller one (with room for spare clothing layers) or if I need the extra 6+L.
I'll take my camera gear down to the store and see how things fit both before choosing.

[esearing]

Some recent backpack discussions on these very forums


https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?164759-Light-weight-4X5-gear-backpack-recommendations
https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?161764-Backpacks-for-pano-ULF

Mystery Ranch Y zip looks enticing but it sits on the ground at an odd angle so when you unzip it, everything slides out toward the top. Take your gear and go shopping to try out different styles of packs as well as volume. I like the Atlas because I can unzip it and everything is accessible and it is comfortable to wear. For ULF the shimoda has been a nice top loader but is not as comfortable for hiking , and takes longer to unpack and pack between shots, yet it can house both my 4x5 and 5x12 so its a trade-off.

[CreationBear]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220209/c5c5a653e29d315716ac2d53988a495d.jpg


Excellent, are those Hazard 4 cases? I've toyed around with idea of using one to stack my lens kit--I'm assuming they will fit a ~100mm "Linhof" board...any chance a Sinar board will fit? (FWIW, I've had the same thoughts about a LaRue Tactical scope case.)

[dodphotography]

Excellent, are those Hazard 4 cases? I've toyed around with idea of using one to stack my lens kit--I'm assuming they will fit a ~100mm "Linhof" board...any chance a Sinar board will fit? (FWIW, I've had the same thoughts about a LaRue Tactical scope case.)

The two black cases are F64 4x5 film holder cases, hold 5 each. Yellow wrap is a lens. Red wrap is the 4x5 camera.

In an unseen pocket above I have a Tenba pouch for my meter and cables.

Under the red wrap, on the bottom of the bag is my darkcloth. I also have a sheet of egg style foam between the camera and then back of the bag.

Yes, you have to lay the bag down and if muddy, you get dirty. But it's worth it because the suspension systems on Kifaru / Mystery Ranch / Hill People Gear is just above the rest of the other brands out there.

Plus, made in the US.

[Ari]

Photo-specific packs are great if they do their job.
I don't go camping. The most I'm likely to do with my gear is walk all day in the city/ex-urbs, or spend a few days on the road in my car and in hotels.
So all that's needed is a comfortable, good-quality photo backpack, nothing too crazy. But everyone's different.

Also, I don't like putting my camera or lens in a small bag, then putting that bag in a bigger bag.
I want my gear accessible, quickly and easily. No fumbling and endless zipping/unzipping.

Here's how the Axis 20L is configured. The top end of the pack is curved a bit. That's a lid for quick access, but I doubt your 6x17 would be used that way.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870762837_849817561f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n2DdDc)

I've barely moved the dividers here, but in the other backpack, the 32L Axis, I had to remove almost everything to fit the camera and properly secure 3 big lenses.

[CreationBear]

The two black cases are F64 4x5 film holder cases, hold 5 each.

Thanks, always interested in other folks' load-outs.:) At any rate, I'm decidedly ecumenical when it comes to packs--whatever y'all can tote up the hill and home again has pretty much done its job.

[Drew Bedo]

I have a 40L REI hiking pack, not the best, but thats a different subject. Have my 4x5, lenses, etc in a cheap camera cube i got on Amazon, inside the pack, with room for other stuff. Flew with the setup recently, no issues.


That is the concept followed by the now discontinued PhotoBackpacker line of LF gear. They used a Redwing backpack and dedicated LF protective boxes that all were secured inside with hook-and-loop fastening.

[Drew Bedo]

Another option, from a "tactical" gear outfit.

https://hazard4.com/photo-gear/pillbox.html

[bmikiten]

For the benefit of others, there is room in the 24L for the 617 Fuji camera HOWEVER, due to the ability to configure the inserts in only certain ways, it really doesn't work. The overall design and construction is good but I may opt to buy pick-and-pull foam that fits the bag and use that as an insert. Costly but I suspect it would hold the camera pretty well.

Brian

[Ari]

In the past, with DSLR-type dividers, I'd cut them where needed and sew or glue a strip of velcro to the new end.
My 20L holds a digital camera, so the dividers work fine. But the 32L houses an 8x10, so some "cut-and-paste" was necessary.
Same goes for the dividers in hard cases, which are made to suit DSLRs with lenses attached.

[John Kasaian]

My "little" camera (5x7 Speed Graphic) fits well in a Jansport Equinox.

[Alan Klein]

I appreciate that but I also have to bring this on a plane as carry-on luggage. I should have mentioned that as well.

Brian

I tried putting my new 4x5 in one of those carry ons with the rollers. The problem was the expandable pull collapses into the middle area where the camera had to go. So just keep that in mind. You lose depth in the middle of the unit. So the depth measurements in the specs were only valid on each side of the collapsible puller.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I have always used Kelty Redwing packs, with padded cases adapted from camp stoves. Then 15 years ago I sent the pack to a repair place and they put a full zipper in. I always carry a large garbage bag to lay my pack down.

Mike

[Alan Klein]

I tried putting my new 4x5 in one of those carry ons with the rollers. The problem was the expandable pull collapses into the middle area where the camera had to go. So just keep that in mind. You lose depth in the middle of the unit. So the depth measurements in the specs were only valid on each side of the collapsible puller.

Oh, I had to return it and got one of these F64 BPX backpack (no wheels). Wow, They've gone up 33% in two years. I paid $150, now they're $200. Those side cases come off and have carrying straps. I can put (5) 4x5 holders in each one. I don't hike with it so I can't tell you how great they are for that. Check measurements to see if they can be used for carry-on. I put my Chamonix 4x5, 4 lenses, a meter, a micro 4/3 digital camera, filters, loupes, and other accessories. It's pretty big. It has a roll up rain cover that you can use to lay it down on the ground.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=f.64&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

[bmikiten]

I ended up getting the Tenba 24L and then using pick foam from a Pelican case. The viewfinders fit in foam cases above the 180mm lens and the film in the top. It isn't perfect but given the timing issues and the space limitations, this will get the job done and prevent damage on the plane. Posted for others in the future. Thanks to all for the ideas.

224724