Thomas Greutmann
15-Jun-2010, 09:57
For those who like to combine cycling and large format photography there is an interesting new bag/backpack combination out there. It is called Ortlieb Vario, for details check www.ortlieb.com. First it is a regular rear bicycle bag that can be mounted on the rear rack. Second, it contains a backpack soft frame and can be converted into a backpack just in seconds. When not in use the backpack frame is stowed away in an outside pouch.
The Ortlieb Vario is not really geared towards photography or large format in any particular way. But when I heard about this new bag/backpack combination I decided to give it a shot. I have experimented with many different options for carrying LF gear on a bicycle in the past, on short and long trips. On the one hand the gear should sit on the bicycle rack when cycling, on the other hand I still need the option to carry the equipment into the field, without the bicycle, preferably in some sort of backpack. So a bag/backpack combination is what I really need.
I have used the Ortlieb Vario now on a number of trips, short daytrips as well as longer trips (3-5 days). I am very pleased, I have to say. It seems like I have really found a working solution for me. Particularly, if I can place the bicycle near the shot location I can work off the bag on the rear rack which works almost like a little studio table. And the conversion between bag and backpack is done very quickly indeed.
My LF gear that goes into the bag (with some room left):
- Camera: Linhof Technika IV
- Four lenses (135mm Symmar, 90mm Grandagon, 360mm Apo Ronar, 250mm Imagon with all the masks, the 135mm Symmar can be carried inside the camera and does not need a special lens bag)
- Four Grafmatic holders (that is 24 shots, enough for any day trip)
- Gaoersi 8x loupe
- A set of 5-6 Lee filters (without the holder, I just hold the filters in front of the lens with my hand)
- Darkcloth
- Sekonic 608 meter
- Other little things like cable releases, pencil and so on
The tripod will go on the bicycle rack and I carry it in my hands when I take a walk.
Those who are into bicycle touring have probably heard about Ortlieb already. They have a solid reputation for durable and waterproof gear. This new product should be no different.
What could be improved (maybe some of the Ortlieb guys will read this and listen):
- The backpack frame is not a full frame, there is no hip belt/pad which one would expect from a full-fledged backpack. Nevertheless, the backback is fairly comfortable, even on longer walks.
- I would really like some robust outside straps to attach the tripod on a walk.
Just for the record: I am in no way affiliated with Ortlieb and I haven’t gotten any discounts on the item from them. But I really like this new bag/backpack.
Greetings, Thomas
The Ortlieb Vario is not really geared towards photography or large format in any particular way. But when I heard about this new bag/backpack combination I decided to give it a shot. I have experimented with many different options for carrying LF gear on a bicycle in the past, on short and long trips. On the one hand the gear should sit on the bicycle rack when cycling, on the other hand I still need the option to carry the equipment into the field, without the bicycle, preferably in some sort of backpack. So a bag/backpack combination is what I really need.
I have used the Ortlieb Vario now on a number of trips, short daytrips as well as longer trips (3-5 days). I am very pleased, I have to say. It seems like I have really found a working solution for me. Particularly, if I can place the bicycle near the shot location I can work off the bag on the rear rack which works almost like a little studio table. And the conversion between bag and backpack is done very quickly indeed.
My LF gear that goes into the bag (with some room left):
- Camera: Linhof Technika IV
- Four lenses (135mm Symmar, 90mm Grandagon, 360mm Apo Ronar, 250mm Imagon with all the masks, the 135mm Symmar can be carried inside the camera and does not need a special lens bag)
- Four Grafmatic holders (that is 24 shots, enough for any day trip)
- Gaoersi 8x loupe
- A set of 5-6 Lee filters (without the holder, I just hold the filters in front of the lens with my hand)
- Darkcloth
- Sekonic 608 meter
- Other little things like cable releases, pencil and so on
The tripod will go on the bicycle rack and I carry it in my hands when I take a walk.
Those who are into bicycle touring have probably heard about Ortlieb already. They have a solid reputation for durable and waterproof gear. This new product should be no different.
What could be improved (maybe some of the Ortlieb guys will read this and listen):
- The backpack frame is not a full frame, there is no hip belt/pad which one would expect from a full-fledged backpack. Nevertheless, the backback is fairly comfortable, even on longer walks.
- I would really like some robust outside straps to attach the tripod on a walk.
Just for the record: I am in no way affiliated with Ortlieb and I haven’t gotten any discounts on the item from them. But I really like this new bag/backpack.
Greetings, Thomas