Large Format 4x5 Camera Hiking Backpack Question

[6X17 Shooter]

I have a different dilemma. I'm using a Shen Hao FC617A...this is the non-folding model, which is making a search for a "camera" backpack a bit tedious. Camera dimensions are about 11"W x 9"L x 6"H. I do have an older Osprey Aether 65, but I'm trying to avoid a situation where I'm having to remove an insert to get to gear, then slip back into the pack when its time to move on. My preference is to undo a single zipper, open a flap, and have full access at the ready. My F-stop Loka just isn't wide enough to do double duty. Considering a Lowepro Phototrekker AW II (also has a built-in tripod carrier pocket), but won't leave much room for anything else. Lowepro also has a Protrekker 650, but that thing is massive. The f64 extra large also looks interesting. The non-folding aspect of this particular camera is limiting the choices.

[6X17 Shooter]

I have a different dilemma. I'm using a Shen Hao FC617A...this is the non-folding model, which is making a search for a "camera" backpack a bit tedious. Camera dimensions are about 11"W x 9"L x 6"H. I do have an older Osprey Aether 65, but I'm trying to avoid a situation where I'm having to remove an insert to get to gear, then slip back into the pack when its time to move on. My preference is to undo a single zipper, open a flap, and have full access at the ready. My F-stop Loka just isn't wide enough to do double duty. Considering a Lowepro Phototrekker AW II (also has a built-in tripod carrier pocket), but won't leave much room for anything else. Lowepro also has a Protrekker 650, but that thing is massive. The f64 extra large also looks interesting. The non-folding aspect of this particular camera is limiting the choices.

[Drew Wiley]

I've only been on extended backpacking trips with large format gear several hundred times, and never once have seen the need of an overpriced camera pack with a bunch of heavy redundant cushioning and dividers. You can make custom dividers out of fome-core board, and use bubble wrap for cushioning, or even a down jacket. Carry only the lenses and filters you really need. Most of your pack will need to be dedicated to food and camping gear anyway. I modify classic Kelty (original US mfg) and Camp Trails external frame packs for this purpose.

[xkaes]

I've only been on extended backpacking trips with large format gear several hundred times, and never once have seen the need of an overpriced camera pack with a bunch of heavy redundant cushioning and dividers. You can make custom dividers out of fome-core board, and use bubble wrap for cushioning, or even a down jacket. Carry only the lenses and filters you really need. Most of your pack will need to be dedicated to food and camping gear anyway. I modify classic Kelty (original US mfg) and Camp Trails external frame packs for this purpose.

I'm with you. My OLD REI frame backpack is typically 2/3rds camping gear and 1/3rd camera gear. All of my camera gear -- except the tripod -- is in a simple, lightly padded, Cordura, carefully-selected, large, inexpensive, KIWI camera bag on the top.







I've fallen over more times than I care to remember, but my body, backpack, and Kiwi bag have kept my gear intact -- even when I was sure the ground glass would be shattered.

I can fully understand why some shutterbugs want Fort Knox protection for their gear, and we all have to decide how far we want to go -- in the wallet and on the trail.

[Vaughn]

I'm with you. My OLD REI frame backpack is typically 2/3rds camping gear and 1/3rd camera gear. All of my camera gear -- except the tripod -- is in a simple, lightly padded, Cordura, carefully-selected, large, inexpensive, KIWI camera bag on the top...

That's about what I have been doing, but with Gregory internal frame packs and a shoulder bag that can hold the holders and meter (camera on the tripod with the darkcloth over the camera and a water-proof stuff sack over that). If I take more than 5 holders, they'll go in a separate bag. On the way out of the woods, the camera has room to go in the backpack.

[Drew Wiley]

My younger friends use huge internal frame packs, but these aren't so good for LF work. Not many side pouches and ya gotta dig a lot. I prefer the way an external frame packs has a protective box-like construction. But back when I was a teenager in my 40's, two thirds of my pack was camera gear and film holders. I learned to get along on one meal a day. A lot has changed! I still prefer Sinar or my Phillips 8X10 plus Ries wood tripods for day hikes. But on the long haul it's a little Ebony folder and carbon fiber. But I shoot MF too. It's all fun, except the fact of getting older.

[xkaes]

That's about what I have been doing, but with Gregory internal frame packs and a shoulder bag that can hold the holders and meter (camera on the tripod with the darkcloth over the camera and a water-proof stuff sack over that).

I smash into too many trees and cliffs too often to image that!

[Vaughn]

I smash into too many trees and cliffs too often to image that!

Well, I bought a new pack that was a little smaller --- to keep the weight down...so now I have to carry the camera on the tripod. Makes sense to me...

Fortunately, the camera and lens weights 2.5 pounds on a 7 pound tripod. And I can set it up and check out the view without taking my pack off. If I like what I see, the pack comes off and the meter and holders are right at the top.

[xkaes]

Well, I bought a new pack that was a little smaller --- to keep the weight down...so now I have to carry the camera on the tripod. Makes sense to me...

You must have developed incredible biceps! Most of my excursions are off-trail, and much of the time I need at least one hand to keep my balance -- climbing over boulders, etc. My guess is that half of the time I stop, it's because I want to take a picture. The other half of the time, I stop to give my back a break!

[Peter Collins]

I will add that I prefer a "panel-loading" to a "top-loading" backpack because in the case of the top-loading kind, you dig and dig some more to get anything. Especially photo gear. Hence the Granite Gear that Photobackpack sold is my happy choice.