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Thread: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    44

    Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    The backpack is the Osprey 35 which in the Large Size weighs 2.8 pounds. In the standard/small size it only weighs 2.2 pounds. Prices range from $109 on sale to $139-$159 normally.

    As I’m 6’ 4” I went for the large size and it fits me perfectly!

    Besides it’s very light weight, the pack is the most comfortable I’ve ever worn and is perfect for hiking in warm climates – the pack is actually elevated off of your back and there is an air channel that allows air to circulate between you and the pack!!

    Now, the packs back panel opens, it’s not a top loader, and exposes one single compartment.

    To protect my lenses, I have purchased extremely light weight plastic containers with snap lock tops. These were purchased at the Container Store and the size I purchased each hold one lens mounted on the lensboard. Cost was about $5.00/container. The containers are made by Snapware and called Snap’N Lock. The size I bought for my 4 lenses are the 4.25 cups, 1lt size and they each will hold the 80XL, 135 Rodenstock, 210 Nikkor and 300 Nikkor perfectly.

    For protection of my Ebony 45SU, I purchase a DN-27 Urethane PC Case for A4 sizes. Cost of this was $20 at the Container store.

    From the attached images you can see that everything fits perfectly in the pack. I put the spot meter on the front pocket of the waist belt, along with other small items.

    Total weight of the whole pack is 26.4 pounds with the Gitzo 1227 MKII tripod, Arca Swiss ball head and the RRS Panorama head. I’ll be reducing the weight of the tripod configuration by over a pound just as soon as the RRS head arrives from UPS and replaces the Arca Swiss head.

    In short, I’ve done several hikes with the pack here in north Georgia and I’m delighted with the results.

    Hope this helps someone get more enjoyment out of their hikes!

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    44

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    Opps, just check my math on the calculator and the actual loaded weight is 25.8 pounds, not 26.4.

    Jack

  3. #3

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Southlake TX
    Posts
    1,057

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    I am not seeing the pictures of the setup?

    bob

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    2,955

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    Jack, have you ever had any problems from the humidity and sealed containers? After returning home from shooting do you open the snaplock containers to release the humid air, or do you put silica gel in the containers?

  5. #5
    Resident Heretic Bruce Watson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    USA, North Carolina
    Posts
    3,362

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    Yup. I've been using an Osprey pack for years for my 5x4 gear. If I ever wear this one out, I'll certainly look to Osprey for another.

    Bruce Watson

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    44

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    Bob - your right - I must have screwed up on loading the images.
    Any hints on it?

    Ron, I've not had any problem with humidity - I do open the containers when I return home and leave them that way till the next trip.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    44

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    Folks, this should show the images of the pack and gear configuration.
    Jack

  8. #8
    Sheldon N's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Portland, OR
    Posts
    605

    Re: Backpack Solution for 4x5 - Light Weight!

    I just picked up an Osprey Atmos 35 based on the recommendations in this thread. It's a great lightweight pack with plenty of capacity for my 4x5 field kit. I'm using the pack to carry:

    Wista DX 4x5 wood field, Nikkor 90mm SW f/8, Fuji W 150mm f/5.6 and Fuji A 240mm f/9 in a Gnass 3 lens case, Pentax Spotmeter V, Kodak Readyload Holder with 15-20 sheets of color film plus a couple Fidelity Holders (for B&W) in a Gnass 3 pouch readyload holder, Fuji Loupe, Filters in folding case, and BTZS Darkcloth. My tripod (Fiesol CT-3301N & Kirk BH-3) attaches nicely to the side of the pack.

    To hold the Wista, I found an interesting solution. Case Logic makes a flexible neoprene sleeve designed to hold a portable DVD player. It zips up snugly around the Wista and offers a decent level of protection from scrapes and dings. It's very lightweight and only cost $20.

    Total pack weight including tripod is right at 19lbs. Hooray for lighter gear!

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