Traveling with MFDB: backpacks or cases

[MichaelEzra]

I am planing a trip to Estes Park this summer and trying to decide how to take Mamiya ZD system with me (carry-on only). I have a Pelican case where camera is safely packed without the lens being attached to it. With the lens attached, the camera has to stand and the case would allow only 1.5 inches headroom filled with foam for the camera. As I plan to go hiking, I was thinking about using a backpack (Lowepro Vertex 100 AW or CompuTrekker AW). It would be of great value if anyone could share the experience of traveling with MF digital for landscape photography and what solutions were best/safest.

[larryg]

I have tried about every case out there, including the pelican.

Most of the time I use a backpack  Lowepro Mini Treker AW  (I use the contax mf and lenses)

This has enough room for your system without overkill.

I love the outside pocket for loose things like: cf cards, rocket air blower, white balance cards, usb external hard drives (the pocket sized ones)


Actually the most comfortable backpack ever was the Pro Treker AW but what a monster (weights 6 lbs by itself)  

good luck with your selection.

[RicAgu]

I always advise Think Tank Photo ( www.thinktankphoto.com ). But I have never used their backpacks.  Their rollers are amazing but does not work great as a Backpack.  Only in an emergency.  If they are one tenth as good as the rollers then they are amazing.

When it comes to backpacks you can never go wrong with Lowe Pro and if you will be in a wet environment I woudl look at their Dryzone packs.

I travel with my H1/P25 often and sometime in to the hills for personal work.  I use the Pro Trekker AWII and it is a wonderf pack.  I got caught in a rain storm up in the appalachains this spring and it was dry inside.  Not one leak.

They make smaller and bigger versions of the Trekker series.  Just have to find the one that fits for you.  If you need to bring a laptop with you then look at the compu series.

Best of luck.

[MichaelEzra]

Thanks for the replies.

Would it be reasonable to use a good backpack instead of a Pelican case for airplane carry on?

[RicAgu]

You don't need a Pelican really unless you are checking it in or shipping it.

Have a good trip.

[MarkKay]

I have used my F.64 backpack to carry on a plane multiple times.  I also have a thinktank airport wheel on  that i have used but more for car travel.  I would not check the F.64 and the only problem is that if you are flying on a small plane where there is no overhead space-- but the one time that happened to me, they let me put the case in their closet. I am a 100K flyer with United so sometimes I get alittle extra consideration.

You don't need a Pelican really unless you are checking it in or shipping it.

Have a good trip.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=117718\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[clawery]

Tenba has some nice backpacks and waistpacks.  Take a look at some of their line:

http://www.tenba.com/showSection.aspx?Sectionid=8

Chris Lawery
Sales Manager
Capture Integration
www.captureintegration.com

[marcwilson]

of all the smaller backpacks I have tried including lowepro, kata etc I am loving my current one..dakine sequence..enough room with good outsid epocket for jacket etc plus because the bag opens from the back my gear does not feel exposed when its worn..and very comfortable.
I have used it for both dslr setup and also ebony setup.

but like all recommendations it's just my personal choice!

[MarkKay]

I can say that I have tried a few different backpacks and the F.64 is my favorite. I can fit a Hassy H2, 4 lenses including the 50-110 zoom, many accessories (cleaning supplies, Lee graduated filters etc) and my leaf aptus 65.

of all the smaller backpacks I have tried including lowepro, kata etc I am loving my current one..dakine sequence..enough room with good outsid epocket for jacket etc plus because the bag opens from the back my gear does not feel exposed when its worn..and very comfortable.
I have used it for both dslr setup and also ebony setup.

but like all recommendations it's just my personal choice!
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=117748\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[ngophotographer]

I am planing a trip to Estes Park this summer and trying to decide how to take Mamiya ZD system with me (carry-on only). I have a Pelican case where camera is safely packed without the lens being attached to it. With the lens attached, the camera has to stand and the case would allow only 1.5 inches headroom filled with foam for the camera. As I plan to go hiking, I was thinking about using a backpack (Lowepro Vertex 100 AW or CompuTrekker AW). It would be of great value if anyone could share the experience of traveling with MF digital for landscape photography and what solutions were best/safest.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=117699\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Hi Michael:

I regularly travel with MF digital and 4x5.  I have gone to using a true backpack because of the hiking that is involved once I get there.  A true backpack has good back support and a good suspension.  Learned this from my buddies who have been doing LF for years.  Find a pack that fits--- then make it a photo backpack.

I use a  front-loading backpack (MountainSmith Approach II).  The Kelty Redwing 2600 is good too.  For carry-on, up to a 2400/2600 cu in technical pack will usually pass, just check the dimensions.

Now for padding-- find an old LowePro/Tamrac, etc. that has a removable foam tray/frame and stick into above backpack.  I had a LowePro Trekker Classic and pulled the foam tray & inserts out of it and it fit perfectly.

Even with the typical LowePro/Tamrac foam backpack stuff I then wrap, body, lenses etc. with wraps.  Can't be too careful!  

Keep the outside pockets and top pockets from being stuffed and you won't have any problem carrying it on.

Bonus-- when I travel, everyone thinks, "He's going backpacking", not "Hey, 10 grand of camera gear (most people think in terms of Digital SLRs)".

Hope this helps,

Rich
NGOphotographer

[andybuk99]

Anyone have experience of the Kata OC-84? Was looking at it on the web and thinking that it would do nicely for mfdb and laptob while out on location.

[marcwilson]

Anyone have experience of the Kata OC-84? Was looking at it on the web and thinking that it would do nicely for mfdb and laptob while out on location.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=117968\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Andy I have used another kata bag (R103) and the build quality was incredible. It travelled down a ski slope with me, bag first...and was fine.
So I assume the OC84 will be similar
(I have since replaced my kata with something else but that was for size reasons.)


If you are going to do any length of walking with the bag I do suggest a backpack type over a shoulder type.

Marc

[NBP]

I fully recomend  the LowePro compu trekker AW.
I fit an RZ67 kit with two lenses, MFDB & a macbook pro 17"

Airline check in wise, it's FAA carry on dimensions (just!) and it looks nicely inconspicuous too (not disimilar to all the business guys carry on's), so doesn't really attract the attention of the check in staff to weigh it very often

It's also very comfortable to wear.