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Author Topic: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips  (Read 7750 times)

JDOAK

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I am planning several multi-day backpacking trips in New Zealand with my Pentax 645D, 45-85mm zoom, and possibly my 80-160mm zoom.  On multi-day backcountry photography trips, I usually either go horsepacking, or get a spot in the backcountry via mule, or go with enough people where I can share the load of some of my camping gear and carry my photo gear (I have very understanding friends).  I usually use a large LowePro bag for these trips and attach a day pack to it; but for multi-day backpacking a day pack won't do.

For my upcoming New Zealand trip, my multi-day hikes will be solo.  So, I need to carry a backpack.   Does anyone have any tried-and-true ways to carry a medium format rig while still carrying a full backpack?  I'll have a bivy, and an ultralight sleeping bag, but I'm trying to figure out how to carry my photo gear without having to open the backpack, while protecting it if I slip, fall, or just lose my balance.  

I am considering a top-loaded case carried in front of me (something like http://products.lowepro.com/product/Toploader-Zoom-55-AW,2205,8.htm); however, I don't like that as I believe it will get in the way of seeing where I am placing my feet while going downhill, and downhills in New Zealand can be very steep (this will be my 4th trip).   The best thing I can think of is a hard case of approximate shape and size of the 645D+ 45-85mm zoom, but I have not yet identified anything like that.  

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.  Thank you.
« Last Edit: February 05, 2011, 08:18:27 pm by JDOAK »
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dchew

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2011, 09:03:56 pm »

If you are anything like me, a camera buried in a backpack will result in fewer photos.  Much of this depends on your shooting style.  Are you taking a tripod? 

Not sure if the Pentax will fit in the Clik chest pouch.  There are three sizes here.  I've been on the Harding Ice Field in Alaska, climbed several peaks including Mt. Rainier, and saw my feet just fine.  I don't think I stepped on the rope even once!  :-)

I put the camera in a chest pouch with a small lens, then put the extra lens(es) in the backpack w/ tripod strapped on the back.  I don't think a hard case is necessary, with one caveat:  If you use a soft case or wrap lenses in something soft, don't attach the lens hood reversed. This can put quite a bit of stress (torque) on the end of the lens when it is packed away in your backpack.  Instead, just put the hood in but not attached, or put it somewhere else. 

If you are religious about getting the tripod out for every photo, then stow the camera; the added effort of getting the camera out is almost nothing compared to removing the backpack, taking off the tripod, then putting it all back together.  Another consideration is short day-hikes while on your trip.  You may stay in one place two nights and want to wander. That would be tough with a hard case; you would be stuck carrying your whole backpack or hand-carrying the camera.  Chest pouches are great for this.  I find those situations represent the best photo opportunities aside from early morning / late evening at camps.

The key to the chest pouch is to rig it so it clips into the shoulder straps up high.  This transfers the weight to the pack so the whole thing isn't weighing on your chest. Makes it feel like it is almost not there.

Dave
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JDOAK

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2011, 09:24:46 pm »

Dave--

Thank you for your reply.  I use a tripod all of the time and plan to attach it to the outside of the backpack.

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Wayne Fox

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2011, 10:18:32 pm »

The challenge seems to be everyone designs around a dSLR.  One bag worth researching might be the Clik Hiker ... I chatted with the guys that own clik and they seem to be hikers/mountain climbers turned photographers, and their bags reflect that in the harness system and comfort. I have the elite bag and it is the most comfortable bag I've ever hiked with (I have 4 or 5 lowepros).   

http://www.clikelite.com/shop/large-hiker/

good luck.  Sounds like a great trip.
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vandevanterSH

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2011, 11:21:50 pm »

F-Stop...

http://fstopgear.com/en/product

Their packs have the best suspension available for hiking.  A medium "ICU" may be adequate for the Pentax and a few lenses.  I can carry a large "V" series 'blad and 4-5 lenses, etc. in a large ICU.   The "Satori" pack would be idea for multi-day but the new edition is listed for sale yet otherwise look at the "Tilopa".  The other advantage of the F-Stop packs is that they give rear access to the camera gear so unloading from the top isn't necesssary.

Steve
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narikin

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2011, 12:41:17 am »

hah - funny, I'm just sitting in the Air New Zealand lounge waiting departure for my flight back from a month in New Zealand to San Francisco.  At my feet is an Alpa STC, with Phase P65+, 2 lenses, Fujitsu Tablet PC, for tethered stitching work, Gitzo traveller tripod, all leads, cards, etc, in a Kata 3N1-33 backpack. 

Probably not what you want, but worth mentioning because of the coincidence.
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tsjanik

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2011, 10:35:13 am »

I think your idea of a front bag is the right approach.  I’ve used that arrangement on many backpacking trips.  The problem is finding the right bag.  The best bag I’ve found is a fanny pack from Sundog; I don’t think it’s made anymore.  It will hold a 645N with the 45-85 mounted and 35mm and 200mm 645 lenses.  Everything is easily accessible without removing your backpack.  Mine is so old, I’m looking for a replacement and have not been very successful; as Wayne points out, the bags are designed for 35mm.  One option might be the Clik waist pack he suggested, which I have not seen.  Used in the configuration shown here on their website:
http://www.clikelite.com/shop/trekker-waistpack/  (I hope you’ll be wearing more than the model :D )
I did purchase a Lowepro Inverse 200 AW, shown below containing a 645D with a mounted 75mm and 35mm, 120mm macro and 200mm lenses.  The bag works, but seems to have less packing space than it should for its size; likely a consequence of the suspension system and pockets for which I have discovered no use.  The 45-85 could replace the 120mm macro in this pack, although without the huge hood.   I cannot pack the camera with the 45-85 mounted and have room for much of anything else.  If you find a better pack, please post or pm. 
I agree with Dave’s comment that if you really do intend on using a tripod for every shot, you might as well pack the camera and be more comfortable while hiking.
Enjoy the trip.

Tom
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Barkeeper

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HPRC 3500
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2011, 02:18:46 am »

hardcase-backpack: http://www.plaber.com/3500.htm
 ;)
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AlastairMoore

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #8 on: February 07, 2011, 02:40:18 am »

Where are you planning to go to around NZ? Got an itinerary to share? I'm just headed down to the south island in just over a week for a three week tour. Can't wait!

rolleiflexpages

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #9 on: February 07, 2011, 04:15:21 am »

Not directly a reply to the original question, but I thought that sharing this information would be interesting. If you are in need of a 100% water-proof sturdy backpack solution, I can recommend the König Photobag, handmade in Germany:
http://www.koenig-photobags.de/photorucksack.phtml
(page only in German language)
The beauty is that the inside can be tailor-made to fit your particular system. I am using it with the Rolleiflex Hy6 and Rolleiflex 6008AF systems and kit and it works very well. It is also expandable with extra pouches on the outside.
Pascal
« Last Edit: February 07, 2011, 04:52:56 am by rolleiflexpages »
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adammork

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #10 on: February 07, 2011, 08:34:50 am »

Not directly a reply to the original question, but I thought that sharing this information would be interesting. If you are in need of a 100% water-proof sturdy backpack solution, I can recommend the König Photobag, handmade in Germany:
http://www.koenig-photobags.de/photorucksack.phtml

+1
I also use the König when I need a backpack - or clip off the shoulder harness when I need a light bag for check-in, it's only half the weight of the Lowepro backpack I used before.

I do like this very clean, minimalistic, but at the same time, technical sophisticated, approach to a bag - so it suits the Alpa's that I through in it, very well   ;)

/adam
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rolleiflexpages

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #11 on: February 08, 2011, 11:41:52 am »

Here is a view of how the Rolleiflex Hy6 gear works with the König Photobag.
« Last Edit: February 08, 2011, 11:44:00 am by rolleiflexpages »
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avelpavel

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #12 on: February 11, 2011, 09:39:20 am »

Hi Pascal,

does your Konig bag interior separators use velcro straps to customize the space?

Thanks!

Rob

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rolleiflexpages

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #13 on: February 13, 2011, 02:39:35 pm »

Hi Rob,

in principle all is velcro. I had mine custom-made for Hy6 / AFi or 6008 AF and that is why the parts were cut the way they were (at no extra cost).

Pascal
« Last Edit: February 13, 2011, 02:41:39 pm by rolleiflexpages »
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avelpavel

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #14 on: February 14, 2011, 03:37:33 am »

Thanks for clarification, I have found my next backpack!  ;D

Rob
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rogerxnz

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #15 on: February 16, 2011, 12:13:59 pm »

Hi Pascal
Can you attach a tripod to the König Photobag and, if so, how?
Roger

Not directly a reply to the original question, but I thought that sharing this information would be interesting. If you are in need of a 100% water-proof sturdy backpack solution, I can recommend the König Photobag, handmade in Germany:
http://www.koenig-photobags.de/photorucksack.phtml
(page only in German language)
The beauty is that the inside can be tailor-made to fit your particular system. I am using it with the Rolleiflex Hy6 and Rolleiflex 6008AF systems and kit and it works very well. It is also expandable with extra pouches on the outside.
Pascal
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Roger Hayman
Wellington, New Zealand

adammork

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rolleiflexpages

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #17 on: February 17, 2011, 01:35:29 pm »

Yes it is possible to attach tripods with the provided straps as indicated above.
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Mot

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #18 on: February 23, 2011, 08:54:40 pm »

You might want to call Bruce at Photobackpacker.  He sells modified Kelty backpacks that have real suspension that works and they are comfortable to wear.  Instead of carrying a pack that is fully padded you carry your gear in little padded cases.  They are light, very flexible, and hold an incredible amount of stuff.

http://photobackpacker.com/home.asp
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clikme

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Re: Medium Format Hard Case or Backpack for Multi-day Backpacking Trips
« Reply #19 on: February 24, 2011, 12:53:30 pm »

The challenge seems to be everyone designs around a dSLR.  One bag worth researching might be the Clik Hiker ... I chatted with the guys that own clik and they seem to be hikers/mountain climbers turned photographers, and their bags reflect that in the harness system and comfort. I have the elite bag and it is the most comfortable bag I've ever hiked with (I have 4 or 5 lowepros).   

http://www.clikelite.com/shop/large-hiker/

good luck.  Sounds like a great trip.

Hi Wayne,

That Clik Elite Hiker is just over the carry-on size for my airline (21.5 x 14 x 9 in). How do you have your camara in the bag and take it as carry-on?
Or do you just don't pack it to 100% full and make it appears as under the dimension restriction? Have your friens take the bag as carry-on ?

Thank you for your time.
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