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.
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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