Backpack Recommendation for 4X5 Kit

[Trius]

I am in line for a Chamonix 45N-2 around the end of this month (hence the sale of my Toyo 45A and Zone VI tripod here ... help me out someone!), and am looking for a front/panel load backpack to for the kit.

Our friend Nando has a gorgeous kit as featured some time ago on Japan Camera Hunter:

http://japancamerahunter.com/2011/09/in-your-bag-2-nando/

and his kit and mine are nearly identical: camera, 2 lenses, a few holders, meter, a few other small items.

however ... aside from availability, this pack seems to be a top loader, and I definitely want panel/front load option. Years ago I had a larger, internal frame, front-load EastPak and found it perfect at the time. That pack was actually too large for how I would pack today.

I don't know the capcity of Nando's Swiss Army rucksack, but I'm assuming it's somewhere between 2500 - 3100 cu. in.

I've looked only at the Kelty Redwing series (highly rated), the Rokk Bristlecone and Swiss Gear Jaeger. The Kelty and Jaeger get some good reviews, so far I've found nothing on the Rokk Bristlecone.

I'm small (5' 3") and so need something appropriately sized.

I'd appreciate any and all thoughts, recommendations, etc.!

 

[stompyq]

If your going the redwing way then

http://www.photobackpacker.com/home.php

But my kit which was identical to what is shown (when i was living in Rochester!!!) would easily fit a shoulder bag. My thinktank retrospective used to fit all my LF gear and was quite comfy. Only negative was i had to carry the tripod in my hand

 

[FrankS]

I kinda like this one.


(Sorry Earl, couldn't help myself!)

 

[Trius]

Stompy, thanks for the link. It appears that the modifications are useful, though I think the colour choices are ... limited. 😉

Frank, that has a strange appeal ... 😀

 

[Nando]

Hi Earl,

If I didn't have the Swiss Army pack, I probably would have gone for an F.64 BP Large.
http://f64camerabag.com/backpacks.html
Top-loading isn't much of a big deal for me since I normally takes things slow when using my LF camera.

f.

 

[mervynyan]

i just take original acra-swiss bag that comes with the discover, put it on a wheel.

 

[Trius]

Thanks, Nando. One of the reviews on B&H says:

"I carry a Toyo 45AX 4x5 field camera, 2 lenses for it and an EOS 5D with 3 lenses in this backpack. It has plenty of room for all this."

This would seem to make it too large for my requirements. OTOH, the others I have considered may also be too large. I think I will have to take the gear into a store that has at least one of the bags in stock and see how it packs.

BTW, I'll probably get the Martilena inserts, too.

 

[Nando]

If you get Martilena inserts, I'd recommend going for the ones with the flap cover instead of the zipper. The inserts with the flap cover are easier to use. Unfortunately, they came to market after I ordered my inserts. I'm still happy with my inserts though.

 

[Trius]

Yes, the inserts with the flap were what I was intending to get. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[Trius]

I just know everyone has been holding their breath to see what I ended up getting. 😀 So here it is ... I'm not "done" yet, as I need to subtract some weight, change out some things, add a few accessories, etc.

The pack is a Patagonia Refugio 28. I saw it at a local sporting good store, then went home to research whether I better price was available (it was) ... I wasn't anticipating buying a Patagonia as their products are not cheap. But the reputation for quality, excellent guarantee and green manufacturing won me over.

​

 

[FrankS]

Beautiful kit, Earl! Will you take that in a canoe?

As far as being done, I hope you find your peace soon.

 

[Jamie123]

Looks good. Personally, I've never thought about using a backpack for my 45N-2 as the Domke F2B shoulder bag I had worked so well. It fits the Chamonix, eight holders (four in each of the side compartments), two lenses, lightmeter and a bunch of accessories (loupe, cable releases etc.). They also make an F2 backbpack which I think has a lot more room.

I guess a backpack is good if you walk long distances with the camera. What I like about the shoulder bag is that I can actually keep it on my shoulder while setting up the camera which is useful when I don't want to put the bag on the ground (snow or mud or soemthing).

 

[Trius]

Frank: I am following your lead ...

Jamie: I have a Domke F6 and an 802. The F6 would work for a very minimal kit, and the 802 for a larger kit. In general I dislike backpacks for cameras, but for the 4x5 kit I think it works out better for me as it distributes the weight better. I don't hike long distances, but long enough (for me) that a backpack is more practical. Plus, working fast isn't really a part of 4x5 work; a shoulder bag is more about speed, at least to me.

 

[Aristophanes]

 

[Shac]

I use Think Tank backpacks for my 4x5 gear - either the Airport Antidote V2 or the Airport Ultralight V1 - extremely well made and comfortable

 

[RObert Budding]

If your going the redwing way then

http://www.photobackpacker.com/home.php

But my kit which was identical to what is shown (when i was living in Rochester!!!) would easily fit a shoulder bag. My thinktank retrospective used to fit all my LF gear and was quite comfy. Only negative was i had to carry the tripod in my hand

I've been really happy with my photobackpacker setup.