Back Pack for 7X17

ULFers (7x17ers in particular) Good Find...

My fellow APUGers, I came across quite a wonderful find.
I thought Id make a stretch one day and go into an outdoor gear store (ala REI-type place) here in Austin. Whole Earth Provisions. I wanted to see about seeking out a backpack for my 7x17. I came across the Mountainsmith Rambler heres the website info. Its a wonderful pack and the 7x17 fits into it snugly and well. The back board area has a velcro enclosure to get access to it and a 7x17 holder fits snugly in it (could likely also fit another as well).
I added some closed cell foam into the back board slot to protect the Ground Glass of the camera.
Ive found it wonderfully comfortable both carried by the included shoulder strap and the back pack straps. I can fit my two dark clothes, an extra lens, Filters, Pentax spot meter, odd and ends, a sketch book (for when Im just sitting outside), a book, towel (for the hot texas summer), bottle of water, and any other small items easily within the extra pockets.
I wouldnt check it into an airplane but it would/will suffice just fine as a carry on.
Just thought Id pass on the good find to any fellow Banquet format users.
The bag cost $140... and is very nice for the money.

I attached some images to show how I have it all fitting in there.
(thats my dogger Maya relaxing in the background)

Earlier this year I bought a used Lowepro Super Trekker on ebay. Can not remember exactly what I paid, but was in the $150-$200 range. My intention was to use it with my 5X7 Shen Hao camera outfit. However, I later changed my mind and decided to keep the 5X7 stuff in a smaller Tenba back pack. I pushed the Super Trekker in a closet and forgot about it.

Today I decided to try the Super Trekker with my Canham 7X17, and it turned out to be a real nice fit. I can get the camera in the Super Trekker, along with three film holders, and four lenses on boards, plus dark cloth and a Lee bag with hood and filters. In other words, everything I need in one bag on my back. And not particulary heavy either. And if I want to I can even attach the tripod to the back of the camera.

The only big down side is the limitation of three film holders, or six shots in the field. But that is really not so bad a trade off since I would rarely make more than six negatives at any one location. But I figure that even with gimpy knees I should be able to carry this outfit on hikes of 1-2 miles, on easy terrain that is.


Sandy

sanking said:

Today I decided to check the Super Trekker out with my Canham 7X17, and it turned out to be a pretty nice fit.

Click to expand...

Sandy,

You beat me to the punch. I've used a Super Trekker to first carry a 7x17 Korona, then more recently a Wisner 7x17. Back in the Good Old Days (pre-9/11), when travelling by air I'd carry it on and put it in the overhead storage - a tight fit, but it worked. Can't get away with that anymore, I'm afraid.

Kerik

sandy how funny that we both started a thread on this....
I was so excited to get a bag I could carry on my back/over shoulder. Ill have to keep the super trekker in mind in the future if I ever need to get another bag.

scootermm said:

sandy how funny that we both started a thread on this....
I was so excited to get a bag I could carry on my back/over shoulder. Ill have to keep the super trekker in mind in the future if I ever need to get another bag.

Click to expand...

And even more bizarre is that I just finished checking out the fit of the 7X17 Canham camera in the Super Trekker this afternoon before posting my message. And within just a few minutes of yours! What a coincidence.

Sandy

Wow I impressed! I would not have thought it would fit; I guess I just haven't looked at the LowPro Super Trekker in a while.

When I got my 8x10 not too long ago, I tried it in my Osprey internal frame pack. It fit fine but as you can guess it lacked any sort of support or protection. I could wrap everthing, but taking it in and out would be a pain.

I'll be looking on e-bay for a deal as good as yours. Super Trekker can't be had new for anything less than about $389!

That sure is a good looking dog in the first pic, Matt.

2 postings at nearly the same time, about the same subject....gee, you'd think we all think about the same thing all the time....

Would you guys mind telling me how much padding each has? I understand the Lowepro carries 3 7x17 holders, but how many does the Mountainsmith Rambler hold.
I found the Mountainsmith for $114 online and there are new Lowepros on eBay for under $300.

How safe do you feel each is, that is how much protection does the backpack offer the camera and holders?

Thanks a lot for your input!

-Mike

Mike
I went to walmart and bought one of those horribly cheap sleeping pads made of 1/2" closed cell foam. then cut it down and padded out the inside of the backpack. Its not fancy... but fit my meager budget.
I only have one holder so carrying multiple holders isnt even a consideration for me right now. also use the darkcloth to add some protection to the front of the camera/lens as well.

I hiked about a mile this morning with it and with a tripod and was comfortable as I could have hoped for.

scootermm said:

I only have one holder so carrying multiple holders isnt even a consideration for me right now.

Click to expand...

Matt, do you use a changing bag in the field or is 2 shots your limit for the day?

Well, excluding returning home and refilling.

Im limited to the two shots jeremy.

dont have the money for one of those big changing tents just yet. hopefully sometime in the next few months.