Backpack for 12x20

[scootermm]

I know, I know, a back pack for 12x20?!?!?!

but yes, I actually do want to research finding a backpack for 12x20. Ive done some extensive searching over the last few days on lf.info and here on APUG and have found a few vague references to those that have fashioned their own unique solutions to backpacking a 12x20.

But I thought itd be a good thread to hopefully get any ideas that recent users of 12x20 have invented or discovered.

I have an XL rolling suit case that is a damn near PERFECT fit for my 12x20 Folmer & Schwing and use it to store and haul the 12x20 and a few holders in. It works wonderfully but for those times when the 2" wheels wont suffice, well its a huge pain to haul from a single handle strap.

Perhaps my best options is to get a rolling utility cart with larger diameter wheels that would travel over rougher terrain better (any links or suggestions on a good simple rolling cart would be helpful as well).

But if I were to "require" a back pack, does anyone have any suggestions.
I plan to stop by a local outdoor gear store (REI type store) and test out a few Osprey wheeled backpacks I researched the other night to see if theyll work. Any other suggestions? links? Inventive ideas/solutions?

 

[DrPablo]

How big is your back??

 

[Travis Nunn]

Send Bruce at Photobackpacker an email, he might be able to help. I don't know if he's got anything to handle a 12x20, but it's worth a shot, anyway.

 

[Scott Peters]

Well, I tried Bruce as well for my 7 x 17 ....but he said he couldn't help...at least he was open and upfront about it...I use a lowepro supertrekker for my 7 x 17....but gee, 12 x 20 is really big....you know it might fit....

Guys I shoot with acutally use a wagon with big pneumatic wheels for 'rough' terrain...to carry all their crap. I use a wagon too and put my backpack, tripod, etc.. into the wagon. $59 bucks at home depot (vigaro). Works well on trails that are fairly 'groomed' - even ones that are rough as the big wheels will work on sand/go over rocks (smaller) and not get stuck...

So, I can get to a point with the wagon and then 'backpack' a bit if necessary....

I also know folks to use a baby three wheel stroller...

best of luck.

 

[Scott Peters]

Sorry, here is a picture of the wagon......again, I got mine for $59 at Home Depot...it's lighter because the bed is plastic..holds several hundred pounds, and collapses nicely. and has a neat way of 'dumping' which can work well for unloading your gear...and with big wheels goes over a lot of terrain...

http://www.beststuff.com/images/articles/031806a4.jpg

 

[scootermm]

How big is your back??

big enough to carry this camera... if I can find a backpack to fit it.

 

[danschmidt]

Perhaps look for a huge used Mountainsmith pack, might fit. I see them often at the used gear shops here, but Boulder probably has a lot more used gear floating around...

MEC in canada has some nice cost efective packs and rolling duffle bags (with shoulder straps so you can use them like a backpack if needed)

www.mec.ca , that's .ca for canada

but 12x20 is quite big

 

[David Brown]

I know, I know, a back pack for 12x20?!?!?!

But if I were to "require" a back pack, does anyone have any suggestions?

Quit smoking ...

 

[Jeremy]

Quit smoking ...

hahahahahaha

David, you crack me up!

 

[scootermm]

Quit smoking ...

hey ... wait a sec ....wouldnt the "quit smoking" be more fitting if I was asking for advice on a motorized cart with 4WD capabilities so that I could haul my wheezing lazing ass around?



I am young and fit and revvin to go

 

[photomc]

Give this a try Matt, comes with padded shoulder straps that convert to a backpack (and I know the military guys carry at least that much weight). Looks like a good fit for the 12x20.

 

[Curt]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/guns.asp

Then get one of these at the same place to keep your stuff safe!

 

[PBrooks]

Well, I am saddened to learn that photobackpacker could not help you as I was just about to contact him for one of my own. I have the 8x10 system and it is awesome, if they only made one of those camera cases for ulf then you could put it in just about any large type Kelty pack with frame.
Phillip

 

[ilya1963]

I would sugest you go to a hicking outfitters store and buy the biggest back pack they have , I had my 8x10 dorff ,8 holders, 3 lenses,clothes and privisions for 5 days , 80lb total. it was like caring another body on your back , they not cheap , but very comfortable , you can shift wait from your sholders to your waist and have all kinds of space for gear, you want to make sure that you put everything in plastick bags if you are going for few days , even thou they most come with a rain cover , youwaint be sure if you are in a down poor your gear would be dry... ILYA

 

[Logan Group]

Try this Flat Bed pack. Normally used for rescue gear, if anything will work it might. http://www.granitegear.com/products/backpacks/expedition/flatbed/index.html Either that or one of Granite Gear's Access packs. These are there backpacks that load like a duffle bag rather than from the top. However I doubt a 12x20 would fit inside a backpack. At least with the flatbed you might at least be able to strap it to a frame to wear like a back pack.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Matt, nice to hear you want to haul the 12x20 on your back. Once I have my 8x20 done I'm taking it out on the dunes at Oceano, CA! I'm 56 and keep in good shape, am a glutton for punishment and will convince Hugo and Dan to go with me with their 10x20 and 8x20's respectively. The uphill hike on the dunes will be interresting. You just need the proper mind set for this! As far as a pack goes... Hugo showed me a pack he got from Costco that doubled as a roller and a backpack. It fit his 10x20 and some holders. I'll see if I can get some info on it for you. Maybe Hugo will see this post and respond. I know he is active on the large format forum so a post over there might help.

Jim

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Matt, something else I forgot to say. I caught the tail end of a news report on a new backpack that was for the military. It was on a frame that had a pully like system that moved when you walked. Something like that. It kept the weight evenly distributed over your back. It allowed the carrier to haul large amounts of weight comfortably. I'll have to see if I can find the info. It was on my local KABC 7 news the other night.

Jim

 

[Jim Noel]

Contact Kevin at kev@kjsphotography.com.

He not only has a nice web site, he also makes custom bags a=of all kinds and dark cloths to 5x8 feet or larger.

 

[jeroldharter]

In regard to a cart, a kayak cart might work. You could lash down a hard case. Would not work for actual backpacking long distances or mountains but you probably are not venturing too far with that thing. Check out:

http://www.castlecraft.com/kayak_dolly.htm

 

[scootermm]

thank you all for the suggestions. The Ranger bag that you linked to mike, that thing looks to be PERFECT. Its a mere $40... so Im gonna chance it and order one - wonder if I could bleach it white to make it less heat absorbing in the summer months.

 

[JackGreen]

You might try a Duluth pack...they're designed for carrying large amounts of gear at portages on canoe trips. http://www.duluthpack.com/products.aspx?SubCat=1&CategoryID=d
I've used one for my 12x20...when I was younger. They aren't modern design and are made of canvas but the largest ones have plenty of room.
Good luck.
Jack

 

[Hugo Zhang]

MAtt,

As Jim mentioned earlier, I bought a backpack with wheels from Costco for my 10x20. It costed me under $40. It has two big compartments which I put my camera, dark cloth, three film holders, tripod and two lenses in plastic containers there. It also has two small compartments which I use to store light meter and filters and etc.

But I don't think the bag is wide enough for your 12x20.

 

[John Kasaian]

Oh man, my back is ache-in' just reading this! Get a pack mule!

 

[Michael Kadillak]

I would recommend a serious aluminum frame pack with a ledge on the back that you can lash a lightweight pack box to. I had Strebor make me a case for my ULF cameras and the frame pack I got from them is from Canada and stands up on its own support members. It has some serious waist and shoulder straps and can hold more than I could impose upon it in the weight department. I have in the past and continue to carry 70-90# packs into the Colorado high country on summer and winter trips and cannot emphasize the importance of a balanced load and physical conditioning prior to getting further away than the tailgate of your vehicle. And don't tell me it is something that you have to give up when you turn 30 cause I don't buy it.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

 

[scootermm]

And don't tell me it is something that you have to give up when you turn 30 cause I don't buy it.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

fully agree.


Im completely enticed by this product, will be measuring my existing case to see if the 27" width is satisfactory.
http://www.granitegear.com/products/canoe_gear/traditional_series/4/index.html