Backpacking with a 12x20

Francesco · Apr 25, 2004

Does anyone backpack with a 12x20 outfit (camera, 2-4 holders, lenses, etc.)? What backpacks do you recommend? Many thanks.

George Losse · Apr 25, 2004

Francesco,

I only have an 8x20, but would never think of backpacking it. The camera itself weights 23 pounds. That's why I bought a Jeep. There are very few places I can think I might want to shoot that the Jeep can't get me there.

Francesco · Apr 25, 2004

George,

Unfortunately there are a lot of places here in Stockholm which city hall has prohibited cars from entering. In addition, because it is an archipelago of several thousand islands the only access is by ferry and then by foot. I backpack very often with my 8x10 gear (camera, lenses (3), holders (12), accessories etc.), sometimes hiking for 2 hours before setting the stuff down. I am hoping that there is a backpack out there that would accomodate say a Wisner 12x20, 4 holders, one lens. Perhaps this would not weigh much more than what I have been using up to this point. Stockholm and its surroundings are best explored on foot.

glbeas · Apr 25, 2004

If it really is too heavy to backpack comfortably this possibilty is worth looking at, Dead Link Removed
All depends on whether a small wheeled cart can go there.
From what you describe the weight may be pretty near equal, just the bulk is arranged differently needing a different style backpack.
You might try some of the local tailors or shoe repairmen about stitching a custom pack modelled after your 8x10 pack.

juan · Apr 25, 2004

I made a similar cart from an old pull-style golf cart. The wheels are large enough to go over fairly rough terrain - the tripod fits perfectly in the place the golf bag originally fit. I rigged a basket at the bottom to hold the camera -wrap it in my dark cloth and bungee cord it securely down. Meter, film holders, lenses, etc all go in a backpack.
juan

jovo · Apr 25, 2004

i'm in the process of building my own back-pack for a monorail camera that's too big to fit into any backpack i've seen so far; or that i could afford to buy even if i did find one large enough. so...i bought an external frame backpack with removable pack, and will use the frame to attach a plywood and fabric box i will build. if it works out, i'll be delighted. i'll post a pic when the results are in.

Tom Hoskinson · Apr 25, 2004

Francesco, my personal solution would be a conventional aluminum backpack frame with a custom made waterproof nylon bag attached.

The bag attachment "footprint" on my personal backpacking frame is 24 inches long by 16 inches wide. I would imagine that a 2 compartment bag (with cinch straps for the camera body compartment) and a second zipper or velcro closure compartment for film holders; plus side pockets for lenses, etc., would do the trick. The camera compartment could be foam padded, as needed.

Of course, I own a couple of really serious sewing machines and I've done this sort of thing before, so it's easy for me to talk.

Francesco · Apr 25, 2004

Very impressive Tom. There is a backpack here in Sweden that seems impressive and I was wondering if anyone had used something similar in dimensions. It is 10.2 inches deep, 33.85 inches high and 14.17 inches wide. Volume capacity is about 90 liters.

Tom Hoskinson · Apr 26, 2004

Yes, Francesco. I have made and carried frameless (semi-rigid) canoe packs of even larger dimensions (with built in hip belt and shoulder harness).

A pack bag like you describe (it could be about 2 inches wider and several inches deeper) should fit on my mountaineering pack frames. The trick is to get the center of mass as low on your back and as close to your body as possible.

Sean · Apr 26, 2004

Although not available 'yet', I am dying for these to be released and then come down in price affordable to the public one day. They claim carrying 170 pounds feels like carrying only 5 pounds! Imagine, hiking with this puppy and all your 12x20 gear, tent, food, water! Piece of cake

bmac · Apr 26, 2004

first digital legs... you know a DSLR is in your future Sean

Deckled Edge · Apr 26, 2004

Francesco,
I bought a used baby jogger on e-bay and carry all my 11x14 gear in that. I have an old suitcase that holds camera, 4 lenses, 3 holders, extension rail, dark cloth, and paraphernalia. I strap the suitcase to the jogger and away I wheel. It has large wheels, so it goes over most terrain. I have not "backpacked" with it up any mountain trails, but it performs well on paths that are not too beaten. Mine has three equal sized wheels and a front brake with a hands-free feature.
I am accorded the same respect as mothers, who here in the States rank up there with baseball and apple pie. I'm sure the burghers of Stockholm will be happy to cut you the same slack.

Phil · May 15, 2004

Here's a link to a Canadian company that makes packs: Dead Link Removed I have one of their canoe packs and it is very well made and has an excellent internal frame and suspension system. Their catalogue offers custom designs for cameras.

Deniz · May 16, 2004

your best bet would probably be a nice hiking-camping bag from big companies like Vaude, North Face, etc.
70 or 80 litre ones should suit your needs.
good luck!

Francesco · May 16, 2004

Thanks for the link Phil and thanks Deniz for the volume suggestion. I was looking at the Ostrom site and the Ouimet Ultra sounds just perfect. Has anyone used one or seen one? I was wondering how customisable is the internal dividers. What I am interested in knowing is how easy would it be to slot in a 12x20 in there? Lenses and the rest are easy enough to place but a really smooth way to dump the camera (and fast in case the rain falls unexpectedly) would be a major plus.

kjsphoto · May 19, 2004

I do not know if this would work but what abouthte lowepro super trekker. I have one of these and I carry a ton of gear and it is very comfortable.

Kev

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