ideal backpack for rz67

chris77

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hello everybody
i am looking for a solid backpack (multiuse hiking as well) for my rz67 2 backs, prism finder, 4 lenses, extension tube, tripod, little stuff.
as there is so much choice and i am not patient enough to compare i would like to ask for your recommendations.

i take my rz everywhere and enjoy nature and sometimes walk around for hours. so it has to be very comfortable.
and i am tall, 193cm..

any help highly appreciated!!
thanks

chris
 

iakustov

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I used to put rz67 body with two backs + two lenses (50 + 250) + spotmeter + manfrotto head & tripod + filters and film in a NG walkabout rucksack. Not ideal, for sure, as it looked really "fat" with all this and was a bit heavy to carry. But it served well.
With 4 lenses and prism as you say it would mean a lot of weight to carry for hours... My back would really feel it even after half an hour I think.
 

Trail Images

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I have & really like the Tamrac Expedition 8X used to haul an RB67 ProSD one lens mounted on it and carry up to 4 additional lens. It also has pockets and places for filters etc.
 
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chris77

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tx for your advice.. tamrac 787 and expedition 8x would be just what i am looking for, but they are no longer available... well well
 

Trail Images

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_*_ said:
tx for your advice.. tamrac 787 and expedition 8x would be just what i am looking for, but they are no longer available... well well
Click to expand...

Yikes, I really like my 8X unit for my MF & LF usage. You might take a look at the Burton fStop units. Burton
 

EarlJam

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Similar to the Burton, you might also take a look at the Dakine Mission Photo (25L capacity) and the slightly larger Reload (30L) and Sequence (33L) models. I opted for the Mission for use with my Hassy system, primarily due to size and the waist belt. (Dakine periodically discontinues various color options on the Mission and, in the process, cuts the price by about half. Hence the red liner and trim on mine, since I don't use the pack more than a two or three times a year.)
 

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The only item I've stuck with on each photo-backpack I've owned, the 8X is number three, is the ability to vertically mount the tripod. I know others like the horizontal mounts too, but I use a tall tripod as I'm 6'1". So, the pod sticks up a bit and yes I need to watch when going under tree limbs and stuff, but it's never been a problem as it does not stick up passed the top of my head. If you have a short tripod then either configuration should work. Just a shopping around point.

EDIT: .....Looks like maybe the Anvil Series is the Tamrac replacements for the older Expedition units. This #27 had decent reviews at B&H.....Anvil 27
 
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Sirius Glass

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For years I used Tamrac 750 and 752 Photo Backpack. They have been discontinued but you can still find used ones in good condition.
 
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chris77

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Sirius Glass said:
For years I used Tamrac 750 and 752 Photo Backpack. They have been discontinued but you can still find used ones in good condition.
Click to expand...
i just ordered the burton fstop 28l. it looks perfect and was on sale here im france. it got raving reviews..
thanks everybody!!
 

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_*_ said:
i just ordered the burton fstop 28l. it looks perfect and was on sale here im france. it got raving reviews..
thanks everybody!!
Click to expand...
Give us an update back on the fStop unit. Although I love the pack I have now, that 28L looked like a super nice unit too.
 

landscapepics

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I carry my RZ67 kit in a 65-litre hiking rucksack made by Karrimor, with an aluminium frame and thick padded hip belt. The size of the rucksack ensures there is plenty of space for waterproofs, clothing, maps, etc. I find that most camera bags are designed on the assumption that photography kit is ALL you need to carry.

There are photos of the bag here: https://kevinthephotographer.wordpress.com/2014/11/29/one-camera-on-the-isle-of-skye/
 

nbagno

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I just bought an F-Stop Sukha for my 4x5. A little large for medium format however there's a smaller model. I like something that has enough room not only for the camera but for some food, water and a light jacket/raincoat/hat etc. So, I like to buy something has space after the camera, lens and associated film is loaded. My bag is orange so I didn't have to wait, shipped the next day.
 

MotoMark

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Have you tried padded camera inserts ? I'm a big fan, your gear will be well protected and you can use any bag so it's not screaming that you've got expensive camera gear inside. I have 3 different size Tenba BYOB bags and they fit inside suitcases, backpacks, messenger bags, etc...

My favorite bag is an old army surplus knapsack that's so ugly no thief in their right mind would want to steal it.
 
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chris77

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the burton fstop 28 is very good.
very well done everything, solid.
the adjustable back part is great , especially if you are tall like me.
and the interior looks like this right now.



all in all i dont know what more i could ask for right now.
havent been hiking or for a long walk yet..
chris
 

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Thanks Chris for the follow comment and photo on the fStop 28 unit. I was interested in how that came out.
 

etn

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I have the Lowepro Whistler 450 and really, really like it.
It can take a Hasselblad, 3/4 lenses and an SWC, plus accessories, filters, film, water & clothes (for long hikes) etc.
http://store.lowepro.com/whistler-bp-450-aw
There is also a smaller version (Whistler 350).

An interesting concept with those bags is that you can take the camera insert out and use the bag as a non-photo backpack.
I found, however, that the bag lacks rigidity in this configuration, and is not as comfortable as a real hiking backpack for long hikes.
But it is good if you are on the other side of the world and, for some reason, need a big backpack and only have one with you.
 

brent8927

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I use a F-Stop Loka (the older version, not the UL sold now) now for my Hasselblad gear. Up until about 2-3 years ago I used a Lowepro Rover AWII (or pro?). It was the larger Rover model. I loved that pack--very comfortable. However, at the time I only used one lens though (with a spare back), and after buying a 50mm and 120mm I decided I needed something a little bigger and with a little support. Since I typically only carry all my gear when hiking (I use a Hadley Pro for day trips as I bring at most one extra lens), I wanted something that had extra space on top for lunch, a jacket, water, etc. I also wanted a more substantial frame as MF gear gets heavy when walking a long ways!

The nice thing about F-Stop bags is you can choose the size of the ICU (the padded insert) you want. I use a large shallow when carrying all my gear. It's nice because I have space both above the ICU as well as behind it. The bag also isn't insanely large, so I feel comfortable using it around town and it fits as a carry-on too.

As a hiker, I also really appreciated the bag opens on the body side. That means every time I set the bag down to access my gear, I get the outside face dirty. I tried a Photo Trekker years ago when I had a 4x5 kit and it bothered me I kept having to set down the inside face on the ground to get to my gear, because then the dirt/mud just transferred to my clothing when I put it on.

I do wish F-Stop used padded mesh like Lowpro, but I otherwise find the bag to be better made than the Lowepro gear (which I felt was quite well made as well) I used.
 
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