In search of a backpack for my RB67

[EdColorado]

I hope to spend some serious quality time with my RB67 this summer, mostly hiking around Rocky Mountain Nat. Park and thus need a good backpack. I've never had a camera specific backpack that was worth a darn for a long walk with heavy gear so I'm thinking of outfitting my old JanSport D3 for the part of "camera backpack".

There's a company out there called Dead Link Removed which makes cases to be used in a technical backpack but these are geared toward large format and thus aren't really the right size.

I'm thinking some padded pouches would be good. Something sized right to hold an RB body and others sized for my various lenses. I'm hoping to be able to carry a body, 4-5 lenses, a meter and a back or two. A tripod will be strapped to the outside and some general stuff, food, water, and whatever, will be in there someplace too. I see this as a day pack, I wont be using it for overnights.

Anyone have experience with such a system or maybe with the Renaissance Photo products? Suggestions for good padded pouches? Any other ideas?

For those of you not familiar with the lovely Jan Sport D3, its a large external frame backpack with a fantastic suspension system which allows one to carry stupid amounts of weight. It has two main compartments, loads from the back and has room for extended trips in the backcountry. Done right there should be plenty of room.

Thanks a lot,

 

[Travis Nunn]

Photobackpacker is great to deal with and they have good, quality products. I got my setup a few years ago for my RB system and it works really well for me.

 

[EdColorado]

What did you end up getting Travis? I like the looks of their product but didn't see any RB friendly parts. Since I already have a perfectly usable backpack a set from them wont be very expensive.
I was thinking maybe one of their larger camera cases partitioned into sections for a body and lenses would work...

Photobackpacker is great to deal with and they have good, quality products. I got my setup a few years ago for my RB system and it works really well for me.

 

[Travis Nunn]

I got a Kelty Redwing backpack, an 8x10 case with partitions, two 4044 lens cases and two 6044 lens cases. The 8x10 case allowed me to carry the RB body with film back, a second film back, a metered prism, lens hoods, light meter, both 4044 lens cases, and a bunch of filters. The 4044 cases held my 65mm and 90mm lenses (and a 127mm after the 90mm died) while the 6044 cases held my 180mm lens and a lot of film. I had planned on getting another telephoto lens, which is why I bought two of the 6044 cases, but I never did so I use it as a case for film now.

 

[EdColorado]

Excellent Travis, thanks for the details! I'll hit their web site and check it all out.

Regards,

 

[23mjm]

I use a LowePro MiniTrekker and it works great. Have a look at my set up...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15225228@N02/3400718300/

 

[Sirius Glass]

I do not have a RB67, but I have a Hasselblad that I carry in a top loading pack. I do not like the packs that have a back that can let all the equipment spill on the ground.

The pack I use, put the weight on the hips and holds my Hasselblad, the PME finder [think prism], two film backs, 50mm lens, 80mm lens, 150mm lens, 250mm lens, filters, film, tripod and filters.

Take a look at Dead Link Removed and search by model number for 750 and 752.

Model 750 Photographer's Daypack
Internal Dimensions: 11¼ W x 6 D x 7 H
29 x 15 x 18 cm
External Dimensions: 17⅜ W x 9½ D x 14⅞ H
44 x 24 x 38 cm
Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz. (1188 g)
Colors: Dead Link Removed Dead Link Removed[
The Photographer's Daypack was designed for one camera with attached lens and motor drive in Tamrac's patented Lens-Bridge® with Lens-Gate® divider system. This bag looks and functions like a daypack, yet the lower half is a completely foam-padded and compartmentalized camera bag. Adjustable foam-padded compartments protect three to four lenses, a flash and accessories. Additional compartments and pockets provide organization and extra space for your travel requirements. The large, quick-release top flap provides complete coverage and has a weather-flapped, zippered pocket that is perfect for maps and tickets. The thick foam padded backpack harness is contoured to spread the weight across the shoulders and back. The quick-release sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place. A nylon Tuck-A-Way™ waist strap keeps the pack from bouncing and tucks into a bottom compartment when not in use. Adjustable straps hold a small tripod. Constructed of fully-coated PowerGrid™ Cordura®, the camera compartment is padded with thick, closed-cell foam and the bottom has a strong plastic platform beneath the foam.

Model 752 Super Photo Daypack
Internal Dimensions: 13 W x 6 D x 8 H
33 x 15 x 20 cm
External Dimensions: 17 W x 9½ D x 16½ H
43 x 24 x 42 cm
Weight: 3 lbs. 10 oz. (1644 g)
Colors: Dead Link Removed Dead Link Removed
The Super Photo Daypack is a larger, professional sized version of Tamrac's model 750 Photographer's Daypack. Safe, comfortable to carry and easy to use, this is the perfect camera bag for the traveling photographer with two camera bodies, four or five lenses and lots of accessories and personal items. It looks and functions like a daypack, yet the lower half is a completely foam-padded and compartmentalized camera bag. Additional compartments and pockets provide organization and extra space for your travel requirements. The large, quick-release top flap provides complete coverage and has a weather-flapped, zippered pocket that is perfect for maps and tickets. The thick, foam-padded backpack harness is contoured to spread the weight across the shoulders and back. A nylon Tuck-A-Way™ waist strap keeps the pack from bouncing and tucks into a bottom compartment when not in use. Adjustable straps hold a small tripod. Constructed of fully-coated PowerGrid™ Cordura®, the camera compartment is padded with thick, closed-cell foam and the bottom has a strong plastic platform beneath the foam.

I hope this helps you.
Steve

 

[EdColorado]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I have an older LowePro backpack around here and it is nice, but I need something quite a bit bigger and with a better suspension system. My hikes will be day hikes but long day hikes in the Rockies so I'll need room for food and water, extra clothing, etc. None of the photo specific packs I've tried will carry the gear and extras and not have much of the load on my shoulders.
23mjm, I just sold a Mini Trekker that came with an F4S I bought. Never even considered it for use with the RB but it looks like it actually does a pretty decent job. Nice pictures on your Flickr page too, I really enjoyed the bicycle racing shots. Were they from the Tour of California? I would of enjoyed seeing it, not too many chances to see the European teams on our side of the pond.

 

[jeroldharter]

Then you want a Photobackpacker pack, probably a Kelty P2.

 

[23mjm]

Ed--Thank you for the comments on my pictures--They are from this years TOC in Sacramento.

The RB is a tight fit in the Mini Trekker but it works. It carries comfortably, I did put a few accessory pockets on the sides, a waterbottle holder and a small pouch (snacks). My tripod attaches nicely to the back too. For 90+ bucks I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[panastasia]

I found a nice camera backpack for my RB gear, it looks like it was designed for the RB. The name is f64; the color is black; size: (roughly) 18"x12"x7"; padded dividers (movable/removable); protective padded panel inside that keeps gear in place while pack is standing open; padded shoulder straps and waist-belt; some useful large and small pockets inside and out (rain gear fits in large outside pocket); places to attach things on the outside.

I tend to bushwhack most of the time so I need to keep my tripod inside (compact 4-leg section carbon fiber tripod w/head removed). I can fit 4 lenses inside with the camera body, backs, sheet film holders, extension tubes, etc. - more if the tripod wasn't inside. It's a heavy load but very comfortable with all the padding. I've been testing backpacks for all kinds of things for years and can tell you this one's a winner without all the nonsense found on other packs of this type - it's not gigantic and the pack alone is surprisingly light for it's size. I bought it at B&H for $99 a few years ago.

 

[nicefor88]

Good choice in Lowepro.

 

[Mahler_one]

I agree about the Photobackpacker. I have the 8x10 Kelty set -up. Call Bruce Laughton and discuss your exact needs. He will design the system that you need. Totally reliable, and if the back doesn't work for you you can return it....you won't! Let us know what you chose to do, and how things work out.

Ed

 

[Ray Rogers]

Cleaning Backpacks...

I use a LowePro MiniTrekker and it works great. Have a look at my set up...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15225228@N02/3400718300/

Hello Everyone!

I don't mean to hijack this thread... I hope my timeing is ok,
I too have a need for a backpack for this camera...

I don't usually use it outdoors, so I may just make do with an old Lowepro (Trimtech?) I already have.... but the problem... I will be in Cambodia, where its 29 C. and about 90% RH... any suggestions for protecting camera gear, reducing condensation... and keeping my back dry? It may be too late to look now, but something between me and the backback to let air circulate would be an improvement...

About Lowepro (and bags in general, but esp. my Lowepro...)
I liked it a lot... but over the years it has gotten diry and needs cleaning.
I want to clean it but I think I recall instructions to only wipe with a cloth... yea like that would get it clean...

What are my options... really?

Can they be washed?
Drycleaned?

:confused:

 

[Sirius Glass]

Ray,

What equipment are you carrying [bodies and lenses]? How much film? Tripod? Will you put anything else in the backpack? Do you want/need a slingback design? ...

Steve

 

[Ray Rogers]

Ray,

What equipment are you carrying [bodies and lenses]? How much film? Tripod? Will you put anything else in the backpack? Do you want/need a slingback design? ...

Steve

One body, 2 lenses, 1 film holder, 2 glass plate holders, 10-20 rolls film, 32 glass plates, RBs pyramid meter, release cable, glass filters hummm... big heavy tripod, hood... What's a slingback?

I want to travel light... almost possible but the tripod ruins that idea....

 

[Sirius Glass]

One body, 2 lenses, 1 film holder, 2 glass plate holders, 10-20 rolls film, 32 glass plates, RBs pyramid meter, release cable, glass filters hummm... big heavy tripod, hood... What's a slingback?

I want to travel light... almost possible but the tripod ruins that idea....

Start by looking at my recommendations earlier in this thread.

A slingback is a pack which slides around the shoulder, under the arm so that the pack is in front of you. I do not think that this would be a good idea if you have glass plates.

Steve

 

[EdColorado]

Hi Ray, I've made my decision I think and will be going with the Photobackpacker cases in my back pack so your welcome to the thread now!

If your worried about air circulation between your back and the pack (and where your going you should be worried about it) then I'd recommend some kind of external frame pack system. One of the things I like about an external frame as opposed to an internal or frameless design is that the external frame holds the pack away from your body and allows air to freely circulate. The other designs all have the pack pressed against your back which can be a rather hot sweaty experience. I don't know of any purpose built camera backpacks that are external frame. You could though look at the various external frame hiking backpacks available and adapt one to your uses. With the weight your going to be carrying, and the time you'll spend with the pack on I'd strongly suggest this route as these types of packs are generally much better at allowing you to haul the weight with some amount of comfort.
The Kelty packs that Photobackpacker sells are an internal frame design but they have a nice looking pad system that looks like it would keep much of the pack off your back. If you look around you'll probably see that most people hike with an internal frame design of some sort and if designed well these can be very comfortable. I'm a bit old fashioned though, traditional might be the better word, with my hiking gear and really prefer the external frame design. Thinking about it some more though you might want an internal frame design for your trip. I'd guess you'll be riding buses, trains, whatever and the internal frame would be nice as it wont have hard metal frame bits bumping against and hanging up on things.

 

[aoresteen]

.. but the problem... I will be in Cambodia, where its 29 C. and about 90% RH... any suggestions for protecting camera gear, reducing condensation... and keeping my back dry? :

Ray,

Good luck! I have 28 years as a Special Forces soldier ("Green Beret") and I got back last summer from Iraq (I'm still in the Reserves). I have spent too many days under a ruck! I have usally had a 35mm RF or SLR and a couple of lenses in my ruck with me. Never had any gear broken due to shock, water, or dust. In Iraq I took a Leica M4-P, then a Nikon SP. A bit smaller than your RB but I had other stuff to carry (ammo, first aid kit, water, ect).


First, you are not going to stay dry in Cambodia unless you hire a porter and walk 10 minutes per hour, rest for 50. You will sweat. Accept it. Been there, done that.


Secondly, If you want to keep your back dry, you will need an external frame pack with a good hip support belt and shoulder suspension. Make sure your pack fits and is adjusted properly!

To keep items dry use zip lock bags for everything! Use Zing type pouches and put the pouch inside a zip lock bag. We would wrap delicate gear in socks and underwear for padding. Small hand towels work well to pad larger items.

Are you sure you need the glass plates? They sound fragile to me.


Is the pack just for camera gear or will it have to carry other items as well?

Keep it as light as possible! But take a First Aid kit with you! And pack 3 extra pairs of good socks!

Lay everything out and remove 20%. Pack it up then unpack and remove 10%. Repack and your are ready.

When you get back upack you ruck and make two piles:

A) the stuff you used

B) the stuff you didn't

Next time don't take Stuff B (except for the First Aid kit. It's the only item you take and don't want to use!)

Have fun and get some great photos!

 

[Ray Rogers]

Thanks Tony,
Lots of experience in your suggestions!
I forgot about the first aid kit...

I don't thnk I have time to choose a new back pack so I will just zip lock and roll.
I will endure the sweaty back one more time.

hummm...
Any reason not to zip lok?
I can't decide if I am locking moisture in or out...
???

Ray- from Titusville.

 

[aoresteen]

Ray,

Also, try some Under Armour tee shirts. They wick water out.

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1005638-Men-s-Tactical-Approach-Shortsleeve&cross_sell=true

Worth every penny!

If you zip you keep MOST water out. There will always be some mosture in the small nit of air in the bags.

 

[Q.G.]

You can dry your equipment and keep fungus at bay by sunbathing your equipment whenever possible.
Free air circulation and direct sunlight to heat the things up will work fine.
But take care not to fry things that don't like the heat, like film.