Into the unknown, how would you pack?

freespirit67 · Jun 10, 2007

I'm hoping to head off into the New Zealand wilderness for a two day trip soon, and want to take my Horseman woodman 4x5 camera, two lenses, darkslides, and most likely my Canon 20D, however, worried about damage to the 4x5, I started wondering how others pack, bearing in mind I will be carrying my own water, stove, tent, food and clothes, and tri-pod, it's also Winter here!
If I were going with someone this would be easier as they could carry the tent etc, and I could look after the camera, but alas, it ain't happening, so it's me, myself and I.

Cheers for any advice you may be able to offer.

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 10, 2007

Why would you be more worried about damage to the Horseman than to the Canon? The 4x5" seems much less fragile and you could probably even make some simple repairs to it in the field if necessary.

Robert Oliver · Jun 10, 2007

get a ground glass protector from Badger or BTZS... Also carry a backup ground glass. OTher than that it's difficult (but not impossible) to damage the 4x5.

two days with gear packing everything by myself... I would ditch the 20d. (isn't 20d a bad word around here anyway). Check out the photo backpacker. he seems to have a ton of cool stuff for large format shooters.

Vaughn · Jun 11, 2007

Where-about in the wilds of NZ are you going? Sounds like fun! With the number of huts in the NZ wilderness, you must be going off the beaten track to have to take a tent. But one time on the Routeburn track in the winter, even the huts were a bit chilly! My, my, that was 32 years ago...how time flies!

The biggest worry you'll have is breaking the ground glass -- pad it well! I go with closed-cell foam and a layer of stiff material to ward off penetration by sharp objects.

Bicycling in NZ for a half of a year, I carried a spare GG in a film box -- something you'll probably won't need to do for a two-day tramp.

I carry a water filter to reduce the total amount of water I have to carry at one time.

David has a point -- carry a small screwdriver that can be used on your camera's screws (my Swiss Army Knife is sufficient). If you were going for a longer trip, I'd suggest an extra nut or two for the standards.

Changing bag? Extra 4x5 box for exposed film?

Have fun!

Vaughn

keithwms · Jun 11, 2007

How about taking the canon and a manual 35mm film body.... and make dual use of the lenses you carry. For hiking/climbing adventuring, unless you have a yak, 35mm is very nice. Does Canon have a batteryless, all-manual camera to suit you? If it were me, since I have Nikon glass, I would opt for an fm3a or such.

P.S. you can make yourself plastic ground glass with plexiglas and pipe compound.

freespirit67 · Jun 11, 2007

Not really "more" worried about damage to the field camera over the 20D, but the field camera does have a rather large piece of glass on it, which is more likely to break, then the 20D, anyway, all good advice, I will try to take a spare, or some perspex (a very good idea).
I think I was more concerned with where to put the cameras in a backpack so that they are well protected, and relatively easy to get to. It's only a two day trip, and I probably won't need a tent, but I prefer to do things the hard way! :rolleyes:
I will also be getting over a back operation after spending weeks in pain, and moping around at home, so I'm keen to get back on my feet, and do something mad, the idea of getting "lost" for a bit appeals to my boyish sense of adventure, even if it is only in The Tongariro National Park.

Thanks for the advice

roteague · Jun 11, 2007

freespirit67 said:
even if it is only in The Tongariro National Park.

Nice spot, I'd like to get there someday myself. I would suspect that the Horseman is much studier than the Canon, but you could carry the Canon around your nect and use it as a compositional aid or as a light meter. Have a great trip, and I hope you bring something back to share.

Tom Stanworth · Jun 11, 2007

The only thing I would do (assumng you have the inclination) is replace the DS with quick/readyloads. Saves weight and bulk if you intend to make more than half a dozen exposures or so. Of course this might not make financial sense and could mean getting used to a new film too (Tmax/Acros). a super light darkcloth is a must too. I have a 10x8 Zone 6 cloth and this weighs a tonne. I have the ultralight Ebony 5x4 cloth and am determined to get the 10x8 too as this will save about 2lbs from my kit bag!. The ebony one for 5x4 weighs nothing and is waterproof too whch is handy....

I know I have ended up discussing new kit, sorry!

Vaughn · Jun 11, 2007

I made a foam case using glue and closed-cell foam (actually a backpacker's sleeping pad that I cut up) for my 4x5 -- I slipped that into a waterproof stuff sack (the kind for sleeping bags). This could be put into your pack anywhere that does not get bashed when you set the pack down.

The film holders will also have to be protected. The darkslides themselves are prone to damage from sharp objects poking into them. You might find a cheap insulated lunch bag that can hold up to 6 film holders. I have several insulated bags that are give-aways to new moms -- designed to hold a couple baby bottles...they hold 4 4x5 holders perfectly. Quart-size (liter) zip-lock baggies are big enough for individual film holders and keep out dust and moisuture. Use them in conjunction with the insulated bags.

Accessories (meter, filters, lens cleaner, cable release, etc) can be put into a smaller stuff sac. A daypack or shoulder bag that can hold the camera, holders and accessory bag can be rolled up and caried strapped to the outside of your pack, for when you walk around w/o your main pack on.

Tongariro National Park is a great place. I spent 6 days photographing there -- but it was over New Years (1987), not winter. I stayed in the campground and day-hiked. Got to the top of Ngauruhoe and generally enjoyed wandering around. Have fun!

Vaughn

Dave_B · Jun 11, 2007

carrying LF gear into the field

I use the Photobackpacker system and like it. Their cases for cameras and lenses are light and strong. My camera is a Toyo 45CF with one lens mounted that fits into a camera case and then I use a lens case that holds three additional lenses. These fit into my pack with all my other gear. My total trail weight without food or water for my camping gear and photography gear is under thirty pounds, all in.
Good luck,
Dave B.

Keith Pitman · Jun 19, 2007

You can make a serviceable ground glass protector from foam core board. Depending on the configuration of your camera back, you may be able to make it press-fit into the ground glass opening. Otherwise, rubber bands will hold it in place well enough (take extras).

jeroldharter · Jun 19, 2007

I can't think of anything more pleasurable than loading myself down with a large format kit and backpacking into the bush in winter after back surgery. I think you need a porter.

Short of that, I would take my Outdoor Research Gore-Tex bivy sack (about 2 pounds) instead of a tent, a very light sleeping bag and pad, water filter/bottle, no stove, and a little food. Otherwise, I could not carry all the gear. I use the Photobackpacker backpack advertised on APUG and like it alot. Would probably hold everything but the sleeping bag plus my camera gear. Also, I would take a tarp for additional shelter if it is a rainy place and a very small tarp outside the bag so that when I stopped to take photos I could put my gear on something dry and clean.

Chuck_P · Jun 20, 2007

jeroldharter said:
I can't think of anything more pleasurable than loading myself down with a large format kit and backpacking into the bush in winter after back surgery. I think you need a porter.

I have no useful suggestions as they are pretty much all covered. But this reminds me when, back in the 20's, AA wired his dad for $20 so he could buy a pack mule to help him in Yosimite.

I think your adventure sounds great I would love to do something like that.
Good Luck

Chuck

freespirit67 · Jun 26, 2007

Well my recovery is taking rather longer than I expected Grrr! And I'm fed up, but can't do much about it, I spoke to some of the locals there today, and they said it's been dumping snow, and that it's VERY un-advisable to be thinking of going up there on my own...

Still hopefully I will get there in the end, and will post as soon as I can.
Thanks for all the tips!

Into the unknown, how would you pack?

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