RuXpod: The ultimate camera bag: keeping your equipment off the ground!

[tim48v]

After years of frustration, we've finally solved the "how do I keep my equipment out of the dirt" problem for outdoor photographers:

RuXpod Preview

 

[Donald Qualls]

Seems pretty cool.

 

[Chuck1]

Keeps it out of the poison ivy too

 

[tim48v]

Keeps it out of the poison ivy too

Are you speaking from experience?

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

How do you focus it with a loupe? Doesn't the bag get in the way?

 

[tim48v]

You can either lean over the bag (it's only 6" and most view cameras extend back a ways.) Or, just step to the side. That's why the top opens away from the tripod, easy access to your most commonly used items.

 

[Alan9940]

Seems to me that depending on the overall weight of the camera/tripod combo and the distance of the leg spread at normal working height, the weight of this bag along with whatever is stored therein could destabilize the whole setup. And, what about wind? Seems like potential for vibration(s) throughout the rig.

 

[tim48v]

Actually, adding weight to a tripod usually stabilizes it. Also, if you analyze the force vectors involved, the majority of the weight is pushing the tripod down.
Haven't had any issues in the wind but we tend to avoid real gusty conditions anyway.

 

[Vaughn]

When something works, go with it! I can see where this will be great for people.

But must admit...after decades of backpacking (including a decade of being a wilderness ranger) I have spent years living on the ground -- my camera pack gets put on the ground, shoulder straps down, no worries. What's a little dirt or dampness? But my best set up for my smaller formats (Rolleiflex, 4x5 and 5x7) is to hike with the camera on the tripod and the holders, filters, notebook, and meter in a shoulder bag...nothing to put on the ground, everything is quickly ready to work with the changing light.

 

[Alan9940]

Actually, adding weight to a tripod usually stabilizes it. Also, if you analyze the force vectors involved, the majority of the weight is pushing the tripod down.

Adding weight will help stabilize your setup, but I always thought it should be centered vs hanging offset to one side. Many times I've hung my pack on the hook of the center column (I don't ever raise it) or hung a bag of rocks on said hook.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Great idea!

 

[Donald Qualls]

Adding weight will help stabilize your setup, but I always thought it should be centered vs hanging offset to one side.

Given where the weight is (on the central column at the leg join, it looks like) this put the backpack weight well within the triangle of the legs for any reasonable setup tall enough to keep the pack off the ground as intended.

Of course, I already have packs for my RB67 kit and my Graphic View II, so I'm not likely to shell out for this -- but if this had been available three years ago when I got my 15 year bonus at work...