One of the perrenial questions of LF: which backpack?

[michaelo]

I'm not carrying much: a Walker Titan SF 5x4, a couple of standard-sized lenses, cloth, meter, loupe and sandwich (!) but when I am I really want the tripod (Velbon CF, Gitzo Mg head * thanks for that tip davejt3) to go on the back of the bag so I've headed towards LowePro. The Mini Trekker which arrived today is going back as it needs to be more adaptable at that size.
So now I've narrowed my choice down to the Tamrac Expedition 7 and the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW. The former certainly should be big enough and gets some great reviews but is the heavier of the 2. The bigger Lowepro may leave room for expansion but I believe in the right (provided its affordable) kit for the job and am more attracted by the reduced weight (& size).
Best solution, as always, is hands-on experience so, has anyone got any of either of these bags?
Many thanks in advance,
Michael O'Brien

[Trevor Crone]

Hi Michael, while I don't use the Tamrac Expedition 7 for 4x5, I have used the 5 (replaced by a Ortileb backpack/roller) to good use. It held my Ebony SW45 with a lens attached, spare lens on Linhof panel, light meter, up to 10 DDS's, and the usual extras, cable release, torch, pens, small tools, cleaning kit, etc. It's a comfortable bag and waterproof, although I was never caught out in a really heavy down pour.

I think the 7 will give you plenty of space to expand your kit if you ever feel the need.

[michaelo]

Thanks very much for that Trevor. I think I'll need to visit a store to try out models/sizes but it's helpful to hear of your good experience with the range.
Best,
Michael

[craigmagee]

I know you said your sending it back, but what exactly didn't you like about the Mini Trekker??
I carry quite a bit in mine really - Ebony w/ 3 lenses (one on camera), usual stuff for shooting, Canon 5dmk2 w/ lens and hardshell/gloves/beanie

[michaelo]

The Mini looks great - like a grown up version of my Micro with a tripod holder. But I suspect there may be more than one model with that name as there's no way I'd get the kit you list in the one I received.
Best,
Michael

[dave_whatever]

There's two mini trekkers, both the same size just one has the AW pull-out waterproof cover whereas the older model doesn't:



In mine I get a shen hao non-folder with lens attached, 2 more lenses, a rollfilm back, hood, loupe, cloth, 3xDDS then meter/filters/any extra DDS I need go in either the front pocket or the inner pockets.

[craigmagee]

I have the original version of the Mini Trekker, but the AW is basically the same.. I'll send post a pic tonight of everything in it, I usually only carry 5 DD's though!

I Also have the Lowepro Vertex 200 which is a bit bigger. Thats quite good, and the tripod mounting is much better than the Mini Trekker, which really i find a bit weak and floppy!
But the front pouch is designed to take a laptop so I cant stuff the Jacket/cloth/gloves/hat in as easily, but the side pouches are good for stuffing in the smaller things!

The Mini Trekker is my 5x4/walking backpack. I don't use the tripod mount on either to be honest, as I usually just carry it over my shoulder with the first section of legs extended, but thats just me, and I never walk more than say an hour from the car!

[hmvmanuk]

Based on recommendations in this thread, I've just bought a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW. I'd be interested to know how you Mini Trekker users get your kit in this bag as I'm having trouble arranging the dividers to suit my Wista DX, lens and DDSs etc. Any chance of somebody posting a photo of how they arrange their gear, please? Or PM me.

Thanks very much,

Gavin

[hmvmanuk]

Subsequent to my last post, which was borne of frustration and tiredness, my spacial awareness chip has kicked in again and I've figured out how to arrange the gear in the bag quite easily! I'd still be interested, though, to see how others manage to pack their LF kits into what is a very compact bag.

Gavin.

[craigmagee]

Hey Gavin here is a pic of my mini trekker with what I usualy take out.


I just take the 10 shots so I don't go to mental and blow loads of film

I reckon with some fiddling could probably squeeze another lens in.

[Joanna Carter]

I reckon with some fiddling could probably squeeze another lens in.

Of course, if you got rid of that digisnapper, you'd have more room and less weight

[dave_whatever]

I could spend 10 minutes staring at that photo and still can't get my head round how you've shoehorned an SLR into there!

Here's my current setup. Below the spare lens is loupe and a 90mm viewfinder. Hood below that. Some more darkslides, the meter and Lee filter pouch are in the front bag pocket. Darkcloth just gets wrapped around the front of the camera for storage/protection purposes.

I must say though that this is pretty fluid and changable. Until recently for example I was carrying 3 lenses, the third one going where the loupe and viewfinder are, and the loupe sat inside the hood. I could easily rearrange the hood, lose the 6x7 back and fit a good few more darkslides in the main compartment for example.

While we're on a subject vaguely related to this, does anyone have a decent solution to storing Lee 100mm square and 100x150mm grads that is a bit more economic on space than the huge and bulky Lee file-o-fax I'm currently using? It just seems massively overkill and I worry that I look like an '80s yuppie every time I reach for a filter.

[hmvmanuk]

Craig and Dave, thanks very much for the great photos - really helpful.
I've clearly a lot to learn about packing a bag!

Thanks again and best wishes,

Gavin

PS I'd been hoping to squeeze my DSLR in as well

[Tristan Campbell]

Dave - Although I rarely use filters these days I put them in a Lee Filters Cloth Triple Wrap. It gets them down to the minimum size possible and at just £5 it's not bad value. Check out Morco under Lee accessories. Tristan

[Joanna Carter]

... I put them in a Lee Filters Cloth Triple Wrap. It gets them down to the minimum size possible and at just £5 it's not bad value. Check out Morco under Lee accessories. Tristan

Or call your local friendly UKLFPG Lee agent for her price