Which backpack to travel with the S system?

[Pieter12]

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I have the MindShift backpack and highly recommend it. ThinkTank just released a couple of new backpacks that I think may even be larger than the MindShift ones.

But the first thing I would do is put all that gear you intend to carry on your back in a box and weigh it. Do you really want to lug that much around? A large rolling bag or case for everything and a smaller backpack for a body, a couple of lenses and a tripod that you would actually carry when you go out for a particular trek might be more reasonable.

[djmay]

I suggest you forget about a “photo” backpack and go to an outdoor outfitters store and try a good backpack designed for carrying heavy loads. I have backpacks from 30L to 100L that I have used with view cameras, 6x6 cameras, as well as Leica S. My current favorite for the S is a MOLLE-type, which is about 35L.

Important considerations; Cordura material, wide padded hip belt, strong attachment points (which is why I like MOLLE), accessibility to the interior and very importantly, good fit.

I regularly carry 18-20kg and it fits airline carry-on. Carry-on is a major factor for me.

[davidmknoble]

I really like the f stoppers backpacks because they carry the weight like an internal frame pack.  To put it in perspective I’ve done well over 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail, so backpack fitting is important to me.  I used the Anja which is 37L.  The other great part is that you can use different cubes inside,so carry less or more gear and more open space for other things (clothes).  It also opens with a zipper on the back padding.  So, you put the backpack down in the wet ground, straps up, open the back, shoot, put the camera back and put it on your back - the outside is wet, but the part on your back stays dry.  Many open on the front and so the part agains your back gets wet if the ground is wet or dirty.

I took mine to Iceland with the S007 and 4-5 lenses.  I also took a small duffel to put under the seat in front of me on the plane.  The backpack did fine in the overhead bin…. 

Just some thoughts.

David.

[Pierre68]

Am 21.5.2023 um 04:56 schrieb davidmknoble:

I really like the f stoppers backpacks because they carry the weight like an internal frame pack.  To put it in perspective I’ve done well over 500 miles on the Appalachian Trail, so backpack fitting is important to me.  I used the Anja which is 37L.  The other great part is that you can use different cubes inside,so carry less or more gear and more open space for other things (clothes).  It also opens with a zipper on the back padding.  So, you put the backpack down in the wet ground, straps up, open the back, shoot, put the camera back and put it on your back - the outside is wet, but the part on your back stays dry.  Many open on the front and so the part agains your back gets wet if the ground is wet or dirty.

I took mine to Iceland with the S007 and 4-5 lenses.  I also took a small duffel to put under the seat in front of me on the plane.  The backpack did fine in the overhead bin…. 

Just some thoughts.

David.

Hi and thank you for your input. I just ordered the Ajna backpack from F Stop with the medium slope and the large pro inserts. I like the idea of being able to adapt my backpack to the gear I want to carry.

[LocalHero1953]

5 hours ago, davidmknoble said:

I really like the f stoppers backpacks because they carry the weight like an internal frame pack.

For the record and for future readers of this forum, fstoppers is a review site, f-stop makes backpacks - they're not the same organisation.

I have a f-stop Loka which I find extremely comfortable for long distance walking, and the inserts are helpful. Sometimes the inserts are tricky to get in and out of the pack - the large opening, surrounded by the frame, is actually a bit narrow. But I can live with it. I use the Loka for large format gear, aiming for an all-up weight, including tripod and water bottle, of 10kg.

Edited May 21, 2023 by LocalHero1953

[davidmknoble]

1 hour ago, LocalHero1953 said:

For the record and for future readers of this forum, fstoppers is a review site, f-stop makes backpacks - they're not the same organisation.

I have a f-stop Loka which I find extremely comfortable for long distance walking, and the inserts are helpful. Sometimes the inserts are tricky to get in and out of the pack - the large opening, surrounded by the frame, is actually a bit narrow. But I can live with it. I use the Loka for large format gear, aiming for an all-up weight, including tripod and water bottle, of 10kg.

@LocalHero1953 thanks for the fix.   It was late, my mistake.

This is the pack I’ve used:  https://shop.fstopgear.com/camera-bags/mountain-series-backpacks/ajna-37l-duradiamond-travel-and-adventure-camera-backpack/

 

[davidmknoble]

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Second note on f-stop backpacks.  I have used the Mountain series which is a little heavier, I have not used the ultra-light series.

The Mountain series is listed (today) with a 20-year warranty and the Ultralight a 3-year warranty.  That is the pack, the inserts are made of the same materials…

I used mine pretty hard in Iceland and have never had water or fabric tear issues.  But I don’t know the difference in materials on the ultra-light series…

David.

[Eclectic Man]

On 5/19/2023 at 9:56 AM, djmay said:

I suggest you forget about a “photo” backpack and go to an outdoor outfitters store and try a good backpack designed for carrying heavy loads. I have backpacks from 30L to 100L that I have used with view cameras, 6x6 cameras, as well as Leica S. My current favorite for the S is a MOLLE-type, which is about 35L.

Important considerations; Cordura material, wide padded hip belt, strong attachment points (which is why I like MOLLE), accessibility to the interior and very importantly, good fit.

I regularly carry 18-20kg and it fits airline carry-on. Carry-on is a major factor for me.

If you intend to walk any distance, I recommend a backpack with crampon attachments on the lid.  Buy a couple of karabiners from a mountaineering store and attach one each side of the pack lid.  You can then clip the camera strap though the Karabiners and walk with the camera ready.  This has two other major benefits:

1  The weight of the pack is balanced to some extent by the weight of the camera and lens making you more stable.

2 The karabiners take the weight of the camera off your neck, using two karabiners (I originally tried it with one) means the camera strap does not press on the sides of your neck.

Now, I do admit that it can be a bit tricky taking it off and putting it back on, but the advantages are that the whole weight is carried by your hips when using a proper mountaineering rucksack, making the whole thing a lot less tiring to carry.

I find that Lowe Alpine sacks are among the most comfortable and durable for mountaineering.

Good luck!

[Photon42]

On 5/17/2023 at 4:21 PM, Pierre68 said:

Hello S users. I am planning a trip to Iceland this summer and I am looking for some input about which backpack would suit to carry a S007 and 4-5 lenses (+SF 60 Flash?) and accessories (filters, tripod etc).

Any suggestion? 

It is a little left field maybe, but if you have the chance, check out the Mission Workshop Integer. It is large enough for your requirements, I think.

[Pierre68]

10 hours ago, Eclectic Man said:

If you intend to walk any distance, I recommend a backpack with crampon attachments on the lid.  Buy a couple of karabiners from a mountaineering store and attach one each side of the pack lid.  You can then clip the camera strap though the Karabiners and walk with the camera ready.  This has two other major benefits:

1  The weight of the pack is balanced to some extent by the weight of the camera and lens making you more stable.

2 The karabiners take the weight of the camera off your neck, using two karabiners (I originally tried it with one) means the camera strap does not press on the sides of your neck.

Now, I do admit that it can be a bit tricky taking it off and putting it back on, but the advantages are that the whole weight is carried by your hips when using a proper mountaineering rucksack, making the whole thing a lot less tiring to carry.

I find that Lowe Alpine sacks are among the most comfortable and durable for mountaineering.

Good luck!

Sounds interesting. Could you post some picture of your set uo?

[Pieter12]

I have been using a WANDRD 41L with the pro insert for my 006 and 2 lenses. There is room for a third. It is a bit unconventional as it has two compartments that are accessed individually when you unzip the back, by I like that I can quickly remove the camera with a lens attached through the side flap. A small tripod will fit on the side of the pack and you can throw a light rain jacket in the roll top.

[Eclectic Man]

14 hours ago, Pierre68 said:

Sounds interesting. Could you post some picture of your set uo?

The two Karabiners are clipped into the top of the rucksack and the camera strap clipped through them so:

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From the front it looks like this when worn:

Note that the pack is carrying the weight straight to the waist belt, and the strap is not pressing on the back or the sides of my neck at all.

Of course, for a 'proper' demonstration, I need you to send me an S3, with 24, 35, 45, 70, 120 and 180 S lenses, but I expect you get the idea anyway ;o)

[davidmknoble]

On 6/5/2023 at 2:48 PM, Eclectic Man said:

If you intend to walk any distance, I recommend a backpack with crampon attachments on the lid.  Buy a couple of karabiners from a mountaineering store and attach one each side of the pack lid.  You can then clip the camera strap though the Karabiners and walk with the camera ready.  This has two other major benefits:

1  The weight of the pack is balanced to some extent by the weight of the camera and lens making you more stable.

2 The karabiners take the weight of the camera off your neck, using two karabiners (I originally tried it with one) means the camera strap does not press on the sides of your neck.

Now, I do admit that it can be a bit tricky taking it off and putting it back on, but the advantages are that the whole weight is carried by your hips when using a proper mountaineering rucksack, making the whole thing a lot less tiring to carry.

I find that Lowe Alpine sacks are among the most comfortable and durable for mountaineering.

Good luck!

I actually think this can cause some problems.  Most good photography backpacks put the camera equipment on the bottom, which is well suited with a proper hip belt and shoulder straps.  Internal frame packs are meant to distribute the weight well.  I know this from close to 1,000 miles of backpacking.  Putting a camera strapped on the top wrapped around the front is a problem when stooping down or taking off the pack.  It also moves the weight where the pack designers did not want it put, counteracting their design.

I use a lens and camera pouch on the belt to carry things and if you are a landscape photographer, you may want instead to take off your pack and pull out your tripod. If you are trying to capture street photography, then you probably are not packing in Iceland with an S and have to have something more accessible, smaller and ready to shoot.

Just my thoughts.

[Pierre68]

9 hours ago, Eclectic Man said:

The two Karabiners are clipped into the top of the rucksack and the camera strap clipped through them so:

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From the front it looks like this when worn:

Note that the pack is carrying the weight straight to the waist belt, and the strap is not pressing on the back or the sides of my neck at all.

Of course, for a 'proper' demonstration, I need you to send me an S3, with 24, 35, 45, 70, 120 and 180 S lenses, but I expect you get the idea anyway ;o)

Interesting. Thank you. I might give it a try one of these days

 

[Pierre68]

So finally I am embarking on a trip to Iceland today 🙂 

We rented a jeep and we are planning to go round the island in 10 days. I know it is going to be a rush... 

I have chosen a F stop Ajna bag to carry my gear from one place to the other. The bags contains the S 007, SF 60 Flash unit, S 24, S35, S70, S 120 and S 180 plus charger and batteries and filters. It weight like a dead horse... So no hiking with this bag. For day trips on foot I will put the camera body with one lens mounted and another one or two lenses in a Peak Design 13L Every Day Messenger. I stumbled upon this bag the last days before departure in one of the local photo gear store. It seems very convenient. It has a spacious interior, lots of accessory pockets everywhere and it is water proof (up to a certain degree).

I will keep this thread updated as the trip will go on.

Edited August 2, 2023 by Pierre68

[davidmknoble]

Just a note on FStop.  I use the ANJA 37 liter backpack with the S system and love the size / gear fit combo.  It also fits in the bin above on airplanes.  But, be careful comparing them.  The ultralight series has a much shorter warranty and is not made of the same tough fabric as the main series.  It is lighter, but I think (my opinion) at a cost to durability.  Love this pack - the zipper is by the shoulder straps so you have to remove it to get to gear, but that means the back of the pack is on the ground - not the part next to your body. I’m way to old for heavy packs that swing around with a size zipper, and you can’t get to all the gear, just part of it.  Just my opinions of course…

(Sorry for duplication)

Edited August 2, 2023 by davidmknoble

[davidmknoble]

Sorry, see I already posted here, was on page 1!

@Pierre68, excited you started your trip!  Curious what you think at the end of your choice   excited about seeing photos eventually….

[Pierre68]

So here is the Ajna backpack with its content:

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I used this bag just to carry the whole rig from on point to the other in the car and to keep my gear safe in the hotels rooms.

 

Edited August 14, 2023 by Pierre68

[Pierre68]

The Ajna bag was comfortable to carry even if the total weight was around 10kgs, but there was no way I would carry it on any hike short or long.

The bag can be fitted with various padded inserts. For those trip I chose the large one. It still left plenty of room to carry 3 different filters sets, a flash and the pro charger with spare batteries

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Pierre68]

The Ajna Bag is tough but one of the zipper puller broke just after a few uses. Will fix it myself passing the cord adirectly tin the zipper skipping the broken metal buckle and putting a new heat shrinking tubing on it 😉

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