The Photo backpack - A success story

[Digidurst]

Hi all I know that carting around your 4x5 (etc.) gear can sometimes be a real PITA so I thought I'd share my success with finding a backpack that fulfills my needs beautifully (and comfortably too)!

The Mountainsmith Paragon camera daypack

In the top (padded compartment) I can carry my Shen-Hao, 3 lf lenses mounted on boards, meter, loupe, plus my dSLR with short zoom attached as well as a telephoto lens. In the bottom compartment (not padded) I can carry a Fuji quickload film box with a few film packets and the film holder, a 6x12 roll film holder, 3 regular sheet film holders and my dark cloth. The various other pockets hold my filter wallet, notepad, lens cleaning cloth as well as other essential gear. Handy to note are the side mesh pockets (perfect for a water bottle) and the two zippered pockets on the waist strap where I carry my car keys without fear of loosing them in the field. I strap my tripod to the front via bungee cords (not included which is my only gripe about the bag).

It is sooo much more comfortable than my Lowe Pro Photo Trekker AW II (which I'm selling by the way), lighter and cheaper too.

Oh, and I can personally recommend Snow Leapord if you want to buy one. Their customer service is just great!

[Steve Hamley]

Ellen,

It looks great. I've always been a proponent of "real" packs for carrying camera gear.

How do you carry the tripod? Side or back?

Steve

[colrehogan]

Ellen,
How big is the top compartment if you took everything out, i.e. could you fit a larger camera body in there?

[Digidurst]

Hi Steve and Diane I strap the tripod to the front between the two long, zippered pockets. The tripod can also ride on the side using one of the mesh pockets as a 'boot' and using the side strap to hold down the top.

As for a larger camera, I would imagine you could get an 8x10 folder in the top but I would wonder about getting additional lenses in the padded compartment. Perhaps some sort of padded lens case to stick in the bottom would suit? I'll take actual measurements of the top compartment later this afternoon and post here

[wildbill]

I am close to replacing my phototrekker and i almost ordered the Paragon for only $109. I'm just worried it's not big enough for extra goodies like food, clothing or my pentax 67II. I'm either going to go with the F64 xtra large or the Paragon. I carry a shenhao, 6x12 holder, spotmeter, up to 10 holders and grad filter holder. I tried to get Mountainsmith to send actual interior photos but they won't. Can you send me photos of the way you've got yours packed?

[Tom Hoskinson]

My 8x10 Wehman Field Camera, Film Holders, Lenses, etc. all fit very nicely in my Kelty Redwing 3100 Back Pack.

[Digidurst]

Ok, ok so I'm a few days late! LOL Better late than never

I measured the top interior dimensions and they are 12.5H x 11.5W (at the middle of the compartment). I've also attached a photo of how I have it packed. The blank space is normally occupied with my Canon 20D.

I took the pack out of town with me and it worked like a dream in the field.