Thought it would be fun to share what goes into my backpack for shooting with my 4×5 camera when I know I’m going to venture away from the car…..
Kelty Redwing 5100 Backpack
MountainSmith Kit-Cube case for lighter weight trips (3-4 lenses)
LowePro PRI Medium Format insert when weight isn't a consideration (holds all six lenses)
Feisol Carbon Fiber Tripod or Bogen Studio Tripod with 3 way geared head for close to car
4×5 Chamonix View Camera
Full lens kit (75mm, 90mm, 150mm, 210mm, 300mm, 400mm)
Lightweight Lens kit (90mm, 150mm, 300mm)
Spot Meter (extra battery)
FIlter Case with assorted filters and Step rings
Dark cloth
Focusing Loop
lens cloth
Dust Brush
Rocket Bulb Blower
Cable releases (backups)
Tripod Quick release plate
Spare Ground glass x2 (protected inside of a film holder box)
Lens wrench
utility knife
Sheet film holders (2 shots per holder) or Grafmatic Backs
Ruler (for measuring Bellows extension factor)
Head Lamp
Space Blanket sleeping bag (emergency)
Map/Compass/GPS (ever since I got lost in Joshua Tree)
sheet of Tyvek for ground cloth
Emergency Whistle
Note Book & pencil
USB charger for phone/electronics
Water
ClifBars
First Aid Kit
Water Purification Tabs
GoPro & Digital Camera can be replaced by iPhone 7+ to save weight. (I've pretty much switched over to the iPhone 7+)
Why a Kelty Redwing 5100 instead of a dedicated camera backpack? Comfort and weight!!! The Redwing is more than 8 pounds lighter than my old dedicated camera backpack… and SO much more comfortable!
I can easily turn this into a quick overnight kit by taking out one of the packs of film holders (and reloading in the field) and inserting a sleeping bag, pad, food (can even fit a small ultralight stove/fuel) and a backpackers poncho which turns into a shelter.
I can also trim this kit down to fit into a Kelty Super Tioga External Frame backpacking pack for up to 5 nights in the wilderness without having to resupply. Total weight of camera gear w/ film 18-20 pounds.
My ultralight backpacking kit (everything else I need to survive for days in the field) comes in around 20 pounds.
Here is my bag with a 4 lens kit: 75mm, 90mm, 180mm and 300mm. I have since replace the 180mm with a 150mm and a 210mm.
The Kelty Redwing 5100 and it's load ready for a trip!