Back pack recommendations for a 5x4 load out.

[MrDrizz]

So I have quickly realised that my current back pack just isn't big enough to hold my 5x4 kit, the camera, 3 lenses and 4 film holders plus all the smaller ancillary items are a very tight squeeze.
My current bag is the Lowepro Flip side trek and I really like it because the camera access is the same side as the shoulder strapsso new bag must have this feature.

I am most definitely not a snob and will look at any brand.

I have had a quick look at Shimoda and was like

Edit:
I do have an excellent Mammot hiking rucksack that I could use with inserts

 

[RaglanSurf]

I used to use a Tamracc Expedition 5 and 6, I now use a Lowepro BP350AW, if you're interested i can post the Tamrac 6 in the classifieds.

 

[MrDrizz]

I used to use a Tamracc Expedition 5 and 6, I now use a Lowepro BP350AW, if you're interested i can post the Tamrac 6 in the classifieds.

Thanks, the Tarmac is about the same size as my current bag.

 

[lindsay]

My 5x4 kit is all in a Lowepro Trim Trekker that I bought off someone on TP, it fits everything the same as you have. Only available used now it seems

 

[Kevin Allan]

When carrying an Intrepid 5x4 and two lenses, I use a Lowepro Fastpack 350 like this https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/l...up&utm_term=Lowepro+Used+Lowepro+Fastpack+350

I might be able to carry three lenses in it, depending on how they are protected. I use a cheap insert in the top compartment which comfortably holds two lenses.

A lot depends on what else you carry - eg food, drink, waterproofs. If you're out in the wild all day you may need something bigger.

 

[FruitFlakes]

I currently use a Lowepro ProTactic 450AWII for my 5x4 kit, IIRC I could pull my Intrepid out of the side quick access when I still had it. I usually carry my 5x4 (a Linhof Tech) + 3x lenses and about 6x film holders in there. There's still more room for a roll film back/reflex finder/handgrip (for handheld work) should I want to. The bag is also deep enough to place my folded up dark cloth on top of the camera body. Tripod is strapped to the side.

It's comfortable enough but once you get to that kind of loadout you do need to use the waist straps as the shoulder straps aren't really comfortable enough for longer hikes.

I'm currently waiting for my Peak Design 45L outdoor pack to arrive as well, will post pictures of a typical loadout when I receive it.

 

[RaglanSurf]

Thanks, the Tarmac is about the same size as my current bag.

I've got my Chroma + 4 lenses + ancillaries. Theres room for 9 DDS in the front pocket or 6 in the main compartment and theres still room for more more stuff in the front pockets for chocolate bars, theres also purpose made system for carrying a tripod and I f you have the Tamrac compatible add on side pouches theres room for a water bottle or a flask. I know the Flipside Trek and depending which model you have surely you already have plenty of space, I'm not what else you'd want to carry?

 

[Kevin Allan]

When carrying an Intrepid 5x4 and two lenses, I use a Lowepro Fastpack 350 like this https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/product/l...up&utm_term=Lowepro+Used+Lowepro+Fastpack+350

I just remembered I wrote a blog article a few years ago on the "Whats in my bag" line which showed an Intrepid +2 lens kit in a Lowepro Nova 180AW, which I purchased in a charity shop for £1.50 - https://kevinthephotographer.wordpress.com/2019/02/17/whats-in-my-bag-large-format-kit/

This bag is a shoulder bag; sometimes I use this type of bag if I'm expecting to be working on landscape shots in the middle of a river or a muddy field or on a beach with an incoming tide - circumstances where it's not advisable to take off a backpack and put it on the ground.

 

[Boots]

No experience of 5x4, but I do have a taste for larger backpacks, just because I find they are easier to carry and work with. I have a Lowepro Pro Trekker 400 AW which I picked up for not too much money from eBay. That should offer plenty of adjustable storage space. The only downside is it doesn't offer much non-photographic space (for food, spare layers etc.).