Hiking Boot or Shoe Suggestion

[Richard Nelridge]

Any suggestions for a Hiking Boot or shoe to carry between about 35-45 lbs (on an ongoing basis) of backpacking, photographic gear and food and water.

As a Nature and Landscape Photographer, I am carrying about 10-25lbs of film based cameras and equipment as part of this load (really dense and heavy stuff).

Presently using a pair of Scarpa Leather Boots that weigh about 3lb 4 oz in my size 7. I am only about 5′ 6″ tall and about 164 lbs (large chest size but need to lose about 10 or so pounds).

Would consider getting Gortex socks as an option. My concerns though are to have enough foot and ankle support for this kind of load for a vertically challenged individual. Any suggestions much appreciated.

Rich Nelridge
http://www.nelridge.com

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Paul,

Though digital photo equipment has come a long way, I am using some of the finest and heaviest 35 mm equipment, as well as 2 1/4″ x 2 3/4″, and 4″ x 5″ film based cameras.

Though my work is sold through stock, most of my work is sold at Art and Art and Craft shows. With the film based cameras, I (and my printer) prepare digital files in the raw form for 3 colors that are on the order of 225 to 300mb or larger. This allows us to prepare photos on the order of 40″ x 50″ or for panoramic images of 4′ x 8′.
I frequently sell photos that are 20″ x 30″ from 35mm cameras and 24″ x 30″ from my 4″ x 5″ cameras.

Digital as I have said has come a long way. But there is no replacing the large transparency (or negative) or very large digital file. In order to get this kind of image size if it is even possible, one needs to spend about $10,000 or more for a medium format camera plus the cost of the rest of the optics. Unless mistaken, to do this in large format (4″ x 5″) you need a digital back (about $30,000) and a laptop computer (not field practical or condusive to backpacking).

There is not only the cost, but the size, weight, capture time, and the usage of batteries (including weight and size). These are not lightweight or practical options at this point. For studio applications yes. But I know no Professional Photographer using this kind of equipment in the field for work similar to mine.

Check my website if you have questions of what I am producing. By the way since you live in CT you would have the chance to see the work at one of the shows that I participate in including Mystic (check my schedule).

Rich Nelridge
http://www.nelridge.com

[kevin davidson]

Richard, I,too, used to schlep a 4×5 Linhof into the
backcountry when I was doing fine art outdoor photography( I since have moved on to studio work). I found that Lowa Tempest lows (a
highly regarded shoe by many) worked very nicely for me even with stock insoles on the trail and for pretty much everything else short of snow,and intense scree and talus. Some of my loads were over 60 # w/ camera,polaroid back,film holders,and a wooden tripod that would have done Ansel Adams proud.
I did go through insoles,though, because they would compress due to weight.

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the input. Surprised you recognized I was using a Linhof (Technikardan S) for 4″ x 5″ camera (I don’t think that is even mentioned on my website). I think I made a conscious decision to not mention what I was using for fear of possible theft. But, I also use Leica R series 35mm cameras and lenses (the six images used by Leica however, are referenced on the web site). Additionaly I also use an old Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar TLR. But, what I am looking to use for much of my lighter work now is the Mamiya 7 II Rangefinder camera with a battery of lenses. Shoot everything on transparency material, primarily Fuji Velvia and Provia 100. Almost always meter with a digital spot meter. And of course my carbon fiber Gitzo tripods with either a Linhof Profi II or the larger Arca B1 ball heads.

Rich

[kevin davidson]

I used and still have a Linhof V Master Technika.
I would have used a carbon fiber tripod had they been available but my 9# Reis w/ the Arca-Swiss head was a great combo. I briefly used the Technikarden (ingenious design) but found I needed to baby it more in the wilds.

Glad someone is keeping the tradition of large format outdoor work alive.

My introduction to UL backpacking began out of the necessity to reduce everything but the photogear to the bare minimum so I could get the gear into the backcountry.

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Kevin,

Yes it is the heavy photo gear that has driven me to UL backpacking equipment as well. Due to this considerable weight and as I have aged it has become a necessity. Because of equipment weight, I had McHale Packs make a custom 5.5 lb 5000 cu in main compartment Critical Mass Panel Loading Pack made of a combination of 420 HT packcloth and Full Spectra material (pack has additional separate outer pocket for a Nalgene 1.5 L Cantene that can be used as either a regular water bottle or a hydration system).

I have been away from shooting for some time for the most part, selling many works that are 6 to 10 years old. But I am getting back into the field to create new work. I had a Linhof Super Technika IV modified by Marflex in NJ (official Linhof repair) to operate with the same front tilts as the V and Master. Unfortunately that “one of a kind” antique camera was stolen back in 1995. At the suggestion of Bob Salomon of HP Marketing (US distributor of Linhof) I replaced the Technika with the Technikardan S in 1995. Yes it is an ingenius design, is not as rugged as the clam shell closure of the Technikas, and needs more babying. But it does many operations more easily, particularly rear movements, and takes a wide angle bellows, and doesn’t need a wide angle lens board to mount lenses to 55mm? Also the camera does weigh about 7.5 lbs without a lens while the Super and Master Technikas weigh closer to 5.5 lbs.

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