As much of a wordsmith that I claim to be, trying to describe Chris Burkhard’s photography to you wouldn’t come close to doing justice to the awesome, incredible, and award winning imagery he’s been known to capture. Burkhard has an eye for the surreal and has the uncanny ability to visually capture things that you previously only daydreamed about – the stuff that comes from the wildest parts of our very vivid imaginations. To do this, he needs to haul around a collection of expensive camera equipment and lenses, often to remote locations and across uneasy terrain. I’m not sure exactly how he’s done it in the past, but in teaming up with Mountainsmith, there is a clear and significant indication of how he will do so moving forward.
Launching this week, the Mountainsmith Chris Burkhard Camera Series – also known as the T.A.N Camera Series (for Tough As Nails) – is aimed at making life easier for adventure photographers. This durable, five-piece collection is designed to safely and securely haul camera equipment and other essential gear from remote location to location, all while facing a variety of threats. Between the elements, over-zealous TSA baggage handlers, and whatever other kind of jostling and jumbling that can be expected from running, hiking, and climbing to get the perfect shot, that fragile equipment is routinely at risk.
Additionally, more complex pieces in the line – like the Tanack 40L Pack and Tanack 10L Lumber Pack – have been designed with organization and on-the-go-access in mind. For example, the Tanack 40L also features a camera chest rig and is designed to carry a combination of the three sizes of Kit Cubes which make up the remainder of this line-up.
All the pieces in the Mountainsmith Chris Burkhard/T.A.N series of adventure photography packs are constructed from 610D Cordura HP Nylon, 630D Cordura Nylon Carbonate, or a combination of both. All are water-resistant as well, and feature EVA High Density foam padding where needed to ensure your precious cargo doesn’t go snap, crackle, or pop when you’re out there exploring.
Does this series sound well-thought out and executed or what?
Looking at how it’s all comprised, you could probably buy all five pieces of the series, use them in conjunction with one another, and be unstoppable. Unfortunately, you still won’t be Chris Burkhard. That dude has a gift.
Available now at mountainsmith.com, the various bags range in price from $49.95 to $229.95.