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Have I found the ultimate camera bag?

Messiah Khan

Messiah Khan

Messiah Khan

Soldato
Joined
1 Sep 2005
Posts
10,000
Location
Scottish Highlands
After having tried loads of different camera bags (Lowepro Slingshot 200AW, Lowepro Pro Trekker, Lowepro Vertex 200AW, Lowepro Flipside 200AW, Nanau Alpha, Tamrac Adventure 9 and several others) and having never been completely happy with any of them I decided to do some research and buy yet another bag! This time it was the F-Stop Loka up for test.

F-Stop is an American company specializing in camera bags for 'adventure photography', ie Skiing, Trekking, Mountain biking etc. As my main need is to carry camera kit, clothing and food on long (15-25mile) walks their lineup looked pretty good.

Originally I was going to get the 50 litre Tilopa (They also do the even bigger 58 Litre Satori) but on talking with some of the guys from F-Stop (They are very responsive to their users and ideas etc) I discovered that a new 37 Litre Loka was just about to be released. I wasn't sure if this was a bit too small and light, but I took a risk and pre-ordered it anyway.

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(Not my pics btw.)

It arrived last Saturday. Got the black one and I am very happy so far. This is a camera bag designed for people who carry cameras, not cameras who happen to be carried by people. What I mean by this is many of the Lowepro bags keep your kit very safe, but are also hideously over padded and overweight (My Pro Trekker is 4.3Kg empty!). This bag keeps your kit safe but weight is kept to a minimum and it is way comfier than any other bag I have tried. I am 6'1" and it fits perfectly. Some really well thought out features on this bag. Access is from the back, so when you put it on the ground you don't get the part that goes against your back all wet and muddy. There are plenty of well thought out straps and attachments for tripods, skiis, snowboards, walking poles, lighting stands and everything else. The bottom is fully rubberised to make it totally waterproof and super durable. Also for a bag this small it seems to have a mysterious amount of space inside. I have the medium ICU (All of the bags use removable ICUs (Internal Camera Unit) to hold the camera kit, so you can choose different sizes depending on what camera/clothing ratio you want) fitted and was surprised to fit;

Nikon D300
300mm f4 + 1.4xTC
24-70mm f2.8
10-20mm f4-5.6
Polarizer
10 Stop ND filter
Remote shutter
Right Angled Viewfinder
Gitzo 1541T + Markens Q3T Tripod

Coat (Paramo Pajaro)
Food
Drink
First Aid Kit
Compass
Wallet
Keys

Plus a few other bits and bobs. With this kit there is still a decent amount of space left for more spare clothes or other accessories. I am also very happy to discover that the straps on the waistband are wide enough to take a Think Tank Holster, meaning I have somewhere to keep my camera temporarily rather than having to keep taking the rucksack on and off.

A few things I would change about this bag though; I know the raincover is an optional extra, but I think for the price and weight it really should come as standard. I would like to see the molle straps on the right hand waiststrap as well as the left, and have the waist pocket detachable. I'm also not convinced by how the ICU attaches to the inside of the bag. I would prefer to see plastic clips doing the job instead. Once it is in it is held in place safely, but it is a bit tricky adding and removing it.

Other than that it is exactly what I was after. It looks great, fits great and makes my days out much easier and comfier. If anyone else is looking for a bag that feels like it belongs on your back, then this is a very good option. :)
 
Good review thanks Messiah. Do you have any internal shots? I'm currently using the Tamrac Expedition 7x, which is a remarkably large and heavy back with a relatively small amount of internal space! This might be just the ticket. Wonder if it fits a 600mm...?
 
Im, getting one for for christmas! Seems perfect for my need

Im hoping to have time in the spring for some serious ski touring and want to tak soem camera gear.
 
That looks good - does the H20 logo on the side mean it will take a hydration bladder?

My LowePro rucksack isn't big enough for walking (and doesn't take a bladder), but my Vango walking rucksack isn't great for a camera.
 
One of the guys who went to Skomer this year with TP had one of these. Looked pretty epic and carried a ton of gear.

I agree it's a bit stingy not including a rain-cover though given the price!
 
Camelpaw said:
That's crazy-huge for a camera bag, but if you need the space...! :D

May I ask how much? :p
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That's not big. As I say, my big bag is a Lowepro Pro Trekker which is far bigger and heavier (up to 20Kg fully loaded). This bag is much smaller and lighter and allows me to move faster and further. With my new light setup, I have most things covered ]. I've got 10mm-420mm of focal length, tripod and filters so whatever the conditions or situations I should be good to go.

As for price, it isn't cheap but it is built very well and I am more than happy to pay the price for something that makes my life easier and more comfortable. I think with postage etc it came in at about £200. More information is available on their website;

http://fstopgear.com

Bluelion said:
Good review thanks Messiah. Do you have any internal shots? I'm currently using the Tamrac Expedition 7x, which is a remarkably large and heavy back with a relatively small amount of internal space! This might be just the ticket. Wonder if it fits a 600mm...?
Click to expand...

I haven't taken any pics of it myself yet, but here are a few stock pics;

Medium ICU
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ICU Options. If you get the Satori, there is also an XL ICU option as well.
icu02.jpg


The clothing/food/accessories area ontop of the ICU. This bit is accessed from the top of the bag.
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As you can see it is quite a slim fit and hugs the body very well.
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As for fitting a 600mm. I highly doubt it tbh. Even with the large ICU I don't think it would be close to fitting. You may be able to squeeze it in a Satori with XL ICU, but I would double check that. Another option would be to add some sort of lens case to the molle straps and carry it on the outside. Having said that, this bag isn't really designed for people needing to carry 600mm lenses about. A 500mm f4 might be better if you need to travel longer distances. This is the main reason I sold my 300mm f2.8 and bought a 300mm f4 instead, so I had the length covered but in a much smaller and lighter package.

D.P. said:
Im, getting one for for christmas! Seems perfect for my need

Im hoping to have time in the spring for some serious ski touring and want to tak soem camera gear.
Click to expand...

You won't be disappointed. It would be ideal for ski touring! If you need a bit more space then they are currently revamping the Tilopa and Satori. I am tempted to get a new Tilopa as well for when I need more space.

#Chri5# said:
That looks good - does the H20 logo on the side mean it will take a hydration bladder?

My LowePro rucksack isn't big enough for walking (and doesn't take a bladder), but my Vango walking rucksack isn't great for a camera.
Click to expand...

Yeah it will take a hydration bladder. Considering getting one for it. This basically is a 'proper' rucksack, but also holds your camera kit safely. :)
 
Thanks for the review MK, that looks an excellent bag and just what I have been looking for.

Pity this wasn't around a month ago as I recently bought the Lowepro Flipside 400AW and it features a similar back access design & slim footprint on your back. It was a good performer overall on the Inca Trail but I could have really done with room for some general day gear and snacks.

Think you have hit the nail on the head with this sort of backpack though, you need a holster for quick access as it gets tiresome taking it off every time you need to take a shot whilst on the trail.
 
Thought I would dig up this thread to ask some questions. Whats it like for removing kit once you are out and about, any chance of some "action" style shots? Does it have room to squeeze a 13/15" macbook in there? Am after something that is going to be plenty comfortable for walking around a lot and also holds a fair amount of stuff for those long weekend breaks etc. Would the size of it be OK for hand luggage on planes?
 
Best rucksack i've ever worn was the Revolution models from the Edinburgh Bicycle. As long as you don't need 70 litres for camping it was brilliant, light, hugs the body like nothing else, ventilation and plenty of space. Something like that but with compartments for camera bits and lenses would be the 'ultimate camera bag' for me, would probably come in a lot cheaper too.
 
Cool, good review! Definately being swayed towards buying one of these, just trying to decide if it will be big enough for me. I would be getting the small ICU to maximise space for other stuff as well which is half the height of the large one you have. Was the total price you paid $278 + VAT + Parcelforce fees?
 
NightShadow said:
Cool, good review! Definately being swayed towards buying one of these, just trying to decide if it will be big enough for me. I would be getting the small ICU to maximise space for other stuff as well which is half the height of the large one you have. Was the total price you paid $278 + VAT + Parcelforce fees?
Click to expand...

the parcelforce fees were to cover the tax
 
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