Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Generally speaking, I've never used a camera backpack that I liked - the ones I've used feel more like bulky, poorly designed camera bags with backpack shoulder straps retrofitted to them than backpacks designed to carry camera gear.

Having said that I've been using 4x5 more lately and needed a backpack solution for my kit and after investigating discovered a small company that makes what looks to be well designed and built gear.

www.fstopgear.com

I just ordered the Loka and two (S and M) "internal camera units". I only know of one other person who is local that is using an fstop pack (a Tilopa BC) and was wondering if anything else has experience with it.

They are currently on back order but I should receive mine in a couple of weeks. If there is interest I'll post my impressions of it when I receive it.

Nice looking packs. I wonder how easily accessible are the camera gear when packed. I'd love to hear your feedback when you get it Ken. Thanks.

I guess if you plan on a trip to the North Pole

Carlton - the access is from the back section that typically rests against your back when it's on. You put the pack down and unzip the backrest to gain access to the internal unit.

I never liked regular packs that required you to put the pack down with the straps on the ground then unzip the front of the pack because once you put the pack back on end up putting whatever dirt was on the floor right onto your shoulders and back.

It's definitely a travel orientated camera pack - I've travelled extensively (Northern Africa and the Sahara, Kenya, Tanzania (Mt. Kilimanjaro) as well as twice hiked across Spain) with gear in the past and used a combo of dedicated backpack for non-camera gear as well as a camera bag (far from optimal) and haven't found a single pack that can hold the camera gear as well as non-camera gear that offers easy access to both. Let alone one that will allow me to carry all of it onto the plane.

Hoping this is the solution I'm looking for.

Ken please keep us advised on how it works out; I'm also looking for a similar non arctic travel pack.

I like the fact that you can buy modules depending on how much gear you need to carry. I lugged around a 20 pound LowePro Phototrekker AW II for 21 days through China/HK. It wasn't too bad since it was a year old model with better shoulder straps and lumbar support (which helps a lot!) BUT it made for tired shoulders at the end of a long day. It's a somewhat heavier bag empty to begin with.

This FStopgear might be just the thing I need. I'm planning on touring Africa in 2012! I'll wait for your review.

PS: Just watched the video (was busy at work). Damn, that's one cool backpack!

then it looks like a perfect match

this is scary. I was thinking about ordering this bag but was a bit hesitant because I wanted to hear reviews. The bag looks amazing, i especially like that they don't look like camera bags, so there is a lesser chance (i hope) of it being stolen.

PLEASE keep us posted with a review once you get the bag and actually get a chance to use it on a trip.

how much was the shipping ken? i am really liking this bag

This bag has too many straps for my liking (they tend to catch on things...) but the added internal packs are something that interest me. I think I'm gonna try that approach with a large pack from BD I've been looking at.

How much did it end up costing with shipping?

I haven't received it - hasn't even been shipped - the bags are going through customs at the moment and should be sent out by the middle of next week.

I'll report back on customs and brokerage fees. Apparently the vendor has negotiated a flat brokerage fee with UPS ($10 or $20) but I'll believe it when I see it.

A bit confused about the different sizes for the ICU's

does that mean that any of their three backpacks will fit any of the three sizes for ICU's? or is that each bag has a specific fit for the size of the ICU?

Just a bit confused as to why anyone would purchase more than one ICU for a bag..

i believe they are universal and fit all the bags. Depending on how much gear you want to bring with you, you can match it with the appropriate size ICU. For instance, on a day long hike where you plan to mainly use 1 lens, you can just pack the small ICU and leave space in the bag for other stuff (jacket, etc) and to minimize weight. If you plan to bring the whole aresenal with you, then you'll want to consider a larger ICU. The pack is more versitile this way.

I got the S and M ICU. I'll use the S when I only plan to take a smaller kit with me - say a RF, two lenses, meter and film and a digital P&S backup, leaving room for more non-camera gear in the rest of the pack. This is probably how I'll configure it on a short weekend trip to NYC where I plan to carry on everything and photography isn't the primary purpose for the trip.

I'll use the M when I take my 4x5 kit or Hassy SWC + digital P&S backup. The ICU protects the most attractive part of the bag is that it's a proper backpack designed for use as such while still offering quick access to the gear.

Certainly not for everyone, especially given the price tag, however if the pack is as good as I expect it to be, it'll replace my Arcteryx 35L pack.

I'm also interested in cost of shipping and your thoughts on the bag and it's and the ICU size.

I've seen tilopa and was impressed but found it too big. Hopefully this will be "momma bear" size and perfect.

Lots of straps are good as I'm looking to pack a tripod and lightstands and still ride. Molle straps are awesome as you can customize your own bag.

Which model? They and BD make such nice products but I haven't seen anything not 40l and up from them before.

I got the Loka - it is a 35L pack without ICUs inserted.

My loka pack with small and medium ICUs should arrive today.

Bag + ICUs = $295USD
Shipping = $23USD
Duty/Brokerage = $22.12 CAD

Certainly one of the more expensive camera backpacks but if it's a comfortable fit when fully loaded it may be well worth the expense.

If I have some time this weekend, I'll post some pics of it with the ICUs loaded with gear.

Thanks Ken. How durable/well stitched is it? Does it look/feel like it can take some abuse? I'm pretty sure I'll end up getting one of these next spring.

can you post pictures with it on as well? want to see how bulky it is loaded up.

Hold off buying one for the moment. I'm trying to negotiate a deal for TPMG members who are interested.

May get a discount or at least a break on shipping on a group buy.

Stay tuned for my initial impressions of the bag and some photos... I'll be traveling with it (short trip) at the end of the month.

I'll be comparing its construction with the Arcteryx pack I've used for years and have traveled extensively with.

Initial Impressions:

The package arrived in a cardboard box containing the ICUs and the backpack. Each of the two ICUs and the pack were shipped in nice black polyester cloth dust bags (nice touch - perfect for storage).

The Backpack:

It's lightweight and very well constructed. High quality metal zippers, straps and buckles. Stitching is done with a thick thread and the fit and finish is high quality.

Having said that it's not quite up to the same quality as my Arcteryx Bora 35 in some areas. Both use YYZ metal zippers but the ones on my Bora 35 look a bit bigger/thicker and are powder coated (won't corrode). The Arcteryx zippers also have waterproof seams whereas the Loka does not. This may be a deal breaker for some users as a waterproof pack was critical when I was travelling through Morocco and our bus had to drive through flash floods while our packs were in the cargo hold. My wife's pack wasn't water tight and her stuff got soaked while all of my gear was dry as a bone.

The seams are tighter on the Arcteryx but it's close (splitting hairs). I think the Bora has an advantage in this respect because the nylon is laminated with a waterproof coating where as the Loka isn't. The Loka's nylon is a very high quality rip stop fabric and the best of any camera backpack I've seen, but not quite as durable as the Arcteryx.

In some respects the Loka is a better pack. It offers a number of strategically placed internal pockets for stuffing odds and ends such as film, darkcloth, changing bag, extra batteries, adapters, cords. These will undoubtedly come in handy when in the field and you need to find a small item quickly without having to empty entire sections of the pack onto the wet/dirty ground. The main downside to my Bora 35 is that it's a barrel style pack with only one top compartment and a front compartment so accessing/finding smaller items can be frustrating in darkness or when in a hurry. I suspect one of the reasons the Loka is so expensive is because quite a bit of labour was required to sew in all the pockets/compartments on the inside of the pack. The internal seams look strong but only time will tell how the hold up to repeated use.

Internal frame:

The Loka benefits from an internal frame built into the pack. I think they've done this for two main reasons, 1) rigidity (to protect the precious gear inside) and 2) to allow it to stand upright on it's own even when only partially loaded. I personally hate internal frame packs for hiking, climbing or other activities where maximum mobility is required but my initial impression is that on the Loka the internal frame was we executed and doesn't really get in the way of movement since the pack's base isn't too wide to compromise/interfere with arm movement when the pack is on the user's back.

Shoulder/Waist strasps:

Both the shoulder straps and the waist strap are better than my Bora 35. This is extremely impressive because if you've ever used an Arcteryx pack you'll know that it's ergonomics are what sets it apart from most of it's competition and the reason why their packs demand a premium over their competition. I've used high end Gregory and Osprey packs in the past but my Arcteryx Bora 65 (expedition pack) and my Bora 35 are much better than anything else I've used (comfortable, breathable, low profile (not bulky) and most importantly position in just the right place to provide minimum pressure on the shoulders by offering the correct 'cantilever' fitment (weight on the hips and pressed into the lower back.bum) area.
After putting the Loka on with it fully loaded, I was able to quickly set the straps into a comfortable position that offered the same fit and feel of my Arcteryx (frankly I'm shocked at how good the pack feels). The Loka straps are actually a bit wider and better padded (without being bulky). Having said that I haven't worn it for days at a time while fully loaded so I'll reserve judgement until I do. However initially impressions is very very positive.


The ICUs:

The ICUS look like they are well constructed and made with durable materials. The internal compartment uses a velcro compatible material that is fairly 'low pile' - finer than the material in Crumpler bags which I find to be awful. Crumpler bags trap dust and dirty in the material and it's not good to store gear with abrasive material. I carried a 6 or 7 million dollar bag to the Sahara and after the first sandstorm it was filled with a fine sand dust that took two or three successive vaccumings to remove. I suspect that the internal material used in the ICU will trap less dirty and dust.

The dividers are plentiful so a user can configure it to suit their kit.

The small ICU is big enough for me to fit the following:

Hasselblad SWC with two backs,
Leica M3 with 35 or 50mm lens,
Pentax MX with 24mm lens
GF1 with 40mm lens or Nikon SB-28 and SC-17 sync cord
and 10-20 rolls of film.

A large dSLR like a D700 with grip or D3 with a pro-zoom lens will fit with ease. You will still have room for at least another prime lens and a flash unit, extra battery and filters.

The medium sized ICU is big enough to fit the following:

Large format 4x5 folding field camera, cable shutter release, light meter, two LF lenses (150 and 90 - mounted to boards), Polaroid Pack Film Holder and Polaroid single sheet film holder or, 8-10 Fidelity type film holders and a box of 100 sheets of film.

Alternatively, you could probably fit a large pro dSLR with two pro zoom lenses, 2-3 additional primes (or a backup body and 1-2 primes), a flash, extra batteries and filters.

If you want to carry more then get the Large ICU.

Some pics below:

ICUs and packs with black dust cover bags:






Small ICU with Hassy SWC, two backs, M3/35+hood and space for a flash + cords, extra lenses or a GF-1 with 40mm lens and 10-20 rolls of film.




Small ICU beside contents that fit into it:



Medium ICU with Chamonix 045N-2 folding field camera, polaroid pack film holder, polaroid single sheet film holder, 150mm and 90mm large format lenses. Still plenty of room for a light meter, 100 sheets of film and a change bag and 8-10 sheet film holders (in place of the polaroid pack film and single sheet holders).



Backpack with rear flap open - this flap offer quick access to an ICU that fits into the bottom of the pack.



Top view of the pack loaded with both the S and M sized ICUs (leaves little room for anything that is bulky, but sufficient room for light jacket, change of clothes and snacks/bottle of water.



Top view of the pack with only the M ICU, plenty of room for a weekend trip if you pack relatively light (2 pairs of jeans, 2-3 shirts, light jacket, underwear, socks, toiletries, book/notepad, snacks etc... I plan to use the pack with only the S ICU for a three day trip with my wife to NYC at the end of the month. Photography isn't a priority so I'll probably only take my M3 and a couple of lenses, film and maybe a strobe, leaving sufficient room for clothes for both of us.



Profile view of the pack with the M ICU inserted - the pack can stand freely on it's own. The S ICU is on the ground to the right.



Lastly, a side to side shot of the Loka and the Arcteryx Bora 35. Very similar dimensions - the Arcteryx is a bit narrower (it's designed as a climbing pack) than the Loka but I believe their volumes to be accurate as advertised (approximately 35L).

great review ken. thanks for taking the time to share with us. Count me in if there's a group buy happening.

Great review. Curious to hear after you've used it in the field how it will compare to the Bora. It's looking like a really great bag right now, even taking into account the price.

and colour

I'll report back later. However, I've never used the Bora for carrying camera gear, just backpacking and climbing. However, I will be able to compare how it carries a load and how comfortable (or not) it is for travelling and carrying all day.

My main question would be how easily accessible is the gear ICU from the pack? Can it be strapped on or is it only going inside as dead weight?

Thanks for the review and pics Ken. I'll wait for your follow up review after your trip. Gotta luv Arcteryx packs! If I were to replace my old Bora 80, it'll have to be another Arcteryx!

The ICUs are designed to fit into the pack, not strapped to the outside of a pack. However, because the ICUs can be accessed/removed through the backrest of the pack, you can easily pull out the entire ICU within 10 seconds of putting the pack down.

The ICUs (which will likely hold the denses and heaviest gear in a pack) are designed to sit closest to your body. This makes carrying the weight most efficient. The further out the weight is from your body, the 'heavier' it will feel.