All Day Rucksack F-stop??

[Mattpitts74]

Hi Guys,

I have been researching backpacks for some time now, I am. a professional photographer based in the UK. I often photograph sports and events. So I have been looking for a backpack to carry all my photographic gear sometime. I'm currently using regular backpacks with various arrangements of Temba camera inserts. However over the last few years I have found it quite frustrating to be able to access my camera gear very quickly using this kind of setup.

I normally have a Canon 5D3, 70 to 200m lens plus 35mm lens plus a Fuji XT-2 body and lens. Plus normally carrying a couple of flashes, laptop, chargers, spare batteries, filters etc. Ideally I'm looking for one bag can carry everything in securely and easily access this gear quickly while hiking about on the route of a cycle ride for example.

I've spent too many hours watching videos on YouTube and reading various reviews of different camera bags. I was initially thinking I would purchase one of the Lowepro backpacks. However I'm now leaning more towards the f-stop bags, as they seem to tick most of the boxes, plus there is very little in the way of other hiking backpacks designed for photography which would be comfortable for all day use. I was initially looking at the Peak Designs 30l, but is sounds like its not that comfortable for all day use, especially when fully loaded.

My current shortlist includes:

F-stop LOKA UL

F-stop TILOPA

Although I have also come across the EVOC CP 35l, however there is very little information online about these bags so hard to get a very good idea.

I'm really interested to hear from people who actually have long-term experience using either any of the above bags or would be able to suggest an alternative bag for my situation.

 

[Craikeybaby]

Ive got a couple of the older FStop bags and rate them highly. I have a smaller bag for just camera gear and a much larger back for backpacking, along with a medium and small ICU.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Can't help much because I also use Tenba inserts and ordinary rucksacks, my only camera specific rucksack is this one https://www.amazon.com/Photo-Sport-200-Lowepro-Mirrorless/dp/B004XNLR16

Camera specific bit with access from the side although you would probably still need to put some kit in the main body of the bag.
Don't think there is a perfect bag, but this one isn't bad, think they do a larger 300 too

Personally still think for comfort you can't beat a proper hiking rucksack with a frame like an Osprey (I use a Gregory)

*Edit* Appears there is a new version of the bag I mentioned https://store.lowepro.com/photo-sport-bp-200-aw-ii

 

[Mattpitts74]

Can't help much because I also use Tenba inserts and ordinary rucksacks, my only camera specific rucksack is this one https://www.amazon.com/Photo-Sport-200-Lowepro-Mirrorless/dp/B004XNLR16

Camera specific bit with access from the side although you would probably still need to put some kit in the main body of the bag.
Don't think there is a perfect bag, but this one isn't bad, think they do a larger 300 too

Personally still think for comfort you can't beat a proper hiking rucksack with a frame like an Osprey (I use a Gregory)

*Edit* Appears there is a new version of the bag I mentioned https://store.lowepro.com/photo-sport-bp-200-aw-ii

Thanks I already have a Temba insert, which is great for carrying gear around, but I just don't find it very easy to quickly access the gear when I'm out and working. I wish that Temba did a more shallow insert like the F-stop ICU's as I find stacking stuff in their inserts doesn't make for quick and easy access

 

[tijuana taxi]

Thanks I already have a Temba insert, which is great for carrying gear around, but I just don't find it very easy to quickly access the gear when I'm out and working. I wish that Temba did a more shallow insert like the F-stop ICU's as I find stacking stuff in their inserts doesn't make for quick and easy access

Can see how they might be a problem, but fine for me when I'm wandering about with plenty of time on my hands.

Before I went completely over to Fuji I employed this idea with my full frame Canon gear, it worked well
Bought a Lowepro Slingshot 102AW from the classifieds, cut the strap and top section off leaving just the main camera bit as shown below
(random photo from the web, but gives you an idea of size and layout)
The open flap also has another zipped pocket for bit and bobs like batteries,memory cards etc

Fitted nicely in my rucksack, easy to get at the gear and if the weather got very rough it still had its waterproof cover for even more protection
Less than elegant, but worked a treat, in fact I must still have it somewhere if the idea interests you at all

 

[Lensman Mark]

I've been looking for the right bag for months! Tried many makes.

I think I've found the right bag now, it was an outsider but after reading many reviews I went for it. It might not suit you but take a look at Case Logic:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002DW99H8/ref=pe_1909131_77697121_tnp_email_TE_AMZLdp_1

It's excellent quality, the zips are amazing. The bag enables you to access your camera with lens attached via the top section without opening the whole bag. The base of the bag has a hard casing so completely waterproof. Inserts are plentiful and very sturdy. It has a section for a laptop, it has straps on the side for a tripod.

I love it, you might, you might not!