Camera Rucksack - slightly different from normal

I think we've had this argument before but in a nutshell it's not a very good outdoor pack when compared to osprey etc and the entire concept isn't as flexible as I would like for that amount of money.
 
I have tried long lens bags, I find them uncomfortable, short of room and damned expensive. I adapted an ex military gortex back pack. It has huge zip off side pockets that I don`t have to take if don`t need to. But, with some imagination, some nylon straps and buckles and some memory foam, you can make a bespoke bag that suits you and your kit quite easily and with less outlay.

For the record, if i`m out all day, which is often, it easily fits my 500 with body attached, 300,70 -200 spare body,tripod and all the other crap we cart about. Just as importantly, I get enough food and drink in it for the day as well, drink goes in one of the side pockets away from gear in case of leakage.

Only downside is lugging it over the moors, but it keeps me fairly fit............:)
 
ivandobski said:
Those fstop bags are just as limited as all other "outdoor sports" camera specific bags - with the extra advantage of being more expensive.

I wouldn't use one if I was given it.
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neil_g said:
how so?

most other backpacks arent metal framed, have water pack compatibility or have swapable camera inserts. to name a few.
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ivandobski said:
I think we've had this argument before but in a nutshell it's not a very good outdoor pack when compared to osprey etc and the entire concept isn't as flexible as I would like for that amount of money.
Click to expand...


They are FAR from being 'limited'. :cuckoo:

I'm of the opinion having owned an F-Stop Tilopa BC that it is one of the most flexible options around and is a very good product which is made to a high standard using quality materials.


  • Reverse side access.
  • Belt and Shoulder fine tune suspension straps.
  • Sternum strap.
  • Reinforcement to base and front areas which are in contact with ground.
  • Lightweight ballistic nylon elsewhere to keep weight down.
  • Metal Framed (removable).
  • Water Hydration system compatible.
  • Interchangeable ICU's for flexible levels of camera equipment.
  • ICU's securable to the metal frame.
  • Suitably padded back aids ventilation.
  • Molle system compatible.
  • YKK aquaguard zippers and zipper garages.
  • Compression straps to both sides which can double up as securing straps for tripod.
  • Side catch sleeve for tripod feet.
  • Multiple Gatekeeper and D-ring attachment points.
  • Multiple bungee loops and cords.
  • Well laid out pockets.

Hand on heart it is the best photographic piece of equipment I have purchased. I did break a sweat when at the checkout but now having owned it and used it in the field I wouldn't bat an eyelid at paying the price again for one.
 
Surrey Sam said:
They are FAR from being 'limited'. :cuckoo:

I'm of the opinion having owned an F-Stop Tilopa BC that it is one of the most flexible options around and is a very good product which is made to a high standard using quality materials.


  • Reverse side access.
  • Belt and Shoulder fine tune suspension straps.
  • Sternum strap.
  • Reinforcement to base and front areas which are in contact with ground.
  • Lightweight ballistic nylon elsewhere to keep weight down.
  • Metal Framed (removable).
  • Water Hydration system compatible.
  • Interchangeable ICU's for flexible levels of camera equipment.
  • ICU's securable to the metal frame.
  • Suitably padded back aids ventilation.
  • Molle system compatible.
  • YKK aquaguard zippers and zipper garages.
  • Compression straps to both sides which can double up as securing straps for tripod.
  • Side catch sleeve for tripod feet.
  • Multiple Gatekeeper and D-ring attachment points.
  • Multiple bungee loops and cords.
  • Well laid out pockets.

Hand on heart it is the best photographic piece of equipment I have purchased. I did break a sweat when at the checkout but now having owned it and used it in the field I wouldn't bat an eyelid at paying the price again for one.
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+1 :thumbs:

Not to bang my own drum but here is a quick review I did 18+months ago when I got my Loka http://jacobjamesphotography.co.uk/gear-review/f-stop-loka-review/

Even 18months later when I have a combined total of well over 250 days of constant day to day use from two long trips to Asia this bag still hasn't let me down once.

I have used a hell of a lot of different bags and if you want a bag that has room for photo kit and other gear whilst also being built to last and perfect for outdoor use then this is it. I would be interested in hearing how long/what for, the people who completely dismiss these bags, have used them, because if its for walking round town or shooting at the local duck pond maybe this is the wrong bag for you? :thinking:
 
You can tell when you've been mean about someone's favorite toy, the passive/aggressive smilies come out...

If you're happy with it then fine, personally I'm not a fan. Either of the fstop concept in particular or of the whole concept of specific camera bags for serious outdoors use.

As was decided last time, we'll have to agree to disagree
 
That's what you get when you post a flippant comment.

If there was substance to your opinion about the companies products based from factual experience, people may just be more tolerant to such comments.
 
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Thanks again for all the comments - glad to hear that I'm far from the only person who thinks that a lot of bag designs fall a little bit short of ideal, or are very much considered with anything other than camera-related storage as an after thought.

Also interesting that a lot of the people mentioning being in the same problem tend to be the wildlife guys - I should've said at the start, mine is mostly urban stuff but I like to be out for a long time and I shoot with a two camera set up, which can be a pain - especially because the second camera is an old medium format Rolleiflex, which doesn't fit well into most camera bag designs.

Sometimes if I only have one camera on me I use a normal messenger bag with a padded insert from a chinese eBay seller which does the job, but I don't like too much weight on a shoulder bag - I saw a photog carrying a massive Billingham bag (it looked like a decent way of moving a family around) and shuddered at the thought.

I think I'm probably going to lean towards a decent semi-rigid daypack and do what I've done all along, have the two cameras in separate small individual cases, and put them in a bigger bag. It still offers more flexibility, as well as being significantly cheaper than a lot of the bags mentioned (I don't doubt the quality or effectiveness of many of them, but sheesh that's a lot of moolah on a bag).
 
Sorry, I forgot experience only counted if it was on the web.

Right - specific issues with the F-Stop Loka which mean it's a no go for me as a mid -sized day pack:

Zipped closures all round - not a chance. Ever.
Floating top pocket - missing
Pockets on hip belt - missing from one side
Compass pouches etc on shoulder straps - missing
Stuff pocket on front to keep wet stuff out of the bag or quick access of misc tat- missing
Waterproof zips - nice touch. but the bag isn't waterproof. So I can stick everything in a drybag? Yes but then rear access won't work and you then can't attach the icu - the main selling points of the system.
Accessories - available separately...

As for the other features copied from the FStop blurb - great, most of the non-camera specific ones can be found on any similar sized rucksack costing over £30 in Millets.

All of the above are things I want in a midsized outdoors daypack, and by outdoors I mean up a mountain here or abroad in crap weather hiking, biking, climbing, boarding or camping. Not walking around duck ponds, either here or in Asia.

The packs from an outdoor sports perspective are average, the features just aren't there, you pay an awful lot for the privilege of having the attachment points for the icu.

And even then you've only got one rucksack - what if you want to go on a summer day walk with just the lens on the camera, or an overnight winter trip into the highlands? Are you really going to use the same rucksack? No, you'll need another one, so again you can spend lots of cash on an FStop branded bag or buy something much cheaper and better featured and put an ICU type thing, whether bought or homemade inside it.

So no, after nearly 20 years of taking part in outdoor sports of all kinds, several in high-end outdoor sports retail selling climbing packs etc and dealing with warranty returns (I mentioned main body zip closures right?), sitting with numerous outdoor sports product designers giving feedback on prototype kit I've been given to demo I wouldn't buy an FStop bag. If that's ok?

Ironically if I was only adventure traveling and backpacking (taking pics of the generally much more extreme foreign duck-ponds etc) then they'd be quite nice bags.
 
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ivandobski said:
Sorry, I forgot experience only counted if it was on the web.

Right - specific issues with the F-Stop Loka which mean it's a no go for me as a mid -sized day pack:

Zipped closures all round - not a chance. Ever.
Floating top pocket - missing
Pockets on hip belt - missing from one side
Compass pouches etc on shoulder straps - missing
Stuff pocket on front to keep wet stuff out of the bag or quick access of misc tat- missing
Waterproof zips - nice touch. but the bag isn't waterproof. So I can stick everything in a drybag? Yes but then rear access won't work and you then can't attach the icu - the main selling points of the system.
Accessories - available separately...

As for the other features copied from the FStop blurb - great, most of the non-camera specific ones can be found on any similar sized rucksack costing over £30 in Millets.

All of the above are things I want in a midsized outdoors daypack, and by outdoors I mean up a mountain here or abroad in crap weather hiking, biking, climbing, boarding or camping. Not walking around duck ponds, either here or in Asia.

The packs from an outdoor sports perspective are average, the features just aren't there, you pay an awful lot for the privilege of having the attachment points for the icu.

And even then you've only got one rucksack - what if you want to go on a summer day walk with just the lens on the camera, or an overnight winter trip into the highlands? Are you really going to use the same rucksack? No, you'll need another one, so again you can spend lots of cash on an FStop branded bag or buy something much cheaper and better featured and put an ICU type thing, whether bought or homemade inside it.

So no, after nearly 20 years of taking part in outdoor sports of all kinds, several in high-end outdoor sports retail selling climbing packs etc and dealing with warranty returns (I mentioned main body zip closures right?), sitting with numerous outdoor sports product designers giving feedback on prototype kit I've been given to demo I wouldn't buy an FStop bag. If that's ok?

Ironically if I was only adventure traveling and backpacking (taking pics of the generally much more extreme foreign duck-ponds etc) then they'd be quite nice bags.
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That's fair enough and I agree that not every bag is going to be perfect for every situation or we wouldn't be having this discussion now. However as far as camera bags go there is nothing that touches the f-stop. The clik bags, lowepro pro aw series etc none of them are as good packs for outdoor use.

The design of the bag is geared towards use in extreme environments hence my comments about walking round the park. My apologies for sounding arrogant but the majority of stuff I read from people is just that, people who aren't using the pack as designed for or haven't even used it themselves. As a bag for the town it is horrendous, as would any 35-40L rucksack be.

The bonus of the f-stop bags is that it is a system. Yes you are investing a lot of money but if you are carrying £5-10k worth of kit, £200 is nothing in the long run to ensure you are comfortable shooting with it.

With regards to your points, here is my take on a few of them:

Zipped closures all round - can you expand on this as I have never had an issue?

Pockets on hip belt - the reason for this is so that you can extend the capability of the bag by using molle attachment pouches. The newer version of the bag has no pockets on the hip belt I believe (I still like the one pocket and molle on the other style)

Compass pouches etc on shoulder straps - I use the pocket on the hipbelt or just having it tied to the D-rings on the shoulder strap without an issue. However these aren't standard on most packs...

Waterproof zips - The bag as it comes is extremely water resistant (I have used it a lot in monsoons without any leaks) and if you want extra protection you can use the extra waterproof cover (I agree that it should be included in the price though :bang: )


Accessories - available separately... (I agree that the waterproof cover should come as standard, the other stuff like tripod pouch etc I would rather pay as and when I need them)

again this is just for my own curiosity and certainly not to start any sort of 'bun fight' or whatever. :thumbs:
 
Zipped closures on the main body are an inherent weak point in any design of outdoor pack. Its all to easy to try and overfill them and bust the zip - a risk which is practically non-existant on drawcord/floating lid designs. It's even more of an issue if you're fumbling around in a hurry in the cold and wet. Obviously I could just not stuff it full and take more care but why should I when I can buy an existing pack which is much more robust?

Small pockets on the hip are handy for random bits and pieces, hat, gloves, energy gels etc. I could attach molle pouches (extra) but they'd only be small because 99% of the time I don't want big pouches sticking out which can catch on things and interfere with natural movement. I wouldn't really want anything solid in that position in case of a crash or fall. If I am doing something where I want pouches it's easy enough to attach them to normal rucksack waist belts.

Pouches on shoulder straps are common enough that I see no need to buy a bag without them. Most of my bags have one on each side and are very useful - gps, sunglasses, compass, snacks etc.

Waterproof zips, like I say, a nice touch. However as the bag isn't waterproof, I'm still putting everything in at least one dry bag. The last thing I want after a day walking into the hills in the ****ing rain is for my sleeping bag and warm kit to be wet. That's not inconvenient, that's dangerous.

Most of my bags will hold tripods etc as purchased, no need to buy anything extra and waterproof covers were included.

The cost itself isn't an issue, in my opinion the bags just aren't up to standard for serious outdoor use. You say yourself that the carry handle on the loka doesn't fill you with confidence. If I'm putting thousands of £s of camera kit in I want it to feel bombproof before I lower it down a crag and abseil after it. If it doesn't I don't buy it.

Again, just in my opinion - a variation on the icu type protection but combined with the best pack for your use is a better system and has the added advantage of providing more flexibility for the same money.
 
have a look at the vanguard skybourne range- these are fab bags that (depending on size can carry loads) but distribute weight evenly so your shoulders remain intact...

im using the vanguard skybourne 53 which is a fab bag with loads of camera compartments, laptop holding and loads of general holding area aswell...
 
ivandobski said:
Sorry, I forgot experience only counted if it was on the web.

Right - specific issues with the F-Stop Loka which mean it's a no go for me as a mid -sized day pack:

Zipped closures all round - not a chance. Ever.
Floating top pocket - missing
Pockets on hip belt - missing from one side
Compass pouches etc on shoulder straps - missing
Stuff pocket on front to keep wet stuff out of the bag or quick access of misc tat- missing
Waterproof zips - nice touch. but the bag isn't waterproof. So I can stick everything in a drybag? Yes but then rear access won't work and you then can't attach the icu - the main selling points of the system.
Accessories - available separately...

As for the other features copied from the FStop blurb - great, most of the non-camera specific ones can be found on any similar sized rucksack costing over £30 in Millets.

All of the above are things I want in a midsized outdoors daypack, and by outdoors I mean up a mountain here or abroad in crap weather hiking, biking, climbing, boarding or camping. Not walking around duck ponds, either here or in Asia.

The packs from an outdoor sports perspective are average, the features just aren't there, you pay an awful lot for the privilege of having the attachment points for the icu.

And even then you've only got one rucksack - what if you want to go on a summer day walk with just the lens on the camera, or an overnight winter trip into the highlands? Are you really going to use the same rucksack? No, you'll need another one, so again you can spend lots of cash on an FStop branded bag or buy something much cheaper and better featured and put an ICU type thing, whether bought or homemade inside it.

So no, after nearly 20 years of taking part in outdoor sports of all kinds, several in high-end outdoor sports retail selling climbing packs etc and dealing with warranty returns (I mentioned main body zip closures right?), sitting with numerous outdoor sports product designers giving feedback on prototype kit I've been given to demo I wouldn't buy an FStop bag. If that's ok?

Ironically if I was only adventure traveling and backpacking (taking pics of the generally much more extreme foreign duck-ponds etc) then they'd be quite nice bags.
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You come across as being very closed minded and your comments show that you've not handled an F-Stop bag because if you had, you'd realise that some of your criticisms hold no validity!

I'm not trying to sell you a bag, what I am trying to do is offer a user related experience on the points you raise. If you want to buy an Osprey bag that is your prerogative, all I ask is don't rubbish and generalise about a product that you have not used nor have experience on.

In response to your points:

1) Zipped closures all round - not a chance. Ever.

F-Stop offer a 20 year guarantee on their products unlike the flimsy Osprey guarantee that has get out written all over it. YKK zippers are also the best around and not the cheap equivalents found on your £30 bag found in the local Millets. A draw cord and flip buckle lid may be more 'belt and braces' but I have 8 year old YKK zippered fishing luggage that gets put through horrific regular use and they all perform flawlessly. Most zip failures are caused through negligence (packing too tightly) the easy solution is to get the right sized bag in the first place.

2) Floating top pocket - missing

I've checked the Osprey equivalent (Stratos 36) to the Loka and the top pocket is fixed and not detachable? I actually think that the buckle design top is inferior for field use, last week I was up in the Welsh peaks in Snowdonia and the temp at the bottom was -4 before climbing up and getting into the wind chill. Having to remove gloves so as to unclip buckles is a hassle and would chill my hands very quickly. A good quality zip with sizable pull cord does the job without having to remove gloves.

3) Pockets on hip belt - missing from one side

A pocket and Molle system on the other side is a more versatile solution, I can attach a Rolly Poly bag (link) to the other side and carry a lens or pack of lens filters from the hip which you most certainly wouldn't fit in the little hip pockets on the Osprey bags. Good outdoor clothing generally has plenty of useable pockets anyway for such items like compasses, or just tie it to a D-Ring and secure in the elasticated webbing on the shoulder strap.

4) Compass pouches etc on shoulder straps - missing

I tie it to the D-Ring and secure in the elasticated webbing on the shoulder strap. Pockets are too fiddly in cold/bad weather.

5) Stuff pocket on front to keep wet stuff out of the bag or quick access of misc tat- missing

Not at all, there is a front pocket designed for exactly that complete with drainage hole to allow water to drain out. There is also the top pocket for separating out small items and then there is the main compartment space not taken up by the ICU.

6) Waterproof zips - nice touch. but the bag isn't waterproof. So I can stick everything in a drybag? Yes but then rear access won't work and you then can't attach the icu - the main selling points of the system.

This is short sightedness on your behalf; if you had used an F-Stop bag or indeed played around with one, then you'd see there is no validity to this point you raise. The fabric is water resistant, mine has held up fine in light rain and short sharp showers. If I'm out all day in prolonged bad weather then I can attach the water proof rain cover and the clever bag design allows me to still access all my gear without the need to remove the rain cover which you CANT do with the traditional design as seen on your Osprey bags. So the main selling point does actually work and very well it does too.

7) Accessories - available separately...

As they are from all manufacturers...

8) And even then you've only got one rucksack - what if you want to go on a summer day walk with just the lens on the camera, or an overnight winter trip into the highlands? Are you really going to use the same rucksack? No, you'll need another one, so again you can spend lots of cash on an FStop branded bag or buy something much cheaper and better featured and put an ICU type thing, whether bought or homemade inside it.

Wrong again. Yes, I use the same system. The rucksack and relevant sized ICU are used for the day & overnight trips and then when I'm out at a show or doing a wedding/portrait shoot I select the relevant sized ICU for my camera gear and then attach a shoulder strap to D-Rings on the ICU and carry that alone as my 'camera bag', I don't need to put it into another one.
 
Surrey Sam said:
You come across as being very closed minded and your comments show that you've not handled an F-Stop bag because if you had, you'd realise that some of your criticisms hold no validity!

I'm not trying to sell you a bag, what I am trying to do is offer a user related experience on the points you raise. If you want to buy an Osprey bag that is your prerogative, all I ask is don't rubbish and generalise about a product that you have not used nor have experience on.

In response to your points:

1) Zipped closures all round - not a chance. Ever.

F-Stop offer a 20 year guarantee on their products unlike the flimsy Osprey guarantee that has get out written all over it. YKK zippers are also the best around and not the cheap equivalents found on your £30 bag found in the local Millets. A draw cord and flip buckle lid may be more 'belt and braces' but I have 8 year old YKK zippered fishing luggage that gets put through horrific regular use and they all perform flawlessly. Most zip failures are caused through negligence (packing too tightly) the easy solution is to get the right sized bag in the first place.

2) Floating top pocket - missing

I've checked the Osprey equivalent (Stratos 36) to the Loka and the top pocket is fixed and not detachable? I actually think that the buckle design top is inferior for field use, last week I was up in the Welsh peaks in Snowdonia and the temp at the bottom was -4 before climbing up and getting into the wind chill. Having to remove gloves so as to unclip buckles is a hassle and would chill my hands very quickly. A good quality zip with sizable pull cord does the job without having to remove gloves.

3) Pockets on hip belt - missing from one side

A pocket and Molle system on the other side is a more versatile solution, I can attach a Rolly Poly bag (link) to the other side and carry a lens or pack of lens filters from the hip which you most certainly wouldn't fit in the little hip pockets on the Osprey bags. Good outdoor clothing generally has plenty of useable pockets anyway for such items like compasses, or just tie it to a D-Ring and secure in the elasticated webbing on the shoulder strap.

4) Compass pouches etc on shoulder straps - missing

I tie it to the D-Ring and secure in the elasticated webbing on the shoulder strap. Pockets are too fiddly in cold/bad weather.

5) Stuff pocket on front to keep wet stuff out of the bag or quick access of misc tat- missing

Not at all, there is a front pocket designed for exactly that complete with drainage hole to allow water to drain out. There is also the top pocket for separating out small items and then there is the main compartment space not taken up by the ICU.

6) Waterproof zips - nice touch. but the bag isn't waterproof. So I can stick everything in a drybag? Yes but then rear access won't work and you then can't attach the icu - the main selling points of the system.

This is short sightedness on your behalf; if you had used an F-Stop bag or indeed played around with one, then you'd see there is no validity to this point you raise. The fabric is water resistant, mine has held up fine in light rain and short sharp showers. If I'm out all day in prolonged bad weather then I can attach the water proof rain cover and the clever bag design allows me to still access all my gear without the need to remove the rain cover which you CANT do with the traditional design as seen on your Osprey bags. So the main selling point does actually work and very well it does too.

7) Accessories - available separately...

As they are from all manufacturers...

8) And even then you've only got one rucksack - what if you want to go on a summer day walk with just the lens on the camera, or an overnight winter trip into the highlands? Are you really going to use the same rucksack? No, you'll need another one, so again you can spend lots of cash on an FStop branded bag or buy something much cheaper and better featured and put an ICU type thing, whether bought or homemade inside it.

Wrong again. Yes, I use the same system. The rucksack and relevant sized ICU are used for the day & overnight trips and then when I'm out at a show or doing a wedding/portrait shoot I select the relevant sized ICU for my camera gear and then attach a shoulder strap to D-Rings on the ICU and carry that alone as my 'camera bag', I don't need to put it into another one.
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You come across as being very closed minded and your comments show that you've got way too much of your sense of self-worth invested in your fstop bag.

Zippers - direct quote from FStop warranty:

"What Does This Warranty Not Cover?

This warranty does not cover rips, burns, tears and damage caused by improper care, mishandling, misuse, alteration, or accidental damage; nor does it cover the natural breakdown of materials that occurs after extended use (i.e. zipper wear, fabric abrasion, etc.)."

A flimsy guarantee that has get out written all over it. I've personally broken several YKK zips (both the teeth and the puller), seen other people break theirs and dealt with the dozens of returns and complaints of the people who have broken theirs. Not only do I believe that drawcords are a better system it appears that 99% of gear manufacturers believe it too, that's why they spec it on their serious outdoors packs. The use of the zip removes an element of versatility and adds an element of doubt whilst giving no discernible benefit.

Non-floating top cover - again, removes versatility. (floating isn't always detachable)

Hip pockets - I can easily add lens pouches etc to any of my bags despite the lack of molle loops. The Loka again relies on aftermarket accessories to bring it up to what I consider a basic level of functionality.

Shoulder strap pouches (not pockets) - I loop it round the various d rings etc and then put whatever it is into the elasticated pouches. I've found that depending on the size and shape of the item elastic loops can either be too big or small and can lead to items falling through the elastic. This doesn't happen on a pouch.

Stuff pocket - there isn't one on the Loka as advertised on the website, there's a zipped secondary compartment. By stuff pocket I mean one which doesn't need any fastening etc and you can just stuff things down on the fly.

Waterproofness - despite the zips it's not waterproof. Light rain and short sharp showers? Well whoop de-do! I could use the aftermarket cover but then access to the external pockets etc will be much more difficult. So I'll continue using drybags thanks. As a feature it looks good on a swing-tab, as a benefit it's limited.

Accessories - yes they are available separately from other manufacturers but many include the basics with the pack in the first place.

Using the same bag - seriously? If I want to go for an hours mountain bike ride in summer with just some water in a bladder and camera/1 lens combo I'm going to take the same bag as if I was going for a couple of days wild-camping in mid-winter with a variety of lenses, tripod and filters etc? I don't think so.

So again, it comes down to personal preference and I can justify all mine based on personal experience. If you disagree, great.
 
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Fair comment, I could carry on picking holes as I'm sure Ivandobski could too. It would only succeed in degenerating the thread further though.

Strangely we are agreed on something though:

ivandobski said:
So again, it comes down to personal preference and I can justify all mine based on personal experience. If you disagree, great.
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OMG it has zips, careful... ;)

Hope you can find what you want. The Kata gear was good when I looked at the Bumblebee UL222 but my criterion was different, hence opting for the 'other' manufacturer.
 
fidofoto said:
-Lowepro Flipside 400 AW
-does the job, good waist strap, cross strap.
-carries anything.
-pad out any space with bubble roll or similar.
-winter or summer, there is always something to hand to pad out my bag.
-any bag is too heavy if full of camera kit
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I'd suggest you've never used a good bag of you think. A good 35L bag will easily carry 10-15kg of kit without it seeming heavy, for example several of the Osprey/Lowe Alpine and other similar bags. A good bag can mean the difference between 35kg being carryable for miles or it being almost impossible to move it a few hundred metres from the car. Unfortunately there are very few good camera bags designed for long haul walking rather than popping down the town/city with a couple of lenses or walking to the photo spot with a large selection of kit half a mile from the car.
 
ivandobski said:
Those fstop bags are just as limited as all other "outdoor sports" camera specific bags - with the extra advantage of being more expensive.

I wouldn't use one if I was given it.
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Why's that? They look like they have a proper back system (I'll admit I haven't been able to test one yet) which is a major issue with almost all the other dedicated camera bags I've tested. They are very similar to the lightweight walking packs rather than the overly heavy and bulky strapping systems you see on cheap badly designed "sport" backpacks. They also have significantly more space for actual non photography equipment (like spare fleeces, waterproofs, sleeping stuff) and attachments/straps that are designed for walking/outdoor equipment.
 
Amp34 said:
Why's that? They look like they have a proper back system (I'll admit I haven't been able to test one yet) which is a major issue with almost all the other dedicated camera bags I've tested. They are very similar to the lightweight walking packs rather than the overly heavy and bulky strapping systems you see on cheap badly designed "sport" backpacks. They also have significantly more space for actual non photography equipment (like spare fleeces, waterproofs, sleeping stuff) and attachments/straps that are designed for walking/outdoor equipment.
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That's all true, but for the harmony of the thread read back through the posts and Ivan has voiced his opinions as have me and Sam
 
jacob12_1993 said:
That's all true, but for the harmony of the thread read back through the posts and Ivan has voiced his opinions as have me and Sam
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I've just read the posts by the other two and also agree with the comments that its personal opinion, coming from an owner of two osprey bags, both with zips on their main compartments (no drawstring, which are really annoying) and with only water resistant fabrics, neither of which came with a waterproof cover as standard... :lol:

Then again I'm not remotely interested in a 70l+ backpack with a drawstring top and floating top pocket... They were great in the 80s but bag designs have moved on, testiment to a large proportion of Ospreys and other high end manufacturers ranges IMO. I'm a lightweight traveller and use a 35l pack for multi day wild camping trips. :)
 
Amp34 said:
I've just read the posts by the other two and also agree with the comments that its personal opinion, coming from an owner of two osprey bags, both with zips on their main compartments (no drawstring, which are really annoying) and with only water resistant fabrics, neither of which came with a waterproof cover as standard... :lol:

Then again I'm not remotely interested in a 70l+ backpack with a drawstring top and floating top pocket... They were great in the 80s but bag designs have moved on, testiment to a large proportion of Ospreys and other high end manufacturers ranges IMO. I'm a lightweight traveller and use a 35l pack for multi day wild camping trips. :)
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I agree with this 100%, I'm the same with the lightweight travel and I found the f-stop bags to be very good with respect to not being bulky where it is not necessary which makes the packs nice and light. I really want to try out the bigger satori pack as a multi day pack for camera gear and camping equipment. The tilopa BC would probably also work if you strapped the bulky items on the exterior of the pack.
 
To clarify the post above a bit more (posting on a train) I think Ivan has a much more specific need in his bags where most outdoor bags won't do, winter climbing needs a very different kit set to spring/summer/autumn/warmer winter multi day walking.

I'm looking at the Loca or the Tilopa to replace/compliment my Atmos 35 which I currently use for longer distance walking/multi day trips and it seems to be very comparable. The lack of wrist strap pockets isn't much of an issue as I generally find them too small to be of much use, except for the occasional (squashed) chocolate bar. The back system and general strapping systems are the most important bits for me. If it does look good then I will finally replace a dedicated backpack for my camera carrying needs.
 
Wow, a heated debate about backpacks, that's a first;)

I think the problem is that non of the manufacturers have got fully to grips with producing a backpack that is to the same standard as a good quality hiking backpack...as mentioned before I've tried a few amd never found any of the photo-dedicated ones as comfortable as my hiking one. The first outdoor backpack manufacturer who realises there's a market for photographers will make a killing!! Up until them I'll be using my customised Lowe Alpine Centro - hint, hint Lowe Alpine/Osprey !!:bonk:

Simon
 
Went to have a look at a whole range of bags today, both camera and normal daypacks.

The Ospreys were obviously very good in terms of hiking (as you'd expect), but the lack of rigidity and padding in their construction were a problem. Airflow on the back, contoured to put weight in the right places, excellent strapping. Unbelievably garish designs though, and that goes for most modern daypacks - I'm trying to find something semi-discreet, and although I'm sure a bright fluorescent green colour is very useful in some mountaineering situations, it's not what I want!

Had a look at some of the Tamrac and Kata range. Well designed bags, and the Katas in particular are very good for space for personal belongings (you know it's an ignored part of camera bag design when manufacturers go out of their way to point it out!). As expected, the support/straps are lacking a bit - good quality padding, but how they sit on the back leaves much to be desired.

I basically need to buy a daypack and a camera bag, and do a bit of surgery and sewing to get what I want :bonk:
 
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freecom2 said:
Had a look at some of the Tamrac and Kata range. Well designed bags, and the Katas in particular are very good for space for personal belongings (you know it's an ignored part of camera bag design when manufacturers go out of their way to point it out!). As expected, the support/straps are lacking a bit - good quality padding, but how they sit on the back leaves much to be desired.
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I thought that about the straps on the Kata, but I still brought the Kata Bumblebee UL222 anyway as it offered everything I wanted from a daybag and has found it to be perfect for all day hiking in the mountains.
 
The thing is, looking at ospreys bags it would take very little to modify them in to dedicated camera bags, however just that slight bit too much to do at home. A small cut at the side for a zipped side pocket or a back access location, followed by a removable ICU and they would be done. There are plenty of straps and pockets for tripods and other camera bits, just a slightly modified bottom half of the bag would do.
 
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