Finally A Camera Bag That Does Everything
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2019
- ...a camera bag that does everything other than multiday backpacking & camping trips. In this video I look at all of my camera bags and see what works and what doesn't, but mainly I will be reviewing the F-Stop Tilopa camera bag. I have been using this for 6months now and I am very happy with it so I thought it was about time I showed you what works and what doesn't.
F-Stop Bag: geni.us/TILOPACAMBAG
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#Photography #CameraBag #F-StopTilopa
Killer question, Thomas........would you spend £400+ of your own money on it?
Killer question indeed. First I would look at what competition is on the market, find out if there is anything cheaper and of the same quality. If not and if this bag ticked all of the boxes, then yes I would spend £400, but remember that this is my job so I can justify it. 4 years ago... probaby not.
I also forgot to mention that I would check the second hand market first :)
It's simply the best bag of its type on the market *IF* the sizing is right for you. Most so called hiking camera bags don't have metal framing, and aren't really hiking bags. This bag is awesome... if the hip straps fit properly. Quality is top notch, design is good, and pricing is about what you'd expect given what you get in the market. Mine has help up in all sorts of weather from snow, mud, sand. I do wish it had some smaller internal organizers.
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I like this reply :) Gonna checkout now
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I bought this for £299 and it includes a rain cover. I've not discovered a limitation but I don't carry a drone and extra camera. www.wexphotovideo.com/lowepro-powder-bp-500-aw-backpack-grey-orange-1675127/
I got my Tilopa in Jan 2010 and used it for 8 years. It saw everything a volcano can throw at it along with beach and high altitude snow. Even though it never quite fit me I hauled tons of gear in it. Usually 50+ lbs. The ease of accessing all gear was fantastic. Even when raining using either an umbrella and the rain cover it was great. Yes, it was expensive $240 back then but I used it as my primary bag for 8 years and never felt the need to waste money on other bags. It finally just wore out. It's still usable. Just some zippers are now stuck and there's a hole worn into the bottom corner.
Now I have the Atlas Athlete because it just fits me better and still has great camera gear access. Extra gear not as easy but, still good and my tripod fits inside. That's great for hiking through dense rain forests. The better fit is important for long hikes. It compresses well too when hauling less gear. Not cheap but, built very well. I expect it to last 8 years.
Honestly, the rain cover isn't an issue. Anyone who has a collection of bags has an even larger collection of rain covers. Accessory straps too.
RE: Your comment about the MOLLE webbing in the rear access. I designed this pack about 7 ago and can clarify the webbing is to attach a toploader for use in situations where you do not pack an ICU. You just pack a toploader attached to the rear access. Not a common move for landscape photogs but very handy for backcountry action sports where you need more mtn gear than camera. Hope that helps :)
Shimoda Designs got anything new coming out soon?
that makes absolute sense now. Ive got the anja and been thinking of how to utilize the molle webbing. I tried to put a thin maxpedition pouch that i had, and found it interfered with the icu. Cant wait to go on a lightish weight multi day camping trip, now that i know i can bring the camera.
That action x 30 has me intrested. probably could replace my guru ul with that.
Shimoda Designs Great idea for small camera users!
Maybe this should be on the website of fstop ? I mean I watched loads of photos and videos and no actually shows what this could be for.. I mean from marketing point of view as a customer I want to see easily pictures of whatever options in could be especially with these ICUs. I live quite far from a store where I could try it myself and I have been deciding between Lowepro Whistler and Fstop Anja or Tilopa and when I saw Whistler I saw pictures of Skitouring gear inside, camelbak bladder, extra jackets, with camera all lying on the snow which makes me think "hey this is exactly what I want to do"
Now I see it in the video "review Tom W Carey" shows you actually don´t need the raincover. Having snow on the bag with no raincover.. Show us new customer how you attach gear, what kind of gear you had in mind when designing the webing because I truly can´t imagine that well maybe because I haven´t been to such situation or maybe I am not that much of a well organised person :)
Cheers and thanks for visiting comment section!
I'll stay with my Lowepro Runner. It has never fail me and holds all my equipment for Music Shows and Fashion/Modeling. Great video as always. Keep it up!!
I've had my Tilopa for two years now and love it. I've used it for overnight camps but not multiday. It's a rugged beast, the swiss army knife of camera bags!
I’ve had the same bag for 12 months and it’s superb. Like you say....tough as nails but you can pack so much into it. Never found a bag as good.
hi, is there a good place to put ski touring gear? Wet shovel, ski shins, probe? Thank you!
Hi Tom, been using my Tilopa for a little over 6 months, when flying I removed the aluminium frame very easily, just another option, stored it in my main luggage and then 2 mins to re insert it. I have managed UK summer wild camping with it both using a tarp and one trip with a Hillerberg Soulo tent. I just love the bag and its ruggedness with great easy access to gear. Small ICU that holds my A73, 16-35, 24-105 & 70 - 200, Kase Master Filter Kit in a Mindshift bag.
This bag rocks! It's so light! Taken round the world for years, with no issues to speak of. Best camera gear buy I've had. Can't speak highly enough of them. Small Pro ICU and Medium slope ICU is also a great combo on the inside...
Got my own Tilopa just one month ago..ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! I have other Lowepro too, but this is another level, no question about that! Love it
I bought the fstop sukkah for a wild winter photography adventure and it fitted everything I needed and more. The 3L water bladder I fitted was a welcome inclusion. Nothing but praise for fstop and after buying countless bags I am completely happy with this one.
I've had my Tilopa for several years and LOVE it. Indestructible and carries anything I could possibly want. I've had NO trouble getting into the overheads on full size jets. Regional jets are another story. I've gotten it to fit, but it's been a bit of a cram. I recently picked up an Atlas Athlete for when I am carrying a smaller kit.
Simple is good. I’ve recently started using a smaller camera backpack, and it makes a world of difference coming from a large full size bag that carries everything.
At last, a fellow bag collector, my wife finally understands after watching your video 3 times. We need bags, more bags and time to play with them. Then filling them, the wife has serious issues with my efforts.
A great video.
I love how every photographer on u tube has a “best” camera bag video and they are all different. Opinions based on personal taste over time. It is funny to watch them
I saw one in the local camera shop second hand with the tags still on. I thought, is that not the bag TH uses, came home and checked all I could and couldn't find any mention of which bag you use. Thought he seems to like it so went and picked it up for £100. really pleased you have this video now. And no there is no rain cover !
Nice review Thomas, very thorough and reflects the time you have spent with it. For those who might care... I have had the F-Stop Tilopa (first version) for 4 years now. It's my constant companion on long treks, traveled on everything from float planes, zodiacs, sailboats, commuters, and jets. I've hiked hundreds of miles with it and used it in every imaginable climate extreme. As a wildlife photographer who shoots in frigid snow, rain, and the tropics, the bag has not let me down... With four years of hard use, the pack itself still looks good and the insert continues to maintain its integrity. I'll easily get more years out of the bag... very worth the price of admission!
Hey Thomas, I’ve been using the Tilopa for a few years now and it is a great bag! Not my personal favorite for shorter day hikes as it is quite large, but very appreciated that I can carry all my things and have a hydration pack in the camera bag. Random note about the webbing on the back flap thing, I too wish it were a pocket instead but I do use mine to carry a few lens cloths. Not damaging and they usually hang on there if I arrange them correctly.
I've owned my Tilopa for nearly 4 years now and it is the best camera bag I've ever owned. It carries a lot of kit and distributes the weight well. It's had a hard life and while it looks a bit dirty, it all works as well as the day I bought it. I agree with Thomas though that the price is expensive, but given how long I've been using it and how much longer I plan to use it the cost was probably worth it.
Glad you gave it 6 months before talking about it. So many social media present photographers post 'My favourite/best bag' only to 6 months later post a video with a new bag after they've discovered issues with the previous bag.
Nice bag, and a proper review: 6 months of hard use! Respect. Got me thinking of putting a low cost camera gear insert into a relatively low cost ski mountaineering pack, which also has the rear panel opening feature. Success! Thanks for the inspiration!
Been looking at the f-stop bags for a while now will be my next upgrade. Thanks
I use this bag for over 3 years now and still love it! Even though its huge price I think it is worth it.
But I totaly agree on the raincover😋
Great review Thomas, thank you. I bought a Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW a couple of months ago after doing so much research, and while it is not as huge as the bag you have, it is actually excellent for half-day hikes, and of course a lot cheaper. So, thought of sharing in case you want a bag that has the same design as your F Stop but for shorter hikes. Cheers!
Thomas, No lie - Before seeing this video today, Yesterday I bought a used Tilopa and medium ICU for $75. I have been using a smaller 37L Loka with a large ICU. I plan to swap the ICUs back and forth. I have really enjoyed the F-Stop back pack design and I kept wondering why you were not. Now, you are. Your RUclipss are the first ones I look for - Keep it up!
The F-Stop does look like a great bag. I just got the Wandrd 31L and I love it. It is the most I have ever spent on a camera bag but it fit my needs so perfectly. A couple of other RUclipsrs I follow use it and they are the ones that got me interested in it. If I needed anything bigger I would definitely go for this one, but that price would keep me from it. $300 USD is tops I would ever pay for a camera bag, call me cheap if you want but just don't think any bag is worth more than that.
The F-Stop is amazing.
This thing is super heavy duty and wicked comfy for long hikes,etc...
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Keep doing what you're doing.
I love your videos.
So informative.
Thank you for what you do.
All the best🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Dan
I have the Manfrotto 30L off-road bag and I love it. If you don't have a ton of equipment, but just want to carry a few lenses with a dSLR, it's absolutely perfect. Plus you can remove the camera bag portion and use it as a day pack if you want. Really versatile bag.
I also have the lowepro runner ,I just love it even if it's old and seen its day it dose the job , very well thought out video Tom and am so happy to see was 77 days in the lakes 👍👏👏
Been using the F-stop Satori 62L for years now. Good to see that you also finally found them :)
(I also have the lowepro 450 :))
I’ve recently bought the shimoda explore 40, absolutely amazing quality and plenty of room for clothes as well as camera gear. There is also an explore 60, went for the 40 as is hand luggage size
Thomas Heaton and the Generosity of Pockets
Ryan M sounds like a good book in the making lol
This should be a drinking game.
Great video... I'm been searching for the perfect camera bag the last year. After a lot of research I finally managed to get it down to 2 bags the F-stop Tipola and the Atlas Adventure Pack... I vent with the Atlas. Simply because it comes with everything. Rain cover, pouches, adjustable harness and customizable origami camera core... Great pack only downside the final price especially for customers outside the US - it's even more expensive than the Tilopa, because it only can be purchased from the US... But by far the better bag.
Shimoda Explore 60 Backpack is the same deal great quality from what I can see but crazy expensive. Base bag is $320 + $75 for a Medium Core + $50 for a Small Core + $9 for a rain cover = $454
Camera/Hiking bags are certainly an obsession! :-)
Came to the comments to see if anyone suggested a Shimoda bag. I really like my Explore 40 for shorter hikes and biking around, and I'm sure the 60 would be great for longer treks like the one Thomas mentioned in the video.
Most informative review Thomas very well done! With no rain cover that’s the deal breaker for me! Thanks for sharing.
I got the Guru and my bag must of been built on a Monday. The customer service is superb. It is best bag I have had so far and it is great for traveling, better then my Lowepro or Think Tank bags.
Ha! I was wondering while watching this why you hadn't tried an f-stop bag as I love my old Tilopa. Great to see that you've got one!
I love my Atlas Athlete Pack. It’s awesome quality plus different size waist belts to fit all people sizes.
I bought one after I sold my f-stop Anja. Seriously good bag without the need for inserts....and extra cash for the cover. Best bag easily in my opinion, better than the f-stop..and cheaper.
I''ve used the older F-stop Satori EXP backpack for years now, and it have pockets in the flap. two small ones for CF-cards, and two large ones for other stuff. Love this backpack! It also have MOLLE-attachments on the outside of the bag, that is nice if you want to attach other stuff with extra straps or Molle-system pouches. The newer bags dont have this.. BTW: The biggest F-stop backpack, the Shinn, have pockets in the "flap" too.
Have had the F-Stop Gear Satori Exp (now discontinued) for years and it's been an absolute workhorse in the mountains and on multi-day hikes, nothing new really. And now my main working bag is the Lowepro Protactic 450 AW which is bomb proof and great for shorter, more comfortable trips. Love both bags and when the Satori came out it was about half this price before people cottoned on as to how amazing F-Stop gear is.
Really looking forward to the next video. Going wild camping in lake district tomorrow. Nice video Thomas, shirt looks good
Great video, Thomas! I've owned multiple f-stop bags over the years. Two additional cons that come to mind: zipper durability and weight. Over time the zippers will "get stuck" and you'll need to spend time cleaning them. I don't know the best solution for this but it's something that's common especially if you shoot near the ocean. And, I use the Loka (old Ajna) most of the time with the smallest ICU I need to keep the weight down when hiking, for example. This is totally nit-picky but I wish f-stop would work on weight savings on both the bags & ICUs. Otherwise, IMHO they are worth every cent!
Finding the perfect camera bag for landscape photography can be a struggle. Some have plenty space for camera gear but not enough for clothes, food etc. and vice versa. That's an expensive bag but I can see why you like it, the amount of space looks great.
The age old bag question! I ended up going with the Mammut trion pro 50+7L after seeing Adam Gibbs using one for a while. Very similar to the tilopa, but not actually a camera bag - just a similar dimensioned hiking bag with a back entry which can fit the same inserts. I've been really happy with it!
I have the f-stop Lotus for 6 months now and I am so happy with it. It’s the perfect bag for hiking and active photographers. I did a lot of research before I bought it and don’t regret it. I agree in adding the raincover. I don’t have it, because the fabric is waterproof. But it would feel safer with one.
Great bag. I have had the 40L version (Ajna) for well over a year, no problems, fly with (fits overhead, and as you pointed out, the insert comes out if the overheads are full). I have the rain cover, never used it yet. Spent 5 days in rainy Moab (you remember that eh) without using the cover - no issues.
Hi Thomas, indeed a great bag! A tip for even more compression: you can take the metal support for the back out. This way you can take off ~10 cm without compressing it so tightly.
Great tip, thanks a lot.
Hi Thomas. Thoroughly agree with a lot of what you say about the F-Stop bag regarding how good it is, and the negatives re price, and the lack of a rain-cover. I have the Ajna model, which is the very slightly smaller version, but not that different to the Tilopa. So much space for everything I'm still trying different things with it to get the most of the storage space. Agree its comfortable but I've taken to using a smaller Lowepro bag for specific shoots where I don't have to take everything.
Love the sneeky shot of Simon Baxter foraging in the woods!
I use the Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW. So much room, anything you need you can take. So many adjustments to fit me (a fairly small person) properly. Well worth the £300 I paid for it, never thought i'd fall in love with a backpack!
Hi Thomas I’ve got that bag, it’s fantastic, agree with everything you said.
I've had the ProTactic 450AW for a few years and its almost perfect. Love the sturdyness. Downside is the chest strap clip broke on me after a few months.
I use the F-Stop Ajna, It too doesn't come with a rain cover, But its the best camera bag I've used and its strong yet more importantly it is comfortable on long hikes. I have the Large Pro and Med Slope ICU's and they both serve a purpose. I tend to use the Med Slope ICU during the winter months when I need to pack more gear to keep me warm and dry. Thanks for sharing Thomas. .
Thomas, I have the Anja version of this bag with the Large ICU and the webbing/molle attachment on the underside of the rear cover is perfect for attaching (for example) a Tasmania Tiger Tac Pouch to hold your accessories etc. These are super thin and from my experience sits perfectly against the internal dividers without pressing down on them.
Thank you for the comparisons. Very helpful!
I have this bag’s smaller cousin, the Ajna, which might be easier on people’s pockets. I love it, with a couple of downsides: It took months and months to arrive directly from the company (I have heard since then that this is an improved situation) ; the shoulder straps seem a little thinner than I’d like; I’m not entirely keen on the suggested side-carrying option for the tripods. I ended up buying additional short and long attachment straps and two of these help hold my Gitzo Mountaineer tightly to the backpack; Finally, would have really liked a height adjustable frame. It is just a little too long for me.
Now having said all that, the Ajna remains a much loved backpack that I even take shopping as well as camera hiking. I also have a Shimoda 40l, which I believe is designed by the gentleman who helped bring the F-Stop bags on the market. That one does have adjustable height straps but fewer attachment points. And I’ts possibly even more expensive than the Tilopa. I also think its ICU’s are inferior. (I use the F-Stop ones between the two). It’s honestly a truly difficult choice deciding which one suits my needs most on any given day as they are both just so damn comfortable to wear and so very versatile.
I do know this though, I wouldn’t choose ANY other backpack maker for my cameras over these two brands for a long day’s trek in the wilderness.
The Molle style attachment straps in the main compartment lid are designed for holding F-Stops mini 1 camera + short lens holster, if I recall aright. Tried it and it works fine when travelling with minimal camera gear. 😊
Not sure if people hate on Peak Design, but their Travel Pack 45L. It also uses the cube system and offers waterproof zips and material. Easy access via back fold and/or side zips. Cost is $299, med camera cube is $60.
I've had my f-stop Lotus for about 5 years, while is was expensive, it's a brilliant bag. I've had it out in all weathers and never needed a rain cover, it's always been water tight without one. At about 32 litres it's okay as a day and overnight bag too. Been looking at the 62 litre beasts for longer trips though.
I'm using the discontinoud Satori and the Tilopa in it's first release since over 5 years. I bought them shortly after their release. Since them I made lots of trips in the Alps, never had such a great backpack. After 5 years I like to say, it's worth every Euro I spent.
My historiy with camera-packs is similar to yours, but I skipped the LowePro tacktical and the Manfrotto, all other packs where owned by myself until I arrieved at F-Stop.
I've had a Tilopa for over a year, can't say enough good things about it. The only thing I haven't had it out in is a torrential downpour, but it's handled gentle rain and drizzle without needing the cover. Lots of room, rides well, and access to everything is easy.
whafrog looks like a promising bag!
My Ajna allowed my stuff to get damp-not wet- earlier this year in the Lake District drizzle. I have now bought a very cheapo Chinese rain cover that is every bit as good as the ones that come with LowePro bags.
Reminds me a bit of my Dakine bag which is going on 15 years now. I think it was the first or one of the first photo bags they ever made, specifically designed for their inhouse snowboarding photographers. The straps were made for attaching snowboards but are good for connecting tripods etc. too.
I'm beginning to wonder what my life has come to when I find myself watching a video about camera bags.
Your life is going along right direction, your not alone
Adventure! :)
Bought the F:Stop Lotus 2 years ago. Fantastically comfortable fully laden with everything - large ICU (D750 +7 lenses) + snack/packable jacket, or Medium ICU (landscape gear - fewer lens but filters etc.) with food/extra clothing. Tripod in side pocket, water bladder for hydration and I'm set for an all day hike, or up the mountain skiing/snowboarding, or at the beach etc. Expensive - yes - but buy over time - bought medium ICU and added custom accessories as needed later. This bag looks as good as new 2 years on using average 3-4 times a week! Happy days!
After years of trying different bags I now use a Shimoda explore 60. Yes £300 and you still have to purchase the inserts and raincover!
But well worth it, as it has a rigid frame, comes with a tripod pocket and straps, and has a totally separate top compartment. It also has the pocket you mentioned on the flip lid that the f stop hasn't 😉
There comes a time when you find the perfect bag that takes all your gear ... but it's too heavy to lift off the floor
I use that same old school black LowePro ProRunner 450AW. 10+ years as well! For many years and after trying many others and I keep coming back to it. Now I'm curious about the f-stop!
We're the same. I alway ALWAYS went back to my Pro Runner and I'm a little bit sad that now I don't.
You should also check out the Atlas Athlete and Adventure bags. Lacks some straps, but it's been my "do everything" bag as of late. Hip belt is removable as well, so it can also serve as city walkaround bag.
edit: I should also mention that both bags have a removable aluminum frame. The Athlete bag easily fits as carry-on and under the seat. It also comes with a built-in rainfly and customizable gear organization
Also had a long journey of bags and finally purchased the little bit smaller F-Stop Lotus for ~120€ (used but perfect conditions - those things dont brake). On top an 3rd party ICU for 15 € which perfectly does the job. And yes, also finally arrived!
Atlas Packs are great. Dedicated spot for to protect your gear as well as plenty of room for any extra things you may need. One of the best things is that they come with a lifetime warranty! Got an Athlete pack back in January and love it!
This is like watching a heroine addict reviewing heroine for other addicts. I bought yet another camera bag a week ago and now I want a new camera backpack, even though I've bought my protactic two months ago after retiring my Vanguard. We need therapy, all of us.
John Grammaticus what is it with photographers and bags? Lol I’m guilty too haha
@@molopez619 dude I have no idea but I have more bags than my wife! Fortunately I've managed to sell one recently but it's out of control anyway.
John Grammaticus the struggle lol
Except I refuse to spend the money on therapy cause then I would have less money to spend on bags! :P
Hahaha. A very true description. I am sure now that I will not aquire any more bags.
Outstanding video Tom. One of the most important pieces of kit, the humble camera bag, is undoubtedly a critical decision for purchase. Nick page uses the Shimoda bag and I think f-stop and shimoda seem to be the kings for landscape photography. Thanks again.
I’ve been through so many bags trying to balance hiking and photography gear and none came up to expectations.
Lowepro and Deuter seem to be getting close with their bags designed around the needs of skiers/snowboarding. I finally took the plunge on an expensive bag; Lowepro Powder BP500 - about £260 on Amazon. I love it. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
Great video Thomas! I love bag videos and also love seeing reviews of outdoor bags. This one looks great!
There are three similar bags. FStop, Shimoda, and Atlas Packs. I got the Atlas Adventure, the neither of the other two would work easily with my long lenses. Expensive, yes. Definitely worth it. I have used mine extensively, gone places I would have hesitated to haul my heavy long gear into. Get what is comfortable and fits your purpose.
I've got an older discontinued 60L F-stop bag I've had since 2013 or 2014. Love the bag. My only complaint that I've ever had is their ICU dividers are horrid. When Shimoda came out with their bags, I didn't want to spend the money on a new bag so I got their dividers and use those with the F-stop bag and ICU. Couldn't be happier.
wow! that new bag is VERY GENEROUS!!
100% agree with your positives and negatives Thomas, I've had my Ajna for over a year now and it is brilliant. I carry my GFX 50S with 23mm, 32-64mm and 100-200mm plus a complete Lee 100 filter kit. There's loads of room for extras I can even fit my X-T2 with 16-55 and a Leica M9 with 35mm plus drinks and snacks and a bit of extra clothing. Obviously I don't Vlog so no need for the extras like Drones etc. Like most of us I've tried them all over the years but am settled with the F-Stop now.
Thomas, as always, thanks for always being genuine in your comments. Your guidance is appreciated.
Oooooh, I have been eyeing up the Tilopa for ages now :)
Thomas 14:26 that strings are use when you don’t want to use the ICU, then you attach there the Fstop lens barrel with the fstop Navin or only the Navin ( dsrl + 1 lens attach) when you don’t need to take all your gear, so you have massive space for your clothes and use as a mountain backpack. I have the same Tilopa bag and the guru for street photography. And I keep using the icu I already have.
I hope the comment help you. Cheers from Argentina!
Have you looked at the Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW?
It is also quite expensive, but it's massive, and I haven't had any problems at airports, yet (I usually fly with Norwegian). The only thing is, that I'm too thin for the hip-belt, and there are no bottom-fastening-points (for a tent for example). The bag has 4 main compartments, a top compartment, a small side (almost a pocket) compartment, a fairly large, extendable front compartment, and, at last, the camera compartment, which holds my Nikon D750, Tamron 24-70 f2.8, Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro, Tamron 100-400mm, and a small nifty-fifty, plus accessories, such as ND-filters, filters, batteries etc.. It holds them surprisingly well, and there's room for more. This bag actually has a rain cover, which you don't need, because it is almost waterproof (if you dunk it in a pool, no (you get the point)). I like it, but as I mentioned, it cannot carry a tent, which means it is a one-day-bag, not a multiple day bag.
I go back and forth between the Lowepro Whistler 450 and Powder 500. I agree with you on the Whistler and then they came out with the Powder which is a backcountry touring designed bag. It holds a little less camera gear but gives you more room for other things like spare clothes, food/snacks, etc.
@@brian.walker Great, thanks for the answer, I may look into that. I am actually in need of a little more space for other things than camera gear, so that might be exactly the right bag, going by Lowepro.
@@brian.walker I've recently purchased the Lowepro Powder and love it for day walks.
@@crusadeagainsttomatoes2518 I would definitely say it is the way to go if you like your Lowepro's
@@nicolahguy It's been a good one. I just have an issue with the shoulder straps sliding a little and not holding tight. I think I have fixed the issue though
Hum...everything...including taking the epic picture... I do enjoy your channel Thomas!
An incredibly “generous” review! On a more serious note though. I’ve found that the larger the bag the more tempted I am to take things I don’t really need effectively adding weight and making the trip harder then it has to be. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equals pain.
Hey Thomas, the webbing is for molle system. It origins from military gear and there are a vast variety of pouches for it. Looks like you could use molle pouches instead of the normal inlay.
Great video. Very generous Thomas Heaton generously offers generous advice on generous pockets. Thank you for the generous giving of your time in making this generous video. 😂😂😂. (It's a very good video. Very useful).
Very very great review... thanks.. This F-stop is really amazing...
I wondered where your bag journey would bring you. I too started with a Lowepro. Well actually, I started with a Trapper Nelson as a youth, an instrument of torture and obligatory right of passage back near the middle of the previous century. I too found no satisfactory solution for outdoor photography until I discovered F-Stop. Not only does it carry the full complement of photography and personal gear one needs for a day outdoors, it is a pleasure to work out of. When I first pick it up fully loaded my initial reaction is, “Damn this is heavy!” But with shoulder straps and waist belt adjusted the weight (almost) disappears. It is the most comfortable pack I have ever owned. I’m dropping mine off today to have one side pocket zipper replaced (broken tooth) and waist belt buckle replaced (stepped on and slammed in the truck door once too often). The next couple weeks I will be suffering F-Stop withdrawal. You reminded me these bags are expensive. When a piece of gear performs so well and delivers such satisfaction over years the original sticker shock has long faded from memory and become irrelevant.
I also have a an F-Stop Tilopa, and for me, it's the best bag I've ever used. Actually, mine did come with a rain cover, however, it's still in the plastic bag it came in. Even with the rainy weather here in Vancouver, I've never had any issues water ingress. One thing you didn't mention is that the bag has an interior tubular aluminum frame which makes it very sturdy. Never had any problems with carry on restrictions either, even on the smaller turbo props. Anyway, enjoy your bag, good choice....
Nice Job Tom! Great point on the rain cover!
Cheers and I am shopping around and the backdoor type, that is where I am looking as there is no point in putting your shoulder straps into the dirt/mud only to ware it on yourself after, good video and some tasty food for thought, cheers
Can’t wait to see the next video.
Boom! Totally recommended this in the alps haha! best bag ever xD
great video.. you just made me more happy with my new-to-me LowePro Protactic 450 AW (I got it on sale!)
the "tactical" means you can strap stuff on the outside, and it doesn't have to be LowePro tactical; you can strap any tactical strappy bags and gear to the exterior of the Protactic LowePro bags
I've had a Tilopa for over a year and it's by far the best bag I have ever had, I had a car accident on Mull years ago and have had a bad back ever since so a good backpack is all I can use to carry my gear, I tried Tenba and two lowepro bags but they all killed my back in no time, with the Tilopa I can walk all day with all the gear I need and that is before I have fastened the hip belt, it didn't quite cost me £400 but I would buy it again without hesitation.
Really looking forward to the camping bag vid ;)
I've been using an Ajna for almost 2 years. Cost a bunch of $$ and i've never looked back. Best bag ever. (Shimoda are amazing too, but for even more $$). Also Tom, the webbing on the inside flap is the Mole System (military), as i'm sure someone else in the comments has mentioned already. Very universal attachment system. (I use mine for sharpies, screwdrivers and t-handled hex keys for tripod plates, a mini multi screwdriver and an old toothbrush (for cleaning filter threads and the like) . I've also been on some pretty small planes with it (Lukla), and the ICU comes out nice and fits under the seat perfectly if needed. Best landscape shooters bag ever in my humble opinion. (and i've owned A LOT) 🇨🇦
Hey Tom, it is really expensive, but the quality is second to none. I have 5 bags in my closet that I no longer use myself. Unfortunately, quality is expensive. Great video.
I always used the Lowepro Flipside 400. Opens just like the F-stop. Great bag if you don't need something smaller than the F-stop
I have the Anja, it is a great bag, but as you have pointed out expensive. I agree with your comment about the lack of a rain cover it should be included in the price, the bag can have a water bladder inserted but I prefer a water bottle but there are no elasticated pockets on the outside of the bag where a bottle could be inserted. You can use the bag's MOLLE system to attach a bottle bag this can go on the hip belt. The MOLLE attachment points allow you to customise the bag for a variety of uses, if you just want the rucksack you can use the attachment points in the lid to secure packs and other small items that you don't want to search for in the bag. I believe that the MOLLE system is used by the US Military so there are a multitude of accessories available that are not photography related.
Overall I have to agree that the bags are very comfortable, very durable and great for photography especially if you are a landscape photographer.
Yeh, thought I saw an F-Stop on your back in a few recent videos! and yeh, it does seem to do everything! Got a Tilopa with a large ICU to go to Oz, and it's amazingly flexible! But... ended up also getting a Ajna for carry on with a medium ICU and now use that most of the time - how I got away with the Tilopa as carry on, god only knows! But, that's an awesome hack! Never needed a rain cover for either bag in pretty heavy rain. Pretty sure the webbing in the back is MOLLE compatible, so you can add your own small pockets, pouches, etc to the inside of the lid. Can also add other pouches to the hip belt - I've got a couple of F-Stop shoulder camera bags that'll take a body with a 70-200 on, that I can detach if I want to travel light.
Wasn't that expensive when I was looking... that'll be the exchange rate... sure you can get it cheaper than Amazon, and they do pop up on eBay, which is where mines came from.
When I bought my tilopa it was still advertised as carry-on size (just). Maybe limits have gotten smaller, but personally I have never had issues either. Across parts of Europe and to Africa and back. I could imagine a tiny, tiny prop plane may be an issue, but otherwise it is all about the classic, confident, one shoulder 'this bag isn't too heavy, nor too big' approach.
Pretty much my exact setup for the last four years or so - just the old version. That had pockets on the inside of the lid btw.
Fucking love it and it is worth every single penny. Although I was annoyed about the seperate cover....