Introducing the new F-Stop Tilopa BC photo backpack

Good work dude, F-Stop must be loving you right now. I got the old Tilopa in the end for a good price so I’m not too bummed about missing out on the new version. I’m thinking of getting the new medium ICU to give me more space for other stuff but wondering if it’ll take a body with Nikon 70-200 2.8 attached (11.5″ total length). I know F-Stop says the medium is 11″ long but do you think it would squeeze in? That’s a 70-200 f4 in your photos, yeah?

that should fit, I don’t have nikon but takes a mounted 70-200L from canon and was specifically fit to take that combo.

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by dancarrphoto, Brad Lentz. Brad Lentz said: Introducing the new F-Stop Tilopa BC photo backpack http://bit.ly/dcbXev another great review by @dancarrphoto [...]

As always great write-up! My only complaint with f-stop is that I purchased a Tilopa and Loka a few months ago, and if f-stop had told me a new Tilopa was coming I would have waited to buy that bag. I like the one I now have, but would rather have the new version. Ben

Lorne – Yes f4 in my shot. I think you could squeeze yours in….there is flexibility in the walls of the ICU

Are the specs on the weight for the Tilopia BC? F-stop’s website lists the 2nd gen Tilopia as 1392 Grams – 3.07lbs (No ICU). Interestingly, it lists the Loka as 1565 Grams – 3.45lbs (No ICU). I’m contemplating returning my Loka for a Tilopia BC because of the laptop sleeve and shovel blade pocket, if it were in fact lighter than Loka (with an ICU) as well this might seal the deal. While the Tilopia is definitely deeper, I don’t carry a ton of gear and would just strap the pack down closer to my body.

Alex let me get the weight of the new bag for you. The weight I have posted is obviously the weight of the old version for which I apologize. It is definitely NOT lighter than the Loka though, the thicker straps and belts and laptop pocket add weight for sure. It is still much lighter than typical packs due to the materials they use but yeah the Loka is a featherweight.

If you don’t plan on packing a lot of gear then I think you have the right choice with the Loka. You could fit a laptop in the Loka if you really needed to in a neoprene sleeve.

I just returned my Loka but am interested in the Tilopa BC. Where do you put your shovel handle and probe?

Adam I dont put the shovel in the front pocket, personally i prefer to put it in the “laptop” pocket which really can be used for anything. Then the handle and probe go down the side of the ICU. Or they can go in the same pocket as the blade.

So all your avy kit is in the main compartment lust like the Loka and the issue of having to get through the rest of your gear (I’d have a small ICU with 10 essentials/first aid/spare gloves/goggles/extra layer/food/skins and maybe a rope on top) to access it is still there? Argh.

There’s no way that the front pocket looks tall enough to hold a 320cm probe but is it big/tall enough to hold a shovel handle?

How long is your shovel handle ?

That is my preference as I said before. My shovel handle goes down the side but the handle itself is long enough that it is sticking up right to where the zipper is so doesn’t matter how much stuff you have sitting in the middle, the handle is still right there on the side.

My Ortovox probe fits in the font pocket without trouble. How long is your probe when collapsed ?

Thanks guys. Specs say the Nikon 70-200 2.8 is 2cm longer than the Canon versions. Could anyone confirm for sure on the Nikon + body fit (or space remaining with a Canon + body) in the new medium ICU? I’m just worried if the Canon is an exact fit then the Nikon might be a stretch too far.

Dan, both my handle and probe are 18″ long. It’s the blade design that’s the bigger issue when going into the main compartment. See here: http://www.voile-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=402

Great write up! What’s disappointing is that this kind of comparisons aren’t available from bag manufacturers from the start.

Dan, thanks for the review and the photos of the packs (Tilopa and Loka) – your blog entries re F-Stop gear are way more informative than the manufacturer’s homepage. I just ordered a Loka for skiing and I am interested in one of the bigger packs for other mountain activities like 1-2 day hikes in the mountains where I would have to bring additional dry clothes and food alongside my photo gear (Canon 7D, 70-200 f4 IS, 17-85 IS, 100 2.8 macro, 10-22). Do you know wether there is a new version of the Satori coming too? Or would you say the new Tilopa with a medium ICU is big enough anyway?

Thanks Stefan,

I would say 2 days hikes would be pushing limits of the tilopa but obviously depends on what you are carrying to sleep under. Youll get a sleeping bag in there and some good but its hard for me to say how comfortable you are with lots of things on the outside of the bag live a bivvy or tent. There will be a new Satori sometime in the first half of next year. I can’t be more accurate than that though, I just don’t know.

Thanks very much! I’ll probably wait for the new Satori version then.

Just ordered a old Tilopa two weeks ago not knowing a new one was coming out. Do you know when the new verison will be available?? Really helpful reviews on the bags! Thanks!

Not entirely sure Andrew. Please contact f-stop directly.

Alex I’m sorry about this nobody has gotten back to me with the weight and I do not have scales that are accurate enough at my place. Please e-mail ian@fstopgear.com. He is the product developer and he can answer your question.

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the great write up and all the pics. Can you please tell me what the difference between the Tilopa and the Tilopa BC? I can’t seem to find this info on the f-stop website. It’s a bit more expensive so I was wondering what the “upgrades” are.

Thanks,
Celeste

The BC has an improved ski carrying setup on the side so that part will only make a difference if you are carrying skis on it. There is a MUCH sturdier hip pad and waist strap. Also interior pockets in the lid pocket for memory card holders and batteries and a further zippered mesh pocket inside the lid pocket. Also they include the new style ICU which are pictured. They are slightly more refined than the older ones, slimmer softer padding and a better shape to fit more in the corners. Also the BC has a TPU waterproof base so you can stand it in a puddle if you wanted to. I think the improvements are well worth the extra if you pack a heavy pack, the harness system in general is much more comfortable. Oh and it has a water reservoir outlet now for a camelback.

Thanks! SOunds like I should go with the BC. Just out of curiosity, do you think it is more efficient to use multiple ICUs, or to just have 1? I usually pack 1 body with 70-200 f/2.8 or 100-400 attached, another body with a wide angled attached, a mid-range zoom plus assorted extenders, etc etc. The folks at fstop told me I could fit all this in a large ICU, but I was just wondering if a small + a medium would be a more flexible choice? Any ideas?

Celeste

Dan, thanks for the fantastic review and comprehensive picture set, it really helps! I am truly torn between the Loka and the Tilopa BC, and am wondering (as someone alluded to above) if the Tilopa BC can be cinched up to resemble the size of the Loka? This would assume similar loads placed inside, obviously. Put another way, can the Tilopa’s extra 2″ in depth be cinched in if the pack is not stuffed full, thus making it similarly ‘skiable’ compared to the Loka?

Thanks for any info!

-Jeff

Yeah the 2 straps on each side can certainly be tightened up to do that.

Wow, that’s a great looking pack and something I’ve been looking for for over a year now. Thanks for the great post and the huge variety of pictures; really helps me get a feel for the pack since there’s nowhere I can actually go and try one on. Going on a trip to Italy in Aug/2011 and the pack will definitely come in handy!

Thanks again and keep up the awesome posts!

Dan,

I haven’t seen any photos of the Tilopa BC showing the back loading of the ICU like one of the photos for the standard Tilopa. Is the BC still accessible from the back?

Thanks!

Berge

Have a closer look at the photos Berge , there is a photo that show this right here on this page…

Hi Dan, Merry Christmas.Great review too. I’m also can’t decide between the Tilopa BC and the Loka. Normally I do day hikes or city trips. So the Loka is a great choice. I’m also a climber.

I’m planning in may a 5-day hut-to-hut Via Ferrata trip to the Brenta Dolomite, Italy. For this trip should the Tilopa BC a great choice. On the photo’s in the review I notice loops to attach Ice axes. I don’t see how you fix the Ice axes at the bottom. Are there possibilities to attach a rope and crampons as well?

In October I’m planning a 7-day hiking trip to the Black Cullons, Isle of Sky, Scotland, for nature photography. Should the Tilopa be ‘big’ enough to carry basic camping gear. I have also a wife to carry the tent

I also see that you can strap the Tilopa to the approx thickness of the Loka. Or should I buy a Loka for day trips and little hikes and later a new Satori for long hiking trips? As climber I also own several Lowe Alpine climbing pack’s (30L, 40L, 50L and 70L). The medium ICU I bought this year fits nice in the Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 50+10!

Thanks.

Hey Dan.

Awesome website you got here with really nice reviews and not at least a really fine portfolie! I am serious considering buying the BC for an upcomming Ski assignment in the alps. But there is one think i cant find anywhere, and that’s a picture of somebody carrying the BC on his/hers back. It would be nice if you could upload a few photos of that, and in that way get a better understanding of the size, when its on your back skiing down the mountain, which in my case is kind of important.

And once again thank you for a great review!

//Esben.

What exactly is the difference between the Tilopa and the Tilopa BC? I was looking into buying the Tilopa, prior to seeing the Tilopa BC. Is the BC simply an updated, better version of the Tilopa, or would there be a reason to buy the regular Tilopa instead?

Thanks much!

Yes BC is new updated version of the Tilopa. Main difference is newer ICU , better waist belts and padding , interior lid pockets, better straps for attaching skis and snowboard.

[...] backpacks. I had heard good things about these bags online, having read an excellent review by Dan Carr, so it was good news to read that I could check them out in person. The bag I chose, the Tilopa, is [...]

[...] telling me that Team Digital were now stocking F-Stop photo backpacks. I had heard good things online, so it was good news to read that I could check them out in person. The bag I chose, the Tilopa, is [...]

the f-Stop website says that the Loka is comfortable for a person up to 6’2″. I am 6″5″ so do you think my torso is too long to use the Loka and I should buy the BC? Your input would be great. Terrific write-up!

I’m afraid I’m not even close to that tall so it’s hard to say. Best call F-Stop and ask them.

Great review Dan! Very comprehensive and detailed! Can you say how water resistant these bags are, would you recommend placing important gear inside waterproof bags before putting into ICU or putting ICU into a single water proof bag?
Many thanks.

The bags are very waterproof. If you are in rain or a snowstorm you will be fine all day. Only if you actually plan on putting the bag in a river will you need any more protection. And in that case there will be a special waterproof bag to put the ICU in coming out in the near future. Designed if you are kayaking with the bags.

I originally ordered the Loka and then got the Tilopa BC. Sending back the Loka tomorrow. Both are great packs, but the Tilopa BC gives me: (a) better padding in the straps, (b) extra room when needed while still being as low profile (IMHO) as the Loka when not filled and tightened up with the straps, and (c) compression straps on the hip belt.

@Brad Moody: Height doesn’t matter, your torso measurement is what’s important (for example I’m 6’2 but only have a medium torso length). Learn how to collect that measurement on yourself and then give FStop a call. I would lean more toward the Tilopa BC instead of the Loka purely because the load lifting straps will likely fit you better since it’s a tad bit taller.

Great info on this pack. I am wondering what you might recommend for me here. I am quite small (5’3″ and 108 lbs) and I find it hard to find a pack that fits both me and my camera gear. I need a pack that will carry a 500F4 lens with a body attached, along with an extra body, a 70-200F2.8 and a wide angle lens, plus assorted accessories like extenders and flash. I can fit all that in my Kiboko bag but there is no room left for lunch or extra layers of clothing and no attachment points to strap anything to. I don’t need to carry a ton of extra stuff, but I do need to be able to carry rain gear, sweater, some food etc. I am wondering which pack and which insert you would recommend for someone small like me who carries a fair bit of gear. So far, the Kiboko is the only bag I have found that is not too tall in the torso or two wide in the distance between shoulder straps to fit me and also fit the 500 lens. But something that would also allow me somewhere to put extra clothing layers etc would be even better. How are the F-stop bags for someone like me?

Thanks,
Roberta

Hi Robert, best I can say is to order one and try it. They have a good return policy. It’s hard for me to comment on how well it would fit you as I am taller.

Hi Dan. I am considering buying the Tilopa BC.. I have a few questions that perhaps you can answer. I am planing a 3 day hike later this year, do you feel that it could hold a sleeping bag and 3 days of gear plus the small ICU? Second: I am not a skinny guy do you think it will fit a guy with a 48 waist?

I think it ought to fit you ok. But I dont think you’d have enough space for a 3 day trip with it. Maaaaaaaybe if you put the sleeding bag in a dry bag and cinched it to the bottom of the bag, but I’d say youd be pushing it. In the summer there will be an expedition version of the Satori released which is designed for exactly what you are describing. Its bigger than the tilopa , but lighter but wont be available until some time in the summer not sure exact dates.

Thanks, I have held off on ordering the Tilopa bc for now. I trip is not until Aug.. I hope by then the Satori will be out.

Thanks for the great review.

[...] or hop on your bike.  The rear opening of the pack is smaller than that on the Loka and Tilopa BC and is designed around the size of the medium ICU (you can find extensive photo comparisons of the [...]

I held off on buying this bag for way to long. I have had it for about a month now and have already tracked decent set of miles on it. I travel every week for work, so fitting in a regional aircraft was a requirement…. well the loka fits in a CRJ, EMB145, and a Dash 8 over head bin…. with a shell stuffed in the front non the less! Had the Dakine sequence for about 2 years and swore it was the best bag on the market… boy was i wrong, the loka just carries the weight completely different. The load is so tight to your back that it carries very well.

Last weekend I used the small ICU in my osprey pack (went on a 2 day backing trip), and fits magically at the top of the pack, and snuggly fits the contour of the cinch straps.

Thanks for the great review, this review is what made me finally pull the trigger.

Awesome Ryan, thanks for sharing.

I bought a Tilopa BC with small and medium ICUs. I’m sending it all back because the medium ICU is worthless. The shallow side is only 5″ deep which makes it totally unacceptable. I have some other issues too.

Please enlighten us Duane ? 5″ deep is plenty tall enough for cameras like a 5dmkii , Nikon d300, d700 , canon 60d… Why did you find it did not work ? I find it to be very useful myself, as do lots of other so I’m intrigued to hear what you were trying to fit into it?

The Tilopa looks fantastic. I haven’t read the other comments, so this may have already been answered; will the bag hold a canon 5d mk2 with the battery pack attached?
Thanks,
Greg

First off, F-stop advertises the medium ICU as being 7.5 inches deep. It isn’t. The external depth is barely 7 inches and the internal is 6.5 inches. But worse, it tapers to a mere 5 inches. Furthermore, the dividers are tapered and only work in one orientation. What this all means is that it is only useful if the camera body is in the deep end and spare lenses aren’t longer than about 5 inches. In other words, it is best used exactly as you illustrated in the image titled “Pro body and 6 lens (with room to spare) in the Medium ICU”.

Well, you must be using some crazy short lenses, because mine are all longer than 5 inches. My primary arsenal is a Canon 5DII, 16-35, 100 macro, 24-70, and 135. The shortest lens is 5.5 inches. I’m also annoyed that the camera body would be at the very bottom of the bag in the most difficult location to access and hid behind two separate zippers.

If the stupid Medium ICU was my only gripe I probably would have bought the large ICU and dealt with it, but there were a number of other things that annoyed me about the bag and the company. At one point I made a list of design changes that would greatly improve the Tilopa but I didn’t get a warm fuzzy that anyone at F-stop would be interested. Oh well. I’m happy to have moved on.

I have to say, in Your photos these bags look like spat out chewing gums. Not nice at all. Apart from that I like the modularity
and versatility. At the moment I enjoy a, ‘no back contact with the bag,’ harness system from Kata’s bumblebee. How does that
compair with the F-Stop’s system? Nothing worse having a wet back rubbing on the back cushion on long hikes.

Haha wow that’s a turn of phrase I haven’t hear before. Charming….

Duane because the whole back panel opens up I can’t understand how having the camera at the bottom makes it any harder to reach than having it in any other place. And you don’t need to zip the icu closed during normal use so you only have to open one zipper and all your gear is exposed. For most people this method of design works very well.

RE dimensions. I don’t know, thats something you’d have to ask F-Stop about.

RE improvement. Quite the opposite, I know they love to hear that stuff and I can provide you with the e-mail of their product developer if you would like it.

I need a bag that can carry a small laptop 15″ or smaller and my gear a day at a time. Would the Loka be able to do that?

Hi Dan, just wondering if you can tell us why F-stop have hiked their prices by nearly 25% !!! You have posted telling us all what a bargin the new shipping deal is with F-stop, then when you go to purchase the Tilopa BC you will find the new price is now 405 USD from 325. Wow what a bargin……………

That is a huge price jump for the same product as was available last week. That’s my mind made up, no thanks F-STOP I will look elsewhere thank you. Please pass this feedback on to F-stop.

Andrew, I see they have indeed increased prices. Across the range it would seem, I need to adjust pricing in my reviews.  I think you should send feedback to them directly , I know they do like to hear from people and every email will get read, Support@fstopgear.com

My guess is that it was needed to cover the increase in costs for manufacturing in Asia.  Something that has hit everyone.  My post yesterday on the blog was about Canon increasing their prices too for the same reason.  I would guess this is the reason, though yes 25% is surprising.  

I guess for some this won’t make a difference much as international shipping used to be pretty expensive and now its not. But for people in the US this is a big increase .

Thanks for the helpful details and the photos. This is getting close to what I’ve been looking for. When I travel into remote areas, I take only my 5DII with 28-105 & 7D with 100-400.
Is the medium ICU large enough for both bodies with lenses attached?

I also need space for a fleece jacket, rain gear, and a big lunch, so the large ICU might not leave enough space in the pack.

cheers

Yes there should be space in the medium, it think, though you’d have to have the bodies at opposite ends and do some creative arrangement of the padding.

Glad you liked it Lee!

Hello,
I hav just come across your camera bag during a search about carry large lenses up to 500mm f4 lens to soccer matches.I have not seen your bag in europe in any magazines or advertised before.My question is will the large models in your range take a 400mm f2.8 and 500 mm f4 with 3 pro spec cameras like Nikon d3s and 70-200mm f2.8 lens with 17 in mac book pro and the usual accessories like batteries,cf cards,multi card reader etc.

Yes you would be able to fit this in the Tilopa or the Satori but you would need the new XL ICU or the Monster ICU. I don’t have photos of them yet as they are new, but they are on the F-Stop website and both will fit a 500mm.

Very nice review with good photos. I wish other reviews were done this well. I might have to be an owner of a Tilopa BC with a large ICU. I need to cary a 1DMKIV, 5DII, 70-200 f2.8, 100mm Macro, 17-40, 24-105, Gitzo3541ls w/RRS BH55 head. Lee filter system, maybe a 100-400 5.6. Jacket, rain gear, water, snacks & lunch, gps and other small accessories. Any suggestions from you would be wecome. It looks like the Tilopa is actually in stock!
Thank you,
Bruce Michels

Seems like the bag would be a good fit, you’ll get that gear in it no problem.