The new Dakota components are designed to compliment the Mountain Series packs that I have reviewed in the past.  As well as the products that I’m about to show you, F-Stop have also released a belt system featuring several new lens cases, a large padded waist belt and optional supporting shoulder straps.  I have not had a chance to see or test the lens cases for the new belt system but you can view these on their website.

Tripod Bag

This bag is available in either black or foliage green for a modest $49 and will work with just about any bag you can imagine.  Whilst it’s called the tripod bag, its sufficiently large enough for a two or possibly a three man tent, or perhaps a bedroll.  Those who own one of the previously reviewed Mountain Series packs such as the Tilopa or Loka will be familiar with the tough nylon that this bag is also made from and this version takes it one step further with water proofing rated to 15000mm.  The bag has been designed to handle just about any size size of tripod you can imagine, including larger video specific variations with hefty fluid heads on top.  Any excess material can be neatly rolled up and because the material is thin, there is no real leftover bulk to speak of.

I’ve seen a few tripod bags before and they tend to be bulky, heavily padded unwieldy things.  Well that doesn’t really jive with the Mountain Series packs that this is designed to complement.  These are packs that you want to take anywhere, however far or however wild the ride may be on the way.  As such, this tripod bag offers little in the way of padded protection and instead concentrates on protecting your 3-legged investment from the mud, sand, rain, dust and snow that mother nature might chuck at you while on your adventure.  The line of loops down the side of the bag means that there is always one in the right place for threading a side strap or Gatekeeper through to secure it to your chosen pack.

Continue reading »