Almost more than any other question I get asked is ” What camera bag do you use?” This is the answer…… well, one of them anyway. F-Stop is a company which specializes in camera bags for the adventure minded photographer. If you like to ski, hike, climb or ride a bike with your gear these are the bags for you. My main use for the Satori is backcountry skiing and my previous one saw some heavy action over an 18 month period. During this time, F-Stop was constantly seeking feedback from a group of action sports photographers including myself and others like pro climbing photog Tim Kemple. The result of our findings and feedback is this newly updated pack released this month. F-Stop bags are available in limited stores but also available directly from their web store HERE. Hopefully the photos at the bottom give you an idea of just how much stuff you can fit in this bag. There is plenty of room in the pack for all my camera gear as well as things like shovel and avalanche probe ( see photos below). This new version is available in Red, Black or Green. If you are looking for something similar but a little bit smaller then check out the F-Stop Tilopa. It is almost identical in design, only slightly smaller.
Most photographers go through a perpetual search for the perfect camera bag. Well I can finally stop that search, for backcountry ski photography this is THE bag and it will also suit photographers of many other outdoor sports. The seam-sealed zippers keep your kit safe and dry and the material is incredibly durable. The last version I had showed hardly a scuff after 18 months of use!
The HUGE internal camera compartment allows me enormous flexibility in choosing what equipment I carry with me and with the excellent harness system I can easily carry 30-40lbs all day long with no problems.
By removing the XL camera block and replacing it with a smaller one I can also use this bag for an overnight camping trip or a weekend trip away to the city where I only need a 1 camera, 1 lens setup with room for clothing and a laptop.
too bad neither the satori or tilopa are in stock and are weeks from arrival and with a long waiting list.
What can I say, they are popular!
I ordered mine two weeks ago and it arrived today. They said it was going to be 4 weeks but I guess they came early
Oh what a cool looking pack! I have to get used to extra weight when I ride before I bring my gear along with me, but good to know the f-stop packs would be great for outdoor stuff! lol Guess I can add it to the ThinkTank and Lowepro stuff I have now eh?
Haha bag collecting can be a never-ending mission….
HI Dan,
Thanks for the notes on the pack. I’ve been looking for a bag like this for years. I was wondering if you might have thoughts on two questions –
How easy is access to gear? Its accessed through the back – so you obviously have to take the pack off. Is it then, two zippers to get to gear?
Is the pack big enough that you wouldn’t want to wear it and shoot at the same time?
Neither of these are deal-breakers for me, but curious on your thoughts.
Many thanks,
Jonah
Hi Jonah,
The back panel is zippered and the internal camera compartment is also zippered but i never do the internal one up unless I am removing the ICU. So really you have to only open one zipper to get to things. Your second question is harder to answer because for me its less the size of the pack that is prohibitive in wearing while shooting, but the weight of what is left inside it. Its a comfortable enough pack that I happily wear it for hours but if its heavy that day I tend to take it off sometimes. Also depends on your environment, it is quite big so if you are squeezing through streets full of people that it also might have an effect on the way you use it.
cheers,
Dan
Hi Dan,
Great site and phenomenal pictures across all of your work!
I am liking these F-Stop bags. I just need to decide to between Satori and the Tilopa. I am looking for mostly resort [New England] carrying of gear, with tree riding. At a minimum I want to carry my gripped 7d, 24-105, 70-200, extra batteries and small stuff, plus room to store a shedded layer or two. I will also want a little room for extra gloves for the kids, candy bars, etc…nothing huge. I will definitely get at least two different ICUs for either pack.
There may be days (not necessarily skiing) but I may want to bring a longer lens as well, plus a flash or two and maybe some primes.
The alternate life for this bag, would be for small day trips or whatever, where I could carry a minimum amount of gear (mentioned above), plus “diaper bag” stuff for my 2 year old, so my wife wouldn’t have to carry a whole separate diaper bag. IE a few diapers, wipes, couple of juice boxes, change of clothes for him, a small toy or two.
Finally, I am 6’7″ and a modest 265#s.
So, with all that said, what would you recommend, Satori or Tilopa?
Thanks!
Ben
Hey Ben thanks for the kind words.
The physical size difference between the satori and the Tilopa is quite small. When they were released, the major difference was that you could get the XL ICU with the Satori. This was before is was possible to order the ICUs separately. From what you are saying I dont think you will need an XL ICU. So If I were you I would get the Tilopa. It is still a large bag and you would probably be better getting that, and as many ICUs as you can as they are so great for switching up the usage of the bag.
Hi Dan – Thanks for the feedback. I am self described camera and gear geek and this is a great resource. The never ending battle to have all the right bags for all the right situations is a tough one. Fstop should be pumped to have you on board. I’m sold on the bag … now I just need to figure out how to get one to China …
Cheers,
Jonah
Thanks for the review Dan.
I’ve been looking at this bag for a year now and still not sure it’s what I need. You mentioned doing some overnights with this and the smaller icu…any chance you have pics of how that is packed. Looking for something to hold tent/sleeping bag/2-3 days food, etc. Last time I put my dakine sequence icu in my 5300 cu in pack and just kept pulling it out the top.
Appreciate the time and rock on!
aF
Hey Aaron. I will be posting a big thing about the new Loka pack and the smaller ICUs next week. I will take a photo of the small ICU in the satori for you and include it there for you so stay tuned!
dc
Hi Dan reading up on the following bags do you perhaps have an outlet in South Africa Satori camera pack?
I’m afraid I do not. Best contact F-Stop directly and ask them.