A couple of weeks ago I gave a detailed look at the all new F-Stop Loka backpack. This week we have its bigger brother, the Tilopa BC which features all the innovations of the Loka, with a few extra of its own thrown into a pack that is both bigger than the Loka and more specifically designed for backcountry and wilderness location shooting. The Loka is a 37 liter pack and the Tilopa is 50 liters. If you haven’t already read the Loka writeup that I did I’d urge you to take a look at that too so you can really get a feel for the differences between the bags. Further down the page here I do have a direct comparison with the Loka as well as a complete run through of all the various ICU (internal camera units) sizes and what they can hold. There is something in the order of 6o photos here but if they still don’t answer your question please leave a comment and I’ll try my best to answer.
The Tilopa BC, as it’s new BC designation suggests is an evolution of last years Tilopa incorporating all the new features shown in the Loka and then a few extra to position the pack firmly as the ultimate backcountry photo pack on the market today. The suspension system has been improved to allow much greater loads to be carried for longer and a lot of thought has gone into features to allow you to carry your skis and snowboard more efficiently. The side of the bag has lost the larger pocket from the old version and now features a small cup to sit tripod feet and an extra strap for steadying skis that are mounted on the side. F-Stop really listens to what it’s staff Pro’s are saying when they design these packs and its great for them to have an input from so many of the industries leading adventure sports photographers. Now I am part of F-Stop’s pro team so you may say that my opinion is weighted slightly, but that is why I have provided you with 60 photos to take a look at and help you make your mind up. Being part of the team has been great because just like the Loka, I was able to offer my opinions and ideas on the design of the pack at every stage and its great to see that these things have been carried through to the final design. I am VERY excited about using this pack, F-Stop’s designer Ian Miller has done another great job at bringing this one together.
Do your research and read my other reviews !
Guru – 28 liter all purpose mountain pack for small & medium ICU
Tilopa BC – 48 liter backcountry specific pack for small,medium & large ICU.
Loka– 37 liter all purpose mountain pack for small,medium & large ICU.
Satori EXP – 62 liter expedition photography pack for small, medium, large, XL and Monster ICU
The Tilopa BC backpack and ICUs are only available to purchase directly from F-Stop on their website HERE. All their gear features a 45 day satisfaction guarantee and a 20 year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Technical & Materials Details:
- Volume: 50 Liter / 3,100 Cubic Inches
- Weight: 2032 Grams – 4.47lbs (With Full ICU) / 1392 Grams – 3.07lbs (No ICU)
- Dimensions: 12” x 24″ x 10″
- Internal Compartment Dimensions: 12” x 22” x 10”
- Torso Length: 18.5”
- Metal internal Frame for support carrying heavy loads.
- Fabric Info: Ballistic Rip-stop Nylon, Abrasion Resistant Nylon Webbing, High Density foam, Heavy Gauge Zippers, YKK Waterproof Zippers, Waterproof Urethane coasted mesh
Tilopa BC is available in 3 colors. Grey Mist, Black and Foliage Green
The hip belt on the Tilopa BC has been beefed up considerably compared with the previous version.
A larger buckle on the waist strap also features a much easier to use way of tightening both sides. Tightening is done from the bag ends rather than the buckle end and it makes it much easier to pull both sides simultaneously. You just reach down to your hips and grab both sides and yank them forwards. Kind of hard to describe, but look at this picture and image yourself in the strap and you’ll get what I mean.
Hydration compatible
Hydration tube exit velcros shut to prevent snow/sand/rain/dust entering the bag
A handy little extra pocket on the front to stash your garbage. If this isn’t already one of your backcountry mottos, make it so.
Waterproof TPU plastic base so you can stand it in the snow or a puddle
Hidden seam-sealed pocket in the base. Great for extra snacks or a place to store the rain cover (optional)
Mollee attachments on both sides of the hip belt as well as an additional loop to take accessories from other manufacturers such as ThinkTank
First of the front pockets, sizable enough for an extra mid layer or wind breaker.
Larger, second front pocket is a totally different pocket to the one in the previous photo. They do NOT interconnect.
Avalanche shovel fits nicely in this one and the pocket has a drainage hole at the bottom so any melt water from snow on the blade will exit the bag.
Top lid pocket features a new zippered mesh pocket which is great for granola bars and glove liners or other things you need easy access to.
Clip for securing memory card holders
Pockets designed for both pro and consumer sized batteries
Again, more straps on the side for attaching accessory lens cases either from F-Stop or other manufacturers depending on your preference.
Interior lid pocket & large ICU inside. Even with the large ICU in there there is plenty of extra room around it to stash gloves, food, monopod, avalanche probe, shovel, laptop….. you name it
A small ICU in the Tilopea BC leaves a lot of room for extras
A medium ICU inside the Tilopa BC
Left to right; Small, Medium, Large ICUs clearly showing how much extra room there is in the Tilopa BC
This photo really tells the story of the whole F-Stop system. A shell can be purchased, and then any number of ICU units added to your order to create a setup that works for you and many different activities. Perhaps you want to do a short overnight trip to a backcountry cabin and need to be able to pack a sleeping bag and clothing along with your camera gear. Or maybe you want to take your full range of gear and just a few extras. It’s totally up to you. Not shown in this picture is the XL ICU which also fits in the Tilopa, although it leaves no extra room on top, and currently the new XL ICU that matches the design of these three is not available, only the second generation one. Alternatively maybe you want to buy multiple shells for different uses and only one ICU, the options are endless but there is a solution for you somewhere in the lineup!
Taking a flight with your Tilopa? These pockets are great for books, magazines and other little extras.
17″ Laptop compatible and padded for protection
Seam-sealed zippers on the top and the front to prevent water getting in
Zippers can be tucked into these protectors at the end of the zip in stormy weather to further protect your interior contents from water leakage
Cross straps on the front of the bag feature extra grippy and durable material to secure a snowboard
Main zipper tucked away beneath a flap to keep the weather out. The very first verison of the Tilopa several years ago had seam sealed zippers for the main compartment as well but they do not do so well with the radius ofthe corners which made them tight to undo. Last year this new zipper was fitted and hidden beneath the flap and it works just as well. I have been out in many a blizzard!
Tripods can be easily carried on the front of the bag…..
……or on the side
A small cup at the base of the side of the bag allows you to rest tripod feet to prevent the tripod from hanging too low or or pulling all it’s weight on the side strap, instead transferring the weight downwards and through the hip belt.
My new skis don’t have bindings yet but you can see how skis also fit through the extra loop at the bottom to secure them further and prevent them from moving excessively when you are hiking. For reference these skis are 115mm at the waist.
Loka Vs. Tilopa BC
These next photos give you an idea of the size of the Loka compared to the Tilopa BC. Discussion on this is below the photos.
Loka on the left, Tilopa BC on the right
Different grades of hip belt
Loka strap on the left, Tilopa on the right
This shot shows a large ICU inside both the Loka on the left and Tilopa BC on the right. There is a couple of inches more height inside the Tilopa BC.
Here you can really see where the size difference comes from.
Loka left, Tilopa BC right.
I believe this is going to be a question that gets asked a lot. Tilopa or Loka ? The Loka has a 37 liter volume and the Tilopa has a 50 Liter volume but mere volumes do not tell the whole story here. As you can see from the above images the Tilopa is not much taller than the Loka and both of them hold the large ICU comfortably. Looking at the photo comparing the bottom of the two bags though you can start to see where the size difference comes in. The Tilopa is a much thicker pack and has considerable room around the ICU inside the bag for extras. In all the shots you can see that the Tilopa looks slightly “baggy” with the large ICU inside it, whereas the Loka looks pretty much full. The Tilopa can hold a huge amount of extra clothing or equipment in the 2 front panel pockets and the interior laptop sleeve. The Loka has a minimally sized front pocket and no padded interior sleeve. The other main difference is in the harness and suspension system. The Tilopa BC is designed to carry a huge weight all day in the backcountry. If you are going to fill a Large ICU with gear then you will probably want the extra padding of the shoulder straps and thickness of the hip belt on the Tilopa. If you are mostly thinking of using a medium ICU of small ICU then the harness on the Loka is plenty good enough to keep you comfy with those weights. Now if you purchase a large ICU for only occasional use then that would also be fine in the Loka, but if you see yourself using a large every day then the Tilopa would be my pick. Of course if you need a laptop sleeve then the Tilopa is also the one for you. You should also bear in mind the intended use of the bags. The Tilopa is really designed for backcountry use, it is the ultimate bag for this. The Loka has a much broader range of uses because it is slim enough for mountain biking and all sorts of other adventure sports. When the bags are loaded up, you do feel noticeably more maneuverable with the Loka because it concentrates it’s weight closer to your center of gravity and it feels like a much smaller pack than these photos make it look. With the Tilopa there is no doubt you have a big bag on your back, but the improved hip belt takes all the strain and it feels great, but there is no forgetting it is there. SO if you are headed skiing at your local resort with your buddies and you want to shred all day and maybe take the odd photo here and there then the Loka would be my choice because you will find it much easier to go about a normal day of skiing or boarding with the pack. If you spend your days hiking out of bounds of sledding then that is exactly what the Tilopa is designed for. I prefer the Loka with a medium ICU and the Tilopa with the large ICU. The Tilopa will also fit the new XL ICU when it is available in January 2011.
The ICU system in all sizes
All F-Stop bags and ICUs now come in a protective sack. If you have multiple ICUs of different sizes these are great to store them away and keep them clean and dust free.
Left to right. Large, medium, small ICU
The medium ICU in the center has a tapered shape. One end is tall enough for small DSLR bodies and the other end is tall enough for pro sized DSLRs. This allows a little more room in the bag to pack extra gear like clothing.
Medium ICU detail. All ICUs now ship with velcro attached elastic straps for securing lens and bodies during adventurous activities and travel.
The body retention strap is reinforced in the middle to protect the strap and the inside of the bag from the metal edged hot-shoe on top of your camera.
All ICUs have a convenient carrying handle, D-rings for attaching a shoulder strap and loops to retain the ICU inside the backpack
3 lenses and a pro sized body in the Small ICU
Pro body with 70-200 attached and extra lens in Small ICU
Pro body and 6 lens (with room to spare) in the Medium ICU
300mm f2.8, pro body and 3 more lenses in the Large ICU
300mm f2.8, pro body with 70-200 attached and 2 extra lenses in Large ICU
300mm f2.8 in Small ICU. Perfect for storage and travel.
This combination of Small ICU & Medium ICU fits simultaneously into the F-Stop Tilopa backpack. Look at all that gear! In this configuration you can still fit all your backcountry gear like shovels, probes and extra food in your pack!
Pricing
You can place an order with F-Stop here on their website. And tell them I sent you!
UPDATE:I mistakenly put the old pricing up initially. sorry for any confusion.
Pricing for the Tilopa BC is as follows:
Tilopa BC backpack shell only – $345
Tilopa BC + 1 ICU – $419
Tilopa BC + 2 ICUs – $479
Tilopa BC + 3 ICUs – $539
Tilopa BC + 4 ICUs – $435
But you can also order any number and any combination of ICUs via the site.
If you have any questions about the bags or ICU please leave a comment below. I know them inside out so I should be able to help you out!
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.
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 [email protected]. 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.
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.
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, [email protected]
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.
I realize this is an older post. I’ve had my Tilopa since Jan 4, 2010. Not the BC. Its an excellent pack. Still going strong under extreme heavy use. I’m sure the newer model with the thicker padding on the belt and harness would be an improvement. I added external padding to the upper shoulder harness myself. This also helped improve the fit for my shorter torso length. The older model I have has the great deep side pockets that hold both 1 – 1.5 liter water bottles each. Or a 100oz bladder.
Thanks for sharing that ! Always good to hear from other users.
Hi, would the tilopa be large enough to handle a mamiya rz II with a fe701 viewfinder?
I’m not familiar with that camera, can you tell me the dimensions ?
Hi, Thank you for your great in-depth review. I am going a bit crazy trying to decide between the two. I have pretty much decided on an F-Stop even though the price is pretty steep. I don’t do any backpacking AT ALL. I am totally looking for something to carry basically ALL of my equipment. I have shoulder bags but they do not hold enough and kill my shoulders as well.
I basically want to carry a Nikon D7000 with battery grip, Nikon 70-200, 24-70, 105 macro, 35mm prime, 50mm prime, Tokina 11-16, an SB-700, a couple of Pocket Wizards, light meter, Lastolite 8 in 1 reflector(12inch round), collapsable softbox(10inch round) and a bunch of odds and ends. Oh yeah, a tripod, monopod, and two light stands. The tripods and stands may be a problem while traveling but everything else I would like to be able to throw in the bag and have with me for a day shoot or while traveling. I would probably edit out the two primes for travel… I’m sure some would say I should edit out the other lenses for travel and keep the primes.
So my point is that I am really looking for a bag that can sort of carry everything but still work as carry-on. I know the Loka is more geared for carry-on but do you find that the Tilopa is fine for carry-on as well? Oh, I would also be throwing in my iPad. So do you think the Loka could fit that or am I better with the Tilopa?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi! Thanks for the informative reviews. I’m looking for a ski tour pack that will keep me alive and having fun with all my ski touring gear and a small amount of camera gear that will work for three to four days out. I really want an external bag for just my camera to clip onto my sholder/chest/waist strap for easy access while I’m touring. A nice tight counter balance, top opening, at the solarplexes under my chest. Ever seen what I’m talking about? I was just going to try to make my own, but I hate sewing. I’d like to get the Tilopa BC +1 ICU, but I don’t really have too much camera gear and I’m 5’6″ 105lbs and think I could get by with just the Loka, especially if I can carry my camera with a lense attatched in front. Also, it would be great to have a zipped on or enclosed day pack for just doing laps without camp gear that also had the clip on frontal camera bag. Fun, functional, and safe;-) Thank you so much for all your help!
Hi Dan, thanks for the reviews. Choosing between the Loka and Tipola is not easy, but what could help me would be to know if a 5D with EF 300/4 attach fit in the medium ICU ? I think on carrying this + 17-40 , 100 macro , Lee filter older and 3 filters. And a manfrotto 190xprob . So for a day of mountain hiking, Loka + medium ICU or Tipola + large ICU ? What do you think. Thank you.
PLease call F-Stop directly, I don’t have a 300mm f4 anymore to test.
Thanks for the great review. I’m leaning towards to the Loka over the Tilopa but I’m still not sure. I know that I could fit all of my gear in the Loka with no problem, but the beefier shoulder and hip supports on the Tilopa might sway me towards the Tilopa.
I’m going to be hiking the Cotswold Way this fall, doing 8-12 miles a day for about 10 days. Do you think the Tilopa would be significantly more comfortable than the Loka with that amount of hiking? That would be the only reason I would go with the Tilopa, so if the Loka is just as comfortable it would more than meet my needs.
I take it you aren’t camping on the Cotswold way journey ?
I won’t be camping so won’t be bringing any camping gear. I’ll mostly be carrying just photo equipment (likely a medium ICU) and snacks/water/clothing layers. Each day I’ll be staying in a different hotel/pub with lots of good ales on tap 🙂
If you only have a medium icu then I think you’ll manage fine with Loka
Thanks Dan.
Great review Dan. Recently I injured my back and the chiropractor has suggested getting a new bag…a backpack type rather than the Speed racer from ThinkTank I’ve been using as my day pack. After much research F-Stop come up time and again as a great comfortable and stable bag. Your review helps hugely. I also found out today that they now have a UK shop in London selling all the range so I can try before I buy.
I intend using the bag for work, think it’s going to be the Tilopa, fitted with the medium ICU for some camera gear which will double duty for when I’m doing weekend photo work. During the week I’ll also add a small icu to hold power cables, prob the same camera gear in the medium icu and my laptop with charger. However, what concerns me is it looks like I’m off camping rather than going to a business meeting…ideally, I’d have preferred a bag that looked like a cross between business use and camping use but hey ho.
Hi Dan, Brilliant review! Couple of questions before I buy one or the other. Will the Tilopa fit into the overhead lockers as carry on with a med load synched in on the compression straps?? and can the Loka take a 17″ lappy with a large slope ICU? Thanks Chris
Sorry Chris, you’ll have to ask F-Stop about these, I’m not sure and I no longer have these packs. (and sorry for the late reply , i missed this somehow).
No worries. I ended up getting Tilopa (black) with Large Pro ICU and it turned out to be perfect for international travel as long as I didn’t load it up to much in the external pockets (top one, front pockets). Surprisingly I didn’t get stopped once and ended up getting about 12kg’s on domestic flights in NZ all the way through to Internationals, Auckland, LA, London, Moscow, Istanbul, Sochi for the Winter Olympics.
The bag itself is as good as it gets. The zips are tough and easy to use in the cold, the material is robust and even after 2 months of use it still looks like new. I used the waterproof cover on many occasion and it worked like a dream saving all my kit from certain death in mega wet snow storms during the games.
NOTE: don’t get the X Large ICU Pro for this bag as it fills the bag 100%, leaving no room for anything else in the top. Plus the top 10″ can’t be accessed as the rear entry doesn’t have a large enough hole to put anything in the top section.
It’s not a bag to carry a full production kit but it definitely ticks a lot of my boxes for a back country day pack with everything you need for a basic essentials toolbox all neatly packed in the ICU with adventure tools attached to the outside.
Hands down its my favourite bag to date for lightweight stripped down kit for day missions and a solution for hand luggage when flying around the World!
Thanks F-Stop
5 stars all round.
Thanks for this additional review, Chris.
Hi Dan, I need your help to decide which one I should get. I will be travelling to Asia for few months and I need a bag that can take 11 inch macbook air, one canon 5D II, 25mm lens, 35 mm lens, 85 mm lens, 135 mm lens, one flash and few accessories, chargers etc I also need to attach my tripod to the bag. I would like to include tripod video head, plus few personal items, clothing and cosmetics. basically I need this bag for all my travel needs while I’m away for few months. I have a lower back problem, so I can’t get a large bag, it needs to be medium and light weight. i need your recommendation as to which one to get, and which box i should get normal medium or shallow. thank you. Annie
Approve—
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Hi Annie. If you are using it for travel then I’d recommend this pack: http://shuttermuse.com/gura-gear-uinta-backpack-review/ and get the medium sized case to go into it. This might be a bit of a curve ball since you are posting this question on this post, but I’m testing this Uinta pack right now and it improves on the Tilopa in several ways. Particularly in the harness and also organizationally for all your travel and computer accessories.
Hi Dan, thank you for your reply. I feel the Uinta is a bit small and will not fit my personal items. what do you think?
I definitely wouldn’t say the Uinta is small. If you could fit your camera gear in the medium container you would have the space left over where the optional small container would go. With the added bonus that it can be accessed from it’s own zipper. It’s just the Tilopa is a very very big bag and you mentioned you can’t get a large bag. The Tilopa really is pretty big. Vertically it actually even exceeds international carry on limits unless you remove the wire frame inside.
I had no idea! this is why I just couldn’t decide which one to get because I couldn’t imagine the size of it. it would be a good idea for you when you post images to stand next to the bag to get a sense of size 😉 thank you so much for your help Dan, this is very helpful!
Hey Dan!
I am looking at buying a tilopa bc or an ajna with a small ICU. I have a super compact tent and sleeping bag and intend to use the pack as multi day overnight trip bag. I prefer to travel in a minimalistic fashion.
I am concerned about the amount of space inside the pack and whether or not it will be aloud on the plane as carry on.
Any insight would be greatly helpful.
Thank you
Generally I believe the Tilopa to be too small for overnight, let along multi-day overnight. You say minimal, but presume you still have food, a stove, water tent, mat, sleeping bag… Of course, you could strap things to the outside but it’s cumbersome.
Airline carry-on is no issue. I travelled all over the world without problems.
Dan,
I am trying to decide between the Lowepro Whistler 350 AW or the FStop Tilopa (with Large and micro ICU). What are your thoughts? I will be doing a lot of backcountry day trips in the winter and will be taking up a single camera (Canon 5d Mark III) with 3-4 lenses as well as my gopro camera and attachments. Thanks so much for your help!
I’d go with the New Lowepro. I’m very impressed with mine!
Great Dan, thanks so much!!! I was leaning that way, but figured I would get a professional opinion! Thanks again and have a great rest of the year!
Thanks for your review – looking for advice/opinions between an evoc cp35l, dakine reload or one of the f-stop bags (Tilopa BC, ajna or loka) Which would be practical to wear when on a MTB or to use as a trekking bag. Currently use a camelback (for hydration and bike spares) and a lowepro slingshot ontop of that when on the bike (only carry a 7D and 1 lens) or a lowepro flipside 400 when on foot (able to carry more gear). They’re a big investment for me so want to try and make the most informed choice I can. Many thanks!
I’m not familiar with those non f-stop bags so not sure how much help I can be. Tilopa and Anja are pretty big and might be too cumbersome for much biking. The Loka, or Loka UL suits it better. I would also highly recommend looking at the Mindshift Gear bags that I have reviewed on ShutterMuse.com. These are what I’m using and in particular I love the R180 trail for biking.
Hi Dan
Thank god for your webb site, I have tried to buy the Loka UL from F stop and have been told that it is not available in the UK so looking at the Tilopa BC thinking the is ok for carry on board long haul flights.
Would this be the right choice.
Great webbsite
Hey john! Well here’s the thing, this review was written a long time ago. Maybe 5 years or more. It’s now also worth checking out the Lowepro Whistler 450. I did a review of it over on my newer blog –>> http://shuttermuse.com/lowepro-whistler-backpack-review/
I prefer it to the Tilopa, although not by a giant amount. Yes the Tilopa is fine for long haul flights. For the couple of years that I used it, I didn’t have any problems.
Hi Dan,
I realize you wrote this review 5+ yrs ago, but WOW! What a great, thorough review. I really appreciate how much effort and detail you put into this. I’m shopping for a bag and your review helped me make a confident decision.
I’ve also checked out your new site and review of the LowePro bag; also great. Thanks again keep up the great work.
You’re welcome!
Hello, always i used to check weblog posts here in the early
hours in the daylight, as i love to find out more and more.