Killer question, Thomas........would you spend £400+ of your own money on it?

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 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.

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'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!!

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.

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 :)

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.

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.

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...

Been looking at the f-stop bags for a while now will be my next upgrade. Thanks

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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 KZfaqs are the first ones I look for - Keep it up!

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!

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!

Very very great review... thanks.. This F-stop is really amazing...

wow! that new bag is VERY GENEROUS!!

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.

Thank you for the comparisons. Very helpful!

Great video Thomas! I love bag videos and also love seeing reviews of outdoor bags. This one looks great!

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

Thomas Heaton and the Generosity of Pockets

Most informative review Thomas very well done! With no rain cover that’s the deal breaker for me! Thanks for sharing.

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😋

Can’t wait to see the next video.

Really looking forward to the next video. Going wild camping in lake district tomorrow. Nice video Thomas, shirt looks good

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 KZfaqrs 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.

Love the sneeky shot of Simon Baxter foraging in the woods!

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! :-)

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.

Excellent video! Thank You!

Nice Job Tom! Great point on the rain cover!

Hi Thomas I’ve got that bag, it’s fantastic, agree with everything you said.

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!

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 :))

Thomas, as always, thanks for always being genuine in your comments. Your guidance is appreciated.

Really looking forward to the camping bag vid ;)

Hum...everything...including taking the epic picture... I do enjoy your channel Thomas!

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!

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

4 days, 77 miles...you’re a beast. Respect.

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.

I love my Atlas Athlete Pack. It’s awesome quality plus different size waist belts to fit all people sizes.

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 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 👍👏👏

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.

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.

I have an addiction to watching videos and window shopping bags. Always looking for that perfect bag.

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!

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!

This guy has more camera bags than I do. This makes me feel better about a recent purchase of a small think tank backpack called the “side path” it is small and light and will hold my Fuji Xt3 with grip plus several zooms and a jacket. The whole load with gear doesn’t weight over 6-8 pounds so this old body can carry it all day through the woods. The bigger the bag the more you will carry. Travel simply and lightly and you will travel further and bring back better images.

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.

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.

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 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.

Oooooh, I have been eyeing up the Tilopa for ages now :)

Great review! Omg they will have a raincover in with any new release

Thomas, Try to remember that many photographers are hobbyists and don't spend anything like this kind of money on a bag. We need to know what affordable bags are out there. I've been a Lowepro fan for over 10 years and have three plus a Vanguard which is on ebay as it was a freebie and too small. I have a large shoulder bag, a small shoulder bag, and a medium size backpack, all bought in nearly new condition on Ebay for £15, £12 and £24 respectively. My backpack is very very close to your old Lowepro backpack in size and like you, this one I love. The other bags come into use when on holiday and limited gear is being carried, and sometimes when the backpack holds everything in the boot of the car, and usually the medium shoulder bag is then used to carry a selection from the main bag, at a particular stop along the way. Despite their ages, these bags are still holding up really well, and double as a safe haven when the gear is at home, the padding in Lowepro bags is superb. I cannot for the life of me see anyone spending £400 ++ for a bag, they must be joking! Also bear in mind that a lot of serious photographers (the hobby kind) are nearing or have reached retirement age (when lump sums and good pensions allow gear purchases more readily) and these people are not mountain goats anymore - they have a physical limitation on what can be carried any distance, and moreover, if serious, they'll be toting a relatively heavy full frame plus lenses, without the tripod, which of course they'll need. Your views are clearly directed to like minded souls who are a little younger, and maybe thinking of going professional, but for the rest of us, as you showed us in the earlier part of the video, maybe a really good look at Lowepro gear (including used, on eBay) would be a better place to start. For those unfamiliar with Lowepro, they are padded all around, and the dividing strips inside the bags are velcro secured, so you can configure and re-configure a bag as your needs change.

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.

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).

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'm beginning to wonder what my life has come to when I find myself watching a video about camera bags.

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!

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

Boom! Totally recommended this in the alps haha! best bag ever xD

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!

Super excited to see this Thomas!!! Keep up the great work pal!

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. 😊

I love my f-stop and would buy it again anytime, it's worth every penny.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Zips have to be the most annoying sound *EVER!!* especially when someone does it repeatedly Loved the video, Thomas !

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. .

great honest review thomas, most vloggers would of just given it the thumbs up because it was a freebie

I can absolutely relate!!!!

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.

I definitely forage while photographing in the woods!

Yes, I bought this camera bag about two years ago. It's fantastic. It's expensive but it's constructed so well. It doesn't have a rain cover and it most definitely should do - it's ridiculous to have to purchase one separately. My advice - get the medium ICU so you've still got room for your outdoor gear, food and water

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.

was looking at bags today, i think im going to go with the Tenba Axis!

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.

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'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.

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.

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....

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.

Nice bag!

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.

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

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) 🇨🇦