Like all gear, after some time with it, one tends to modify it to meet their needs. There really is not much to say, I just put the pack on and forget about it. Adjustments are easy to make and are wide ranging enough to work well with both summer and winter clothing. I look forward trying to wear this backpack out. Overall, I find the Loka to be a good balance of durability vs. The zippers and pulls are all in good shape. The fabric is also water resistant, but I think it is a good idea to invest in a rain cover. It shows wear from this use, however, the fabric is remarkably tough and has not torn, nor has the stitching pulled apart. The pack has also been dragged on concrete, tarmac, granite and ice. Like most users of this backpack, I have been in pouring rain, scorching heat and below (well below) freezing cold. The backpack is of high quality and has worn well. While a cliff bar will fit into the mesh pouches, I do not put anything in the pouches that I am not willing to loose, which means that they stay empty. The pack has an internal bladder system that is a much better option. These are not well designed for water bottles, being too shallow to securely hold them. Finally, there are two mesh pouches on the bottom sides of the backpack. This attachment system is widely used and, based on your needs, it is likely that someone makes a bag or pouch that will fit. On the sides of the backpack and on the sides of the belts are modular lightweight load carrying equipment (MOLLE) attachments. I prefer the straps since if my hands are cold my transport knots always seem to end up turning into hatchet knots. I have also used para cord to tie down items using a transport knot and series of half hitches. This can be accomplished using the F-stop gatekeeper straps, which are convenient and secure. On the loka, 10 gatekeeper mounting points are available to tie additional gear to the outside of the backpack. Threading the compression straps through the built in loops of the tripod bag ensures that the tripod bag will not move. I find that the front compression straps work especially well with the F-stop tripod bag. The built in front and side compression straps have a wide adjustment range and can accommodate larger gear. The outside of the Loka is highly customizable. finds its way into the pack, it is simple to remove the ICU units, vacuum the backpack and reassemble. The ICU system has an added benefit in regards to cleaning. With this set up, the backpack is nearly full but there is still space in the bag for extra clothing. In this space I can fit a camera rain cover ( ). The slope series allows for a bit of space between the ICU and the outside of the backpack. In my outdoor sports configuration, I carry a Canon 300mm F2.8 II at the bottom of the backpack and on top of it I have a medium slope series that holds two full size bodies and three additional lenses. For example, a Canon 300mm F2.8 II is a perfect fit in the small pro series and, when removed from the backpack, the ICU can be closed via a zipper providing protection for the lens in storage. Additionally, camera gear that is not in current use can be kept in dedicated ICUs that protect the gear in storage and facilitate rapid turnaround. ICUs are relatively easily removed allowing for multiple configurations depending on the needed use (e.g. This is not an insignificant feature, especially traveling, when you do not want to draw attention.Ī strong feature of F-stop bags is the internal camera units (ICUs) that allow for customization of the internal storage of the backpack. The backpack comes in three colors, green, blue and black and externally does not look like a camera backpack. If not, please see F-stop’s web site ( ) for current technical specifications.Īs a brief overview, the Loka is in the F-stop mountain series of backpacks and is the largest pack that meets the international size requirements for an airline carry on. If you are reading this you are probably familiar with F-stop, and the Loka in particular. F-stop products are mainly geared toward the outdoor/adventure photography market, but obviously, one can use these packs for other uses. I have been using the F-stop Loka for many years now and have enough experience with it now to provide some comments on it.
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