New Tilopa orders shipping early Spring 2017. Tilopa Anthracite (Black)   + Tilopa Aloe (Drab Green)   + Tilopa Malibu Blue   + Tilopa Nasturtium (Orange)   + 1 x XL Pro ICU   + 1 x Large Pro ICU   + 1 x Small Pro ICU   + 1 x Large Slope ICU   + 1 x Medium Slope ICU   + 1 x Medium Shallow ICU   + 1 x Small Shallow ICU   + 1 x Micro Tiny ICU   + Unprecedented weather-resistance provided by a combination of oxford-weave ripstop nylon and AdvantaTM, a thermoplastic polyurethane film Breathability and comfort via EVA molded rear panel Protection against wet surfaces and contact with terrain provided by a Hypalon® reinforced base Heavy-duty 3-fold carry handle Easily accessible side pockets with full-length zipper and expandable design Stretchable interior mesh sleeve lid pocket with Velcro® seal Passport, wallet, and other less commonly needed items can be stored in a zippered mesh underside lid pocket

Store NRG food in the stretch mesh sleeve energy pockets on each shoulder strap Multipurpose internal sleeve either fits up to a 17” laptop or can be used as a hydration bladder pocket Store avalanche shovels, as well as jackets and extra layers in the exterior front panel pocket Compatible with numerous hydration systems Even distribution of water without “lumping” provided by an internal bladder pocket Sealed Velcro® hydration tube port Depth adjustment and a means to mount a tripod or other vertically shaped tools and gear provided by quick-release compression straps Easy tightening while on-the-fly via strap keepers Adjustable sternum strap with integrated whistle for emergencies All-day comfort provided by ergonomic Soft Flex injection molded EVA belt and shoulder straps Camera gear is accessed via the rear panel and features YKK® heavy gauge zippers Top opening for main internal compartment access features YKK® heavy gauge zippers

Superior water and weather resistance provided by YKK® Aquaguard® zippers Impact protection and prevention of water penetration provided by Hypalon® zipper garages Fast and catch-free closure during demanding moments provided by Hypalon® pull-tabs Easy attachment of tripods, snowboard, sleeping bags and similar equipment via 12 GateKeeper mounting points (GateKeepers sold separately) Attachment of f-stop and third-party accessories via internal and external MOLLE system Attachment of accessories such as ice axes via webbing Ice Axe Loops and trekking poles via shock cords Easily attach f-stop’s Navin camera case on the chest mounting attachment via GateKeeper system Additional accessories attachable via 2 metal D-ring attachment points Attachment of a Rain Cover via connection loops Quickly mount and easily access skis with Hypalon® ski straps 4 internal ICU attachment points Exceptional all-day support provided by an internal aluminum frame

Successor to the Mountain Series Tilopa BC Recent news & videos Behind the Scenes with Jason Halayko Behind the Scenes with Dom Daher & Jeremy Bernard!pelican backpack u105 COMBINING CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY AT PHOTOKINAas100v backpack mountI have to shamelessly admit that I, as are many other photographers, am a camera bag junkie. visvim backpack 22lMaybe the reason behind it is that I was never able to find the perfect fit for my needs. zafar backpack reviewGranted, different situations or travel circumstances may require different type of bags. cryaotic backpack

It’s not the same to go out for a walk in your neighborhood as it is to go on an overseas trip. As I mentioned in one of my prior posts, I am a big believer in going light. nysc backpackDuring the years I have purchased, used, tested, abused and torn apart all kinds of bags. But only up until now, as I believe I have found my perfect travel companion, the bag that will perfectly suit almost any kind of adventure: the Tilopa BC by F-Stop. I have used F-Stop products before, specifically the Kenti Backpack, and their quality was excellent. As I was about to travel for three weeks in Southeast Asia, including heavy trekking portions in northern Vietnam, I needed something bigger than the Kenti, a bag capable of transporting my gear, including computer, chargers, and essential clothing for two to threee days at a time. I needed something versatile. I went back to F-Stop because I was satisfied with my other bag.

They have a different approach when it comes to building their products, which are rigorously tested by their team of pro photographers. It’s a concept that allows the company to permanently have field feedback straight from working hardcore users. One of the key elements for me is the flexibility available to build a system. The backpacks consist of two components: the backpack itself, and the Internal Camera Unit, called the ICU. In a nutshell, once you pick the backpack that suits you best, then you can configure the interior in several different ways depending on your needs. This is a big plus, as one bag can be used for different situations. I chose this bag because at 48 liters, it was big enough to carry all my gear and yet be very carry-on friendly. The dimensions are generous and can be configured in several ways. I have also picked up the Small Pro and Medium Slope ICU with the idea that if I needed a full bag of gear I could throw both in, and if I only needed a regular or small kit I could use just one of the ICUs.

The backpack is constructed with durable, water-resistant materials and features, double Ripstop Nylon with Polyurethane coating, YKK® heavy-gauge zippers, Duraflex® buckles, and Eva-padded shoulder straps and hip belts. There is also an internal aluminum frame support that helps to better distribute heavy loads. Besides the internal ICU, there are several pockets and options to organize either accessories or essentials for a day out. The top lid features a separate pocket where you can store smart phones, extra batteries, headsets, travel documents, etc. There is also a mesh compartment in the interior side of the lid. A big front panel pocket can be used for extra layers or even a light jacket. The internal padded computer sleeve can fit a laptop up to 18”; there are also two smaller pockets (not padded) on the side that I’ve used to throw in hard drives. If you carry a tripod, it can be mounted either on the front or the side of the bag using the multiple quick-release straps.

These straps are very handy as the ones at the sides also allow for side compression, making it possible to adjust depth when the backpack is not full. Last, the pack also features the ability to attach multiple accessories as it is compatible with the MOLLE, an international standard used by other third-party add-ons companies and, of course, F-Stop itself. It also packs several bungee cords and two D-rings as additional mounting points for small accessories. I put the backpack through its paces during the three-week trip and it didn’t disappoint me. Despite being loaded, it was very easy to carry and the weight was well distributed. Over 10-mile treks in the mountains? Carry on in international or regional jets? One of things that I particularly like about the bag is that the camera gear is accessed via the back panel, so the equipment is secure, but you can also access the main compartment via the top opening as well, making it very practical. As I was taking my Fuji X kit, I outfitted the pack with just the Medium Slope ICU, and as you can see there was plenty of room left in the main compartment to carry other personal stuff.

I put my cleaning stuff, extra caps, regular batteries and cables on the interior mesh pocket of the lid. My laptop (not shown here) and paper model releases were in the computer sleeve. The gear goes into the ICU; depending on your liking, you can either carry the internal ICU with the lid closed or open. My choice was to have it closed as it felt more secure having an extra layer of protection. The zippers are easy to access anyway, and it takes no time to open it and close it once you are in the field. The Medium Slope ICU is roomy and can fit my kit very well. I have two camera bodies, six lenses, a flash, wireless triggers, grids, batteries, SD cards and a GPS tracker. This is a bag I’ll continue to use on my travels as it is versatile, can be configured in several ways, and it really looks great. I have picked mine in Foliage Green, but you also have two more color options: Black and Malibu Blue. The price starts at $339 for the bag itself, a bit pricey, but when you consider the quality of the materials, construction, versatility, and the manufacturer’s 20-year warranty, the Tilopa BC becomes an excellent option for the hardcore photographer.