The Guru UL is designed for the active shooter who desires a light and simple carry solution. Like all UL Series packs, the 25L Guru UL utilizes a lightweight, highly durable and abrasion resistant ROBIC™ nylon ripstop shell, a no-compromise suspension system with an aluminum internal frame in a streamlined package tipping the scale at a mere 1.2kg. The Guru UL is a versatile, form-fitting pack ideal for adventurers who want great performance and the ability to travel fast and light while experiencing first class comfort. Guru UL in stock. Guru UL - Black* 1 x Micro Tiny ICU   + 1 x Medium Shallow ICU   + 1 x Small Shallow ICU   + 1 x Medium Slope ICU   + 1 x Small Pro ICU   + Weighing in at a mere 1.2kg the Guru UL, is a compact and adaptable everyday photographers pack. With a lighter weight suspension and harness system than the more robust Mountain Series packs, the Guru UL still sports a no-compromise suspension system with articulated hip belt, shoulder straps and aluminum frame to drive weight off the shoulder and onto the hips.

The 25L Guru is an ideal balance between camera and everyday gear loads. It accepts a range of 5 different ICU sizes to fit customize your specific gear carry needs based on both camera gear and your personal items. The Guru is a favorite amongst 9-5 workers who like to get away on the weekend or after work. Its ability to remain stable on a bike ride to work with office supplies in tow or packed full off camera gear on the mountain bike trails have made it versatile favorite. The UL Series blends premium (and proven) components with subtle style, delivering aggressive, durable, efficient packs, all without sacrificing comfort. All UL Series packs are manufactured from the durable lightweight and abrasion resistant materials. At the same time the design has been minimalized to provide an agile, efficient and lightweight travel experience. Allowing you to spend more energy on crafting an image and less on travel. Whether ou’re crawling through a crevice or scrambling in tight rocky sections, chances are your pack will make contact with the terrain.

The UL Series utilizes a highly durable and abrasion resistant – nylon ROBIC™ shell material designed for adventurous outdoor use. The UL series uses a lightweight shell material but does not compromise on weather resistance. Our packs offer 1500mm polyurethane (PU) and water resistant (WR) coatings. Our linings are also treated for weather resistance and to provide maximum confidence - our base is protected by high quality thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which aids in weather and abrasion resistance. hydration port for h2o routing: Our hydration bladder and hose routing feature allows optional hydration methods while active in the field. All UL Series packs feature a sealed hook and loop hydration tube port and hose clip, giving you simple access to water, electrolytes or other liquids while in motion. All UL Series packs feature easy-to-reach, durable mesh side pockets with a reinforced ripstop nylon base and elastic upper cuff. These pockets are perfect for securing tripod feet or quick access to items like water bottles, snacks or trash.

Finding the right camera bag is as difficult as buying the right pair of shoes. They don't fit comfortably, hold your equipment well, and they're never cheap. Though there are ways to circumvent the disaster that is the state of camera bags these days, the F-Stop Guru does a near-perfect job of getting it right for photographers. The F-Stop Guru is a day-pack sized camera bag meant primarily for outdoorsy type situations. The Guru molds the best aspects of a regular hiking bag with the needs of a photographer. mizuno judo backpackThe build quality is great, and it looks as sporty as backpacks can get.real polo backpack 6323 The Guru looks like you could pick it out of a line-up on a wall in REI. mycloud backpack grey

In addition to the bright color, F-Stop does other things a little differently than most bags. They sell a line of separate inserts that are designed to clip into the inner frame of their bag models. There are a multitude of options. Each bag has its limits as to which can fit inside. A handy chart explains each insert's size—leaving you to decide what suits you best. I'm working with a Guru containing a Pro ICU Small insert that could comfortably hold a Nikon D800 with 24-70mm zoom lens, along with a SB-800 flash. vans realm backpack onyxThe whole insert fits compactly behind a zip opening on the inside of the pack, which is protected by your back. backpack ventana wildernessProvided with the insert are a ton of dividers and even elastic straps to keep your equipment secure as can be. backpack vendor eso

I've never seen an insert come with straps, so it was definitely a nice touch. Once everything is secure inside the bag—and it does feel very secure—you zip the back up and have the top opening available to fill the rest of the space with anything you need. There's no side access, which is disappointing, because you have to take the bag off of both your shoulders to get at the camera compartment. However, when I've had side-access on other bags, I've found that I almost never used it. Still, options are great, and if F-Stop could figure out how to make it work both ways, kudos. A backpack should not inhibit your movement, and the Guru's hip straps and chest straps are more than fantastic. They feel just right for running around on precarious terrain. The weight of a bag should extend off of you, not hang from your shoulders. Most camera bags skimp in this area, letting the bag feel like the heavy loads they are. Although it's built almost exactly like a backpack you would take camping, the bag falls behind when it comes to the back panel.

For a bag clearly trying to be a hiker's best friend, there is no good back ventilation. Both Gregory and Osprey bags of comparable size have a mesh separation that keeps the bag off your back. The Guru has just a heavily padded back panel that presses up against you. Some sort of separation would improve things drastically. The "laptop sleeve" on this bag is terrible. I have a Surface Pro 3, which is practically the thinnest computer you can buy, and it's still difficult to get into the sleeve. Also, it isn't a straight compartment— it goes along the curve of the pack, because the camera sits next to the flat of your back. Also, the lip of the sleeve is elastic making it easy to snag the computer. It's usable, just very annoying. My other minor complaint is that the hip straps aren't fully adjustable. Yes, they do shrink down pretty tight, but the actual straps themselves were still unable to tighten down to the point where I felt as secure as I wanted to be. The Guru also comes with a rain cover that stashes below the seat of the bag.

It's completely out of the way, as opposed to clipped on in a separate pouch, like an old Kata I had used to own. It makes the rain cover much less of a nuisance.The bag looks and acts like an outdoor pack should. The chest strap and hip straps secure the pack to your body better than almost any camera bag I've used. It can work even without a camera insert in it, making it a fine daypack. Being able to custom tailor the bag's storage capabilities makes this a great option for photographers.The hip straps are a one-size-fits-all situation, which, just like a pair of drawstring pants, doesn't work for some people. The laptop sleeve just makes putting a laptop in the bag a painful experience. The back panel gives pretty poor ventilation— it's a sweat machine during the summer. No side access is a bummer.The Guru runs for $150 without an insert and can range, depending on the insert you get with it, from $214 to $234. This puts it at the pricier end of things to carry your equipment around in.