I have been a long time user of the F-stopgear Satori Expedition backpack. IMO the best pack of its kind. Obviously not suited for someone with more gear that it can fit (300 2.8 and above).
I sold the Satori a few months back while rebuilding my set-up. Regretted every min of it. Was checking out their site today and found that they are offering 25% off the new Tilopa Bag. Although smaller in footprint, they use the same ICUs and will hold the same amount of gear.
Needless to say, I am now waiting for my new Tilopa to get here! Thought I would share the discount to those looking for a backpack. Trust me, if you are thinking of a backpack for your photo gear, the Satori/Tilopa is the ultimate choice. You can thank me later
it is a future MOLLE based component harness that is the first non propriatary attachment system specifically for photography. it has yet to come to fruition. it is an excellent concept allowing mix mfgr parts using an open attachment system.
you will note that the fStop packs have the MOLLE setup already
sjms wrote:
it is a future MOLLE based component harness that is the first non propriatary attachment system specifically for photography. it has yet to come to fruition. it is an excellent concept allowing mix mfgr parts using an open attachment system.
you will note that the fStop packs have the MOLLE setup already
Thanks sjms.
I'm actually looking forward to discovering this system. My previous Satori did not have the Molle system. Will provide a full review when i get the bag.
I just returned the Satori. The harness system is no better than many other photography bags. I was hoping the harness system would allow the weight to be carried by the hips, but I didn't find that to be the case. The waist belt is just a very lightly padded piece of nylon sewn directly to the bag.
Since I already own the Gura Gear Kiboko bag, I returned the Satori because it wasn't any better at carrying the weight when the bag is loaded. The Kiboko will carry more gear than the extra large ICU, and the extra large ICU nearly fills the main compartment of the Satori.
However, I am keeping the ICU units (I got both the large and extra large) because I do have a backpack that works nicely with them.
SHVv wrote:
Thanks for the "heads-up". I was thinking about ordering a Tilopa. After reading your post, I just ordered one and with the discount, saved ~$75.00.
ste ve
bought a Tilopa about a month ago - best pack I've ever owned, period.
Peyton wrote:
bought a Tilopa about a month ago - best pack I've ever owned, period.
I have been looking for a "real" hiking photo-backpack for several years. Hopefully the Tilopa will be the solution. I was out in Yellowstone last week, for a few days, and just walking a few miles with my LowePro was painful. Why all of the photo back packs load the weight on the shoulder straps makes no sense. If the Tilopa doesn't support the weight on the hips then I think that I will keep the ICU's and load them in the Marmot that I have.
I've used the Satori and I have to say its waist strap system was top notch. It allowed the bag(full gear) to sit on the waist so there was very little strain on the shoulders.
I was in HK for 2 days with a make shift backpack and could not feel my shoulders when I got back. I was tired after 30mins. That was only with a D90 + 2 lenses and a travel tripod.
The Satori was comfortable with a gripped D700, 80-200 2.8, 3 primes, flash and a full size tripod. Since the Tilopa is slightly smaller, I think it will be just as good as i am only giving up about 4inches of space on the top of the ICU. This was my spot for a sweater.
I'm going to order a medium ICU unit for my Tilopa to carry the bare minimum kit with me on serious hikes. I've been trekking around at about 30lbs (incl Gitzo tripod) and haven't been uncomfortable at all.
I'm planning on doing some significant hiking in RMNP, Mt Rainier NP, and North Cascades NP in the next 4 months, so we'll see how the Tilopa holds up
The Tilopa and XL ICU arrived last PM. Loaded it with MF gear and walked around a bit. Seems promising, so far. My only complaint is, as with other packs, there is no manual. It would be helpful for me if the manufacturer described what the intended use of all of the straps, pockets, etc. was and suggestions for configuration.
SHVv wrote:
The Tilopa and XL ICU arrived last PM. Loaded it with MF gear and walked around a bit. Seems promising, so far. My only complaint is, as with other packs, there is no manual. It would be helpful for me if the manufacturer described what the intended use of all of the straps, pockets, etc. was and suggestions for configuration.
Steve
Post pics if you dont mind! I am interested in how you would configure your ICU. I had the L in my satori(did not have the XL at that time).
SHVv wrote:
... My only complaint is, as with other packs, there is no manual. It would be helpful for me if the manufacturer described what the intended use of all of the straps, pockets, etc. was and suggestions for configuration.
Steve
Hi my apologies for there not being info on this. We are a small company, with way too much going on at times, sadly this was overlooked as we were already way behind on the delivery date when the product was released. But to help you out now I can give you brief run down of the bag ....
-Side tension straps provide both compression and allow you to carry tripod or similar shaped items example A-Framing skis..
-Back straps, originally intended for snowboards but can also be used for tripods, jackets, sleeping mats etc.
- 3 straps on side are molle straps, molle is a military based system we use to attach accessories. there over 10,000 molle pieces for sale, you name it, they got, we will also have our own items coming very soon. Basically using molle gives you and your bag an infinite number of ways to work for you.
-Inside top pocket has a clip, that is for keys.
-Inside access door is for slim items. Cable, paper items, etc
If there is something I missed let me know here or email [email protected].
Hi my apologies for there not being info on this. We are a small company, with way too much going on at times,
*********
The "big companies" don't provide the info either. Just something to think about for the future. An online manual would be very helpful since, as you point out by your description, a lot of thought has gone into the design by people who know a lot more about this "stuff" than I do. :>
I just bought a used Tilopa (missed that Memorial Day weekend sale, b/c, irony of ironies, I was on a Yosemite photo hike). I searched for an online manual, and found this thread.
Glad to see Ian stopped by to give some explanation of all the straps, pockets, etc.
I'll be checking to see if other applications or features get explored further with this pack.
