F-Stop Loka - teaser pics for those who are waiting....

[Fstop-Ian]

Hi all,

Here are few teaser images of our new Loka pack for those patiently waiting. You'll notice how I cleverly did not photograph the front panel, that is because we are doing one more tweak to the back pocket to get it just right.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs332.snc3/29200_1449664162470_1259192513_3098345_801387_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs352.snc3/29200_1449664922489_1259192513_3098346_2633020_n.j pg
It should be noted I obviously used the bag for skiing this day, you can use it for what ever you want ;)

Inside: Medium ICU, with fisheye, 70-200L, 5d and grip and 16-35L(with room to spare, room for a couple wizards and 2 more lenses).
Also had skins, split, crampons, poles, lunch, water, axe, layer, googles, toque, headlight, probe, shovel and some other smaller things... all ski specific stuff.

Really happy with the bag.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs603.snc3/31743_10150168430830707_891880706_12375219_6266551 _n.jpg
Pics are from the summit of the mountain directly above the right edge of the house.

[jcarp618]

cant wait to see it. ive been checking the website constantly for like 2 months checking if it was out haha

[cfnz]

Cool, I've been waiting for info on this as well.

[azncarbos]

can I get exchange... hehehe ;)

[Fstop-Ian]

It was brought to my attention that the old PreOrder code wasn't working...

We have updated it to 'PreOrder4'

And to refresh that saves you $35 with no commitment to buy the bag.

Thanks


EDIT: I made a mistake on the discount price.... it is now $35.

[PZengel]

Ian, Where do we preorder?

[colbyb25]

You can pre-order here.

http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl;jsessionid=0a0103571f431edb1249aefe44a7a187f0 1d396cf323.e3eScheKb3qRe34Pa38Ta38Lb3r0?c=655414&sc=11

F-stop makes the best bags in the market. I do work all over the globe and always have my tilopa or satori with me.

[MBrown9nu]

Ian,

What color is the bag in the photos? It doesn't look like any of the available colors of the Tilopa/Satori.

Thanks

[xcel730]

ahhh ... I just received the Tilopa last week. I guess no luck in exchanging.

Is this bag bigger or smaller than the Tilopa?

[dandig]

Its smaller than the Tilopa and it isnt available yet.

[jacobsen1]

WANT!!!!

any official size specs yet?

and it's listed as $245, so if we use that code we get it for $195 then? Can we select the ICU size somehow, and what sizes will fit in it?

Also, where is that, and where are your riding shots?! :D

[cfnz]

The only additional info I've found is an interview (http://snowtographers.com/2010/featured/ian-millar-f-stop-gear) that says the Loka is 28L and has a tapered ICU.

[dandig]

Since i'm here I will answer that. You will be able to select which ICU you want to put in it. It will take a small, medium or large ICU but NOT the XL. So you can configure it with as much or as little camera gear as you want. Putting an L ICU will pretty much fill it up, but a Medium or small will allow you to put other gear in there. There will also be combo packages available with discounts for buying multiple ICUs at the same time so you are prepared for any situation! Lets just say the multiple ICU packages are GREAT value!
Any having something like a large and a small ICU for the Loka means you are ready for a big day on the mountain , or a weekend break somewhere where you need 1 camera and 1or 2 lenses and some clothing etc.

[hyt]

Is it safe to assume that the Loka is designed to carry a laptop? I pre-ordered based on the assumption that it's basically a mini-Tilopa, since there is next to no information available on it yet.

[seabee_shooter]

Nice! Looking forward to seeing more of this.

[jacobsen1]

Since i'm here I will answer that. You will be able to select which ICU you want to put in it. It will take a small, medium or large ICU but NOT the XL. So you can configure it with as much or as little camera gear as you want. Putting an L ICU will pretty much fill it up, but a Medium or small will allow you to put other gear in there. There will also be combo packages available with discounts for buying multiple ICUs at the same time so you are prepared for any situation! Lets just say the multiple ICU packages are GREAT value!
Any having something like a large and a small ICU for the Loka means you are ready for a big day on the mountain , or a weekend break somewhere where you need 1 camera and 1or 2 lenses and some clothing etc.

nice, I have the Large in my tilopa, so I'd either get the small, or both the small and medium.... Is there a laptop sleeve in this? If there is, is it at least removable now?

[cosmo5]

nice, I have the Large in my tilopa, so I'd either get the small, or both the small and medium.... Is there a laptop sleeve in this? If there is, is it at least removable now?

It is my understanding that the Loka will NOT have a laptop sleeve. That may have changed since I heard last as it was about 2-3 months ago.

[dandig]

Cosmo 5 is right, there is no specific laptop pocket like the larger bags. There is a small sleeve internally but it is not padded like the old laptop sleeves were. If you had a laptop in your own neoprene sleeve (or similar)or an ipad or netbook then it would still fit in this pocket but it is no longer padded to save some bulk for those people that did not carry a laptop all the time.

Bags are currently available for pre-order on the f-stop site HERE (http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl?c=655414&partner=P15) and using the code "PreOrder4" you can snag a nice $35 discount.

[jnaks]

On the site it says the preorder code is only good for $35 off rather than the $50 quoted here.

[PZengel]

Ian,
Are these bags going to be available in the color from your pictures?

Thanks

[smcclelland]

Definitely looks like a nice bag but unfortunately doesn't seem like it'll be available by the first week of June for my trip so I'll grab the Tilopa now and wait to see when the Loka becomes available.

[Fstop-Ian]

Hey guys sorry have been away 'testing'... another great slog with a bag on my back.

To answer the questions...

What color is the bag in the photos? It doesn't look like any of the available colors of the Tilopa/Satori.
The color is Grey Mist.. our new color replacing red.

any official size specs yet?

40L

and it's listed as $245, so if we use that code we get it for $195 then? Can we select the ICU size somehow, and what sizes will fit in it?
It is actually $35 now. And was a mistake on my part listing $50(the previous discount) PM me if this mistake has caused you issues.


Also, where is that, and where are your riding shots?!

Solo day. just posted a little bit on the site about the day - http://fstopgear.com/en/news/401-f-stop-gear-and-the-hakuba-3-peaks

About the lap top sleeve or lack of...

The Loka is a smaller bag than Tilopa The down sizing comes in the girth. If you put an ICU in a bag with laptop you need to have the horizontal depth of the Tilopa. The Loka is much tighter is this sense.

There is a sleeve in there but it is not specific to a Laptop. It will fit smaller Laptops. I have a 17inch mac and it does not fit in the sleeve. But i have done some traveling with the Loka and a full bag of gear in a Medium ICU. The taper on the Medium ICU allows you still fit a Laptop in the bag between the ICU and outer-shell. But like I say it is not designed to fit a laptop... but does and actually is nicely a snug.

If you chose to go this route you should know that the laptop will push the ICU and your gear forward. And the fit will not be as dreamy as it was intended to be without one. This is only a problem if you going to spending looong days with full kit and laptop on your back. I totally understand some want loptop protection but that is not this bags goal.

This Loka is not designed to fit everything and the kitchen sink. You can fill a large ICU or Medium, which is a lot of gear. It is ideal for the more physically active shooter than doesn't want the all the size of the Tilopa. With medium ICU there is a lot of room for extras and that ICU fits a good amount of gear. Also ideal for anyone that doesn't pack a ton of gear. And wants a smaller bag on there back.

i can over night with a Tilopa but would not be able to with a Loka. I'll admit Tilopa is a tight over night but I can and do - do it.

Are these bags going to be available in the color from your pictures?

Yes they will be, as mention Grey Mist.


Let me know if you have anymore questions...

Thanks

[Jason Kim]

Can I presume Loka will work with TT pouches and have hydration bladder pocket like upcoming Tilopa?

[Fstop-Ian]

Can I presume Loka will work with TT pouches and have hydration bladder pocket like upcoming Tilopa?

Yes that is correct.

[cfnz]

Sounds good Ian. I've been thinking about the Tilopa as an option for a while but it's larger than I need, my standard use pack is 35L, so this sounds like a good size.

Are you able to confirm the sizes of the new ICUs and elaborate on what you can fit into them, particularly the small ICU? Essentially what I'm looking for is the smallest ICU that will hold a 70-200 f/2.8 with hood reversed; a 24-105 and a non-pro body (I currently have a 40D).

I found a post (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=10033948&postcount=75) which suggests a small will suffice: "A Small fits a Pro body/ 70-200L and 16-35L (or similar) broken down, it is 20cm vertical same width, there is some left over room for smaller items... cables etc. Ideally the top row has the tele and the wide and body on the lower. All arranged by dividers... so you can change that according to your needs."

I'm happy that I'll also want a large ICU for situations when I want to take more gear, do you know if the multi-ICU deals will be available as a pre-order?

[Fstop-Ian]

Hi yes the quote is spot on and a would take care of your needs. I can not confirm the pricing scheme for the ICU's at the moment. But if you buy a bag and icu combo it is your entry to further discounted ICU's.

More details when available.

[mikel14]

Hi yes the quote is spot on and a would take care of your needs. I can not confirm the pricing scheme for the ICU's at the moment. But if you buy a bag and icu combo it is your entry to further discounted ICU's.

More details when available.

Any posibilities about selling in Europe??? :cry::cry:

With taxes it costs 25% more than real price!!! :evil::evil:

Regards...

[JAAD]

Looks good!

[JohnJ80]

You're Replacing RED? Say it ain't so! That's the color of my Tilopa and it's great.

What are the color choices?

J.

[cfnz]

Thanks Ian. I was hoping a small ICU would do the trick, should leave a decent amount of room for other items. The medium was clearing going to be excessive for that amount of gear.

[jacobsen1]

Ian, what's on the side of this tilopa:
http://cdn2.fstopgear.com/images/stories/news/3peaks/_mg_6206.jpg

?? ;)

And I can't wait. Move the top zipper opening to the side and it'd be PERFECT, but even as it is, I want one BADLY. :D

[MBrown9nu]

Ian,

Can you tell me if I put a small ICU into one of the packs... Loka, Tilopa... how much room is going to be left in the bag? Can i get a tripod INTO the bag? Say a Gitzo 1541T that folds up to 17"? Make it a little bit more covert...

Thanks!

[hfoto]

just placed my order! now the wait.

[Fstop-Ian]

yes you could but you would place the small ICU vertical. It is 20cm tall so you would have to flip it 90 degrees. Then put the tripod beside it. So it would not be on top of the ICU.

the bags vertical is about 55cm.

Is this for travel?





Ian,

Can you tell me if I put a small ICU into one of the packs... Loka, Tilopa... how much room is going to be left in the bag? Can i get a tripod INTO the bag? Say a Gitzo 1541T that folds up to 17"? Make it a little bit more covert...

Thanks!

[jacobsen1]

preorder questions....

when do you guys expect it to ship?
how long is the code good for? right up until the day they start shipping?
when do you charge my CC? order date or ship?

[hfoto]

preorder questions....

when do you guys expect it to ship?
how long is the code good for? right up until the day they start shipping?
when do you charge my CC? order date or ship?

The Loka is suppose to available sometime in June.
They charge your card when they ship the backpack.
Hope that helps.

[MBrown9nu]

Yes, I would be looking to travel with the bag as well as boarding, so it would be nice to get one body, a couple lenses, and the tripod into the bag, so that it was a bit more inconspicuous.

Size-wise, I take it I could do this in either the Loka or Tilopa?

Hmm...traveling, I'd like to take a laptop too... are the new Loka colors going to be availble in the Tilopa soon-ish?

Thanks!


yes you could but you would place the small ICU vertical. It is 20cm tall so you would have to flip it 90 degrees. Then put the tripod beside it. So it would not be on top of the ICU.

the bags vertical is about 55cm.

Is this for travel?

[Fstop-Ian]

MBrowne

Yes you could do it with both bags, although I am not 100% on your Tripod size...

The colors are the same except for the Grey Mist will replace Red. But the new Tilopa will not be available for some time and is also the same size.

I think I mentioned it but Tilopa is built for bigger loads, the Loka can take it but the Tilopa has more to it for support. So if your looking for a bag for more serious use (by that I mean weight and longer days) go with the Tilopa. If you want something a little more agile go with Loka.

Also Ben... the preorder deal is set for expiration on June 1st. Not sure if will be extended... The Pre Order has been on for months and has already gone from $50 - $35... If you want to save I would suggest doing so ASAP. I think I have explained many times how our preorders are a no risk win win situation...

[cfnz]

The Pre Order has been on for months and has already gone from $50 - $35... If you want to save I would suggest doing so ASAP. I think I have explained many times how our preorders are a no risk win win situation...
Ok. If I wanted a Loka, a small ICU and a large ICU what is the best way to proceed? Pre-order the Loka now and add the others later?

[highv0lt6ge]

Ian,

Sorry for piling on the questions, but the current Tilopa is not available in the Grey Mist color correct? If this is true, do you have any idea when it will be available? I could really use a new camera bag but want the Grey Mist color plus a laptop pouch.

Thanks for the help

[John Schell]

New member here to the forum and really excited to see the Loka. If you can bear another question, here goes: How would the Loka fare as a day bag for travel? I have a big Euro trip coming up this summer and my main travel pack is set, but my day bag (walking around the city, hiking, etc) has yet to be purchased. The Loka looks like it might be perfect for walking around town (I need a backpack - I don't like slings or messenger bags).

Wish there were some full frontal images to look [drool] over.

What do you think?

[Fstop-Ian]

Ok. If I wanted a Loka, a small ICU and a large ICU what is the best way to proceed? Pre-order the Loka now and add the others later?

yes... but the Large ICU is available now.

[Fstop-Ian]

Ian,

Sorry for piling on the questions, but the current Tilopa is not available in the Grey Mist color correct? If this is true, do you have any idea when it will be available? I could really use a new camera bag but want the Grey Mist color plus a laptop pouch.

Thanks for the help

I do not know the date yet but would think somewhere around October- November.

[Fstop-Ian]

New member here to the forum and really excited to see the Loka. If you can bear another question, here goes: How would the Loka fare as a day bag for travel? I have a big Euro trip coming up this summer and my main travel pack is set, but my day bag (walking around the city, hiking, etc) has yet to be purchased. The Loka looks like it might be perfect for walking around town (I need a backpack - I don't like slings or messenger bags).

Wish there were some full frontal images to look [drool] over.

What do you think?

It would be great... ;)

Seriously... its a 40L bag, depending what ICU you get and what gear you have will say a lot about your extra space. But as far as fit, it is ideal for long days of wondering. i image the Medium ICU would be great for your day treks.

The back pocket will be a zip(waterproof) down the middle pouch like pocket. Great for jackets and similar stuff-able items. The top pouch will also be similar to the Tilopa... in the pics you have likely seen, the top pocket is touch flatter. That pocket also has some updated accessory sleeves (iphone size).

I give it a two thumbs up for backpacking Europe... and of course it does not look like a camera bag so there is some travel security there.

[John Schell]

Ian, thanks. That's what I was hoping to read. I've been searching around and trying to find something that isn't strictly a camera bag - when I hike, my camera isn't in my bag and, for obvious reasons, I don't go lugging everything I own up the mountain or down into the canyons with me - my water, survival gear, food, clothing, etc., takes precedence over an extra lens or my flash (duh) and it's nice to see a company that seems to get that.

Walking through the city, (Urban hiking, haha), carrying nearly all my stuff is important (and having a bag that doesn't scream "CAMERA BAG" on it helps, too).


Thanks again for responding.

Jt

[JohnJ80]

Ian - what are the color choices for the Loka going to be?

Also, June starts Tuesday. Any word on *when* in June the Loka will be available?


J.

[dmking]

Will the sternum strap of the Loka interfere with wearing a Cotton Carrier?

[jacobsen1]

I can check that for you this weekend if the harness is the same as the tilopa... I'm a CC guy as well.

[Fstop-Ian]

Ian - what are the color choices for the Loka going to be?

Also, June starts Tuesday. Any word on *when* in June the Loka will be available?


J.

Waiting to hear a rough date... although we had a delay in manufacturing... I will post as soon as I hear when.

[Fstop-Ian]

Will the sternum strap of the Loka interfere with wearing a Cotton Carrier?

I have never used the cotton carrier but my guess is yes.

Will it interfere to point you cant use it? I am not sure. It has a harness strap so it will make some sort of play with the CC. I guess it depends what is exceptable to you. The harness does adjust though.

Sorry I have no experience with the CC. Hopefully Ben can shed some light.

[Jon]

Ian - what are the color choices for the Loka going to be?

Also, June starts Tuesday. Any word on *when* in June the Loka will be available?


J.
May I suggest that you rely on the F-stop site for official communications on the Loka? Pekka has said (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4086367&postcount=1)We have seen usage of POTN as a third party support/faq forum. The right thing to do, if you sell anything, is to build support and FAQ forum/system into your own site. Your own posts, presence and attitude in this and other forum, combined with signature to your site (per our signature rules), will create interest to your services, too. But we can not allow forum to be used as marketing vessel - this eats our independence, Google Ads do not allow other ads on same page, fighting between sellers (seen that) creates more work for mods, and we want to avoid even illusion that POTN is involved in this marketing.If F-Stop isn't ready to announce it, perhaps Ian shouldn't be talking about it here.

[Fstop-Ian]

Yes... sorry folks will need to use email or our live support on our home page.

My apologies.