F-Stop Loka - tripod carrying solution?

My wife and I have just invested in an F-Stop Loka each. They are great, but we need to find an easy solution for carrying our Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 tripods and 410 heads.

We previously had Lowepro Vertex 200s, which had a handy tripod solution - however it was at the rear of the bag which meant that the balance was not ideal.

I had struck on the idea of using the MOLLE attachments either side in conjunction with some sort of bag - the tripod on one side and the head/centre column on the other to give good balance (each piece weighs around 1.5kg).

I've looked at rope bags/dry bags/compression bags, but can't seem to find the right size/dimensions I'm after.

I could of course just use a system of straps to attach each part to the MOLLE loops, but a bag either side would be more convenient.

Any solutions or advice?

Just put one leg in one of the mesh pockets on the side and hold it in place with the side compression straps. Been doing that for years on many backpacks including my Loka.

j.

Use an S-biner with a tripod bag with your MOLLE.

aegid wrote in post #14344759
Use an S-biner with a tripod bag with your MOLLE.

Seems you would get a lot of movement (unwelcome) that way.

I have a Satori, and put two legs in the side pocket and hold it firm with the compression straps. Works great, in fact it works better than dedicated tripod carriers I've used in the past.

jcothron wrote in post #14345552
Seems you would get a lot of movement (unwelcome) that way.

I don't think so. It's very stable. Why would there be a lot of movement?

Just try it. It's not like it's a big deal to see if it works.

I also put the head down in the mesh pocket too.

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #14345561
I don't think so. It's very stable. Why would there be a lot of movement?

Just try it. It's not like it's a big deal to see if it works.

I also put the head down in the mesh pocket too.

J.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're doing. I read the original comment as if the tripod bag is "hanging" from the biner, which would mean that other than the beaner nothing is really holding it to the pack. I guess if you had the head/legs in the pocket at the bottom it would work pretty well.

I still think I'd prefer to have it strapped to the bag however, but to each his own.

It is strapped to the bag. You put the legs or the head (your choice) in the mesh pocket, then you take the compression straps on the side of the bag and put the tripod underneath them and cinch them tight.

Let me put it to you like this - I ski down challenging terrain with it mounted like this with no problems and no movement.

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #14345890
It is strapped to the bag. You put the legs or the head (your choice) in the mesh pocket, then you take the compression straps on the side of the bag and put the tripod underneath them and cinch them tight.

Let me put it to you like this - I ski down challenging terrain with it mounted like this with no problems and no movement.

J.

Okay, we seem to have gotten our signals crossed. I carry my tripod exactly like you're doing and have for years. By far the best way in my opinion. My comment about movement earlier was to the poster that indicated using a biner and tripod bag to attach it to the pack, not using compression straps.

Thanks for your replies. I've looked at putting the legs in the mesh pocket, but I'm a little concerned that long-term this is not ideal and might put undue strain on the fabric and stitching.

The other issue is the weight of the tripod and head - hence my question about mounting the head and tripod either side.

It's up to you of course, but I wouldn't be that concerned. The compression straps are really supporting the weight more than anything else. Mine's old enough that it isn't mesh, it's the same fabric as the pack.. .but I also know F-stop knew they're used this way so I doubt they would put something there that wouldn't hold up.

You're right that it will balance the pack to one side a little, but in my experience with the Satori it fits and carries so well it isn't an issue. It drove me crazy with a Lowepro pack I use to have though

Cheers John, I'll give it a go and see how I get on.

Can I ask where you purchased the bag from in the UK and how much was it?

Mark

My wife liaised with Paramo, the U.K. distributor, who were extremely helpful. They organised the sale via their Covent Garden store.

We had to wait about 6 weeks for the bags due to low stock levels in Europe. The Loka plus 1 ICU is £250, with additional ICUs costing £45.