F-stop Loka looks like a winner

Thanks, sounds like this backpack is the way to go.

How my back will cope is something I'll have to deal with when that time comes.

I love mine. I had a dakine and lowepro bags before and nothing even comes close. The internal frame of the pack is the best part. This bag carries weight much better then my previous bags, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Order placed! I noticed when I checked the inventory status that it was divided into USA and Europe, so I assume they have an european warehouse? As I'm in Norway, does this mean I can expect to receive it faster? The Loka appeared to be out of inventory in the US anyway.

I ordered a Guru with 2 ICUs last week, they told me Gurus would be out of stock until November. Than, a guy from FStop called me to told me they found a green Guru (I ordered a black one) and if I accept to change the color, they could send it the next day.

I received it yesterday, with pro small and pro medium icu. I already love it ! I tested it with the medium ICU, 7D, sigma 70-200, 24-70, 50, rokinon 8mm, a flash and all the classic stuff (batteries, charger, memory cards, cables... ) and I don't feel the weight at all on my back.

I'll use it more this week-end, try to take pictures of the bag and icus.

I took the Guru because I tought the Loka would be too big for me and I don't regret it, the Guru fits perfect on my back. I'd love to try the Loka too :P

I wish they'd come back out with the Mist Grey or some sort of Grey color Backorders galore

koffikapp wrote in post #14812644
Order placed! I noticed when I checked the inventory status that it was divided into USA and Europe, so I assume they have an european warehouse? As I'm in Norway, does this mean I can expect to receive it faster? The Loka appeared to be out of inventory in the US anyway.

When my wife and I ordered a Loka each earlier this year they were shipped via Holland I think. We had to wait a while for stock to come in from the US.

I have a Loka with the medium pro ICU. Without a water bladder and extra accessories stuffing the bag, do you find that you need to zip the ICU to prevent smaller items from falling into the ICU? I find that my flash and tiny pouch with some accessories sometimes will fall into the ICU when the bag is off my back. Obviously if I have a jacket in there it prevents this.

Also with the medium PRO ICU, does the metal framework go over top of it? Mine seems to want to fall over it. Not really a problem, but just wanted to make sure I'm setting it up right.

I guess the compartment on top and the ICU compartment are more connected than I thought. None of this is really a big deal, but I just wanted to see if this is the normal case for these bags.

Thanks!

Jamooche wrote in post #15509612
I have a Loka with the medium pro ICU. Without a water bladder and extra accessories stuffing the bag, do you find that you need to zip the ICU to prevent smaller items from falling into the ICU? I find that my flash and tiny pouch with some accessories sometimes will fall into the ICU when the bag is off my back. Obviously if I have a jacket in there it prevents this.

Also with the medium PRO ICU, does the metal framework go over top of it? Mine seems to want to fall over it. Not really a problem, but just wanted to make sure I'm setting it up right.

I guess the compartment on top and the ICU compartment are more connected than I thought. None of this is really a big deal, but I just wanted to see if this is the normal case for these bags.

Thanks!

The bag is just an empty cavity, so no there isn't really any separation between the ICU and upper empty space.

I experienced the same issue you have with the Medium Pro ICU (stuff falling into the ICU or between the ICU and back-pad area). I sold my Medium ICU for a Large Pro and couldn't be happier. The ICU is bigger by far, but it's square shaped and not a wedge. I hope that helps.

Staszek wrote in post #15517712
The bag is just an empty cavity, so no there isn't really any separation between the ICU and upper empty space.

I experienced the same issue you have with the Medium Pro ICU (stuff falling into the ICU or between the ICU and back-pad area). I sold my Medium ICU for a Large Pro and couldn't be happier. The ICU is bigger by far, but it's square shaped and not a wedge. I hope that helps.

Thanks for the info. Glad it's not me. As luck would have it, i've been eyeing this bag for some time and just after I order, they now have a Medium Pro Non-Slope ICU. I may think about calling to exchange it, however, I plan on making a simple separating sheet with some ripstop nylon, grommets, and zip ties. Should be a free fix as I have all the materials at home already.

Jamooche wrote in post #15518552
Thanks for the info. Glad it's not me. As luck would have it, i've been eyeing this bag for some time and just after I order, they now have a Medium Pro Non-Slope ICU. I may think about calling to exchange it, however, I plan on making a simple separating sheet with some ripstop nylon, grommets, and zip ties. Should be a free fix as I have all the materials at home already.

I would just ask for an exchange. Keep in mind that the wedged shape will actually make some of your lenses or gripped camera bodies NOT fit towards the top of the ICU.

I actually like the slope Medium Pro size. I decided to add some zip ties from the top ICU D-rings to the Large ICU tie down points which I didn't know were there until about 20 minutes ago. This seems to have solved the problem. The little pouch you see in the photo would always fall into the ICU. Now I can't get it to go in. I plan on replacing the zip ties with some quick release velcro straps.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/jamilabbasy/8​407844488/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/jamilabbasy/8​407844322/

I just want to do a thorough review of the changes F-Stop did with their latest ICU. Some things were good, others were not.

The old ICU (2012 version) is always on the left side, the latest version (2013) is always on the right.

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The new 2013 version has a little pouch at the bottom. It's pretty useless, I think. However, I don't mind either.

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I have the 2013 Med-sloped and it works very well for my uses. it slides into the bag and out easily as long as I loosen up or unhook all the buckles.

I would prefer to have a shallow med-icu as I don't take advantage of increased space due to being more deep in the med-icu-sloped

I also prefer the shallow ICU for the same reason. Good comparison, Mayuka!