Problem with my Loka

After 3.5 years, with normal use (gentle handling when I set it down), I found abrasion on the bottom rear of my Loka. The Hypalon base didn't wrap far enough around the bottom. Any thoughts?

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Was it mis-stitched? I'll have to look at the bottom of mine.

I believe it is abrasion from setting it on the ground. I've never seen another pack do this.

I looked... mine also has wear in both front corners. Bummer. I think this is a design flaw and the base material should wrap around the corners.

I have some wear like this on my Ajna after only a couple trips with it too.

I hoped the Ajna would fix the flaw.

F-stop tells me this is not covered by their warranty.

I am thinking about using a liquid plastic dip to cover those spots.

A friend recommended Tearmender... https://www.tearmender​.com/ I picked some up and used it. I think it will help, but I think I will go ahead and cover it with the liquid rubber as well.

I can't help with a fix, but yeah, F-Stop's warranty is pretty laughable. I wouldn't count on it for anything.

When I bought the Loka 3.5 years ago, their customer service was quite good... at least they treated me well at the time. They still haven't fixed their supply issues. And now I find they don't cover much (not sure what they actually cover) in that 20 year warranty. With this issue, I waited much much longer for responses from them only to be told they won't cover that kind of wear. I don't remember ever seeing another bag wear like that. Not even my daily daypack that I carry to work shows any wear like this... a cheap Jansport. I use the Loka a fraction as much, and given the gear inside, I do set it down gently. All they need to do is wrap the hypalon a little higher around the bottom.

Next time I need a hiking bag for my gear, I plan to get a regular snowpack and use lens wraps. I just have to find one that fits.

Well this does look like a flaw. I've used my new Ajna just twice and so far it's not showing any wear. I have clothing in the bottom and the pack stands straight. If I see the slightest sign of wear I'll put gaffers tape on the corners.

BTW they appear to be shipping at the moment. I ordered the Ajna January 1 with a pro ICU and it arrived within a week. Measured up for the second ICU, ordered that and it arrived within a week too. They seem to be showing signs of life.

peter_n wrote in post #18252228
Well this does look like a flaw. I've used my new Ajna just twice and so far it's not showing any wear. I have clothing in the bottom and the pack stands straight. If I see the slightest sign of wear I'll put gaffers tape on the corners.

BTW they appear to be shipping at the moment. I ordered the Ajna January 1 with a pro ICU and it arrived within a week. Measured up for the second ICU, ordered that and it arrived within a week too. They seem to be showing signs of life.

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forum: Camera Bags, Backpacks & Cases

I have the Loka but man I want to order the Ajna. I love that orange color (I love my blue color too though!)

But the Loka is too similar to Ajna and I don't think I could truly use something larger...

#1stworldproblems

kaitlyn2004 wrote in post #18252330
But the Loka is too similar to Ajna and I don't think I could truly use something larger...

My only other f-stop bag is a Kenti which proved a bit too small on a recent hiking trip to California. I use small cameras - Rolleiflex, Leica rangefinders & Sony mirrorless so didn't need anything too big but I needed bigger and the Ajna is perfect for my gear and my torso, it's extremely comfortable on an all-day hike. I just had to have the orange color...

Everything I ordered was in stock and still is. Even the RB Ajna is in stock as I write. However, you can't trust their stock because I wanted a large rain cover and the f-stop web page said no stock but you can buy from Amazon. So I bought from Amazon and lo and behold its shipped directly from f-stop. Explain me that!

The F-stop warranty is pretty clear about wear and tear (see below). So what is "extended use" relative to the warranty period. I have a LowePro bag about 3 years old and I suspect except for the tags missing it could be sold as new since it totally lacks abrasion on the bottom. I also have a SwissGear computer bag, close to 10 years old and used 5 days a week but it barely shows abrasion.

What Does This Warranty Not Cover?

This warranty does not cover rips, burns, tears and damage caused by improper care, mishandling, misuse, alteration, or accidental damage; nor does it cover the natural breakdown of materials that occurs after extended use (i.e. zipper wear, fabric abrasion, etc.).

Also, this warranty excludes all claims to any incidental or consequential loss to personal property. Some states, provinces and countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

I love the design. The fit on my torso is good. I like the ICU concept. But I have never seen wear like this with any other bag. I've had a few other bags for much longer than this. I know technically the warranty doesn't cover it. But if setting a bag down warrants abuse or extended use or whatever then I have a problem with the warranty. I have raved about the Loka to friends and people here, and given F-stop more sales. I can't rave anymore.

I was actually going to sell my Loka to buy a Tilopa for a little more space (for layers, not camera gear), and started to take photos of it when I noticed the abrasion. I don't feel right selling it now.

I just got my large slope ICU. Been using the medium pro ICU for a while, but my goodness is the large slope (and it's a slope!) ICU very hard to insert and remove. Is there some technique? It's tighttt fit!