Qtn for Loka / Tilopa owners

Hi, I am very keen to get one of these two bags. I would prefer to stick to the smaller Loka but don't want to be stuck with something too small for my needs.

I would like to pack the following:
7d, 20d, 100-400, 24-105, Tokina 12-24, 50/1.4 and a 430 EX2(optional). Plus the usual power chords, batteries and CF cards. Plus my 15" MBP with a sleeve.

Will these fit inside a Loka? Will the camera gear need a large or medium ICU?

I am anyway planning to get a smaller second ICU for city treks where I don't need the 100-400.

Will a shallow large ICU allow a decent fit for the MBP in a Loka?

I think you'll need a large ICU for all that. It will fit in the Loka, but you won't have much room left for extras, so a Tilopa might be the better choice depending on how much additional gear you need to pack (photo and non photo).

A large shallow will definitely leave enough room for a laptop.

Anyone who has a Loka or Tilopa who is not very tall and slim?

I'm 5'7" and weigh 140.....wondering if these bags are too big....

I'm 5'2" and I have the Guru, it fits good and the "back lenght" is about the same as a Loka.

I am thinking of ordering the Loka with a large shallow ICU and a medium pro ICU - logic is that when I am traveling to the destination, the laptop sits between the flap and the ICU - and the large should be able to take all my gear.

And when I reach the destination, the laptop finds its place of rest and I wander around maybe with one camera mostly around my neck and the rest of the stuff would fit well inside a medium pro. And the top of the bag can carry some snacks or clothes etc....

Can the ICUs be folded? How does one carry the medium pro icu without too much space being used?

I don't think you can fold an ICU, though there isn't really anything rigid inside so it may be do-able... Its not intended to be folded though. The ICU's aren't heavy, so leaving the large shallow inside your bag and not filling it completely, or just putting your snacks and clothes in the ICU with your camera gear would solve the issue of needing to carry a separate ICU around.

Just ordered a Loka with shallow large ICU. Have been thinking about getting one for ages as my Lowepro 350 is just not big enough now. Plus, I'll be travelling internationally in August on a 26 hour journey.

Tom, the medium ICU seems to end half way through the Loka. That would leave a good amount of space to pack for a trek or a full day walk around a city - which would be difficult with a large shallow.

Maybe I will have to pack the medium pro into a box and fill it with clothes.

kram wrote in post #15503654
Tom, the medium ICU seems to end half way through the Loka. That would leave a good amount of space to pack for a trek or a full day walk around a city - which would be difficult with a large shallow.

Yes, but what I meant was that you can put your clothes and non-photo accessories in the large ICU as well. Just because it takes up more of the bag doesn't mean the space is gone, its just compartmentalized For example, whether you put a jacket and a sandwich on top of your medium ICU or inside the large ICU makes no difference in the end, since they're both in the bag.

Placed the order finally for a Loka today. Getting the medium pro and large shallow ICUs with it.

Was torn between the Guru and Loka for a long time - but finally, the comfort of having a single bag for the flight with all my gear and my mbp won over....who knows, maybe I will go back and pick up the Guru another time

My order is only being shipped tomorrow even though i ordered nearly a week ago. It was held at pending approval until I emailed them and asked them what was up. They then actioned it. I think that was a bit poor.

I thnk you'll be fine with the Loka and large shallow ICU. I just spent several hours on their website looking at all the options and ended up with the Loka and Large sloped ICU.

Enjoy your new bag.

I received my Loka today with large shallow ICU. Pretty much what I was expecting except for the laptop 'compartment'. It's not somewhere I'd ever put a laptop without it's own sleeve.

Anyway, do any of you Loka owners know if it's ok to leave the ICU unzipped with the cover flipped around while it's in the Loka? I don't want a 35l floating around my bag if it comes out of the ICU.

fitshaced wrote in post #15546886
Anyway, do any of you Loka owners know if it's ok to leave the ICU unzipped with the cover flipped around while it's in the Loka? I don't want a 35l floating around my bag if it comes out of the ICU.

I know its definitely ok to leave it unzipped with a regular large ICU if you use the velcro rubber bands to secure your lenses/camera. It really depends on how much you are moving around. Usually I just zip the cover half way and its fine for regular hiking/travelling.