Lowepro Fastpack 350 to F-Stop Loka - My Thoughts

A couple of weeks ago I posed the question to POTN about suggestions for a bigger bag to carry all my gear. Sirrith suggested I look at the F-Stop range, fast forward a couple weeks and the Loka accompanied by a large sloped ICU arrived on my doorstep.

I fly around quite a bit for business and I like to take the camera along to go exploring the towns and cities I visit so i wanted something that would be acceptable to carry on board an aircraft and safely store all my camera and flight related paraphernalia.

My other prerequisite was that I could store my camera with both the 70-200 or one of the smaller lenses attached. The 350 could not do this and meant I had to swap over to the 70-200 every time I wanted to put the camera in the bag.

This is my list of gear I needed to fit in the bag.

Canon 6D with Grip
17-40 4
24-105 4 IS
70-200 2.8 IS II
Sigma 35 1.4
430 EXII
AA battery cartridge for the grip
AA batteries
A couple of filters
iPad or 13" Macbook Pro
Wallet
Phone
Cigarettes
Passport
Noise cancelling headphones.

First impressions when I opened up the box and fitted the ICU up weren't overly positive. I found fitting the ICU very fidgety. I realise for a lot of people the ICU system is a plus as you can easily change the configuration of the bag. I think it takes up precious space and would have preferred something built in/non removable from the pack.

I jammed the ICU in and strapped the velcro tabs in place, I was glad I went with the sloped version as the non sloped would be a very tight fit. The sloped also allows a tiny bit more room to squeeze a light jacket into the bag.

I then started to fit my gear into its new home. First thoughts were I wasn't going to fit everything in but after some trail and error with the removable walls I ended up with a configuration I was happy with.

Good read!

I just picked up the Loka with a medium ICU and I am not sure about it yet. It seems small for what I wanted so I order the Tilopa with the large ICU to compare and I will send back the one I dont want. My only concern with the Tilopa is how it will work as carry on...

Looking forward to hearing about your review...

El Pedro wrote in post #15558932

Is it still christmas?

The Loka is at the limit most airlines allow... Some experiences with airlines would be very nice.

Thanks for the post. I am eventually going to get a loka. Did you need to buy gatekeepers to hold the tripod on the side?

mayuka wrote in post #15559844
Is it still christmas?

The Loka is at the limit most airlines allow... Some experiences with airlines would be very nice.

I spoke with F-stop and they are telling me that the Tilopa will pass as carry on...

harv3589 wrote in post #15559911
I spoke with F-stop and they are telling me that the Tilopa will pass as carry on...

Theoretically that is correct, but it really often depends on the gate personnel. I have the Loka and so far I only got stopped once to show them that it will fit in that measuring box they usually have. If you have the Tilopia packed to the rim I imagine it could cause some issues, apart from the fact that it may be a hassle to travel with in the first place (especially when changing planes etc).

PS: I absolutely love the Loka and I was surprised how much I was able to fit in it. You can also strap the tripod to the back of the bag for more equal weight distribution.

I am still torn on whether the Loka is the best option...like I said I have the Loka already but ordered the Tilopa to compare them and the winner will stay with me....now if I had the cash to just keep both

Same as the OP. came from a 350 to a fstop loka. night and day. at the moment my loka is collecting dust though LOL but going to the philippines in a couple of weeks with the bag!

no need for it. the small straps at the side and front can house a tripod. the gatekeepers are their if u are putting some serious stuff like a snow board or something(yes u heard it, u can attack snowboards etc on it!)

harv3589 wrote in post #15559687
Good read!

I just picked up the Loka with a medium ICU and I am not sure about it yet. It seems small for what I wanted so I order the Tilopa with the large ICU to compare and I will send back the one I dont want. My only concern with the Tilopa is how it will work as carry on...

Looking forward to hearing about your review...

I wouldn't want to take anything bigger than the Loka for carry on. Not worth the risk of them making you check it. Maybe swap your medium ICU for the large slope. Depends how much room you needed outside of the ICU though I guess.

mayuka wrote in post #15559844
Is it still christmas?

The Loka is at the limit most airlines allow... Some experiences with airlines would be very nice.

Haha, it felt like it yesterday.

Tommydigi wrote in post #15559890
Thanks for the post. I am eventually going to get a loka. Did you need to buy gatekeepers to hold the tripod on the side?

No there are two adjustable straps fitted to each side of the bag that hold it in place perfectly. I also have two of the legs tucked into the pouch on the side.

El Pedro wrote in post #15560992
No there are two adjustable straps fitted to each side of the bag that hold it in place perfectly. I also have two of the legs tucked into the pouch on the side.

Thanks, putting it on the side seems better to me than the back where it feels awkward being so far way. I seem to bump it into things.

Tommydigi wrote in post #15561014
Thanks, putting it on the side seems better to me than the back where it feels awkward being so far way. I seem to bump it into things.

I usually have it on the side as well, just wanted to mention that there is the back option. Plus, if you add a water bottle on the other side (or in my case a Joby Gorillapod), the weight evens out for the most part.

Carry on depends on the airline. Major carriers (Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, ANA etc...) allow even the Satori EXP to pass (not just at the agent's discretion, it is within the limits). Smaller airlines (e.g. Icelandair, Easyjet, Malaysian Airlines etc...) will allow the Tilopa on (again, it is within their allowed dimensions). The Tilopa is actually the same height as the Loka, which is the dimension most likely to cause trouble with F Stop bags. So if the Loka can pass, so will the Tilopa. The volume difference comes from the depth of the bags which is not an issue.

Hi

A Satori will pass most airlines and for the most part any bag you can compress will pass. f-stop helps/supports many professional photogs who travel by air with the Satori and very often (it is our most commonly used working Pro team bag).

A few things you can do to ensure success with any pack, not just limited to f-stop(I hope you don't see this as spam) are:

1. Remove the frame and put it in your check-in luggage.

2. Don't over pack your bag. Pack it to the airline requirements.

3. You can always pull the ICU out and carry on the ICU only. It will take a shoulder strap.

4. Be kind and charm the agent.

Again 1 and 2 are for any bag that compresses or has a frame. 3 for any bag that uses a removable or modular system. 4...