F-Stop Loka - A comfortable and functional camera backpack suitable for mountain landscape and mountain sports photography
F-Stop Loka camera backpack. My Manfrotto MT055 tripod fits securely using the front two straps and a water bottle is in the other pocket. Inside is a Large ICU containing a professional camera body, filters plus a 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens, plus an insulated jacket and a bivvy bag for staying out overnight.
F-Stop are a US company specialising in photography backpacks for outdoor and adventure sports photographers who spend time in the hills and mountains and have a need for a pack which provides the same comfort and capacity as a standard hiking or a backpacking rucksack but can also accommodate professional camera gear.
The F-Stop Loka model I have isn’t their ultra-light version (the Loka UL) but the original Loka which was introduced in 2010. It gets more use than an F-Stop Satori backpack I own, being somewhat ‘Goldilocks’ in size as regards to meeting my needs. All the F-Stop models accept the insert of an f-Stop’s internal camera unit (ICU) a lightweight multi-functional system that enables you to pack different photography gear, depending on your needs.
What I like
It’s cavernous, packing I’d propose more than its 37-litres in size. (It easily accommodates a large ICU, insulated jacket and waterproofs plus bivvy gear)
It’s versatile - I use it for photography work (either to carry gear on its own or a combination of outdoor equipment and photography equipment), travelling (it’s airline friendly) plus for standard hillwalking activities (such as a day pack in Scottish winter and for backpacking, both in Winter and Spring)
The ‘back’ entry - it fully unzips on the side that sits against your back - Indispensable for accessing items quickly
The mesh side pockets because they’re large (I can fit the bottom of a packed Hilleberg Akto tent in them for Winter - it fits fully inside in Spring) and they are robust. There’s no holes in them after many years use.
The zippers and zip pulls, both of which are oversized and have proved so far to be bombproof
The comfort - it doesn’t have overly padded hip fins or shoulder straps but when worn under load it is supremely comfortable. The navel strap cinches inwards to tighten rather outwards which may or may not help contribute to such a comfortable fit.
What I’d like to see changed
Lighter in weight would be good but this would come at the expense of durability and comfort. (F-Stop does the Loka UL which is lighter but it only comes in black, which is a colour I have a strong aversion to for outdoor gear).
The ice axe attachment I thought wasn’t good. I lost an ice axe after it fell off my pack one winter, which caused me to take risk, but then I realised the bungee cord in the middle of the front of the pack can be used instead (it’s probably what it’s meant for but there’s no steer I’ve found online and it’s in an uncommon place for ice axe attachments).
Alternatives
The original Loka is discontinued but can still be purchased on Ebay. F-Stop’s latest version is their Loka UL model.
F-Stop Anja - Newer materials and design
Shimodo Action range, which is designed by a former F-Stop employee