The f-stop Loka backpack review

Update:  I found some wear on the bottom of the Loka in the bottom front corners.  I had decided the Loka wasn't large enough for longer hikes in the mountains and I was cleaning up the bag to sell it to get a larger f-stop bag when I noticed the trouble.  Given the 20 year warranty, I decided to see what f-stop would do about it.  At first they claimed they could not find my purchase information, then later they claimed the damage was abuse (if setting the bag down gently is abuse, then I'm guilty).  Basically, the 20 year warranty is a farce, their customer service has gone further down the tubes, and I will never purchase anything of theirs again.

I "fixed" the bottom of the bag with some Tear Mender, then covered that with some rubber spray.

If that hasn't scared you off, read on.  The design idea is good at least.

I've used a number of camera bags of various brands and styles: Shoulder bags, beltpacks, slings, and backpacks. Given that I hike and tend to do a lot of nature photography, I mostly use backpacks. I have young kids. We moved to the mountains. We hike. Sometimes my wife has to carry our youngest and I end up being the pack-horse for everything else. Put those things together, and I found I needed room in my backpack for more than just photo gear. I have to think about things we really need in the mountains that I never worried about at sea level, such as layers of clothing and additional water. I investigated several brands, but ended up with a f-stop Loka, part of their mountain series of bags. I found it when I started looking for a backpack that had a good harness and could carry more than just camera gear. It is a daypack that doesn't scream camera bag, with about 37L total volume.  

Comfort

The Loka has an OK harness.  It has an internal frame, adjustable straps and padded waist belt. I can adjust it quickly if I change the layers I wear during the day. The hipbelt is sewn on and not stiff enough to support a heavy load.  As long as it is adjusted properly, it fits decently.  However, to use the load lifters properly, the bag needs to be taller.  The lifters go straight out, perpendicular to my back rather than come down from above at a 45 degree angle.  

Access

I really like the rear camera access.  The straps never go in the dirt/snow/mud!  I may get the back of my car dirty or wet, but not my clothes.  It is also secure from pickpockets.

Another thing I've done with the Loka is change lenses without setting the bag down.  One can loosen the belt and swing the backpack to the front, open it, change lenses, zip it back up and put it back on, all while standing in water, etc.  It's slower than just setting the bag down, but it is a useful option to have.

Versatility

A feature that gives f-stop mountain series backpacks great versatility is the interchangeable camera compartments, which F-stop calls the Internal Camera Unit (ICU).  The ICUs let you pick the size you need for your gear, and use the leftover space for non-photo gear as desired.

The large ICU is great when I don't have to think about non-photography items. I can carry all 4 of my lenses with ease, and leave the lens hood mounted on my 100-400, making it fairly quick to get setup.  Of course, I don't have room for a fleece jacket when I use the large ICU. But I can still carry snacks, water, sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, Leatherman tool, flashlight, and a first aid kit.

The Large Pro ICU

Using the medium ICU means I have to store the lens hood reversed on the 100-400, and if I carry all 4 of my lenses, the 100-400 must be mounted on the camera while everything is in the bag.  But of course I can add a nice fleece jacket to my survival gear, and this is now my normal use case.   I gave up some convenience (namely, the ability to store the camera with any of my lenses mounted) for space savings.  Even in summer in the mountains, the fleece has proven useful, particularly at a waterfall waiting for the right light.

The Medium Pro ICU

The small pro ICU half the size of the large pro and is good for 2-3 shorter lenses and filters, memory cards, and batteries.  It can fit a mounted 100-400 or 70-200 sideways, but I found that the weight above will compress the ICU if it doesn't have a vertical support inside the ICU.

The Small Pro ICU

What would I do differently? Too late now, but if I were designing a system like this from scratch, I'd like a wider ICU to better handle the big modern DSLR lenses with hoods attached. Then again, once I go mirrorless it won't be an issue.

A downside of the ICU design is that small items can and will fall down the sides of the bag, between the shell and the ICU. I have to put these small items into bags to avoid the problem.

Other details

Behind the ICU is a spot for a hydration system, up to a 3L model. There is a slot for the tube to come out of the back, and tie-downs to hold the end on the shoulder strap within reach. I don't use this feature, but it should appeal to many hikers.

The mesh pockets on either side can fit a water bottle each, which I can reach without taking the bag off.

There is an exterior pocket meant for a light jacket; I use it for a rain shell.

The underside has a spot for a rain cover (the newer models are better sealed for weather and may not need a rain cover as often as the Loka).

The top lid has pouches on top and bottom of the lid. I use these for my flashlight, small tools, etc.

The inside of the main opening has thin pouches for filters, memory cards, etc.

What else do I like? I like the compression straps on the back and sides; I've used them to carry my tripod, as well as my daughter's stuffed animals.

The most important accessory!

Cons

F-stop as a company has a lot of difficulty with supply. Normal wait times are 4-6 weeks and I know this has put off a lot of potential buyers.  Even years after I bought the Loka, they still have problems getting items to customers right away.  If you like the design, the only solution is to be patient.  But, at the time of purchase, they were been up-front with me whenever I talked with them, and when I told them of an upcoming trip, they were kind enough to expedite the shipping. 

I wish the front stash pocket expanded more.  It is tight once I stuff a thin rain jacket inside.  I believe this pocket is bigger and easier to access on the replacement pack, the Ajna.

I wish the mesh side pockets were just a tad (1") taller to better hold my tall 18 oz water bottle.  I've had the water bottle fall out when I set the bag down once, and the lid can hit rocks.

The medium ICU tends to pop out on one side, and it is worse when I use the front stash pocket. It isn't a show-stopper but it does annoy me. The best fit is really the large ICU, but I often want more space for other gear!

The small pro ICU will compress from the weight above it if you don't use the dividers for vertical support (such as when I stored my 100-400 mounted sideways in it).

It needs a deeper lumbar pad.

The Loka needs to be a couple inches taller for the load lifters to do much good.

I wish the shoulder straps had additional padding; it is possible to overload the Loka.

I wish the back panel had better airflow; it can get sweaty. I wish both the shoulder straps and hipbelt had mesh.  I realize the material they used is meant to repel snow, but I use it in all seasons and having sweat wick away would be better for me most of the time. 

Summary

The Loka was my first decent backpack due to the hipbelt support, but I've found many packs since then that are far more comfortable.  

As I write this, I've had the Loka for a couple of years and f-stop has discontinued the Loka model.  The current similar models are the 32L Lotus and 40L Ajna.