Member of the Month

profa_212
July, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Whats the best camera backpack?

profile picture
NickVentura
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,229
So im looking to get a camera backpack for skiing and i dont know which one to get. My budget is up to $200 but i dont wanna spend a lot on a camera thats not gonna last. Im looking for one that has room for a body and a couple lenses and smaller compartments for acessories like batteries, cards, etc and a tripod holder if possible. I was looking at the dakine mission but i read some reviews that said it wasnt great. Does anyone have another brand thats better than dakine? Thanks for the input and +k for suggestions
13 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4908 - Karma: 2,674
fstop bags
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
NickVentura
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,229
Which one would you reccomend?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4908 - Karma: 2,674
check this one out http://fstopgear.com/product/mountain/guru i havent used one personally but i have heard a lot of great things. Do some more research, look up threads on fredmiranda.com and POTN, lots of info in there. I just use an FSTOP ICU in a normal backpack which is always a good option
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
don't forget Clik, they always seem to get left out but I love mine.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4908 - Karma: 2,674
for the past hour i've been like 'shit i can't freaking remember the name of that other brand that would be perfect for this kid'. And thats it haha. Pretty sure thats what Erik Seo uses too right?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
haha for sure. It could be what Seo uses, I actually have no idea
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
1337
Posts: 31080 - Karma: 29,705
Which Clik bag are you using will? How much gear can you fit in it?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
I use the Clik Pro Elite. I will admit that it can be quite a hassle for lots of walking and skiing because it's such a big bag to begin with that it already has some weight to it before you put anything in it, so it gets pretty damn heavy when it's full.

I still love it anyway because I can use it to carry everything I need about 95% of the time (barring a lighting kit). I can easily fit my T2i + 3 lenses, FS100 + 3 lenses, Rode NTG-2, lav kit, Beachtek, Tascam, filters, camera maintenance tools+assorted cables and cards, laptop, multiple hard drives, all my manuals, backup batteries+charger, GoPro+accesories, and a bunch of other random junk (iPod, wallet, etc.). Obviously I don't need to carry that much stuff most of the time, but that's what it can do. Needless to say, it was ridiculously useful in carting all my gear over here to Germany.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
1337
Posts: 31080 - Karma: 29,705
Oh I looked at that one! I need a bag with lots of space but can throw other junk in it too. Having an awful time finding one though
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
and my tripod can be strapped on the outside, of course.


I guess my only other complaint would be that the tripod is carried so far on one side of the bag that when the bag is full, it feels extremely lopsided and you really have to generate some momentum with it to swing it onto your back. This puts a bit of strain on my back in the morning sometimes and is also an awkward motion to do in tight places like an airplane.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
Yeah, one great thing is that the front compartments hold a ton of stuff. They aren't really practical for camera gear since they are just huge pockets without ICU's, but they are awesome for drives, tickets (plane, train, etc.), books, ipod, phone, notebooks/magazines, all that kind of stuff.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
I have an F-Stop Tilopa which I absolutely love to death. The stitching from the zipper is letting loose and I'm get a new one for free even though it's quite old and has seen heavy use. There's a 20 year warranty on it and they honor the fuck outta it.

As far as the bag goes: it's super versatile. I love the ICU system. I got a medium pro and small shallow and it fits anywhere from a few things to almost everything I got.
When I'm mountainbiking/skiing I can just strap it down so it's not as big as when its packed full, which is super nice.
I know the bags are a little expensive, but if you buy one you like (Loka or Tilopa for max versatility I think) you're set for the next 20 years.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
1337
Posts: 31080 - Karma: 29,705
How much camera gear can you fit in the medium pro? Mind posting a picture of your configuration?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Sklar
Posts: 8865 - Karma: 31,618
i have these pictures from few i was selling mine

Click for larger image
gripped body w/ 70-200
2-3 other lenses (i divided up the space for other random crap because i didn't have that much glass)
2 speedlights (stacked on top of each other)
random stuff
a bag of triggers over the top of the 70-200

Click for larger image
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
1337
Posts: 31080 - Karma: 29,705
^thanks. Have you used a small ICU before?
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Linked
Posts: 325 - Karma: 216
this one might fit your needs it has a tripod holder, room for 2 or 3 extra lenses, memory card slots and a general pocket on top.

13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
NickVentura
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,229
Thank you everybody for your input! Im gonna do some more research but I was wondering if anybody knows of a bag that could fit a heavy tripod. I have a Tiffen Davis & Sanford ProVista 7518 tripod that weighs 10 pounds with a fluid head.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
zahava
Posts: 7794 - Karma: 12,058
Anyone know if you can fit a pro S and pro M icu in a Loka? I remember Dan Carr mentioning it but the new website only shows 2x S pro's. If I can play the $ cards right I'm gonna get a Loka, thoroughly unimpressed with my new lowepro, not to mention I need a BC pack for whistler. I think id like the combo of a S+M; I'd never ski with more than a M so I don't need the extra support of the tilopa. It would be ideal to combine the S and M for when I need a ton of camera space and no extra space.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
Yes you can. S+M fits perfectly. Keep in mind you won't be able to bring along a lot of other stuff with that setup.

I had both the Loka and Tilopa through some mixup at one point but in the end chose for the Tilopa for a couple reasons;
- The extra space: both the Loka and Tilopa are pretty much the same height and width. The Tilopa is just a little deeper.
- More Mole loops for gatekeepers
- Padded laptop sleeve (the Loka's is unpadded
- Better compartment layout
- Extra space makes for a more versatile backpack. The Loka is good as an every day backpack (school etc too), but I already have a couple bags like that. The Tilopa allows for day trips/camping trips. I can easily bring a body+4 batteries+5 filters+5 lenses in my medium ICU and pack enough clothing for a 3 day trip as well as a sleeping bag, mat and tent if I had to. You're not gonna be able to do that with the Loka.
I use it as a groceries bag too. Fits a shit ton of stuff!
- Better straps: the Loka's straps are neoprene, the Tilopa's are cushioned
- As a BC pack, I'm not sure if the Loka will cut it. It has a 'dedicated shovel compartment', which is WAY too small for any size to keep your friends from dying. Pretty much useless. I got a Voile Telepro and that blade is quite big. I think it'll fit in a Loka, but it would be tight.

Overall, I'm happy with the choice I made. The Loka looks more sleek I think, but it wasn't suited for my needs. If you ever plan on taking an overnight/2+ day trip, you're better of with the Loka.
My Dakine Heli Pro DLX fits my Small Shalow ICU perfectly in the width (little tight, but it fits) which leaves me with a ton of space.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Bloc_chain
Posts: 26053 - Karma: 4,512
thinking about getting a small icu to put into an osprey pack for my leica
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
After years of struggling with various configurations, I finally went this route. I don't know why I didn't do it sooner.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Drew_ski.
Posts: 1310 - Karma: 1,858
If i were you I wouldn't count out the dakine mission. I have one and its a great bag. Plenty of room and the rain cover is great for skiing. Pretty cheap as well compared to some other photo packs
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
JAHrig
Posts: 738 - Karma: 2,649
Anyone have any insight to how the Clik hiker compares to the F-stop Satori or Tilopa? I am about to pull the trigger on one of those but checked out Clik and its way less expensive. Need something that will hold its own for multi day camping trips ideally and I dont want to cheap out on quality.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
BA.berger
Posts: 300 - Karma: 300
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/672936-REG/Lowepro_LP36145_PEU_Pro_Runner_450_AW.html
this one is really good!
I get all of my gear in it!
One camera body
One telephoto leFour ''smaller'' lenses
6 Batteries
one speedlite flash
Mic
glidecam baseplate+quikrelease
glidecam and tripod on the outside, and i still got more space inside!
really recommend this one!
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
NickVentura
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,229
I did some research and I think its between the Fstop loka or the tilopa. They both are big enough to suit my needs but I think the tilopa would be better.
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
De-Clan
Posts: 1920 - Karma: 3,696
i know u are looking for a legit camera bag with all the pockets and places for ur camera gear, but i have a north face angstrom 30L bag, fits my camera carry around bag and everything like that, i have a nikon d3100 and it fits fine with 4 lenses and room for more, just an idea if u want a bag that doesnt cost a ton even though its like 110 or somthing like that, figured id let u know
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
heath
Posts: 475 - Karma: 13
I love my fstop loka
13 years ago
0 0
profile picture
andrew.ski
Posts: 368 - Karma: 69
just ordered a tilopa BC! cant wait for it to come in the mail. thanks for the advice guys!
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,296
Good choice!
They're awesome bags.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
NickVentura
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,229
I ended up getting an Fstop Loka with a large pro ICU and its amazing! Thanks guys!
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
zahava
Posts: 7794 - Karma: 12,058
I ended up with a Loka and 2 small pro ICU's, it's been killing it out in whistler, such a great purchase!
12 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 0:27AM