Very comfortable to wear even with heavy load.

Very durable, no signs of wear after 8 to 9 months of heavy use.

Easy access to CPU as well as upper pockets and waist pockets.

very stable when active (telemark skiing, hiking, climbing)

great water bottle / tripod holder design.

Quite waterproof.

none so far

I purchased my Tilopa directly from F-Stop about eight months ago. I should say that initially, I ran into what was to be a delay of six weekly delivery over the Internet, however when I called F-stop directly and mention that I was headed out on a photography trip in three weeks they were very accommodating and arranged my pack to be delivered in less than one week.

I've now used this pack extensively in overnight excursions, while telemark skiing, and when hiking quite rough terrain. I found it to be the most comfortable photo backpack of any I have used. To date I have used similar "photo backpacks" from the Lowe Pro, Kata and others and have found this to be better by a fair margin.

As has been commented on by a number of others, the CPU is be designed to be used with the flap open -- thus the reason for its sitting behind the frame. It should be noted that the idea for numerous sizes of CPU, and its ability to be removed completely for using the pack on its own, is the true genius of this pack.

Customer Service

Here's where F-Stop Really shines. In the first place, they made arrangements for me to get a pack faster than I expected by a longshot. Since my original purchase, I have been contacted twice by Druid, their go to guy, about minor changes in the pack. They have offered to send me (free of charge) updated accessories etc. without my even contacting them. In addition they have sought my advice (for whatever that may be worth) into bettering their product development. Each time I have contacted f-stop for one reason or another there has been a personal response from either Druid or another of their employees.

I have never experienced customer service of this quality and level in any other company. While I understand they're a small company, which gives them an advantage in this regard, I've got to give them a hand for what I feel is their truly exceptional customer service. There is no question that when it comes to buying another photo pack F-stop is who I will turn to..

Similar Products Used:

Kata NB130 (#?)
Lowe Pro large sling pack
Lowe Pro adventure series

- ICU, ICU, ICU! And if it wouldn't be large enough, you can always put in a bigger one
- Excellent fit - Wide shoulder and hip straps
- Metal internal frame for a solid feel on the back
- Although 50Ls, it doesn't feel big it all when you're carrying it on your back
- Super waterproof with it's sealed zippers and special coating
- Tested thoroughly and must say very durable

- Small gear tends to slip to the bottom of the ICU compartment, but that's easily fixed.

I've been using this bag for almost 6 months now and it's so much better than every other bag I've used so far. There's plenty of space to put two Nikon bodies in there, including a 12-24mm wide-angle lens, a 50mm 1.8, and a 80-200 telezoom. The upper storage compartment fits 2 Metz 45's CL-4's (big strobes).
The removable ICU is excellent in rainy and wet conditions because of it's waterproof design. Also the gear you've put in there won't break nor move because of the internal metal frame, which also gives it solid feel on your back.
This is a great bag!

- PP

Similar Products Used:

Burton Zoom
Dakine Sequence