F-stop Gear Loka Backpack

F-stop Gear Loka Backpack

F-stop Gear has created quite a buzz lately in the world of nature and adventure photographers. Rightly so.

There has long been a niche of active photographers who require a piece of essential equipment that simply wasn’t available – a true hiker’s backpack for camera and other gear. I’ve been hiking into the backcountry with my camera for more than 25 years. Sometimes a day hike covers 15-20 miles, starting at 2am and returning after sunset. I need to carry my backpack with 20-30 lbs. of equipment all-day-long. Not 1/4 mile from the parking lot. Not a 200 foot stroll down a paved path in a National Park. No, lots of miles, sometimes off-trail in rocky, rugged country. All… Day… Long… When I was younger, I could carry a brick-for-a-backpack all day. Well, now it just hurts. And it makes me miserable. I guess I’m a bit softer in my old(er) age.   But I still love long trail days! F-stop to the rescue!

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already done your research and read other reviews. I don’t want to repeat what’s been said.  Below are some links to other reviews that get into all the nitty-gritty details. I’ll just throw in that I’m quite happy with this “next generation” camera backpack. Those who know me, know that says a lot. I’ve owned countless photo backpacks over the years. This one is fantastic – comfortable, versatile, and convenient to use.

• F-stop Gear’s Loka Product Page (OK, not really a review)
• Dan Carr’s Review
• Andy Gapin’s Review
• JLExperiences 3 Part Video

I had been planning on getting either the Loka or the Tilopa BC after seeing them in person while hiking in Zion National Park last fall. So I couldn’t believe my luck when I won the Loka from one of F-stop’s Twitter holiday give-aways. Needless to say, I was really excited about scoring a free backpack!

So this is how I’ve fit my gear in (and on) the Loka.

F-stop Gear Loka and my gear…

I can’t wait to really put the Loka to use this spring and summer in Utah and Colorado!

Update (April 28th, 2011):

OK, now this pack has been thoroughly tested. Last weekend I spent 3 days hiking and photographing in the canyons of Cedar Mesa, UT. Day 1 was a relatively simple 4+ mile out and back. Day 2 was a 9 mile all day adventure through a mostly trail-less remote canyon, including a steep, exposed, and sometimes sketchy scrambling route-find around a dry-fall obstruction. Day 3 was a 6.5 mile half day which included a fairly difficult portion of trail I’d hiked 2 years ago and then another route finding discovery of a short cut involving 2 short chimney stems and a nice overland hike through juniper and pinion (racing an approaching storm back to our vehicle).

I barely noticed the 30 lbs. of gear on my back. Seriously! I did notice the utility and toughness of the Loka.

• Stay comfortable (all day long) – adjustable, contoured harness, chest strap and padded waist belt.
• Stay hydrated – water bladder and side water bottle pockets.
• Stay fueled – zip pocket on waist belt, plenty of room for snacks along with other gear.
• Don’t get lost – clip for GPS on shoulder harness.
• Take trail photos – molle attachments for my Canon s95 case.
• Take “real” photos!! – full U-zip access to Canon 5DII and lenses, tripod attachments.
• Sleep well at night and do it all again tomorrow – no pain points! I can’t believe how comfortable this pack is. I put it on the next morning yearning for more adventure, not wincing with shoulder and hip pain.

Verdict? The Loka is a winner. I highly recommend!!

Another Update (September 12th, 2011):

Summer is winding down, and my Loka has been thoroughly used, and sometimes abused. How, you ask?

1. It’s been tossed into and grabbed out of my Xterra more times than I can count.
2. It was strapped to the tail rack of my BMW R1200GS for a 940 mile weekend of riding and shooting in Colorado’s San Juan mountains.
3. And it has been on my back for many trail miles/hours – though not as many as I would like… 

Verdict: Two thumbs up! Its performed like a champ and it looks barely used. The Loka is one of my favorite pieces of gear.

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