Satori EXP

It is an upgraded version of photo backpack reviewed here about an year ago. What has changed? The volume rose from 58 to 62 liters, weighing 1890 g with no internal transport system for photo equipment, called ICU (“Internal Camera Unit” details at the end of this article). You can put any size of ICU into Satori, so you can comfortably carry everything from compact to professional camera. ICU is accessible from removable back panel. Of course, this backpack suggests the use mainly for professional photographers who must carry with them more equipment than the ordinary mortal.

F-stop is now using conventional buckles as all other manufacturers of backpacks, which I see as an advantage in breaking buckles. Has also changed the material for back pannel, which now remotely resembles wetsuit, but humidity is removing very well, and does not stink even after a few trips (tested on summer tours and in the spring for skimountaineering).

The system for carrying the skis has changed, snowshoes and all sorts of things from the outside of the backpack. Now everything is solved by means of straps with buckle called Gatekeepers, which can be locked in different places of the backpack. This solution is now a standard for a variety of Mountain Series. A nice feature of all f-stop products is compatibility with MOLLE system, but this is more usable for the multi-day Trip then for riding.Of course there is the preparation for camel bag, pockets for everything from shovels and laptop to the key and clamping system for bars and ice axes.

Dimensions: 66 cm / 30,5 cm / 25,4 cm (H/W/D)

Colours: black, grey, green

Prize: only backpack = 359 USD, backpack + 1 ICU = 419 USD, backpack + 2 ICU = 479, backpack + 3 ICU = 539 USD, backpack + 4 ICU 589 USD.

Tilopa BC

This backpack is 48 liters and the weight is 1850 g (without ICU). It is primarily intended, as the name suggests, for backcountry activities. Furthermore, lower capacity different fixed side rings for carrying the skis as the alpine backpacks. The Tilopa without optional Gatekeepers can carry all the necessary "Tackles" with straps Gatekeepers cannot think of a combination of equipment that you would not be able to carry. Excellent is hardening of the bottom of backpack, which is made waterproof rubberized fabric punching and very rough.  I failed after a year of use to damage it against the sharp rocks, broken glass or edge skis. Also Tilopa, just like all Mountain Series backpacks, has a preparation for camel bag and a sophisticated system of internal pockets.

Dimensions: 55,9 cm / 30,5 cm / 25,4 cm (H/W/D)

Colours: black, green

Prize: only backpack = 345 USD, backapck + 1 ICU = 405 USD, backapck + 2 ICU = 465, backapck + 3 ICU = 525 USD, backpack + 4 ICU 575 USD.

Loka

I actively use Loka for the last year and its detailed review should come out soon here at powdelrine.eu. So just in short: the volume of 37 liters, weight 1570 g (without ICU). The backpack is smaller than previous models, you cannot use XL ICU. As with Tilopa BC has bottom of waterproof fabric and clamping system for NBS /SKI  without the use of straps Gatekeepers.

Dimensions: 56 cm / 30,5 cm / 20 cm (H/W/D)

Colours: black, green

Prize: only backpack = 279 USD, backpack + 1 ICU = 339 USD, backpack + 2 ICU = 399, backpack + 3 ICU = 449 USD.

Guru

It is the smallest backpack in the Mountain Series using ICU system. The volume is only 28 l and weight 1170 g (without ICU). Backpack itself has no straps for the mounting equipment, so it is necessary to buy Gatekeepers. Particularly suitable for those who carry tons of equipment, but comfortable do not want to give up a nice comfortable backpack.

Dimensions: 50,8 cm / 35,6 cm / 22,9 cm (H/W/D)

Colours: black, green

Prize: only backpack = 195 USD, backpack + 1 ICU = 245 USD, backpack + 2 ICU = 295, backpack + 3 ICU = 340 USD.

Kenti

Kent does not use system ICU available with a back panel, but there has been developed a new system for transporting and accessing all your photo equipment, from the side of the backpack. The advantages are clear: when shooting in exposed places it is preferable to throw a backpack on just one shoulder and you are free to comfortably pull the camera with a lens. Dimensions are adapted to professional bodies with attached lenses up to 70-200 mm and available space is on both sides of the backpack. The top entry is resolved by scrolling system as boating bags not because of waterproof, but due to variable volume, base is 25 l, weighing 1540 g.

Dimensions: 43,2 cm / 27,9 cm / 20,3 cm (H/W/D)

Colours: black, grey, green

Prize: 269 USD

ICU

Internal Camera Unit is a system for transport the photo equipment in f-stop backpacks. Compared to Satori review here is an upgrade of the entire system and making two model series. Many Pro (professional bodies and body with grip attached), and Shallow series (body without grip), differing in depth design. For a better idea of what will fit into the ICU, these links ICU Pro  and Shallow. Specialty, which must be purchased separately, the ICU Monster size, but some use only, for an idea, look here.

ICU is made from tough and waterproof materials and is properly "lined", so you do not have to be worried about your equipment. ICU that is appropriate for the particular bags are included in the attached tables.

The big advantage is the opportunity to try even when sending from the U.S., thanks to the 45-day period in which you can catalog any reason to return. Warranty on material is then 20 years! Buying photo backpack f-stop is quite costly, but due to the price of your photo equipment, it is not an extreme prize. Nor backpacks competing companies are cheaper affairs and personally I did not find a manufacturer who has such a comprehensive range of equipment suitable for all kinds of sports in any weather.