Love the honest review, Nick. I’m here in Bend, Oregon and use an old beat up F-stop Anja. Definitely looking to upgrade soon. I love some of the features they’ve improved on this model like the fabric, the inside flap storage space, and the outside hydration bladder storage spot. As always, love your content 🤙🏼

Thanks for the review. Liked the honesty about the issues you found when using it. I'm from Portugal, Lisbon and currently use an Lowepro bag that I bought back in 2015!

Thanks for the review Nick! Camera bags are always interesting to me because comfort is important and its a really cool time to see companies really stepping up the camera bag game. I currently own a Shimoda Action X30, due in large part from your review and my thorough enjoyment of the F4 Road Trip and seeing the Shimoda bags in action. I currently reside in Ohio and just wanted to let you know I always look forward to your videos and your work has been a huge inspiration in my own landscape photography journey. Your tutorials and passion have played a major role in really growing my skill set. Thanks!

I have been using the Tenba Shootout 24L since 2014 and its starting to show. Love your gear reviews!

I always enjoy your camera bag reviews-Very informative without being boring! I currently use the Atlas Athlete bag as my main hiking camera bag. I live in El Paso, Tx.

Hi Nick, northern Colorado here. As always, I appreciate your honest review. I am currently using an older F stop Ajna and Tilopa. I am really enjoying my Shimoda action X 50 as well. I am a 5’4” woman, so the comfort is ok for me. Thanks for all of your honesty…period. 😊

Thanks Nick for a good, honest review. I've always preferred hiking backpacks as the few camera backpacks I've used (Tamrac, Lowepro, Kata) have never been comfortable on hikes. Osprey and Deuter packs are well made and extremely comfortable. My current pack is the Deuter Freerider 30 with a Tenba DSLR BYOB Insert. This comfortable pack is designed for ski touring and as such has rear access, so great when laying it on the wet ground which we almost continually experience in Wales

Nick, I appreciate the honesty with all your reviews! I live in Portland, Oregon. At the moment I’m using the original Shimoda Explore 40. It’s a great bag, although I’ve noticed a lack of space when traveling. I’d totally be into trying out the F-Stop bags; they’ve always seemed like a great alternative, especially this new Tilopa!

Glad to see you posting new videos! I am in Scottsdale, AZ and I use an old-as-dirt Tamrac Cyberpack 6 with a busted zipper, LOL.

Thanks for a believable review of the bag! My old Mind Shift bag has served me well up here in Coeur d'Alene, but I have been looking at what's out there these days. Your videos continue to provide great information so keep it up!

Hi Nick. Glad to have you back making videos. I am from northern New York State and have a small Lowepro bag (“Tahoe” model maybe?). Thanks for the review.

Your gear reviews haven't steered me wrong so far. Currently using a Shimoda Action x30 but have had my eyes on some Fstop bags, and this one's a beaut. I'm nextdoor in Oregon...

Nick, I watch your videos knowing that I will get honest and knowledgeable input. One can tell you are sincere about both the good and bad. Thank you!! I am from Florida and currently use a Shimoda Action 60, however had to use an InCase backpack for a recent trip to accommodate smaller plane overhead bins. It fit in the overhead bin but was quite uncomfortable to use and very heavy. I love the look (red is my favorite :) of this Fstop Tilopa. The "upgrades"--material, metal/locking buckles and "use" of storage space on back flap--all appeal to me. Would love a chance to try this one out. Thanks for the great info. Keep up the great work.

I like your straight forward equipment reviews. Straight and to the point no flowering. I am using a 1st generation F-Stop Ajna bag and it's old, with the straps with no padding so they dig in. I do alot of hiking. Have had to sew up a few spots on the bag a couple times. A new bag would make life easier for sure.

Thanks Nick it is really nice of you to to these giveaways! What I like with these type of bags is that they do not scream photobag when you look at them. Today I use whatever regular backpack I own couple with a knock of Chinese "ICU" but with also a front small bag to carry an extra lens and I found that really handy. Best from France

NO WAY would I watch one of your reviews except for the fact they are awesome and they come from a guy who does the miles with his bags. Trying not to be a fanboy, you rock Nick.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the F-Stop bag. And thank you for your honesty about all that you do. I have a ProMaster bag that doesn't fit my equipment. I have a Sony camera and lenses, and just got a 100-400 mm lens. And that bag is the type of bags I have been looking at. I appreciate all that I have seen you do. As a newbee, I enjoy your commentary, it helps me learn. Thanks so much.

Always appreciate your unbiased reviews. I also find your reviews more valuable because I myself am a bigger guy and you don't get input from that perspective from others. I'm from North Central Illinois and my current camera bag is a Think Tank Legistics Manager 30. Obviously it's not a backpack style but it's all I got. I've been trying to decide on a good backpack style bag but haven't nailed one down yet. This would go a long way to moving me forward !!

From Chicago, currently using Shimoda. Thanks for the review Nick, you always give honest ones.

Great stuff Nick, and appreciate your critiques. I'm currently using Shimoda bags, the Action X50 and the Explorer II 25 (for travel), both phenomenal bags. Per your observation, the Shimoda comfort and fit was very ergonomically engineered and most likely designed by photographers who understand body movement when hiking. I've been told that the split waist belt design is what makes the bag so easy to carry through rough terrain. The only critique I've heard about Shimoda are that thin ICU dividers don't provide enough cushion for gear, but I have not seen that to be the case. This new F-Stop seems to be very well made, however, and I do like the nicely tailored look.

Thanks for the review Nick as a non ordinary guy. I, like many others, have a collection of bags after 40 years from Billingham shoulder bags, 3 original Kiboko bags (18,26 and 30 ltr) and, when Shimoda had some trouble with their Kickstarter two years ago, I canceled my order and bought the F-stop Tilopa. Very happy with it and very comfortable to use. I’m from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

As always great and very reliable review, Nick! Currently got the Shimoda Action X50 and my decision to get it was definitely based from your reviews on it. Thanks so much! Love the bag. - Miles from Vancouver, CA.

Much appreciated your honest review Nick. The F-stop really looks amazing!! I currently use a Lowepro Pro-Tactic 350 but would love to have a bigger one 😜 specially to be able to carry spare dry clothing when hiking. I follow you and your channel from the basque country in Spain. Take care you too!

Love all of your content - SO helpful!! Currently using an F-Stop Kenti and looking for my next upgrade.. would love this bag!! Big fan from Kalamazoo, MI!!!

Hey Nick, What can I say, I love ya mate! Thank you for all the work you do,and bring to our screens, it has certainly not only helped me take a better photo, but become a better human being. You have the most wonderful and empowering energy my friend. Take care. much Love and Light. Jeff, Brisbane-Australia.

Great review, I love your channel. I am from Boise Idaho and I am currently using a [pro]master large impulse bag definitely a cheap uncomfortable bag, however it gets the job done for the most part. I'm glad you did a real review and not one that sounded sponsored. I can't wait to see more tutorials and your storm chasing.

Great review Nick! As someone who loves the hip strap I never take that strap off my Shimoda bag. I really love the extra organization that this new bag offers along the laptop sleeve and would love to put it to use!

Great review. I have the Shimoda action x50 and x30. I just finished 30 days in the Middle East with the x50. With the compete kit, the weight was 38lbs. I carried this bag every day all day, up and down the foot paths at Petra, through the Negev in Israel and all over Egypt. I used to carry a Lowe Pro 450, that wold kill me after a day carrying around this kit, but the Shimoda is a dream. It’s as comfortable as my Osprey 80 ltr trekking pack. I think you hit the nail on the head, if the pack is not comfortable then it doesn’t matter how tough it is, or how much gear you can stuff in it

I really like your reviews as they are always honest. I currently have a Shimoda Explore.

Hey Nick, I love your channel. I always appreciate your honest reviews, I trust your opinion. This is a great looking bag that will work for a lot of people. I hope that it is a success because competition is a good thing for consumers. However, I am a Shimoda girl. I learned of Shimoda bags because of you, bought an Action X30 version and could not be happier, I LOVE this bag! For me Shimoda offers the perfect combination of weight, design and serious comfort. They even offer an alternative shoulder strap for women who may find the design difference more comfortable. I have shoulder injuries and the Shimoda design is the only one that I can comfortably take on and off and walk around with for hours. Thanks again Nick for all your gorgeous photography, processing tips and all that you do, you have an awesome channel.

Thanks for the review, great information and a very unbiased approach. I have been using the F-stop bags for years and have always liked them and the range of accessories. I currently have the previous generation Tilopa, which has served well as my family and I moved to Japan for new jobs. I'm looking forward to carrying it around the west coast of Canada this summer when we are back on holidays. Just an FYI, the price you quoted was for a bundle, if you already have ICU's and other accessories this bag is a little (just a little) more afforable.

Great review Nick. Appreciate hearing how uncomfortable the bag feels for someone of your build. Totally agree with comfort first, then function. Currently I am using the Wandrd Prvke 31L for my Sony setup and like the size quite a bit. Hoping to keep my kit to just 2-3 lenses (and maybe a second body or drone). Enjoy

I appreciate your honest review about the comfort. You are so right about that! I'm from St. Louis, MO and I'm currently using the Mindshift Backlight 25L which I have outgrown with all my gear.

Hi Nick. Great honest review. I am a wildlife and landscape photographer in upstate New York. I currently have the Think Tank Streetwalker camera bag. Keep the videos coming!

Great review, Nick! Keeping it honest as always! I'm rocking Shimoda bags now, too. You can definitely see the designs that Ian Millar was working on when he led f-stop's designs carry their way over into Shimoda where he improved on almost everything. Never worn a bag as comfortable as my Shimoda bag.

Really enjoy the content and honest, real world discussion. I'm currently in Old Town, ME but bouncing around the state with school and internships. This summer I'll be on the Schoodic Peninsula side of Acadia National Park. I'm currently using a Kelty Redwing 44 with a F-Stop small ICU for day trips, and a Peak Design Everyday 6L sling for times when I just want to bring a camera and few extra bits. Cheers Nick.

Many thanks for the excellent, honest review! I'm in the Kansas City, Missouri, area and use a thinkTank Streetwalker Harddrive. It's accompanied me on all of my travels the last six years, and it's still hanging in there.

Good review, Nick. I appreciate the honesty also. I currently use the Gura Gear Kiboko the larger one since 2012. It has traveled with me for a lot of years and miles. Look forward to your next review.

Nice review! Like your honesty, when reviewing products. The current bag I use is an older Lowepro bag. Keep up the great work.

Hey Nick, gald to see you back and stay well. I'm from Orlando, FL and use a Shimoda Action X50 bag.

I use the older version of this and absolutely love it. Would recommend it 100 percent. Suits me just fine and is definitely waterproof.

Hi Nick, I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I greatly appreciate the reviews, tips and approach to photography. I’m from Montreal, Canada. Back in the mid 1980s I bought a Lowepro Magnum35 shoulder bag and a Lowepro Orion fanny pack to carry my gear ( Contax 159MM, Carl Zeiss lenses and a Yashica MAT 124G). I’ve recently retired and I’ll finally have some time to do some landscape photography. I put my DSLR gear in the Magnum35 and carry it in my 30 years old expedition backpack. It’s not the prettiest and obliviously not the most efficient solution but it gets the job done (if you get to location with enough time to set up for the light)😉. Carry on with your great work and take care.

Thanks Nick! Great review. I’m from Edmonton Alberta Canada and currently have a shimoda action 30x bag. Looking forward to the next vid!

Hey Nick, camera bags are definitely a personal choice. I like you judge by fit and weight. I have used Tamarac bags in the past and now use LowePro bags. I have two LowePro 350 tac bags for my full size DLSR’s and two smaller 150 size bags for my small mirrorless cameras. Depending on the length of my hike, will determine which bag I use. I’m 63 and have had back surgery when I was about 45, so weight on my back makes a difference. Love your work, keep it up.

Hey Nick. Great to hear the review. As someone constantly in search of the next great bag, I appreciate the honesty. As always, a non-biased review.... Love it. Rare these days. I currently use the first Gen Shimoda Explore 40. A bit undersized at times, but I do like the bag, except for the color :) From the midwest (Indianapolis IN area), and shoot mostly kids sports, but landscape/wildlife is my passion.

Thanks for this review, Nick. I watched it to see what changes Fstop made since I purchased this bag. I'm about six feet tall and weight 165 pounds. I really like this bag. I developed a system using it that gets my camera out and working quickly, which can be critical in fast changing light.

Hi Nick, I have the Anja 40 and mid slope. I have been carrying more gear and was looking to get Tilopa with bigger icu. I add two water bottle holders on each ring on each shoulder strap with phone in one side and water in other or use bladder sometimes. I use the small zip storage accessory for tissues and lens cloths. Then use lens barrels depending on trip function to make changing lenses quick. I like Fstop durability but do wish they had pockets on belt and shoulder straps like hiking packs. All in all good review and a nicely upgraded Tilopa with nice looking hardware. Glad to see you putting out quality videos like this. Enjoy the new pup.

Hi Nick, I always appreciate your honest reviews which is a thing hard to find these days! Right now I'm using "Lowpro Flipside Treck BP 450 Aw" as my camera bag!

Thanks Nick, I really appreciate all that you have shared with us. I am in Australia and currently use a Vanguard back pack.

Thanks Nick ! Great review. My current packpack is the Lowepro photo sport. Watching from Canada ... keep up the good work !

Nice review Nick! Chehalis Washington here, and I’m using the Shimoda Action x30 right now and agree on the comfort you speak of with Shimoda bags. I always liked the look of the Fstop bags but never bought one.

Always great to see product reviews from you Nick. I’m based in southern Maine and I’m currently using a ( no laughing now) Neewer Pro Camera case. It’s been a great starter/beginner camera bag but doesn’t allow me to store all my necessary gear and, as photographers, when do we ever stop buying camera gear lol.

Love the easy you review these. Watching from Chicago and I mainly rotate between a Think Tank Retrospective 30, a Lowepro Protactic 350, and a Peak Design travel 45

Thanks for the great review on the new Tilopa bag. I am from New Jersey. I currently use the Fstop Guru and an older Tilopa. Was looking into the Shimoda Explorer V2 bag for future purchase. I agree comfort is essential when hauling gear. I appreciate your honest review.

Thanks for your review Nick !! I live in France and right now, I'm using a Mammut Trion 50. I consider upgrading my bag and F-Stop bags look like a perfect choice.

Hiya from Western Australia. I love your work and these gear reviews. I have not had a photography backpack but thinking it's going to become critical for comfortably trekking into those places worth shooting. All the best 😊.

I currently carry the Shimoda Action X50. Following your travels on KZread turned me on to them. You need an affiliate link with Shimoda IMO. I am in Spokane, WA. Great to see you back posting on KZread…I value your opinion and expertise.

Great to see your video again! Cupertino, CA, Lowepro!

Hey Mr. Nick! Great Video, I love watching your reviews, everyone else seems like they're trying to sell me the product, this is one of the few channels where i can go for solid and honest reviews! I'm about 5 hours north of you along the coast in Washington. Currently I have the lowepro Protactic 450. It works great for travelling and fits all my equipment but more recently we've been doing a lot more hiking and the bag isn't really made for that. So I've been using inserts and putting them in my hiking backpack (some cheap hiking bag from Wal-Mart) and condensing down the camera gear that I take up on our hikes.

From the other side of the mountains in Tacoma - thanks for the review. Great timing for me. Just starting to shop for something to replace my Mindshift Rotation. Enjoy your videos.

Dianne Johnson Thanks for the great review! My current backpack is USA Gear. Not an expensive bag but it does the trick. The hip straps are very important for me, takes the pressure of my shoulders. Just started watching your videos and have been learning a lot. Thanks, from central Minnesota

Hi Nick!! Great video (as usual) , I am from South Carolina. As far as my bag.... I have a Lowepro (it fit the budget that I had after getting my camera). But I take it every where with me and she is hanging in there... Thanks again for all that you do, I have learned so much from you. PS I would love if the F4 group would do more videos together. It was truly enjoyable.

Thorough review. Thanks! Love the honesty. I currently use an older F-stop Lotus. I've enjoyed it but, fortunately or not, am looking to upgrade. My ICUs should work with the newer bags. I'd love to give this one a try! Squeeze on, Fella!

Always enjoy your content Nick! Currently using a F Stop Anja and a Gura Gear 22Liter for various camera gear.

always informative and always on point Nick.

First off I am glad you have recovered from Covid. I am in New Mexico so especially enjoy your desert travels as well as your world sojourns. Your review was appreciated for its honesty and you covered all aspects very well. Currently, I only have an Amazon $50.00 bag which actually works well for organizing and storing my gear - but is not useful for much serious hiking - no water bottle or pockets for jackets, etc.

Hi Nick. Another great video, enjoyed your comments. Currently using a pre-owned Shimoda Explore 40. It's seen better days but does the job, must admit (so far) probs the best bag I've had. I'm in England, UK.

Great review Nick! I'm all the way from Hyderabad, India. I've been using the Shimoda Action X50 for a little more than a year now and love the bag - it's comfortable on my back, carries everything I need without feeling bulky and the quality is extremely good. The Fstop looks quit good, though the weight of the bag could be an issue on long walks.

Morning Nick. I'm in Toronto, Canada. I'm currently using the old F-Stop Ajna. I like the improvements to the strap padding and the durable buckles on the new design. Cheers and thanks for reviewing.

Hi Nick. Another honest review that’s greatly appreciated as they’re not always easy to find. I’m currently using a Lowepro bag but have decided to make a change. I live in Connecticut and mostly shoot landscape. I can be in the White Mtns in NH & VT in a few hours and the Adirondacks in about 4 hours. Then of course I travel to locations to explore. Would love to give the bag you reviewed a go for my hiking adventures in 2022 and beyond. Safe travels

Nice bag Nick, looks very well made and the attention to detail with the aluminum fittings looks like a great feature. I'm from Palm Bay, Florida and currently use an old Lowepro bag that I bought back in 2001 !!!

Honest and straightforward review Nick. Hi from Santiago, Chile. I´m currently using a Kelty Redwing 32 with an external ICU that fits pretty well, it isn´t a camera bag, but kinda works.

Thanks for being honest when reviewing gear. Right now I am using the lowepro 450 I believe, great bag, but not comfortable hiking. Having a hiking bag built rugged would be awesome in the North West Montana weather. Thanks again

Hello, From Duluth, MN. I use to OG Tilopa. Would love the new one, my bucles are wearing out! ( Happy to see you again)

Hi Nick! I'm Abe from Denver, Colorado. I currently use Osprey Manta 34. It's not made for cameras but i put a square insert in it for my gear. Its not perfect but it works. Only issue is the square insert doesn't leave enough room for a water bladder. Anyways, thanks for continuing to make great content! Cheers!

Hi Nick, thank you for the great overview on this product and the balanced and honest comments. I currently use an old Canon camera bag which is too small to carry my camera gear and tripod etc. Also, it is not very comfortable which I was again reminded of recently at Out of Death Valley. I had the opportunity to discuss this with you then and appreciated the details you shared regarding Shimoda camera bags. This new product review gives me another good option to consider, as I trust your judgement, and I plan upgrade to a new bag soon. Will look forward to working with you again in Oct at Out of Oregon!

Great video - as always. I'm in the Western part of SC and I'm currently using a Shimoda Explore v2 35 with the medium DSLR core unit. I like it, and as you said it's very comfortable, but I worry about the durability. I haven't had any problems with the durability, but it's always in the back of my mind. I like the look of the fabric, the straps, and the metal buckles on the F-stop bag.

Honest reviews always appreciated, I’m on south coast of England currently lugging a Pacsafe bag with insert do find it comfortable but insert a bit urghh. Keep em coming love your work

Thanks Nick for the honest review, actually I’m looking now to buy a new bag and I checked this bag and was not sure about it because of the weight and you make it very clear. I’m 60 years old and it’s not easy anymore 😂👍 Thanks again for the review

Always good to hear an honest review, I’ve been looking for a good for a better adventure camera bag and have looked into the F-Stops a bit but can’t get over the price tag. I’m currently using the Peak Design Everyday v2 backpack for my main go to bag and the Lowepro Protactic 450AW I for when I need to carry more.

Great review Nick! I agree on the removable belt aspect. I’m from Chapel Hill, NC and I’m currently using a Shimoda explore 40 bag.

Great review Nick. I’m from the UK and live in the Peak District. I use a Shimoda Explore V2 30 and absolutely love it. Your review of that bag actually helped me decide to get it. I actually use it for hiking when I don’t have my camera as it’s so comfortable and I got rid of my osprey 😄

Hi Nick, I've really enjoyed your videos and have definitely put many of your tips into practice on our travels. I'm from Cleveland Ohio and currently using a $59 Altura "great" explorer as my camera back pack. Keep up the good work!

Hey I’m from Greenville,SC and currently using a homemade camera bag ,I took a day pack that would open up flat to access my gear and made my own padded dividers have now outgrown it with gear upgrades and in bad need of a better one,love the information and your videos thanks and have a good day

Greetings from Iowa! I use an older Tilopa bag and love it. This new one looks even better!

Great review, honest and factual. I currently own the former version of the Tilopa and I'm glad to see they fixed some of the annoying things, like the flap. On my bag, there is a small pocket, but it's not really usable for much. The tripod pockets are also a great addition compared to the strap. But the sidepockets look a little small. You're correct about the pocket that holds the waterbladder. It's inside the main compartment in the old version. Regarding the comfort part. When I got the bag, I also felt a little discomfort when hiking longer trips. But over time, it kinda felt better. Like it had to be broken in before it was comfortable. Another great thing about this bag, it has 20 years of warranty. Not interrested in winning the bag, let someone else who actually need it get it.

Live in Atlanta, GA and was using a Manfrotto bag that was fine before I went to a full frame camera and started carrying around more lenses. The wife, bless her heart, found a great deal on my Nikon D750 when I decided to upgrade to full frame a couple of years ago and that came with a FREE BAG! This Deco Gear camera bag hasn't been too bad, but the more gear I've added and the more miles I put on it, things have started to finally fail. Like the handle strap on the top and as of yesterday, the zipper on the main pocket. I have several trips coming up to Colorado, the UK, South America and possibly your neck of the woods (Oregon is one of the 4 states I haven't been to), and I need a new bag. Seeing the positives and negatives of more professional bags has been hugely helpful. Thank you.

Hi Nick, I am from Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada and my favourite bag is certainly the Mindshift Backlight 26. It is super comfortable and holds just the right amount of gear for me without it becoming too heavy. Thanks for the videos!

Nick, excellent review video. I am currently using an F-Stop Anja bag that I purchased in late 2018 and looking for a new bag. Oh, yea, I am watching you for Parkville, Missouri. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the new F-Stop bag. I have always found your reviews informative, honest, and straight to the point.

Ed from Michigan.Thanks again Nick interesting info on the bag. I am at present using a prep-per type pack built somewhat like a camera bag with a zipper back. It works but will need to upgrade in the future. Keep the videos coming that's the important thing.

Hey Nick, I always enjoy your videos and the podcast. I'm in Buffalo NY and my current backpack is the Lowepro flipside 400 II.

Great honest review Nick. I’m From Guntersville, AL and I use a Shimoda bag as well.

I loved your honest review of this bag! Some features people love and some features people don't. I am from the beautiful PNW, in Washington. I am currently using a very old Tamrac bag that is now too small, worn out and not waterproof. This bag would allow me to carry more gear including inclement weather clothing. I am currently only able to bring what I want to wear/carry, which is very limiting in the rainy state I call home.

Nice to hear an honest review! I’m from Buffalo, NY. I have used a Think Tank Airport Takeoff for MANY years. I love it for going places that have floors elevators or ramps, but not so much for off the beaten path - the shoulder straps are for functionality, but not comfort. I would like to try one of these on for size!

Much appreciated your honest review Nick. The F-stop really looks amazing!! I currently use 3 diferent Lowepro bag. i'm from Montreal

Hi Nick, just wanted to say to forget about the haters from the last video. Opening up is tough and should be applauded and not shamed. We love you man! I'm from North Wales in the UK and I currently use a K&F Concept bag. Hope you have a great day!

Love the channel and the work you do. I'm from Chicago, Illinois and I'm currently using my school backpack.

Hi Nick, I appreciate the honest review. I am from Ireland and I have a Lowepro flipside 300 for quite a few years now, but I would love to upgrade ☺️

Cool review Nick. I love how you are always honest with your reviews and it's goo to get a well rounded viewpoint. I'm in Australia and currently use a Tenba Axis tactical 20. Its not bad, but I'd love to try that f-stop one. Good luck to everyone

Hi Nick - Quentin from Hampshire in the UK. A really helpful and unbiased review. I am looking to upgrade from my very old Lowepro LP152 and like you I need something that works well with my bad back.