In today's video I review the new Fstop Tilopa DuraDiamond camera bag. Arguably the most robust well built bag I have ever tested. You can find Fstop bags here --- amzn.to/3wgf3MN
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 🤙🏼
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
Hey Nick. Thanks for all the great vids and photography advice. I'm still using my first photography bag that I bought back in 2012. A Lowepro medium that will hold one camera body and a couple of lenses. It has withstood the test of time but I'm ready for an upgrade! Keep the adventures coming. Thanks.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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...
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.
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!!!
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.
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 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.
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.
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 !!
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.
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!
Cheers Nick , From Australia and currently using my new Shimoda 35l explorer which i love been super impressed by it and is so comfy to carry a lot of gear. i do love that color and it does look liek theyve built it well, with some cleaver ideas too like the laptop sleeve storage. nice one mate great honest opinion never hurt anyone !
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!
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.
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. 😊
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.
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.
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 for the review Nick! Looks like a really nice bag, pity about the comfort issue. I'm still loving the Shimoda Explore 60 I won during the F4 launch - starting to show a little wear and tear, but will hopefully keep me going for a few more years!
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 !!!
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.
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!
Looks like an amazing bag. I'm Ahmet,big fan from Turkey. I am currently using a camera pouch which I toss into my regular backpack. The pouch takes only one body and a lens. So I put other equipments in the backpack where they freely move(I hope they enjoy it :). Sincerely I would be happy if this bag comes to me because I really need a camera bag but, it is a huge bag considering my minimal(not by choice) gears. I hope it goes to someone who needs it the most. Cheers mate.
Hello from rainy Seattle, Wa. Enjoyed the review and look forward to trying it out for myself on a backpacking trip. I currently use a Balttera 75 L from Gregory. Thanks again
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 for an honest review Nick, My current bag is a Mindshift Backlight 18lt,It's a good bag but it is a little on the small side and I could do with a larger bag as my kit grows and I explore more of New Brunswick Canada where I live, The extra space would also be good for packing extra stuff as I hope to travel a bit further afield this year. Thanks as always.
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!
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
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.
Thank you for what you do. The color on that bag is amazing. I currently use the small camera bag that came with my camera when i purchased it. I have boxes that i use for all my other stuff. I currently live in Arizona on the Navajo Nation where there are unlimited areas to take landscape images...
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.
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.
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.
Thank, Nick for the review, it answered a lot of questions I had. From Lolo, Montana in the shadow of the Bitterroot Mtns. - I use the Lowepro 450 AW currently
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
