Posted by Bret Edge on February 1, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Hey folks,
The current group buy here at NPN is the F-Stop Tilopa BC backpack. I thought y'all might be interested in my review of their Tilopa backpack. I've had it now for several months and have put quite a few miles under it's hipbelt. What do I think about it?
Posted by Garry Revesz on February 1, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I have been seriously looking at the Tilopa BC pack recently, and I read your review Bret. It sounds like a great pack for hikers, snow-shoers, skiers, etc. I have an Expedition pack and last year I bought a Kiboko pack for a Grizzly bear photo trip into central British Columbia. I love the kiboko because it fits my 500, nice design with lots of pockets and VERY light. The downside is there is no room for "other stuff".
My question is will the 500mm fit into the extra large ICU?? I would also like to see a comparison between the kiboko and the Tilopa. Where the ____ do they get these names from :-)
Garry
Posted by Bret Edge on February 2, 2011 at 12:46 AM
Garry:
The XL ICU measures 19" in length and 7.5" tall. My Canon 500 f/4 measures about 16" in length and 7.5" in height (from bottom of tripod collar to top of barrel). Theoretically, it should fit an XL ICU although I don't think you'll get much more inside other than some small accessories. I realized tonight that I've got a large ICU, not an extra large. So, I can't try the 500 f/4 inside the ICU and post a pic. Sorry about that!
As for "other stuff", you'd still be able to carry some snacks, a light coat and a few small things inside the main pack bag and in the external pockets. You could also attach some additional pockets using the MOLLE straps on the sides.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions! If you do purchase a Tilopa, do me a favor and tell 'em I sent you. I don't get a kickback but if they know I'm out here recommending their product it helps me hold on to my sponsorship.
Posted by Garry Revesz on February 2, 2011 at 8:04 AM
Brett,
Thanks, that's good to know. Are you saying that the XL ICU also fills the inside of the pack, and doesn't leave much room, or any at all, for "other stuff"?
Garry
Posted by Bret Edge on February 2, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Garry, Yes, the extra large ICU will fill most of the pack. You'll be able to stuff a light jacket and maybe a couple very small items inside the pack, and you should be able to fit some things inside the ICU around the lens. There are three additional pockets on the outside of the pack that will be empty for use, too. You might consider the F-Stop Satori, which is bigger than the Tilopa.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 2, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Garry, Yes, the extra large ICU will fill most of the pack. You'll be able to stuff a light jacket and maybe a couple very small items inside the pack, and you should be able to fit some things inside the ICU around the lens. There are three additional pockets on the outside of the pack that will be empty for use, too. You might consider the F-Stop Satori, which is bigger than the Tilopa.
Discussion
6 repliesThe current group buy here at NPN is the F-Stop Tilopa BC backpack. I thought y'all might be interested in my review of their Tilopa backpack. I've had it now for several months and have put quite a few miles under it's hipbelt. What do I think about it?
Read my review of the F-Stop Tilopa here to find out.
My question is will the 500mm fit into the extra large ICU?? I would also like to see a comparison between the kiboko and the Tilopa. Where the ____ do they get these names from :-)
Garry
The XL ICU measures 19" in length and 7.5" tall. My Canon 500 f/4 measures about 16" in length and 7.5" in height (from bottom of tripod collar to top of barrel). Theoretically, it should fit an XL ICU although I don't think you'll get much more inside other than some small accessories. I realized tonight that I've got a large ICU, not an extra large. So, I can't try the 500 f/4 inside the ICU and post a pic. Sorry about that!
As for "other stuff", you'd still be able to carry some snacks, a light coat and a few small things inside the main pack bag and in the external pockets. You could also attach some additional pockets using the MOLLE straps on the sides.
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions! If you do purchase a Tilopa, do me a favor and tell 'em I sent you. I don't get a kickback but if they know I'm out here recommending their product it helps me hold on to my sponsorship.
Thanks, that's good to know. Are you saying that the XL ICU also fills the inside of the pack, and doesn't leave much room, or any at all, for "other stuff"?
Garry