F-stop Satori EXP Photography Backpack

Has anyone following this forum tried the F-stop Satori backpack? I am currently using a Clik Elite Countrejour 40 which I think is a fine pack, but I'm looking for something with more substance in the shoulder and waist straps.

Charlie Whiting
Denver, CO
www.charleswhitingphotography.com

I own both the Satori EXP and the Tilopa BC. Full disclosure though, I am sponsored by Fstop. However, I don't accept sponsorships from companies I can't fully endorse. I love my Fstop bags. They are the most comfortable and versatile bags I've ever used. I DO wish the Satori EXP was larger, for backcountry excursions - although I will be doing a trial run with mine on a week long photography guiding tour while backpacking and kayaking in Lake Clark National Park this fall. I also wish the Satori EXP had the 'skid' plates (the tougher rubberized panels on the back and bottom of the pack) that the Tilopa BC has, but I understand the concern with added weight. Overall, the design is top notch. The ICU system offers great flexibility, and the packs are as comfortable as a dedicated high end backcountry pack. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Dave. I'm going to give it a try.
Charlie

The big selling feature for me was the bag opening from the back of the bag. Personally though I think the F Stop bags are a lot of money for what they are.

My F-Stop Satori EXP arrived last week. The shoulder straps and waist belt are just what I was hoping for - serious backpack size and quality. The overall layout is very well designed, especially the rear opening - which is also a feature on the Clik Elite. I ordered the bag with a medium pro internal camera unit (ICU) which will hold a pro-sized camera body w/ long lens attached, as well as several other lenses and other goodies. The ICU is well padded and fits inside the pack snugly - leaving ample room for clothing, water filter, and first aid kit. I can't wait to give it a try in the field.

Charlie Whiting

I too use the Satori EXP and love it. Like David Taylor said, I do wish it was considerably bigger for backpacking trips. Has anyone figured out any way to rig it up for real backpacking? I have to carry a bear canister plus all my other camping gear. I have a regular backpack but then when I get to location it is far from ideal for actually shooting with. I'd love to find a way to make this bag work and so am going to get straps and play around. I'd love to see if anyone else has done this first though and what they learned.

I'm looking into getting some more of their 'Gatekeeper' straps to do just that, Erik. Like you, many places we visit require a bear canister and that seems like a difficult fit with this pack (in it's current iteration). I'd like to get ahold of an Ursack (with and without the optional aluminum sleeve), as I believe this might be a decent combination. It looks like the Ursack is NOT approved in all national parks though... (at least yet, I'm not sure what the process is for approval). I'm going to be trying out a waterproof compression sack on the base of the bag for a sleeping bag, my Big Agnes bedroll (pad) can be attached to outside of the pack easily enough in one of the mesh side bags, along with my Marmot tent (which I usually split the tent load with my hiking buddy). I use a small ICU for backcountry travel (for most things). Should still leave room on the other side for my Gitzo sticks. It should work, but I have never been a big fan of attaching a bunch of crap to the outside of a pack, tends to get snagged on things and decrease stability. I'm going to be using the pack during a 7 day trip through Lake Clark (that I'm co-guiding with Alaska Alpine Adventures) this fall, so that should be interesting

Even if you could lash all your gear to the Satori, I would worry the suspension system wouldn't be able to effectively distribute all the weight. Maybe they'll come out with something in the 85L range that would be a proper multi-night pack.

Unfortunately, speaking with our rep, it looks like they believe there is too little demand for a larger, true backcountry/expedition pack. Hopefully, this will change in the future.