Long-Term Review and Comparison of Four Photo Backpacks

Over the last six months I had the opportunity to test four backpacks designed for outdoor photographers: the Lowepro Rover Pro 35AW, Mountainsmith Borealis AT, Clik Elite Contrejour 35 and f-stop gear Tilopa BC. The purpose of the review was not to declare one pack the winner. Rather, I wanted to share what I felt were the strengths and weaknesses of each pack so that others might make a more informed decision when purchasing a new pack.

Read the review here and if you have experience with one of these packs I hope you'll share your thoughts in the comments.

Moderators: I know it's bad juju to post links to our own blogs but in this case I really feel it benefits the community at large. Delete at will, if necessary.

Bret, thanks for the comparison review. With the Tilopa, how is the lumbar, do you notice camera gear poking though the back panel into the back, and does the panel flip over when opened so the zipper hits the dirt? Just some preliminary thoughts as my LowePro with the too short torso length is needing replacement soon.

Thanks, Bret. I'm in the same situation as Doug with needing a new one soon.

Doug: I've never felt anything poking through the back panel even on the few occasions when my 70-300mm lens flipped around to an end on end position. A small section of zipper does come into contact with the dirt when the panel is open. To date, this has not caused any zipper malfunctions or problems with zipper operation.

I really like the Tilopa BC, even though Fstop gear is a PITA to deal with (inventory problems, poor email response, etc). Having the back zipper is great to keep your gear clean even when the pack is nothing but. For probably more details than you ever wanted on that pack, google "tilopa bc review" and you'll see my website on the first or 2nd page of results.

I like the idea of the interchangeable “ICU’s” found in some of the packs.

For multi-day trips why not simply stuff an ICU in a large traditional backpack? Although not as convenient this might be a way to go if one is on a budget and already has the traditional pack.

The strap side access of the F-stop looks interesting.

Bret, let me add my thanks for the review. I have a question: How do you measure torso length?

Richard: That's exactly what I do using a small ICU inside my massively oversized expedition pack. Works great.

Howard: Torso length is measured from C7 vertebra to an imaginary line running between the top of your hips. REI has a great page on their website that explains how to take this measurement.

Bret, no issue with posting a link. This is good information for anyone thinking of getting a new pack. Thanks for sharing.

I have an f/stop Tilopa BC and find it to be a great idea and a pretty good pack. The weak link is the ICU fit. The padding in the lens pockets do not hold lenses well at all. They tend to flop all the time. I pad mine with microfiber cloths to keep things still in the pack. LowePro really has them in this area . My pack came with two different sets of inserts and neither do the job well. In a nutshell great idea....poor execution.

And as others mention their supply chain can never catch up. Always short on stock.