articles/Lens/jp-page10

For the Journey - Packing the gear - part 10 of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

by Mike McNamee Published 01/10/2014

The first real trial using the bag was to go and see the Giants of Nantes visiting Liverpool. The gear would not fit the Medium Slope ICU and was changed for the Large ICU. Changing is not without a bit of a struggle especially to fit the Velcro fastening straps, but the task is only required occasionally so that is not too bad. The bag was loaded with a 300mm F4, 70-200 F2.8, 24-7-mm F2.8, TC 200, D700 with MB10, spare batteries, clothing and waterproofs. On the outside a folding stool and monopod were attached. Overall, then quite a weight (approximately 22lb) but the waist strap bore the load very well and it was comfortable walking around over several hours. It was noticeable that the shoulder straps used one at a time were a considerable stress on the shoulders and they were uncomfortable within a couple of minutes (this was with a thin summer shirt) - the strap material is quite harsh. The only new thing we found out was that the waist belt is a little 'snappy' if you don't pay attention - it trapped and blood-blistered one of my fingers! Having said that, the centred tightening of the waist belt was a dream to use.

When equipped with the large ICU the space at the top of the bag measures 11 x 6 inches in plan and 5 inches deep at the back. This is quite tight for waterproofs (top and bottoms), hat and gloves and so the front and flap-top pockets would be needed for additional things such as maps, first aid, food and water. Overall the packed, large ICU would limit the user to good days in the hills. When the Medium Slope ICU is fitted, the space at the top of the bag rises to 10 inches high along with slightly more space in the front where the slope cuts away. This allowed my Himalayan-grade duvet jacket to fit in along with a wet top and over-trousers. So with a bit of jiggling and perhaps a couple of things dangling from accessory loops, you could probably stay out over night - just!

Mountain Testing

The Tilopa was used for a week of walking the fells of the Lake District.

Nothing brings out the foibles of a system more than working with it in Lakeland weather on steep ground. Things that are simple in the studio such as putting the bag down and taking out a camera suddenly become a challenge! For example, we noted that digging out a camera and lens combo from the bottom of the bag was actually quite difficult, especially as the rather narrow 'alleys' of the bag are a bit 'grippy' on an f2.8 optic with a Lee Filters' 100mm adaptor. We ended up leaving the camera strap attached, as a means of dragging the camera out. The three-across arrangement of columns is small for f2.8 optics. In itself this is not a problem except that the widths are governed by the 3 1/4-inch dividers for three across whereas a 14-24mm f2.8 needs 4 ¼ inches. We can find no larger dividers on the f-stop website. We also found that the 14-24 was too high for the shallower end of the Medium Slope inner and it stuck out into the wearer's back. The 2 ¾-inch divider size is correct for a standard lens or short zoom of modest aperture (eg 50mm f2 or a 35-70 f 3.5). This is not particularly a criticism, it is impossible to design a bag to satisfy all needs! By the same token though, we found that the Manfrotto 190 fitted perfectly onto the bag, stayed close to the body for better stability and was very easy to release.

The bag was reasonably comfortable for up to five hours of walking when worn with only a cotton t-shirt although the shoulder straps were a little rough in texture. The back length of the Tilopa is a little long for your rather short editor (although my back is not as short as my legs!). This left the waist belt a little low on the hips.

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