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F-Stop Tilopa Backpack Review

Jul 30 2010

I’ve been using the Tilopa for the last 6 months and having taken it on several trips internationally I feel comfortable to give you my review.

I chose the Tilopa because it’s dimensions are the largest for carry-on allowable by all major airlines operating today. That does make it a large bag and a useful one too but it’s far from perfect and you may find some qualities deal breakers for you.

Below are the pros & cons as I see them, I dig into more details in the video. You can also see my review of the KATA Sensitivity bag, my daypack and the other half of my travel bag setup.

Pros
- It’s volume is the largest allowable for carry-on.
- Lots of external straps and pockets. I use them to attach a tripod and monopod and store snacks and Powerbars to avoid the ridiculously priced and unhealthy airport food.
- One of the few backpacks that fits a ton of camera gear and a 15″ laptop (mine is a Dell XPS M1530).
- The internal metal frame helps the bag keep it’s shape.
- The reinforced ICU (Internal Camera Unit) is removable and nicely compartmentalizes your camera gear.
- ICUs come in different sizes so you can use the one that’s best for your trip. One comes with the bag and additional ones are ~$40USD (less if you buy several at once).
- The zippered opening on the back provides access to your camera gear in the ICU without having to remove it. It’s not easy access so I wouldn’t consider it for spontaneous shooting.
- Waterproof compartments I haven’t tested in more than a light rain but they work well in those conditions.

Cons
- On smaller commuter aircraft that typically serve short-hop connecting flights, the overhead is too small for the Tilopa and you’ll need to gate-check it. That means it’ll sit in the cargo hold but at least be spared the baggage carousel.
- The center grab handle is located on the back instead of the top, well off the center of gravity, causing the bag to bump against your leg making it a useless carrying point.
- When fully loaded with camera gear it can get very heavy.
- It starts to cause pain between my shoulder blades after 15-30 minutes of walking. The chest and waist straps only delay the inevitable. This could be a result of the weight but still a big issue for me. I would dream of bringing this bag on a long hike without lightening it.
- The Large ICU that shipped with my bag took up alot of space leaving little for clothes and other travel bits. F-Stop told me they will offer the option to choose your ICU size on ordering soon.
- No iPod pouch/compartment. Every bag should have one of these.
- Small dealer network means you have to buy the bag online and unseen. They do have a 30 day return policy but it’ll cost you the shipping.
- The price. At $295USD this bag is not cheap.

I looked at over two hundred bags before picking the Tilopa and I can’t say I’m completely thrilled with it. The ergonomics over time are my main issue but if you want to travel with camera gear and a 15″ laptop without checking baggage and in backpack form, this is one of the few bags that fill those requirements.

Btw, if you know if another bag that does all this drop me a line.

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Ernest Gann – Fate is the Hunter

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Thoughts

Jul 14 2010

Ernest Gann - Aviator

If you could, who would you most like to share a table with over coffee? This question occasionally comes up in good conversation and it’s a fun one to ponder even though I’m often caught flat-footed and blurt out some person without proper consideration. But after reading ‘Fate is the Hunter’ by Ernest Gann, the author and adventurer has climbed to the top of my list.

The book is an autobiographical memoir of his career as a pilot at a time when flying was anything but routine and planes were anything but reliable. These were the days when flying as a passenger in a commercial airline, if only they had known, could be considered courageous on a level just below the pilots.

Gann played a small role in this pioneering era but his recorded accounts are an incredible contribution. His humbleness betrays the jaw-dropping scope of his adventures and his wit and sarcasm make reading them a thorough pleasure.

I’m writing this minutes after turning the final page and dissecting the book any further into a review feels out if place because I feel mostly sadness right now. I will never get to share a coffee with Captain Gann no matter how determined I am for he died in 1991. I can only be thankful for his prolific writing and the collection of books he left us to relive his adventurous spirit and hopefully inspire our own.

My next book is without question ‘Song of the Sirens’ – tales from his seafaring days as a mariner.

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Every Trail – Make, Share and Discover Trips

BY Mark | POSTED Gear

Jun 24 2010

Available for: iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile
Tested on: iPhone 3G
Price: Free (tested), Paid version $3.99 (as of June 23, 2010)

“Thus, led astray by the divagations of roads, as by other indulgent fictions, having in the course of our travels skirted so many well-watered lands, so many orchards, so many meadows, we have from the beginning of time embellished the picture of our prison”

Antoine de St-Exupery preferred the exploring off the beaten path – his vessel of choice was the airplane. Whether you pound the pavement in your 10K run training, hit the trails on your mountain bike, or soar over both like St-Exupery, Every Trail is an excellent app that lets you record and share your wanderings and discover new ones too.

I tested Every Trail on a route I’ve been riding and running for years. I was mostly curious to find the distance since there was no way to measure over the zigzagging and rolling terrain.

The app takes some time to load, about 30 seconds, but once it’s done two taps and you’re off – no upfront registration required. Registering allows you to upload and share trips unlike iMapMyRide/Run which will record a run but not save it. NOTE: This pissed me off about iMapMyRide so I didn’t bother using it anymore, it may be a perfectly good app. The free version (used on this test) provides most of the functionality you’ll need. The paid version goes for $3.99 and allows you to sync more than 3 trips, removes ads, enables video recording, and downloads maps to your phone if you’re going to be out of cell tower range.

Every Trail on iPhone Review

At any point in your travels you can take a photo and pin it to your location on the map. This is great when exploring people’s uploaded trips and deciding whether it’s one for you – post lots of photos.

Every Trail automatically tracks your location, elevation and time. Flick a slider to stop the trip (a nice UI touch to prevent accidental stoppage) and add metadata like title, tags, story (basically a description), and tips. Tap ‘share’ and your trip is uploaded. Trips can be made public or private so if you want to share but are privacy conscious best to start or stop away from your door.

You can listen to music from your iPod like with any other app but be sure to start the tunes before launching Every Trail to avoid having to relaunch. The pop-up iPod controls don’t work and push you out of the app stopping your tracking. However, double tapping the home button when the phone is locked brings up the controls without interrupting the app. Be aware that phone calls will also interrupt the app but there’s not much you can do about this since Apple gives them trump power.

When you’ve uploading your trip, log on to Everytrail.com. Here you’ll be able to edit metadata, get embed links (like the one below) and also create a trip from scratch if you’re into planning ahead. Viewing trips is nice on the big screen and the animated trip replay with a speed/elevation vs. distance graph is super cool.

But the real goldmine here is the database of trips created by the community. I live just outside of Toronto and had no problem finding a bunch of them (mind you most of them were people testing the app with a drive to work). You can view trips by activity or by location or both. This is a rich community, here are the number of trips in the top 5 activity categories.

1. Road biking (64,539)
2. Mountain biking (40,236)
3. Hiking (34,256)
4. Walking (26,556)
5. Running (20,381)

This app eats batteries. The 40 minute ride for this post, including 17 photos and the upload muched roughly 1/2 of my battery. So if you need your phone for emergency purposes you may want to keep Every Trail off. The options allow you to reduce the frequency of the satellite pings but at the expense of accuracy. Another thing about the GPS is that it has trouble getting a good lock under even light tree cover. As you can see from my trip, this can result in some strange paths.

Overall, this is a pretty impressive app. I like the idea of tracking my own trips but I can see people using it only to find cool new routes to run or ride.

Here’s my trip embed:
Mississauga/Toronto Border Run (Banks of Etobicoke Creek) at EveryTrail

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Saddlebag Test Ride

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, My Adventures, Up North (06112010)

Jun 12 2010

Saddlebags sagging Honda CB360T

I made it up north but the saddlebag test didn’t go like I hoped. They didn’t come off the bike or dump all my stuff onto the road but they’re hanging pretty seriously off the bike. After 220 kilometers they sit securely on the bike but they don’t look comfortable and definitely not how the manufacturer intended. It’s possible they were stiffer when new and held shape better but now they look like they’re falling off the sides.

If it was just cosmetic I could live with them but the sag causes them to open at an angle that spills your stuff onto the ground – you have to support them with your knee to keep them properly upright. Without internal or external supports there’s not much I can do to keep them from sagging and that would involve a custom fabrication.

A friend of mine has a set that he says work better so I’m going to give those a try. Worst case, I gotta remember to use my knee.

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Frank Thomas Universal Saddlebags

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, My Adventures, Up North (06112010)

Jun 10 2010

Frank Thomas saddlebags on Honda CB360T

I picked up a set of saddlebags for the bike today. They’re a universal set because no one makes custom bags for a 35 year old bike anymore. The CB360 wasn’t a common touring bike so no one ever did as far as I can tell.

The people on cafe racer forum Dotheton.com didn’t have any recommendations but someone did have a universal set gathering dust in his garage. He was willing to part with it for $20 and I figured it’s better to pay $20 for a set that doesn’t work than $150 brand new.

They’re from Frank Thomas and made from nylon with a waterproof lining. I’ve been burned by waterproof linings with backpacks so I’m carrying all my gear in garbage bags in case (not to mention at 100km/h, all waterproofing bets are off).

The bags have some damage: a rip along one of the zippers and a ripped tie-down point. If I decide to keep them it shouldn’t cost more than $20 to have them fixed.

I’ve loaded and fitted the bags – they they hang pretty low. This worries me a little. I’m going to fill them up and go for a test ride up north this weekend. We’ll see what happens.

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Why The iPhone 4 is Perfect for Travelers

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Thoughts

Jun 8 2010

Coming into Apple’s WWDC keynote yesterday, I wasn’t planning on picking up a new iPhone. With the rapid iteration of Android and Microsoft’s really slick Windows Phone 7 slated for this fall, committing to another 3 year contract felt hasty and irresponsible. Much of it was from Gizmodo’s premature reveal of the device but Apple pulled one out of the hat and post-keynote I’m really excited for this 4th gen device.

What makes this phone so exciting to the traveler in me is the camera system. Everything else is a modest upgrade but the 5MP camera, built-in flash, tap to focus, HD video recording and onboard editing with iMovie are a grandslam. Now I can not only document what I’m doing but most importantly tell a story. This is huge!

The video won’t compare to my Canon 7D but if the quality’s decent, substituting 15lbs of camera gear for something that fits into my pocket is highly compelling. Even with a 7D, the shallow depth of field makes it terrible for something as simple as turning the camera on myself to film a short clip. That’s why I carry a Flip cam and the iPhone substitutes that too. It may even get comparable battery life to a Flip with the radios turned off.

The best camera is the one that’s with you right? Well, with iMovie it’s now the best video camera too. It doesn’t replace an editing suite like Final Cut or Premiere, but with cuts and fades it does 95% of what I need. I like the idea of posting daily trip reports on a daily basis, not just when I get back. And it saves me from carrying my laptop too.

The original iPhone redefined what people could do on a phone and the iPhone 4 does it again. I’m not sure Google or Microsoft can compete with the creative package of hardware and software Apple has put together and if they can it won’t be this year or this slick. You bet I’ll be picking up a new iPhone come July – this is true mobile computing and it’s making for an exciting time to be a traveler.

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Muskoka Roadtrip – Debrief

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Muskoka Roadtrip, My Adventures, Packing, Thoughts, Tips

May 31 2010

It’s been a week since my first shakedown roadtrip on the little CB360 and it was an enlightening one. The bike performed well throughout: great on sideroads, ok on major highways and surprisingly well on dirt roads. The biggest realization was that packing will make or break my trip.

At 80km/h the bike floats down the road effortlessly and is a pleasure to ride. Roll the speed up to 100km/h and the engine starts to work harder, get a little louder but it’s the still no problem. Even with the buffeting of the wind, it’s still a nice ride and a cross country wouldn’t be an issue. It didn’t rain so I still don’t know how the bike responds or rides in the wet. The gas mileage is very good and averaging 5.2L/100km (45.2mpg) but the small 11L gas tank means you’re starting to think about fueling up not long after leaving the station.

Poor packing (like the way I packed) was an issue on this trip. I carried very little but carried it poorly. Two days worth of clothes, my photography gear, laptop, rainsuit, map, service manual, tools and spare parts were packed into my F-Stop Gear Tilopa with overflow under a bungee net on the passenger seat. That bag felt like it weighed 50lbs and acted like a sail in a crosswind, blowing me across the lane in the gusts. I loosened the slack on the straps to rest some weight on the seat but it only helped slightly. I stopped and stretched frequently.

The bungee net was also out of it’s element with the amount I stuffed under it. Despite being under great tension, it did anything but sit still – sliding off the seat and at one point hanging right off the side of the bike threatening to ditch it’s contents.

I feel good about the mechanics of this bike and it’s road manners, it has many miles left in it. In terms of luggage, I’ll need to carry much less. This is what I plan to test on my next trip:
- My Canon 7D w/ one lens plus only the required miscellaneous items like one spare battery, charger, card reader. It’d be nice to have more gear but it’s just too heavy and my Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 is flexible enough.
- Laptop & charger. I only have a 15″ Dell and can’t justify purchasing a smaller one but something little and lighter one would be nice.
- Two days worth of t-shirts, underwear, and socks. One sweater, one pair of jeans.
- All-weather riding suit, like what Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman wear on their Long Way Around adventure. It’ll eliminate the need for an overtop rainsuit and I already have the jacket half.
- Over the shoe rubber rain socks. Instead of riding boots I have a pair of rubber shoe skins from Isotoner. This way I only need one pair of shoes.
- Spare parts & tools. They’re heavy and take up space but necessary. I’ll go through the contents in a later post.
- Small tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, and stove.

As for where to pack all this, I’ll need a set of saddlebags to keep all weight off my back – a free back is the single most important factor for comfortable riding. A bungee net could hold some light items like clothes and I’ll have to find a way to secure the tent and the other awkwardly-shaped camping items.

So I’ve got a bunch of things left to do but this little shakedown trip was helpful to put into focus the dealbreakers.

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Adventure Book Unboxing

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Videos

Apr 22 2010

I love getting packages in the mail. This one arrived from Amazon and had books from a couple of the adventurers I’m currently most impressed by. These men possess uncommon bravery and are master storytellers. Here’s the unboxing and below links to each book.

Adventure Book Unboxing from Mark Rabo on Vimeo.

“Fate is the Hunter” by Ernest Gann
On Amazon

“Song of the Sirens” by Ernest Gann
On Amazon

“Wind, Sand and Stars” by Antoine de St-Exupery
On Amazon

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Roadtripping Must-Have Supplies

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Packing, Tips, Videos

Apr 2 2010

From a single day playing hookie from work to epic multi-week transcontinental runs, roadtrips are the easiest and cheapest way to get away. I talk alot about being free in mind when traveling so you can move in the moment. On roadtrips that means being able to take sideroads and detours without worrying about your safety even if something were to go wrong. Carrying the proper supplies will give you that peace of mind.

Winter travel requires the most precautions; a few hours in the cold can be unpleasant if not dangerous. In warmer climates you can get by without some of the warmth related items but don’t underestimate nighttime temperature drops.

Here are some things to bring along (not all the items are mentioned in the video so check the list under it).

Roadtripping Must-Have Supplies from Mark Rabo on Vimeo.

Gas can – A 20L gas can will save you a long walk should you run out. Gas goes bad after a few months so I fill it up the day of the trip and if I don’t use it, feed it to my car when I get home.

Windsheild washer fluid – A 4L (1 gallon) jug will do. I use the -40oC type all year round so I don’t have to think about changing it when the seasons switch.

Antifreeze/Engine coolant – A 4L (1 gal) jug of 50/50 water and coolant premix. You can buy the jugs premixed from the store or mix yourself (the premix is about double the price). Water cools better than coolant so in the summer months you can get away with using distilled water but be sure to return to 50/50 before the temperature drops below freezing and your engine cracks like a sidewalk.

Tire pump – Get a mechanical one (foot pumped if possible). Electric ones are useless if your car has electrical problems or a weak battery. You can find them for as little as $10.

Oil – At least 1L of motor oil should be in your car whether you’re roadtripping or not (and you should check the level regularly too).

Jumper/Booster cables – Again, a set should be in your car at all times.

Blanket – A wool or fleece blanket will keep you warm. Even in the summer, it can get very cold and you’ll be glad you brought it if you need to car camp one night.

Hats/Gloves/Scarves – Same idea as with the blanket. Bring one for each passenger.

Bivvy Sack – This is a sleeping bag that reflects 90% of your body heat back to you. People have survived nights exposed in the mountains thanks to these little bags. They’re super lightweight and cost next to nothing.
(http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Heatsheets-Emergency/dp/B000WXX0JS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1265862960&sr=8-3)

Multitool – I carry a multitool wherever I go especially on adventures, they have an infinite number of uses. This one by Gerber is well-equipped and not too expensive.
(http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-41517-Freehand-One-hand-Multi-Plier/dp/B000EDRTT8)

Survival kit – Like with a multitool, a survival kit should go with you on every adventure. The fire starting bits are most important but there’s lots of good stuff in most. I like the one below: it’s got lots of useful pieces and comes in a sardine can.
(http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Pocket-Survival/dp/B000G7WRDU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1265863127&sr=1-1)

Spare tire – Check it’s properly inflated (and that it’s in the car). You’d be surprised how many people I’ve stopped to help on the side of the road and the reason they’re stuck is because their spare tire was flat or not even there.

——
Roadtrip with these items and you’ll be prepared for the majority of situations. Keep them in your car at all times and you’ll even be able to take a “Good Intentions Roadtrip” (where you leave the house with the good intention of going to work but end up on a roadtrip adventure instead).

Happy driving!

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Review: Kata Sensitivity V

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Packing, Tips, Videos

Mar 15 2010

The Kata Sensitivity V is one half of my The Ultimate Adventure Photography Travel Bag System (see this post for what I mean by that).

It’s the daypack whose main qualities are: lightweight, comfortable, roomy and compact; below is a quick review. The review for the second half of the system, the F-Stop Gear Tilopa is coming soon.

Kata Sensitivity V homepage