Packing

F-Stop Tilopa Backpack Review

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Packing, Videos

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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Tahoe Gear List

BY Mark | POSTED Adventure Ingredients, My Adventures, Packing, Tahoe 100 miler

Jul 16 2010

Tahoe Gear

I’ve got some time to kill waiting for my Greyhound to Reno and my entertaining addicts and their squabble have been ushered outside leaving only the smell of urine and the buzz of fluorescent tubes. To occupy my mind, I’m writing out my gear list.

I’m a little tired from the day of travel and slowed from the Jack in the Box I just ate so it’s point-form from here on in.

Photo Gear
- Canon 7D (1)
- Canon 40D (1)
- Canon 17-40mm f/4L (1)
- Canon 70-200mm f/4L (1)
- Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX (1)
- Memory cards, 16GB (2), 32GB (1)
- Batteries & chargers (3 of each)
- Sigma EF-500 flash (1)
- Remote shutter cable (1)
- Polarizing filters (2)
- Three-leg tripod (1)
- Monopod (1)
- H2 audio recorder (1)
- Kodak Zi6 camera (1)
- 4GB SD card (2)
- Sony Handycam + charger (1)
- Extended life battery for Handycam (1)

Clothing
- Shorts (3)
- Jeans (1)
- Shoes (1)
- Polar fleece (1)
- Underwear & socks (3 of each)

Miscellaneous
- AA batteries (lots)
- Dell XPS laptop + charger (1)
- iPhone + charger (1)
- External backup battery for iPhone (1)
- 500GB hard drives (2)
- 8GB USB stick
- Flashlight (2)
- Rain poncho (0, the forecast will make me regret that)
- Passport (1)
- Book – “Song of Sirens” by Ernest Gann
- Ziploc bags (5)
- Notebook & pen (1)

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Packing: Up North (June 11, 2010)

BY Mark | POSTED Adventure Ingredients, My Adventures, Packing, Up North (06112010)

Jun 11 2010

I’m heading up to my friend’s cottage for the weekend on the bike and taking the opportunity to test a set of used universal saddlebags I picked up. Here’s what I’m stuffing into them.

I recorded this while rushing to pack and accidentally cutoff my head.

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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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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

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The Ultimate Adventure Photography Travel Bag System

BY Mark | POSTED Gear, Packing, Tips

Mar 15 2010

The Ultimate Adventure Travel Photography Bag System

There are as many bag configurations as types of travel photography so the title of this post is a little sensational; however, finding a great setup can feel like winning the lottery and I’ve found one that works for me so I wanted to share it.

There are so many factors and options in a search like this that you kinda need to psyche yourself up for the research process. Most importantly is defining what you want. My system focuses on exploration and freedom of motion so size and ergonomics carry alot of weight.

This is what it has to do:
- Qualify as carry-on with all airlines.
- Hold 3 days of clothing.
- Be small enough to use as a daypack.
- Hold a dSLR and 3 lenses, spare batteries, charger, memory cards, reader and external hard drive.
- Room for a laptop, AC adaptor and mouse.
- Comfortable.
- Gotta be able to run in it (i.e. it has a quality harness system).

So I can do this:
- Travel light and indefinitely.
- Fly on any airline without checking baggage.
- Carry all my possessions in my care.
- Shoot for a 24hr period (minimum), edit and post without returning to basecamp.
- Perform physical activities like running, jumping, climbing, etc with the equipment.
- Not make me look like a photographer (low profile: reduces intimidation and attention in dangerous environments).

My search was divided into two activites: shooting (ie. carrying a daypack) and transit (i.e. moving about in planes, trains and automobiles). After considering over 250 bags, I came across two that fit my needs almost perfectly.

Reviews:
a) Kata Sensitivity V (for shooting)
b) F-Stop Gear Tilopa (for transit)
**review coming soon, when I return from my current trip using it**

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Adventure Ingredients (SFO-AUS): Packed

BY Mark | POSTED Adventure Ingredients, My Adventures, Packing, SFO-AUS

Mar 8 2010

Packed

Here is everything that’s coming with me to San Francisco and Austin. Most of it is photography related with a good chunk of weight in the form of my two laptops, external harddrives and chargers; ideally I would take only the little Dell netbook.

My clothes are the small pile on the bottom right consisting of socks and underwear (2 of each), shorts (1) and t-shirts (3). Not shown is what I’m wearing: jeans, underwear, socks, t-shirt, sweatshirt and light jacket. I just got an awesome pair of vintage Nike Pegasus 83 runners so those are in the mix too.

The bags I used are temporary place holders. I ordered an F-stop gear Tilopa and Kata Sensitivity V which are meeting me in SF (more on these in a future post). I chose this duo because they aren’t reinforced so I’ll be able to stuff them into the Tilopa on the way home.

Packed up

My camera gear is in the red Salomon pack so I can carry it as an accompaniment bag along with my primary carry-on, the black and green Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) duffle bag. Most airlines allow a second smaller bag or briefcase with things like laptops, cameras, documents and anything else that could be used in transit; don’t mix clothes in there or they may consider it two carry-ons and make you check one.

The final weigh-in: the Salomon at 9lbs and the MEC at 28lbs. Pretty nice for an 11 day trip.

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Adventure Ingredients (SFO-AUS): Preplanning

BY Mark | POSTED Adventure Ingredients, My Adventures, Packing, SFO-AUS, Tips

Feb 27 2010

My goal for every trip is to travel as light as possible. It keeps one free in mind; not carrying “baggage” from the place you came from allows you to experience more of the place you’re in. There may not be an obvious connection there but carrying less does heighten engagement.

To me this means never carrying more than what fits into a carry-on bag. Standing around baggage carousels watching bags on parade is torturous and somehow my bags are always last so I cut that out.

Each trip has it’s own unique characteristics and items to carry. Work and it’s responsibilities usually make traveling light difficult and on my upcoming adventure to San Francisco and Austin that’s exactly the case. However, it’s not impossible; here are some questions that come to mind when packing.

1) What am I traveling for?
Typically either work or open (I don’t say pleasure here since I make sure even work trips are pleasurable). Open trips mean you get to set the agenda, work trips have additional responsibilities to respect.

My trip
I’ll be filming part of a documentary in San Francisco and photographing SXSW for some Toronto publications in Austin so my trip is work-related. That means I’ll need to carry all my film/photography gear including lenses, backup drives and a laptop w/ connectivity for posting on-the-go. This adds to the load but my carry-on rule is still achieveable with the right bags (I’ll talk about that in a coming post).

2) What social situations can I expect?
Showing up for a shirt and tie dinner in jeans and t-shirt makes for an awkward time. On the other hand, if you’re roughing through the wildnerness there’s no reason to carry formal wear. If dressed-up events aren’t a certainty, leave the clothes behind. You can always buy them if needed.

My trip
It’s a work trip and there will be work events but the scene (tech and gaming) is laid back and jeans and t-shirts fly right. I’ll bring a collared shirt for customs and that’s it.

3) How long?
Although this is the first consideration for many people, I recommend ignoring it completely. Bringing more than a few days worth of clothes means checked baggage. Instead, carry travel sized detergents and learn to wash clothes in a sink. This sounds archaic but it’s not difficult, it satisfies and you can travel indefinitely this way.

My trip
My standard three days of clothes and sink washing.

4) Miscellaneous
Is there anything else you’ll be doing that requires something you can’t buy on location.

My trip
I’m meeting up with friends in SF to go motocrossing and/or running in the hills. Running requires appropriate shoes so I’ll be sure to make the 1 pair I bring runnable and wearable with jeans. As for riding motocross, I’ll be borrowing all that gear.

—-
Asking these questions will get you thinking about what you could take but not necessarily what you should take. In my next Adventure Ingredients (SFO/AUS) post I’ll detail what I’m actually taking and why. The two main questions I’ll be asking myself, “How badly do I need this?” and “What’s involved in carrying it?”

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