From F-Stop to Shimoda

[MonikaC]

I just got an email today about a Kickstarter campaign for Shimoda Adventure Camera Bags. It looks like Ian Millar, who was an F-Stop designer has, literally, gotten himself a brand new bag. Like the F-Stop bags, they have ICUs & are accessed from the panel that's against your back. Unlike F-Stop bags, they can also be accessed from the top & side and the panel against your back opens like a door. Though I love my old BC Tilopa, the newer packs have disappointed me with shoddy sewing (luckily only on non-essential parts like the velcro), thinner padding (maybe only on the smaller Lotus - seemed OK on the bigger pack), and buckles on the side that held my tripod that were continually opening up on my hike out of the Subway (fortunately only the top one, so the bottom one still had it somewhat attached & I'd feel it banging against my leg & didn't lose the tripod). Anyway, if any of you had been interested in F-Stop packs but put off by their declining reputation (or prices), you might check out the Shimoda page. Their Kickstarter campaign is fully funded, so you won't have the risk of it not taking off. Maybe.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Monika,

Thanks for that info. It sounds interesting. This is not the first time I have heard of someone leaving a popular gear company in order to add improvements to a piece of gear. Sometimes companies get stale, or just are happy with the money they are making and don't want to invest into new designs.

 

[Kyle Jones]

Definitely looks interesting. Thanks for pointing it out!

 

[John Brewton]

Thanks, Monika. I currently have four bags I use (don't ask) and I would love something new and innovative. I tried an F-Stop and sent it back as the bottom hit me right where it hurts - my herniated L5 disk. I've not found a single manufacturer who makes a bag that will allow an adjustment which puts the top of the bag at the top of your shoulders. Every one I've tried and used drags down your back under full weight which is quite bothersome for someone with my condition. If anyone knows of such a bag I would love to hear of it.