F-stop Gear Sukha Backpack Review

Описание: I can never find a large bag for those long hikes where I carry a lot of photography gear. Most camera backpacks on the market are great for the landscape or street photographer, but I needed a big backpack to haul a ton of crap (and the Sukha comes in at a whooping 70 liters of internal volume). F-stop Gear has taken a serious stab at the problem with the new Sukha backpack. When F-stop announced their new line the Mountain Series, I knew they were an improvement over my existing camera bags. In this review, I put the Sukha through its paces in the field.


Sukha Specs

• Dimensions: 27 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 12 inches deep (68.6 x 35.6 x 30.5 centimeters).
• Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Volume: 70 liters
• Compartments:
Main 70L compartment, with openings at the top and across the back of the bag (between the bag and your body)
External shovel pocket along the entire front of the bag, including a tiny drainage hole at the bottom.
Two Velcro pockets within the shovel pocket – one which extends the entire length of the pocket, and one smaller mesh section.
Smaller zipped compartment on the outside of the shovel pocket
External top pocket
Two mesh compartments inside the external top pocket – one Velcro and one zipped
Large zipped compartments on both sides of the bag
Zipped mesh pocket on the lid of the bag’s interior
Laptop compartment inside the bag
A small zipped pocket on the back flap inside the bag
• Materials: Water resistant nylon exterior, rubberized fabric along the bottom for rock, mud, and water protection.
• Suspension: Removable aluminum frame.
• Straps: Sternum strap and comfortable hip belt with MOLLE attachment points. Additional stabilizer straps above the shoulder pads
• Attachment points all over the bag for hanging a tripod, skis/boards, or camping gear
• Side straps to compress the bag or hang a tripod from them
• Hydration system, including a water bladder compartment
• Laptop compartment: Fits up to a 17 inch computer

What’s Great about the Sukha

The most noticeable feature is the water-resistant fabric of the Sukha. This bag isn’t totally waterproof, but it’s about as close as you can get without using a rain cover. I have had out in the snow, can’t wait for a good downpour. The thick, treated nylon used in this bag beads water on its surface. The bottom of the bag is constructed out of a wear-resistant, waterproof rubberized fabric, so I can put my Sukha down almost anywhere, maybe even a mud puddle (that never happens, right?).

At 70 liters, the Sukha is a huge, but I need to carry a huge loads. I can pack up to 35 pounds, no problemo. This bag is not for every photographer, but those like me that can use a bag this large to carry all their equipment.

Large pockets span the length of the bag on either side.

The Sukha’s improved harnessing system features a sternum strap that is comfortable.

The sole major reason that F-stop Gear backpacks outpace the competition is the back panel that makes access your gear a breeze. The opening is nearly the size of the entire pack. No more fishing for your gear that is buried at the bottom of the bag, and the only way in is through the top.

Man, is the Sukha comfortable with its cushy suspension that makes long-distance hiking a pain-free dream. It is the most comfortable camera backpack I have ever worn.

The ICU

The Sukha is a great bag, but it requires what F-stop calls an ICU (Internal Camera Unit). The ICU holds camera equipment in an organized and customizable way that is easy to access gear through the back panel. I use the XL Pro ICU, which can hold my Sigma 150-500 with no issues (try getting that lens in other camera backpacks).

What Could Be Better in the Sukha

There is very little wrong with this backpack, but I feel that I need to find some area for criticism. I would love some exterior mesh pockets to hold items that require convenient access like water bottles (or a beer)

The Sukha Verdict

I love the F-stop Gear Sukha! It is the best large camera backpack on the market. If you need a large backpack, run (don’t walk) to the Sukha, but it is only one in a line of backpacks with similar design features for F-stop Gear. There is definitely one size that will meet your needs.