Choose the right F-Stop backpack and ICU for your use

F-Stop backpacks and ICUs (Internal Camera Units) are designed for photographers who spend a lot of time outdoors. The modular system offers several different backpack-ICU options, allowing you to create a configuration that suits you. However, sometimes modularity and customizability can be confusing, so this article will explain it in more detail.

What the heck is an ICU? The ICU, or Internal Camera Unit, is a separate camera gear compartment where you store and protect your camera, lenses, and other accessories. The ICU storage case keeps your camera gear organized in your backpack. When you want to use the camera backpack as a traditional backpack, you simply lift the ICU out of the backpack and the ICU works great as a standalone storage solution.

What kind of camera equipment do you want to carry with you?

Do you like to carry all your bodies, lenses and accessories with you? Do you only carry a few pieces of equipment? What about a drone, video camera or telescope?

Professional camera / SLR camera with battery grip:

If you use a large SLR camera or a rugged camera with a battery grip attached, then the Pro Series ICUs are probably your choice.

For example, if you're carrying two bodies and multiple lenses, consider the Pro Large ICU or Pro XL ICU . If you're only carrying one body, consider the Medium Slope ICU , which will save space for other non-camera gear.

Note: Don't be confused by the "Pro" in Pro ICUs. This only refers to the depth of the ICUs, which is needed when using, for example, a heavy-duty professional jack or a frame with a battery handle.

System camera without battery grip:

For those of you who don't have a battery grip attached to your camera, the Shallow series ICU is a good choice.

The Shallow Medium ICU is designed for a DSLR camera with a 70-200mm lens attached. It can also accommodate additional lenses or flash units. The Shallow Small ICU is great when you only need a few small lenses for your trip. For example, you can combine both Shallow ICUs with a Tilopa backpack, allowing you to carry a wide arsenal of gear.

Mirrorless system cameras:

If you have a mirrorless camera like the Olympus E-M10 or Canon EOS M50, the Micro Tiny is an option, designed for most micro cameras. The smaller Micro Nano ICU takes the space requirement even further.

Note: If you have a micro tripod with a long zoom lens from the PRO series, the Medium Shallow is probably a better option than the Micro series.

How many other supplies do you carry with you?

The modular system is great when you're balancing camera gear and other items. After choosing your ICUs, all that's left is to choose a suitable backpack. The following fitting pictures show how much space each backpack has for other items, such as a change of clothes, snacks, or even camping gear.

If you're going on an overnight or longer hike, check out F-Stop's larger backpack options, like the 70-liter Sukha. If you're heading out on a short day hike, the UL (UltaLight) series might be your choice.

F-Stop Shinn (80-liter) - Mountain Series

The largest backpack in the F-Stop Mountain series, it is the only backpack in the series that can accommodate the Master Cine ICU camera compartment.

F-Stop Sukha (70-liter) - Mountain Series

The second most spacious backpack is, like the Shinn backpack, suitable for longer hikes or photo trips.

F-Stop Tilopa (50-liter) - Mountain Series

A backpack with a 50-liter capacity for both short day hikes and multi-day hikes.

F-Stop Ajna (40-liter) - Mountain Series

A backpack with a 40-liter capacity for day trips, overnight trips, and even urban environments.

F-Stop Lotus (30-liter) - Mountain Series

The smallest backpack in the Mountain series for day trips to both nature and urban environments.

F-Stop Loka UL (37-liter) - Ultra-Light Series

The most spacious backpack in the UltraLight series with a 37-liter capacity. The UltraLight series is for photographers who want agile transportation for a small amount of camera equipment.