The Lotus Camera Backpack Review

One would be forgiven for thinking the Lotus backpack is the little brother of the Tilopa backpack.  They look similar at a quick glance.  Both backpacks are from F-stop’s  Mountain series of rugged backpacks.  Both the Lotus and Tilopa backpacks are made of rugged material,  use the ICU system for camera equipment storage, have a waterproof material on the bottom of the bag, and come in a few different colors.  Both bags can be packed to the point they become too heavy to be practical for extended use.  However, upon more than a casual glance the two bags do have some big differences other than just the size. 

Why I purchased my Lotus

My readers out there that are photographers will definitely agree with the next sentence.  Just as soon as you find a backpack you think will fit all your needs, you’ll find something it can’t.  I purchased my F-stop Lotus backpack back in 2019 for various local trips that I was going on.  I was looking for the interchangeability of the ICU system, but unfortunately using my 50 liter Tilopa would be overkill.  I also liked that the Lotus backpack uses an aluminum internal frame and adjustable support system which helps make the bag comfortable to use over a long period of time.   The Lotus was nice in that it protected my camera gear and made a great day bag, albeit slightly large for my taste, once I was on location.  The Lotus backpack lived up to my expectations of F-stop Gear’s products after experience with my Tilopa backpack.  Much like the Tilopa, the Lotus is designed to be rugged and handle a wide variety of conditions.  I’ve carried my Lotus backpack through good weather and bad, set it down in damp environments, and dropped it on more than several occasions.  Just like with my Tilopa, it hasn’t failed me yet.  You’ll find that I stuck with the aloe or green color.  I still can’t decide if that was because I like having a more subdued color, because I’m a creature of habit, or both.  Regardless of the reason, I’m more than happy with my purchase.  

If you find my information about F-stop’s 32L Lotus backpack useful, please consider using the Amazon affiliate links at the end of this article.

Most of the Lotus is made of a tough water resistant and ripstop fabric, but the bottom of this rugged photography backpack uses an even sturdier durable waterproof material.  There’s no need to worry if you have to set this bag down on a damp or muddy surface while you are out on location.  The Lotus backpack also comes with a zippered pocket at the bottom.  The pocket is a nice size, but I’ve honestly not used it much.  I don’t recommend putting anything fragile there.

The shoulder straps are the one area of this rugged photography backpack that I feel F-stop fell short on.  The shoulder straps are wide enough and have adjustment straps at the top to help set the shoulder straps the way you want them.  With backpacks like the Lotus, the waist belt is supposed to take the majority weight distribution; however, I still wish the shoulder straps were at least a little more padded like the Tilopa.  It hasn’t been a deal breaker for me, but the lack of padding on the shoulder straps has left my shoulders sore a time or two after long hikes with heavy equipment.  Just like on the Tilopa backpack there are useful metal D rings on each shoulder strap.  They are both solid and reliable, but it is up to each person to find their own way to make those D rings useful.  I’ve used one of the D rings in the past to mount a small item to keep track of how much water I have drank.  Also, just like the Tilopa there is a small whistle for emergencies incorporated into the clip on the left shoulder strap.  This whistle could be extremely useful if you need help during one of your travels or outdoor adventures.

The built in waist belt on the Lotus is thinner than the Tilopa; however, it is still comfortable for day hikes and day trips.  I do wish that the non-removable waist belt was a little more padded, though.  There are built in Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment or MOLLE style attachment points on the waist belt designed to accept F-stop accessories.  Much like the Tilopa, I wish I could attach standard MOLLE pouches without them being loose.  

The Lotus has two compression straps overtop a large zippered pocket on both sides of this rugged backpack.  Each side pocket also comes with velcro that can be used to further compress the pockets or allow them to expand a little bit more.  The back of the Lotus has one large zippered pocket.  These pockets are extremely useful for carrying items you want quick access to.  I’ve used the side pockets for everything from carrying extra bottles of water to storing rain gear.  At the top of the Lotus there is also a velcroed H2O access flap for a hydration system that can be stored inside this durable backpack.

I’ve mostly used the large pocket on the back of the Lotus to hold clothing when traveling or rain gear on hike.  There is a small hole built into the bottom of the back pocket to allow for drainage, which is nice if you have to store some moist items there for a short time.  

The main zippered compartment for access to the internal camera unit or ICU is well padded and rests against my back comfortably.  As someone that travels often, I really like knowing that the most direct access to my camera equipment is directly against my back. I particularly like this feature of the Lotus backpack as it  makes it harder for any thieves to get to my expensive camera equipment.

On the inside of the padded flap that rests against the back, there is a small zippered pocket at the top with three rows of additional MOLLE attachment points.  I’ve mostly used the small zippered pocket for extra cleaning cloths.  I’ve found that while traveling, the additional MOLLE attachment points are good for running a cable through for a spare charger for a phone or other device.

The top of the Lotus has a useful zippered pocket that can be accessed without going into the main compartment of the bag.  That pocket includes a mesh pocket with a small strip of velcro and a detachable key ring just like F-stop’s Tilopa backpack.  If you press the button on the detachable key ring, then you’ll be able to take your keys with you when you don’t want to have your whole bag with you.  I also find that this is a good place to store your keys during a hike.  No one wants to finish a hike and get back to their car only to discover their keys fell out of their pocket at some point on the trail.  I’ve had that happen to me and it’s no fun.  If you’re traveling carry-on only, this pocket is great for storing a small bag of toiletries or any travel documents in the airport that you’ll need for security.  When hiking, I usually use this space to store a warm hat during the winter or stuff like a small bug spray can or a small sunscreen tube during the summer.  

Opening the main compartment of the Lotus backpack can be done by unzipping the heavy duty zipper that is somewhat protected from the elements by some overlapping water resistance material.

Flip the lid to the Lotus backpack and you’ll find a zippered mesh pocket like the Tilopa.  This pocket is also good for storing travel documents and other small items you want protected while traveling.  I’ve used this space to store everything from copies of my passport to wall chargers.  

Just below that mesh pocket you will find a built in protective sleeve.  I’ve mostly used that protective sleeve to store a hydration system.  However, I was able to fit my iPad Pro there when I needed that area for storage space.  In theory, you could probably store a small amount of clothing in there, but that will be a little difficult to be worthwhile when you are using one of F-stop’s ICUs.  

Optional attachments are available for an extra cost, but offer greater flexibility in customizing your Lotus backpack to your needs.  Gatekeepers can be very useful with this backpack, so you can attach equipment like a tripod to the outside of your backpack.  F-stop also sells attachments that can be used to organize everything from memory cards to extra batteries and cables.  These aren’t an absolute necessity, as many of you probably have something already.  However, I do recommend investing in F-stop’s MOLLE attachments if you plan to attach something like a water bottle holder to the outside of your Lotus backpack.  

The rain cover that I purchased for use with my Tilopa backpack works with my Lotus.  I still don’t use it much of the time, because the water resistant material the Lotus is made out of is good enough for most light rains.  However, it is definitely nice to have a rain cover just in case I get caught out in anything more than a drizzle.  I highly recommend picking up a rain cover for your Lotus.

The Lotus backpack weighs 3.3 lbs or 1.5 kgs, which isn’t bad, but should be considered when packing.  At a height of 20.5 in or 52 cm, a width of 13 in or 33 cm, a depth of 11 in or 27.9cm, and capacity of 32 liters, F-stop’s Lotus makes for a great daypack whether you’re on the trail or doing some urban exploration.   I find that the size and durability of the Lotus makes it great for both situations.  F-stop recommends their medium slope, medium shallow, and small pro ICUs for their Lotus backpack.  As someone that doesn’t like to compromise on more than I have to, I like to use smaller ICUs with this backpack to allow for more non camera related items.  Adding the optional gatekeeper attachment straps will allow you to carry even more gear with this 32 liter backpack.  However, you have to ask yourself if you want to carry more items do you need gatekeeper straps or a bigger backpack?  Looking at what exact items you aren’t able to fit inside the Lotus might give you that answer.  

F-stop did not sponsor this review in any way.  Nor have I received any money from F-stop to make this product review.

The following links are Amazon affiliate links.

F-stop Lotus 32L backpack: https://amzn.to/3cMQR7D 

F-stop Gatekeeper Attachment Straps: https://amzn.to/2HNw48J

F-stop Large Rain Cover: https://amzn.to/2VCiOth 

F-stop Small Pro ICU: https://amzn.to/3bFnC6L 

F-stop Medium Slope ICU: https://amzn.to/2S983g2