F Stop Ajna Camera Bag for Travel Photography - Unboxing Review

I just got my new camera bag and I'm sharing my first impressions with you.
I ordered the F Stop Ajna 40L Camera Backpack from F-Stop's Mountain Series. It takes up to the Large Pro ICU (Internal Camera Unit) which I've been using for the last couple years without their bag.
So, join me for a discussion about traveling with your camera gear for weddings, canoe trips, flights, mountain hiking and back country camping. I'll unbox my new camera bag and let you know my first thoughts about the product quality and function. Is this the right bag for travel photography?
Official f-Stop page:
fstopgear.com/products/packs/ajna
Amazon link: amzn.to/2HUvIZO
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[@floravanwageningen5041]

The Molle straps on both the waist belt and inside of the back panel are to help integrate some other stop gear like the Navin pouch. On the inside panel if you are not using an ICU and traveling with very light gear ( Single camera and lens) you could use the Navin pouch there and use the pack more for other gear making the bag more flexible of alternate uses.

[@JaquesTheSHARK]

Awesome!!

[@kiesemedia433]

i liked seeing this video. keep going ☺

[@koboril9346]

Looks like a great bag! Hope it works well during the field testing.

[@ChadBarry]

K Oboril Have it packed up and on my way out for some dark sky photos tonight

[@leoavila4931]

I've been using my ajna for almost 3 years now and through many airlines, no complaints so far, i couldn't get the ICU's b'cause they were backordered by the time, and i just pulled the interior of my pelican 1510 and a cheap chinese ICU from e bay and worked very well. : )

[@ChadBarry]

I’m still enjoying mine as well. It’s taken a beating and looks like brand new.

[@sarahtaylor6302]

Nice!

[@jaysun070476]

I altered my fstop ajna so the hydration bladder is mounted in the side big pocket works perfect so you dont smash your bladder i use the bladder sleeve for a gimbal can also be used for a laptop

[@ChadBarry]

Nice!! Great thinking.

[@whafrog]

Great video. I recently bought a Tilopa, but haven't had a chance to use it. The only trouble I had was trimming the velcro straps on the ICU (Medium), they were too wide to fit into the loops.

[@ChadBarry]

whafrog thanks! That’s strange. Hopefully they’ve worked that issue out.

[@tandkplus4]

I need to tell you that I've struggled with that same issue; generally I've just gone without fastening the things, but you're right--quite a pain! I'm using a Sukha, and love it.

[@SmokeisShowing]

Good stuff buddy. I’ve been looking at these bags for awhile. I might just have to bite the bullet

[@ChadBarry]

Mitchell Brown Me too man... honestly, I’m pretty impressed. Going to take it for a spin this weekend and see how it handles. Sometimes you have to pay a little to get a lot.

[@bertreynolds2633]

Nice review Chad Barry, might be time for an upgrade.

[@ChadBarry]

Still enjoying it!

[@tabbypressNorrieFranko]

Congrats on a great youtube channel! The back pack looks great. I am looking for one that I can use as carry on. Specs I was given were 21 in x 15 x9. Your new bag looks big. Suggestions. I think Chewie should make guest appearances each week. LOL

[@ChadBarry]

Tabby Press Thanks Norrie. This one is “carry on” compatible. It’s about an inch over air Canada requirements but won’t be a problem if you leave the top empty when boarding.

[@tabbypressNorrieFranko]

Keep me posted on what you think. I'm in the market. Hugs

[@ChadBarry]

Tabby Press Will do 🙂

[@samanthareimerart4627]

Great video. Everyone I talk to seems to really like the F-stop bags. You mentioned using a cable lock when securing items in your vehicle. Is there a particular cable lock you like to use? I have a small travel one but think it would be too light duty in the car.

[@ChadBarry]

SamanthaR Hey Samantha! I bought a thick cable with large looped ends from Canadian Tire and a couple heavy pad locks. One end locks through the eyelet on my hard cases and the other around the seat frame or to the baby seat anchors.

[@samanthareimerart4627]

Thank you for the info. I will check at Canadian Tire and source something out to keep in my vehicle.

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

Those waterproof equipment bags and cases are great! I don’t see much the point of this big rucksack, whilst hiking and shooting I like to have my cameras out and ready. With a system like that, I’d have to stop every second to get equipment out..etc..But that’s just personal preference. Thanks for sharing.. keep up the good work with this channel! 😉👍

[@ChadBarry]

Fabulous Sport Outdoors Thanks! I usually do have one camera out and ready to go but it really depends on the terrain, the weather and if I’m have to bushwhack.

[@tandkplus4]

For those times I want spontaneity (which is usually) I have two lenses stashed in optional lens cases attached to the Molle webbing on either side of the belt, with a camera (with lens mounted) out on a Black Rapid strap as well. This way, I can access my three most commonly used lenses without any bag plopping, but I also have a full complement of food, apparel, accessories, etc., stashed in the pack. This really works well for me.

[@ChadBarry]

Great setup!

[@sheilaburgess7205]

Chad did you have this for Frosty Algonquin? I love the fact you can swing it around your hips and access everything!

[@ChadBarry]

Sheila Burgess Yep, same one!

[@sheilaburgess7205]

wish I had checked it out...I really struggled..as you know..need more practice with all my gear..and being out in the cold.

[@ChadBarry]

It’s definitely a challenge. But the right gear, clothes and a fair bit of practise makes all the difference

[@tandkplus4]

Chad, thanks so much for a great review! I appreciate your positive vibe, and hope the bag serves you well. I shoot with a Sukha, and mistakenly sought to swing it around on my hips the way you do here. I popped some stitching, and kind of came to the conclusion that this waist belt isn't quite designed to support that weight (this was 40+ pounds) at that angle, but I could be overgeneralizing. I'll look for your follow-up review! (As an aside, I see no point whatsoever to the Molle webbing inside the main cover. Seems to me that anything attached there will either damage or interfere with camera gear OR butt up against whatever else might be stored in that section of the pack. I've seen one or two individuals clips pens there, but really? Too risky, as far as I'm concerned.)

[@ChadBarry]

Some good observations Todd. I haven’t had any issues with the stitching on mine luckily. I don’t use the molle webbing either to be honest. Because up fold the lid of the ICU back under it leaves the equipment immediately exposed, so yes, anything attached would be pressing directly on the gear. That being said, I may find a use for it down the road and will report back if I do.

[@holocron79]

Haha Chewie 😸

[@richardlewis7214]

And Chewy.

[@richardlewis7214]

I like you.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks Richard.

[@koklop]

I would like to see, how many people have been actually saved by those stupid hardly hearable whistles on chest straps... every backpack has them...nobody would ever use them, as make a loud noise with them is actually almost impossible, or U have to blow so hard, that shouting would be more effective.

[@ChadBarry]

I’d still be happy to have one if I forgot my FOX40 at home. Generally, they are probably more used in group hikes to communicate. 1 whistle = stop, 2 whistles = come here, 3 whistles = emergency. In a search and rescue situation it may be helpful for being located.

[@koklop]

@@ChadBarry Thx for quite detailed opinion, never heard of FOX40 but looks PRO af. anyway your review made me buy F-stop ajna.. thx

[@ChadBarry]

Matej Kautman That’s great. I think you’ll be happy with it. Mine has been through 8 flights, lots of hikes in the Rockies, and numerous weddings and commercial shoots in the passed few months and I love it!

[@koklop]

@@ChadBarry The bag just arrived..that whistle is so loud :D ... I have to take back what Ive said. Thx.

[@ChadBarry]

Matej Kautman Haha. 😃