Review

The Review | F-stop Kenti Photo Backpack

22.11.2014
by

Photography gear packs are possibly the most contested and asked about gear choice in the forums and proverbial break rooms of the photo world. I swear, it’s not what lens are you shooting with, it’s “hey, what pack is that?” After testing the F-stop Gear Kenti pack, I know, at least in certain situations, what bag I’m grabbing.

F-stop gear Kenti photo packpack, designed and built specifically with mountain biking in mind.
F-stop gear Kenti photo packpack, designed and built specifically with mountain biking in mind.
F-stop Gear Kenti while on board a person. Rider is 5'11" (1.8m) 150 pounds (68kg).
F-stop Gear Kenti while on board a person. Rider is 5’11” (1.8m) 150 pounds (68kg).

Details

  • Volume: 25 litres
  • Reversed YKK® zippers for extra water and weather resistance
  • Hypalon® zipper garages help prevent water penetration
  • Rain Cover pocket in base of the pack
  • Padded back panel pocket for tablet or hydration reservoir
  • Roll top main access allows volume to be adjusted
  • Compatible with optional f-stop seam-taped Rain Cover
  • The MOLLE attachment system is the international standard for military, police, and fire departments; these straps allow the attachment of f-stop accessories and other third party add-ons
  • Price: $195 msrp
Roll top is easy to open and close and gives you a ton of room to reach into the top section of pack.
Roll top is easy to open and close and gives you a ton of room to reach into the top section of pack.
Opposite side of pack. I don't normally use a water reservoir while riding, but the Kenti is equipped to handle one.
Opposite side of pack. I don’t normally use a water reservoir while riding, but the Kenti is equipped to handle one.
Opening on rear of pack for water reservoir.
Opening on rear of pack for water reservoir.
Multiple loops are in place to guide water tubing and keep from flopping around.
Multiple loops are in place to guide water tubing and keep from flopping around.

Love Hate Relationship

After spending some real time with this pack, riding with it, dropping it on the ground, picking it up, putting it back on, and repeating several thousand times, I grew to love this pack. And it also drove me crazy. It’s great because it’s thought out and designed properly, but because it’s too small for most of the type of photo work I do, I’m left feeling, ughhhhhh! It rides incredibly well. It’s designed to feel like a normal riding pack. And it fulfills that job incredibly well.

The quality of materials and construction of the bag is among the best in the biz. I expect this bag to be around for many years. Race photographers are a funny bunch, and I’ve yet to see any take it easy on their packs, and I’ve seen many using F-stop bags. Think there’s a connection there? Yes, the bags are expensive, and yes, I think they’re worth every penny.

If you can trim down your kit (I rode it with two bodies, Canon 5Diii w/70-200 and 7d with 17-40, and 24-70 f2.8 in top compartment, a minimal bike repair kit, about 12 oz. of water, lightweight jacket, and not much else) then this might be the bag for you. The thing rides like any other riding pack, and better than some even. It has the perfect combination of lightweight materials and suspension to be at the top of it’s game. But if you want to carry much more than listed above, or if you’re constantly changing lenses and/or fiddling with your gear, then this isn’t the bag for you. I’d look at one of the bigger packs from F-stop.

Canon 5Diii with 70-200.
Canon 5Diii with 70-200.
Canon 7D with 17-40. Small pocket is great for batteries and other accessories. Divider creates room for another lens.
Canon 7D with 17-40. Small pocket is great for batteries and other accessories. Divider creates room for another lens.
Roll top in open position. Lightweight jacket goes in the top pocket. Flat rear pocket holds minimal repair kit and CF card wallet on retaining leash.
Roll top in open position. Lightweight jacket goes in the top pocket. Flat rear pocket holds minimal repair kit and CF card wallet on retaining leash.
Looking into top pocket, with Canon 24-70. Can't see spare tube.
Looking into top pocket, with Canon 24-70. Can’t see spare tube.
Pocket on waist belt can hold energy bars, etc.
Pocket on waist belt can hold energy bars, etc.

Bottom Line:


This bag is outstanding quality, rides on you, while on the bike, like a dream. For most pros and wanna-be pros, you’ll probably want something bigger for your everyday workhorse. If you can adjust your photo kit for the day’s needs to make this bag work, then you’ll be a happy photographer. I am thrilled with this bag and can recommend it to anyone, with a few caveats. Go get this bag, you won’t be disappointed.

Words, Photos: Daniel Dunn

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