GEAR CORNER STORY || Shotkit review of the 40L Ajna
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Build and Appearance
This isn’t f-stop’s first rodeo and the Ajna is definitely built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The fabric is a heavy 420D ripstop nylon that’s been treated with a TPU laminate. They say it’s so water-resistant that you don’t really need a rain cover for it unless you’re in a downpour. It was raining many of the times I took it out and I did find that it beaded up admirably. Still, I live in a rainy enough climate that I prefer to have a rain cover over my gear.
The pack has a rubberized bottom to keep it both waterproof and puncture-free. I’ve set it down in many a wet spot and haven’t had any bleed-through.
The exterior zippers are all heavy-duty and water-sealed, and they function quite smoothly. The interior zippers all work well and the pockets are both sturdy and flexible.
All in all, it’s a really well-built bag – something one would expect from a high-quality outdoor pack. I’ve had it in rain, mud, wet rocks, and underbrush and you could hardly tell once I’d cleaned it up a bit.
As far as appearances are concerned, one thing I really like about f-stop bags is that they have an outdoor “adventure” look to them. Being a backcountry kind of person, this really appeals to me. I also appreciate that it comes in a color that doesn’t light up the trail so those behind me don’t have to be distracted by it.
On the front, there’s a set of straps with strong buckles for attaching a tripod or other outdoor gear. There’s also a front pocket that runs the length of the bag. For longer trips I like to carry my toiletries there.
There’s also a top pocket that’s good for maps, snacks, and other smaller necessities. The back of the pack has ribbing for air flow and a fair amount of padding. Camera access is on the back of the pack.
Both sides of the f-Stop Ajna have straps for carrying tripods or other gear as well as side pockets. The shoulder straps have two metal D-ring attachment points, which are good for clipping a GPS to. In addition, there are also ten Gatekeeper attachment points spaced around the exterior. There are also a number of compression straps on the back and sides, as well as an adjustable sternum strap and load lifter straps.
One of things I really love about this pack is that it’s hydration compatible. I’m one of those who really prefers to hike with a bladder rather than a water bottle – I tend not to drink much if I have to stop and fetch a bottle.
One thing nice about the Ajna series in particular is that its dimensions fit perfectly as flight carry-on luggage. So if you’re a traveler, the Ajna will probably be a better choice for you than f-stop’s larger packs like the Tilopa or the Sukha.
The recommended ICUs for the Ajna are the Pro UCU (both large and small) and the Medium Slope ICU. Whichever ICU you choose fits in the bottom of the main compartment and is accessible from the back.
The side pockets are expandable and large enough to carry my Sync Cell sleeping pad or a set of space blankets that I use for ground cloths/tarps or my tent footprint. You can also carry sizable water bottles in them if you’re not into hydration systems.
There’s also a “hidden” pocket at the bottom of the pack for keeping trash or your pack’s rain cover.
Storage capacity
Because I shoot with a full frame mirrorless, I tend to run with a smaller camera kit. This makes both day hikes and extended backpacking much easier than when I went out with a DX Nikon DSLR.
Here’s what I carry in the f-stop Ajna when I’m hiking with the Small Pro ICU:
- Sony a7 III + Sony FE 16-35mm lens attached
- Sony FE 50mm
- Peak Design Capture Clip
- Peak Design Slide Strap
- Storm Jacket
- Polar Pro Variable 6-9 Stop ND
- B&W 10-Stop ND filter
- Polar Pro 72mm-77mm Step Up ring
- Viltrox Remote Shutter (not pictured here)
- Lens cloth and blower
If I need to bring more camera gear, though, I move up to the Medium Slope ICU. Since I value having more camping gear space than not, the only time I’d use the Medium Slope is when traveling with the Ajna. That’s when I’d need my charging system, more than two batteries, etc.
Above the ICU is where all my clothing goes, as well as any lighter camping gear I might need (stove, titanium pot, etc.). The food I prefer to store in the front pocket, mostly because it seems too heavy to put on top of the ICU.
The side pockets are really quite impressive. When backpacking, I can fit all sorts of necessary gear here, including a sizable Sil tarp, a ground cloth, lines for the Sil tarp, and my sleeping pad. The pocket at the bottom of the Ajna is a nice touch – it’s excellent for stashing its rain cover.
Easy of use / Comfort
As far as ease of use is concerned, some parts work and others could be better. I really like that I can set the bag down just about anywhere and the exterior doesn’t allow water in or even mud to stain it. The bag design is awesome. It’s simple and straightforward and has room for everything you need for an extended day hike or a minimalist weekend trip.
The f-Stop Ajna is a workhorse of a hiking camera pack. It’s tough, efficient, and has enough carrying capacity for both camera gear and backcountry gear.
It’s not flashy nor does it have a lot of special features, but it gets the job done admirably. If you’re needing 40L of space, you probably won’t find a better pack.
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