Most versatile ICU (camera insert) for backpacks and other bags

This thread is intended to be the “ICU-focused” companion to this main resource, which I published a while back:

BEST BACKPACK / RUCKSACK FOR HIKING PHOTOGRAPHERS (2021)

Since then, I have had numerous private conversations with fellow photographers from around the world who sought some advice about which particular TMP pack would work best for them, and also which insert(s) I would recommend.

While I have already detailed the solutions personally use the most in the articles above, I also frequently borrow packs and gear from friends in my community, and it turns out that many of them favor a type of ICU that is far more versatile than the standard models.

What we are talking about is a dual-access insert, or multi-access insert, meaning an ICU that offers access via more than 1 of its 6 sides (or called planes, or faces… as you all know an ICU is a rectangle or cube that has 6 sides.)

The models I see the most among my friends are from the Lowepro GearUp Creator Box series. Those come in three sizes, are well-built, and are fairly priced, especially when compared to the astronomical figures charged by some competitors. More importantly, they offer dual access to your gear (standard top side plus the upper small side.) Have a look here:

https://www.lowepro.com/us-en/collection/gearup/

Once you have started using one of those, especially in tandem with a dual access TMP pack such as the DFV60, CS44, Quechua MH500, etc. – you have access either via the pack’s standard top opening plus via its front panel, see full list in main resource above, articles 2,3,4, 5 and 6) – it’s actually hard to go back to a “one-side ICU” because you have enjoyed so much more flexibility in pulling out or stashing your photo gear. You can of course place the Creator Box in the central or lower compartment of the backpack and its the large top side for access, but you can also place it at the top of the backpack and pull your most-used body+cam combo out very quickly. All you have to do is unzip the small upper side (the one that has the handle.) It’s the type of versatility that actually makes your outings way more enjoyable!

This works great with other packs and bags as well, such as the Granite Trailster wheeled pack, my preferred carry-on, reviewed here.

Your turn: do you use multi-access inserts? Which brands and models?

Please share your feedback and experiences.

Happy hikes and travels!

Chris

Snap Happy wrote:

I'm a fan of the Tenba BYOB DSLR 9/10 backpack insert (current series, less so the previous series).

Good quality, functional, no flashy features, very well priced. Put it in 20L Osprey dry-sac and it slips easily in/out of a rucksack (tip: when inserting, don't fasten the roll-top first, that way most of the air gets squeezed out as you insert it).

Thanks for the feedback Snap.

Is the current BYOB series dual-access?

Also, to everyone, please post a link when you mention a product (I forgot to mention in my OP, but it always helps!)

Chris 222 wrote:

Snap Happy wrote:

I'm a fan of the Tenba BYOB DSLR 9/10 backpack insert (current series, less so the previous series).

Good quality, functional, no flashy features, very well priced. Put it in 20L Osprey dry-sac and it slips easily in/out of a rucksack (tip: when inserting, don't fasten the roll-top first, that way most of the air gets squeezed out as you insert it).

Thanks for the feedback Snap.

Is the current BYOB series dual-access?

Also, to everyone, please post a link when you mention a product (I forgot to mention in my OP, but it always helps!)

The Tenba is not dual access.  I think it all depends on how one uses an insert that will determine which one you like better.  The Lowepro and Tenba are similar in many ways.  It looks like the Tenba gives you one more divider than the Lowepro.  Where the designs differ mainly is in the access. The Lowepro has more access points for when it is left in your backpack.  This is advantageous if you usually just pull the camera out with an attached lens.  If you’re the type that is switching lenses often and pulling the insert out of the bag most the time, the Tenba may have one advantage for some.  The Tenba has a lower lip on the bottom of the top opening when you open it while the Lowepro does not.  This might make it easier for something just to roll out accidentally.  But, it also makes it slightly harder to just pull out the camera while it is in the bag.  The older version of the Tenba insert did not have this lip.  I guess they got too many complaints.  If we all had the same preferences in things, there would only be one perfect solution.  But, we’re all different and that is why you have different cameras, bag inserts, etc.  There is no one perfect solution for all of us.

Forum GAS wrote:

Chris 222 wrote:

Snap Happy wrote:

I'm a fan of the Tenba BYOB DSLR 9/10 backpack insert (current series, less so the previous series).

Good quality, functional, no flashy features, very well priced. Put it in 20L Osprey dry-sac and it slips easily in/out of a rucksack (tip: when inserting, don't fasten the roll-top first, that way most of the air gets squeezed out as you insert it).

Thanks for the feedback Snap.

Is the current BYOB series dual-access?

Also, to everyone, please post a link when you mention a product (I forgot to mention in my OP, but it always helps!)

The Tenba is not dual access.

I see that now. Tenba calls it a "vertical orientation" insert. I guess this makes the LP both vertical and hozizontal. Nice and simple.

Again, in order to make the conversation easier on everyone, if/when you discuss an ICU, please post a link to the product.

https://tenba.com/tenba-byob-9-dslr-backpack-insert-black/

I think it all depends on how one uses an insert that will determine which one you like better. The Lowepro and Tenba are similar in many ways. It looks like the Tenba gives you one more divider than the Lowepro. Where the designs differ mainly is in the access. The Lowepro has more access points for when it is left in your backpack. This is advantageous if you usually just pull the camera out with an attached lens.

Indeed.

If you’re the type that is switching lenses often and pulling the insert out of the bag most the time, the Tenba may have one advantage for some. The Tenba has a lower lip on the bottom of the top opening when you open it while the Lowepro does not. This might make it easier for something just to roll out accidentally.

Naaah. Those of us who remove the ICU would never place it with the side opening facing down a slope!

This being said, Tenba has made some good stuff over the years (still own a few.) Funny thing is, when I look at this nice BYOB, it pretty much looks like many of my old camcorder and shoulder bags (meant as a compliment.) Their pricing is quite fair too.

lukx wrote:

After contacting Chris to help me with best setup for short and longer hiking with tent camping and photography here's what I picked. It was a bit of struggle to find the previous Deuter models but I managed to find Deuter Futura Vario 50+10 for longer hikes and Deuter 26 futura for short trips. Now the question was ICU and I went with Lowepro Gerup Creator Box XL to fit my Sony a7III with REallyRIght Stuff Lbracket, Sigma 100-400 DG DN and Sony 16-35 2.8 GM. Still there is a bit of place for extras or two smaller lenses. The Tripod is FLM CP-30 L4 II to save the side pockets I bough neoprene lens cover and use it to protect and hold tripod head.

Futura 26 bix box still have space at the top to fit puffy coat etc, and laso lot of space in lid.

Futura Vario 50+10 lot of space above ICU , plus lid , plus bottom compartment for seeping bag.

All setups on images below.

DEUTER Futura 26:

DEUTER Futura Vario 50+10

Replying with pics including here, which I rarely do, because your pics do a good job illustrating how versatile these combos are.

A few observations:

- If you want quick access to your main rig with the DF26, simply place the Gearbox ICU above your clothing or whatever. It will now sit just below the lid. You can leave the ICU unzipped at the top, which is actually what most of our members who own it do.

- I memory serves, the Gearbox XL also fits horizontally in the main compartment of the DFV60. This gives you yet another option. You can for example place it a little higher up, above food, clothing, etc. 
TIP: on a multi-day hike, or a day hike in desert areas, place your extra few 1L or 1.5L bottles of cold water underneath your ICI (just behind the TMP.) The water will stay cool for much, much longer.

- The DF26 gives you one other easy option for your tripod, and the DFV60 two.

Thanks for sharing!

zurubi wrote:

@lukx

Funny, I hike with almost the same equipment you post, even the tripod! (well, plus one more UWA lens).

I see that the front zipper in the bag you have with the ICU is an amazing combination. I don't have that in my Osprey backpack so it's more cumbersome to remove the camera from the inside. I have a side pocket that kind of works with an ICU. It's a lot more relevant for the smaller pack, since when I hike longer distances I am not taking my camera out all the time.

BTW, where did you find the Futura 26 pack? (are you in the US?)

lukx wrote:

After contacting Chris to help me with best setup for short and longer hiking with tent camping and photography here's what I picked. It was a bit of struggle to find the previous Deuter models but I managed to find Deuter Futura Vario 50+10 for longer hikes and Deuter 26 futura for short trips. Now the question was ICU and I went with Lowepro Gerup Creator Box XL to fit my Sony a7III with REallyRIght Stuff Lbracket, Sigma 100-400 DG DN and Sony 16-35 2.8 GM. Still there is a bit of place for extras or two smaller lenses. The Tripod is FLM CP-30 L4 II to save the side pockets I bough neoprene lens cover and use it to protect and hold tripod head.

Futura 26 bix box still have space at the top to fit puffy coat etc, and laso lot of space in lid.

Futura Vario 50+10 lot of space above ICU , plus lid , plus bottom compartment for seeping bag.

All setups on images below.

DEUTER Futura 26:

As mentioned in the main resource (see link in OP), Deuter has really screwed up their 2021 upgrades of the Futura line (a downgrade, really) which is why many people scrambled to stock up on the previous gen.

The DF26 is pretty much gone in the US. Still, I might be able to help you find similar models. What's your torso length?

David Rez wrote:

Thank you guy for the detailed pics and description. The Lowepro ICU seems to be worth considering. Nevertheless, I was wondering whether the Peak Design Camera Cube is worth buying. Any thoughts?

You really need to measure your bag and check whether the Peak Design really fits both in the bag and its opening.   I bought an XL and I suspect it will only fit in boxy design backpacks.  I just use it as a storage container now.

David Rez wrote:

Thank you guy for the detailed pics and description. The Lowepro ICU seems to be worth considering. Nevertheless, I was wondering whether the Peak Design Camera Cube is worth buying. Any thoughts?

Hi David,

Again, please post a link to the product you are asking about.

Is that so hard to do?

Manufacturers evolve their products, sometimes they get better, sometimes they do not !

I've been following Chris' backpack post for a few weeks. Before I saw this thread today, I ordered a Futura 28, which I presume to be an older model. I also ordered a Tenba BYOB 10 to carry my Olympus OMD-EM1, Olympus 7-14mm, Panasonic 100-300, Olympus 60mm, and Sigma 16mm.

Backpack - https://www.mountainsteals.com/product/deuter-futura-28-pack_10367536

Insert - https://www.adorama.com/tb636265.html

I am replacing an old Kata backpack that I used for airline travel, along with a ThinkTank TurnStyle 20 sling that I used for day trips. Both gave me terrible backaches, so I'm hoping the Futura bag will be comfortable and not to difficult to get my camera and lenses out of.

David Rez wrote:

Forgot to put the link:

https://www.peakdesign.com/collections/travel-bags/products/camera-cube?variant=11530961649708

Thanks for the URL David.

I really, REALLY like how PD makes their dividers, a common-sense design that allows far more flexibility in setting up your ICU layout. This design should be the standard.

Unfortunately the 12.6" length, which presumably fits their own packs (all PP harnesses, sadly) might make those Camera Cube inserts a difficult fit on most real (comfortable and TMP) backpacks. Tough to say without having a sample to test, but dimensions-wise, it looks real tight even a larger pack like the Vario 60.

It's a shame because the Medium size would have been a great choice with its dual access feature.

PIOT wrote:

Lowepro GearUp Creator Box Extra Large II is great option for Top Loader Pack
However Backpacks like Shimoda or F-stop works better for me. But this is good if you use regular pack,

It's even better if one uses a dual-access pack (front loader and top leader) as I explained in my OP. You really gain a tremendous amount of versatility and that makes a big difference in actual use in the field..

Here is Lowepro GearUp Creator Box Extra Large II with Mountain Hardwear JMT 25L Backpack.
https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/jmt-25l-backpack-1938341.html?dwvar_1938341_color=352&pos=4
Perfect fit from above when placing insert into the backpack

Thanks for those nice pics.