f-stop ICU Pro Small camera bag insert

f-stop ICU Pro Small camera insert, your flexible camera protection in your backpack

Let’s be honest: you probably already have more than one backpack in your closet. So why lug around an extra camera bag when you can turn any halfway decent backpack into a full-fledged camera bag with the f-stop ICU Pro Small camera insert. That’s exactly what this insert was developed for, as part of the modular f-stop system that outdoor photographers, filmmakers and content creators have really come to appreciate.

The ICU Pro Small fits perfectly into f-stop camera backpacks and integrates seamlessly into the system there. At the same time, it remains independent enough to move into other backpacks and bags as well. You put it in at the top, at the bottom, stack two on top of each other, slide it in sideways – depending on your setup and daily mood. It sounds simple, and it is, but it’s precisely this simplicity that makes the difference in everyday use.

Robust, weather-resistant material for on the go

When it comes to material, the f-stop ICU Pro Small relies on weather-resistant nylon ripstop fabric. This fabric is designed not to give up immediately if you set your backpack down a bit roughly, it gets wedged in a train compartment or you’re out in the rain. Light showers, splashing water, dust on gravel paths or a quick detour through wet grass are much easier to handle with it.

The ripstop material is constructed so that small tears don’t simply continue to run. It’s robust, lightweight and pleasantly unobtrusive in handling. We wouldn’t claim that you should run carefree through tropical storms with it, but for typical outdoor sessions, city shoots or travel, the protection is absolutely suitable for everyday use.

Compatible with most backpacks and camera bags

The ICU Pro Small was primarily developed for f-stop camera bags, but it’s deliberately designed to work beyond that. It’s compatible as an insert with most backpacks and camera bags that roughly match its internal dimensions. That means you don’t have to throw your entire equipment concept overboard just because you want a new insert.

Many people use the insert, for example, in classic hiking backpacks, everyday daypacks or even in simple business backpacks when they want to combine camera and laptop. The ICU Pro Small brings structure to your backpack without forcing you to give up the comfort of your favorite model. And if you own several bags, you can simply move the insert from one to another instead of constantly reorganizing everything from scratch.

Turns any backpack into a well-thought-out camera bag

At its core, the f-stop ICU Pro Small does exactly what many have been wanting for a long time. It turns any suitable backpack into a camera bag with a clear layout and reliable padding. You place the insert inside, arrange the dividers, pack your gear, and your regular backpack becomes a camera setup for on the go.

The advantage is obvious. You’re not tied to a single camera bag; instead, you can choose the backpack that fits best depending on the tour, job or daily schedule. Sometimes it’s the large trekking backpack for a mountain tour, sometimes the small city backpack for a day in town. The ICU Pro Small remains your constant protected space for camera, lenses and accessories. This is especially practical when you’re switching between photography, everyday life and maybe even office use.

Space for professional and mirrorless cameras

Despite its compact dimensions, the ICU Pro Small offers capacity for professional and mirrorless cameras. It’s designed so that you can easily fit a DSLR or a modern full-frame mirrorless camera, depending on the body shape even with a lens attached. On top of that, there’s space for medium-sized lenses that you actually use in everyday life instead of leaving them on the shelf.

Typical setups are, for example, one camera with a standard zoom plus another zoom or a fast prime lens. Or a mirrorless camera with two to three smaller lenses. The flexibly positionable dividers help you structure the interior so that nothing is flying around and your gear doesn’t bump into each other. We’d say it’s exactly the size you actually need for many real-world tours without overloading yourself.

Ideal for medium-sized lenses and compact equipment

The f-stop ICU Pro Small is deliberately not intended to carry an entire studio in your backpack, but rather a well-thought-out, lightweight setup. Medium-sized lenses fit in here nicely. A 24–70 millimeter, a 70–200 millimeter in a compact version or a few fast prime lenses can be neatly stowed away without making you feel like you have to play Tetris at pro level.

For many photographers and filmmakers, this balance between space and compactness is crucial. You can take enough with you to stay flexible without overburdening yourself with weight and volume. And if you ever want to head out with a reduced kit, the ICU Pro Small also fits into smaller backpacks without filling them completely.

Transporting small drones like DJI Air

In addition to cameras and lenses, the ICU Pro Small also transports small drones like the DJI Air and similar models. So if you enjoy shooting aerials or want to switch flexibly between photo, video and drone footage while traveling, you can keep everything neatly bundled in one insert.

Drone, controller, a few batteries and cables all find their place inside when you adjust the dividers accordingly. This way you don’t have to lug around an additional hard case for your drone, but instead integrate your aircraft directly into your existing camera system. That saves space, nerves and often a bit of searching when you want to get started quickly.

Recommended f-stop bags and stacking options

The f-stop ICU Pro Small is optimized for various f-stop backpacks and can even be stacked in some of them. This opens up exciting combination options if you want to transport a lot of gear or want to divide your setup flexibly.

Recommended bags are the SUKHA with a volume of 70 liters, in which the ICU Pro Small can be stacked, the TILOPA with 50 liters, also with stacking options, and the AJNA with 40 liters, which is particularly suitable for ambitious outdoor shoots and also allows you to stack the insert. In addition, there is the LOTUS with 32 liters for slightly more compact tours, the LOKA UL with 37 liters, in which the ICU Pro Small is also stackable, as well as the KASHMIR with 30 liters and the GURU with 25 liters.

These combinations show how flexible the modular f-stop system is intended to be. You can use the same insert in different backpacks, combine it with other ICU sizes or divide your equipment into several inserts so you can repack more quickly. Especially when traveling or working different jobs, this is a real advantage.

External dimensions of the f-stop ICU Pro Small

To help you better plan how the insert will fit into your backpack, the external dimensions are important. The f-stop ICU Pro Small has external dimensions of 17.8 centimeters in depth, 29.2 centimeters in width and 20.3 centimeters in height. These measurements help you position the insert in your existing backpack and check whether there is still room for additional gear, clothing or accessories.

Especially if you’re using a backpack that doesn’t come from the f-stop system, it’s worth taking a quick measurement. That way you can estimate whether the ICU Pro Small will fit better sideways or upright and whether you might still have space for a water bottle, jacket or laptop.

Internal dimensions and usable storage space

The internal dimensions are crucial for how much gear you can actually fit inside. On the inside, the ICU Pro Small offers a depth of 16.5 centimeters, a width of 26.7 centimeters and a height of 17.8 centimeters. This is the space you can fill with camera, lenses, drone or accessories.

Thanks to the padding and dividers, a well-protected, clearly structured area is created in which your gear doesn’t knock against each other. You can adjust the compartments so that your camera body sits snugly, lenses don’t wobble and sensitive parts like displays or gimbals aren’t unnecessarily stressed. It’s surprising how much fits into this interior space when it’s organized sensibly.

Lightweight for mobile setups

Despite its sturdy construction, the f-stop ICU Pro Small weighs only 0.42 kilograms. This low weight makes it particularly interesting for anyone who is on the move a lot, walks long distances or already has to deal with heavy equipment. Every gram saved helps, especially on longer tours or when traveling with strict luggage limits.

So you get a camera insert that reliably protects your gear, can be integrated flexibly into different backpacks and at the same time doesn’t unnecessarily increase your overall weight. In practice, this means more freedom of movement, less strain and a setup that you’ll actually enjoy taking with you instead of leaving it at home out of convenience.