It was stable with the help of the rear panniers. Any bag is stable when the panniers are in place. I put on my wider front rack after and it worked better. In that picture, the photo gear is in the non-photo compartment of a Lowepro Orion Trekker so it isn't ideal. Now, I use a Tamrac Aero 70, which works better for a few reasons:

- It opens like a handlebar bag when flat on the rack.
- There are lashing points underneath for tripod straps. I run a nylon strap with buckle to attach the bag to the rack.
- The mesh side pockets are great to stuff the shoulder straps so they stay away from the wheel, not to mention they're useful to carry water on hikes.

As for the CF tripod, I don't worry. Should I?

A quick pic without the lashing strap. The closed-cell foam acts as a wide fender and extra padding, and can be used as a seat in camp.