Best all round photography bag? Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW ii review

Today’s video location What3words dragons.outlooks.hazel
For my 40th Birthday, I decided to have a weekend away to Dorset with my wife and enjoy a few sunrise and sunsets. To carry all my gear, I took with me my latest camera bag, the Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW II and made an honest review having used the bag for nearly two months now.
If you want to find out more about this bag, and also check out the little brother the 350, then see below link to Lowepro's website.
www.lowepro.co...
If you would like to see more of my work then check out my website:
Www.benharveyphotography.co.uk
The gear I use to make my content (although this is always changing!)
Sony A7iv + 20mm 1.8G - My main KZbin camera for shooting out on location.
Canon EOS R8 + 16mm F2.8 + Zhuyin Crane M3 - I use this for a combination of stills and video B-roll
DJI Pocket 3 - Used for videos where I cover a lot of ground
Sony A7iii - this is my primary stills camera that works with native Sony lenses and all my Canon EF lenses on the Sigma MC-11 adaptor
Canon 5D3 - I use this camera when I use my EF glass and there is no benefit in adapting
DJI Mavic Pro 2 - My first drone, and I can’t see me replacing it. It’s amazing for both stills and video
Go Pro Hero 8 - for adverse weather conditions that my other cameras might not survive!
Insta360 - X3 & One inch edition - for 360 degree video and BTS content
Microphones - DJI Wireless Mic, Rode Wireless Go, Rode Lav Go, Rode Video Pro+, Rode Video Micro
Photo Tripods - Sirui ST-124 with Sirui ballhead, Peak Design travel tripod
Video Tripods - Benro + spikes, Switchpod, K&F travel tripod + Gorillapod
Monopod - Sirui P-325FL
Camera bags - Manfrotto, Lowepro, Peak Design, K&F and Crumpler
Photo Filters - Nisi V7 + Nisi filters, H&Y magnetic filter system
Video filters - Freewell magnetic NDs, H&Y Revoring, Hoya Variable ND
All of my cameras have Arca Swiss plates to connect with the Peak Design Capture Clip and compatible tripods.
Video editing software - Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro
Video editing on the iPad Pro - LumaFusion
Photo editing - Adobe Lightroom, photoshop, Artisan Pro X, Silver Efex, Color Efex
Music: Epidemic Sound
Music: www.davidcutte... / @dcuttermusic

[@MrPhilbautista]

It doesn't balance properly because of the rain cover stored underneath. Make an effort to make it flat and it will stand up properly or, if you're lazy, push it all the way back and it will now fall forward and the back remains clean.

[@benharveyphotography]

That’s a very good point Phil, as the cover is attached to the bag, I will have a go at folding it back into the pouch in a more even fashion and see if that helps.

[@keithmiller2714]

I have a lowepro bag that is probably one of the first generations of this bag 20 years ago. This might be the next bag. Thanks for the video. Only additional question I have is how breathable is the back where it rides against you?

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi Keith, it has areas of padding that rest against your back and shoulders which are padded (in layers) and allow air to flow between them. I have been using the bag all summer and I would say that it does a good job of being breathable. It’s comfortable also.

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

I bought this bag a few months ago (December 2023) and have come to love it for hauling my Olympus E-M1X and lenses about for landscapes/wildlife. I chose the 450 for the size and versatility, as well, and though it won't sit upright (the rainfly compartment simply isn't sufficiently stiff to give it a firm/level base), I don't have to worry about laying it down in snow or dusty conditions while shooting here in western North Dakota or eastern Montana. The bag is well padded and sturdy and truly versatile with so many dividers and access points. Yes, it's a large bag but should work fine in most overhead airline compartments (always check with specific airlines for maximum dimensions, of course). First vid I've seen from your channel, Ben, and I enjoyed it. Well done!

[@benharveyphotography]

hanks for leaving a comment and sharing your experiences with the bag also. Glad to hear that you are happy with your purchase. I get the impression that this bag is going to last a loooong time.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Good bags. I have a 250 AW (they don't make any more) and a 350 AW. Used them both a lot, Australia, Great Britain, Greece. With my switch to MFT, I have finally found the PRVKE LITE after some expensive other tries. Seems like just the right size, finally. And, expandable with the roll-top. Great for air travel. I have no gear demands like you, the 450 looks huge! Hope that 40 year-old back keeps coming through for you!

[@benharveyphotography]

Cheers Brian, I read MFT as Medium Format haha. That seems the wrong direction if you are trying to cut down weight! Then I realised it is Micro Four Thirds, makes more sense now. I wish I could travel with less gear, but even just yesterday I was filming a property and I needed three cameras, two gimbals (I was making a comparison between them), one tripod and a handful of lenses! Not sure my back will last much longer 🙂

[@andreaspetershtc]

So I wish you all the best for your birthday. By the way: I also owned once this Camera Bag (the first version) but I sold it again later after I found quite a while ago my definitive definive best camera bag (also after trying different models which all had minor or major downsides). My final best camera bag is Mindshiftgear Backlight 26L.

[@kendrickwong6295]

Bag falling over is because of the rain cover. Pull it out and it will stand; I tried it in a shop. I just wonder if it's possible to place a flat piece of cardboard/plastic in that compartment so that it's flat?

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi I tried shuffling the rain cover around in the bottom compartment to flatten out the bag, after someone else said a similar comment below, but I still couldn’t get it to stand on its own confidently. I don’t think it is a massive issue, I still use the bag all the time, and I just lean it against walls/trees/tripod legs the opposite way to make sure it doesn’t fall. If this does bother you, you could explore putting a t-shirt on one side or something to pad it out a bit?

[@GlenCuillin]

I’ve had this bag for a while now. Whilst it’s a solid camera bag; I have had a major irritation - the tripod cup is not very secure; it’s fallen off my bag on several occasions and the last time I lost it completely. It’s not possible to buy a single replacement; you need to buy it with a bunch of other stuff. So this tiny item is costing me £65! For all their claimed green credentials this is not sustainable. It’s ridiculous having to buy a whole bunch of unnecessary stuff just to get the single item I need. Very poor.

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi Glen, I can see how this could be annoying, my friend Jamie lost one of the straps on the back of his and would have to buy the kit to replace one (but at least that is an option). I have not had this issue with the drink holder or the tripod holder. I have mine looped through two of the black loops on the bag, mine is set at the bottom of the back in the middle (not the side) and I find the Velcro to be very strong. The tripod folder is only large enough to hold one of my tripod feet though, whereas some of my other bags hold two feet or all three; this is more of an observation rather than a problem as one tripod foot still stops it from sliding out. This tripod is strapped back to the bag using the two supplied buckle straps. I hope this makes sense.

[@mjglassgallery7608]

You can use the top part of the bag to rest your camera on to shoot if you want a low shot and don’t want to take your tripod out. I do that with this bag a lot.

[@benharveyphotography]

I had to do that recently, but not out of choice, but because I forgot my tripod and i went to the beach to shoot long exposures!!!

[@picsaregreat]

Don't know if it will work, but if you tuck the weather cover that's in the bottom so that it fits right to make the bag stand upright. I also just purchased the same bag. pulled out the cover to look at it. when I put it back in the bag sat upright and didn't fall over! I only pulled it out because you did in your review.

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi, I have tried this but it doesn’t seem to have fixed mine. That said, I went out yesterday with another landscape photographer who has the bag and his does not fall over - so maybe I got a dud copy 😂 I hope you enjoy the bag, I love it.

[@Rick--A-F]

I really like my older Lowepro, except for it opens from the front, which is a pain (for the reasons you mentioned!). I can't fault the build quality. The only other thing I'd change is the colour of the zip pulls to make them easier to spot.

[@benharveyphotography]

The Lowepro bags are solid, I recon that I have had my other Lowepro bag for ten year now, still going strong. The different colour for zips is a good idea!

[@h-dawg969]

How will those straps on the back be for putting fpv quads on the outside of the bag? & are they included or are they additional purchases?

[@benharveyphotography]

Hello, I assume that FPV Quads are drones that you are referring to? In terms of weight capacity, they can hold a tripod so I am sure your drone will be fine. I believe that all of the accessories are included, as it is the only way of carrying a tripod with this bag, and I saw someone else with this bag at the weekend and he also had the tripod attachment.

[@Christographer_UK]

Yet another interesting video Ben. As good as that bag is, I refuse to buy yet another one (at the moment at least). My other half would through a wobbly! When you start looking for a new camera bag, do you start with the one thing it must do, or must have? For me, the most important factor is it must fit in most airline overhead lockers, if it doesn't, then it's a big no, no. By the looks of it the BP 450 AW ii would be far too large. Belated happy 40th birthday, if I haven't mentioned it before somewhere else.

[@benharveyphotography]

Cheers Chris, since there is more than one person discussing compatibility with airlines I thought I would look it up. The Lowepro BP 450 AW II is External Dimensions: 52 x36 x22 cm. British Airways (different airlines vary) allow 56 x 45 x 25 cm so it looks like it fits! I have another Lowepro 450 AW bag from a different range which is more square and I flew to Glasgow with that many years ago without any problems. Thank you for the birthday wishes, it was a month ago now, but that is the nature of spacing your videos out!

[@Christographer_UK]

@@benharveyphotography Hi Ben. Some airlines are allowing two pieces of hand luggage per passenger now, or proposing to do so soon. I don't have any sizes for those two bag airlines as yet, but the sizes are/will be much smaller than those listed below. Perhaps one of the larger camera bag makers could come up with a double bag that zips together somehow for use as a backpack & splits in two for two pieces of carry-on luggage? The trouble with hand luggage is the inconsistency between airlines. Carry-on Luggage Sizes Different airlines set different limits on how much hand luggage you can carry on board. Below are the sizes and weights of some of the more popular airlines. You are strongly advised to check your own particular airline for their most up-to-date baggage guidelines. Airline Luggage sizes Airline Maximum size Maximum weight Airline Maximum size Maximum weight Aegean 56 x 45 x 25 cm 8kg Aer Lingus 55 x 40 x 24 cm 10kg Aer Lingus Regional 48 x 33 x 20 cm 7kg Air Canada 55 x 40 x 23 cm 10kg Air France 55 x 35 x 25 cm 12kg Air China 55 x 40 x 20 cm 5kg American Airlines 56 x 36 x 23 cm Unspecified British Airways 56 x 45 x 25 cm 23kg Brussels Airlines 55 x 40 x 23 cm 12kg Delta Airlines 56 x 35 x 23 cm No limit EasyJet 56 x 45 x 25 cm No limit (Must be able to lift into overhead locker) Egypt Air 58 x 45 x 25 cm 8kg Emirates 55 x 38 x 20 cm 7kg Etihad Airways 50 x 40 x 25 cm 7kg Eurowings 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8kg Finnair 56 x 45 x 25 cm 8kg Flybe 55 x 35 x 20 cm 10kg FlyBMI 55 x 40 x 23 cm 12kg Iberia 56 x 45 x 25 cm 10kg Icelandair 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10kg Jet2 56 x 45 x 25 cm 10kg KLM 55 x 35 x 25 cm 12kg Loganair 40 x 35 x 18 cm 6kg Lufthansa 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8kg Malaysia Airlines 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7kg Quantas 56 x 36 x 23 cm 7kg Qatar Airways 50 x 37 x 25 cm 7kg Ryanair 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10kg Scandinavian Airlines 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8kg Singapore Airlines 55 x 40 x 20 cm 7kg Swiss International 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8kg TAP Air Portugal 55 x 40 x 20 cm 8kg Thomas Cook 55 x 40 x 20 cm 6kg TUI 55 x 40 x 20 cm 5kg Tunisair 55 x 40 x 20 cm 8kg Turkish Airlines 55 x 40 x 23 cm 8kg United Airlines 56 x 35 x 22 cm Unspecified Virgin Atlantic 56 x 36 x 23 cm 10kg Vueling 55 x 40 x 20 cm 10kg Wizz Air 40 x 30 x 20 cm 10kg Wow Air 56 x 45 x 25 cm 12kg Sorry for the terrible formatting. Copy & paste strikes again.

[@ricardobowen3364]

Very informative video. I would love to hear your opinion on the Tenba Axis V2 24L

[@benharveyphotography]

Hi Richard, I have never owned or even seen a Tenba bag, but I have heard good things about them.

[@scherge]

Got this backpack on sale today for 220 €, and it feels like a steal. I'm impressed by the build quality, and by how versatile the whole thing is. The carrying comfort is also superb, imo. Really looking forward to carrying all my camera gear around in this bp in Norway for the next two weeks ^^ Great review, thanks!

[@benharveyphotography]

Excellent. Enjoy Norway and of course enjoy the new camera bag!

[@joekelly9369]

I own them both , the 350 i dragged it through all kinds of bush and crud ,, theyre great , apart from the pocket on your back area useless , puts pressure on the inner contents , i ebmned up with the 450, ..... the temba axis 32l and 24l , theyre awasome i use the spare dividers to put in lowepro bags to stiffen the internals , (temba partitions are tough and stiffer than lowepros flimsy dividers , you can also get full set of 150mm filters in tenbas rear pockets + other stuff , [i have tons of bags some are relegated to lighting ] some hold just one lens , lowepro zips are awesomely tough , its a /theyre great bags , temba axis just have that bit extra ,

[@benharveyphotography]

It sounds like you have the same camera bag addiction that I do! :-)

[@kphotographyonline4537]

Great bag. I have the 450 & 350. Only niggle is no other storage for for storing a rain jacket jacket, snacks etc. just purchased the Lowepro whistlers 450 AW II 👌🏼

[@benharveyphotography]

The top compartment would be ideal for that , but of course this is meant for a camera! I hope the Whistler version works out for you - Lowepro bags are really well made, I have had my other LOwepro bag for over ten years - still going strong!

[@rogalaphotography]

My first real camera bag...I still have it but is sits in the closet. I MUCH prefer the Shimoda Explorer 35L V2. It really is a superior bag to other bags on the market. I have the PM Nomatic bags, Peak Design bags...nothing compares to the comfort and functionality of the Shimoda bags. I also have the Shimoda Action X50 V1 which I love too! Great video!

[@benharveyphotography]

I have yet to see or experience a Shimoda bag.....I must be missing out. I have some similar bags to you, the Peak Design everyday is a nice bag, well made but I don't find the straps very comfortable when you load it up. I have the PM sling for small cameras, a Manfrotto bag, a few Lowepro bags. a Crumpler, I think? maybe a Vanguard.... as I mentioned I have too many camera bags!?!

[@bluejays5660]

Where’d you get that great hat?

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Spot on video Ben. This was on my shortlist but because I fly a lot it was too big for that purpose… hmmmm… maybe 2 bags are needed. Can you please stop reviewing stuff! 😂. Nice work Ben 👍

[@benharveyphotography]

Stop showing off with your jetset lifestyle :-) I now know that they make a slightly smaller version, the 350 AW but I don't know the exact dimensions. Take me with you, I will carry your camera and lenses :-P

[@louisewelcomephotography]

@@benharveyphotography there’s no jet setting for the foreseeable at the moment. 😳😉

[@fictionfactory7164]

Good review Ben and do you think this would hold a Sony mirrorless body with 17-70 attached plus a 200-600 and a 70-200 with space for a few extras such as charger etc?

[@benharveyphotography]

Hello. I just looked up the kit you are referring to, the Tamron 17-70 on a sony could fit in the top compartment, however the 200-600 is a big lens. I just measured the width of the bag an internal you have 310mm from the inside of the bag to the other side where the openings are and there isn’t enough space to put that lens in, as that measures 324mm according to Sony’s website. Not sure if that includes a lens hood mounted backwards or not. You could completely reconfigure the bag so that you put the 200-600 in at the top and essentially divide the bag from top to bottom and you easily fit in the 17-70 with a camera body and accessories, however if the 70-200 is an f2.8 your are asking a lot! If the 70-200 is an F4 then it will probably fit, but you wont benefit from the side access at all as your kits will be in the bag a certain way.

[@fictionfactory7164]

Thank you for that Ben. The 70-200 is the f/4 variant, I may upgrade to the 2.8 at some point but i like the internal focus of the mk1. I would like a bag where the hoods can remain attached, for a bit of extra protection, if nothing else. Have ordered a couple of bags to try out so we'll see how that goes.

[@AndreaMilone-p3y]

How can the side pockets and the top camera extraction pocket be safe? There is not the same security as the rear zip on the back....some attacker "could" get their hands there without us realizing

[@benharveyphotography]

It is a good point, but how you configure the bag is entirely up to you. You can put the bottle holder on one side (covering that side pouch) and the tripod holder on the other side and not put anything in the top pouch and then everything would be accessed from the back zip. You could use a caribena on the zips for extra security. The good thing is that the design of the bag gives you flexibility to make security a priority.

[@AndreaMilone-p3y]

​@@benharveyphotography Surely everyone configures it as they like, but the parent company in the presentation videos focuses precisely on the versatility in using the side and top pockets to easily extract the machine... positioning something above the pockets to "block" access eliminates the the use for which they were designed/made.

[@MrPhilbautista]

@@AndreaMilone-p3y There's always a trade off between ease of access and security. The company gives you the option of which to prioritize. Personally, I've never lost anything to thieves because of those side access panels but YMMV.

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

@@AndreaMilone-p3y Just my thoughts but there simply isn't any way someone will "sneak" anything out of any of the side or top access points. The top access has a rather thick/stiff "door" with a lip and the side points aren't going to allow anyone stealthy or easy access, either, owing to the direction of the openings. If a thief was sufficiently brazen not to care about stealth, they're just going to take the entire bag away in the end anyway.

[@setheon]

Good review Ben

[@benharveyphotography]

Thank you, much appreciated.