Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO AW III Review | The ULTIMATE Bag for Photography and Wild Camping?

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Julian, great video with a lot of information packed into it. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels -Craig

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks so much Craig. Appreciate you watching. :-)

[@mannipearce3357]

Great video Julian, thorough review.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Manni. :-)

[@TheEves]

Great wee video, Julian. Very well explained and entertaining.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much. 👍

[@paulconnors2078]

Hello Julian: Again, another fact-filled, real-world review of equipment many outdoor photographers will find helpful. Actually, I've often been tempted to ask youtuber photographers to review their gear in addition to explain their photo techniques. This video is a great example of what I hope others will do. Many thanks.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate that. I actually wish I'd had more time to take photos in this video. It's amazing how much time goes by just talking about a bag! lol I always like to include some photography if I'm also talking about gear. :-)

[@Garou0410]

Thanks for the review

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching!

[@fiveinitaly]

Awesome video. Very entertaining 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you. :-)

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Great video Julian, very useful. Nice bag, but you make two good points about the key clip and not utilising the waist straps with pouches to carry phone etc. Because of this, it's not the perfect photography backpack, so £400... hmm, too much. Cheers!

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers mate. As you know, there is no such thing as the perfect bag....hence why photographers always have more than one! But yeah, I think £450 is a big ask. :-)

[@_sk_videos]

How’s the breathability compared to an Osprey? It looks lacking in that department.

[@jbairdexp]

I personally haven't found breathability to be a problem, but I would say that the Osprey has a better design in that department. :-)

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

That bag looks very useful. But can it fit in an airplane's overhead compartment, even with the top section removed? Or, go through an airport scanner?

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks John. I can't see why it couldn't go through an airport scanner. It's not overly wide but it would depend how much stuff you put in it and attach to it. Overhead bins depend on the airline. I would think an fully packed backpack wouldn't fit in any airlines overhead bin though.

[@carlb401]

Looks like a good bag, but far too expensive. You can get Osprey / Gregory packs that have front access zips to gain access to ICU's etc and will be cheaper with better back systems and have the missing features you mention. I have the Osprey Stratos 36, Osprey Aether 70 and Gegory Zulu 55, all purchased for the front access zips to use for carrying my camera gear. 🙂

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching. The market is awash with bags (photo and non-photo centric). It's a tough sell at that price point.

[@nigelbramley4188]

I agree. I have both a large Gregory bag with ICU and a smaller Mammut bag with ICU. Both are perfect for my needs and at a good price.

[@Games_and_Tech]

Hi, nioce review, how tall are you? to have an idea of the backpack size

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks David, I'm about 180cm.

[@carlw8072]

Another option is the Lowepro powder.

[@jbairdexp]

I'll check it out. :-)

[@sanghuloom6943]

I have the Lowepro Powder as well. Served me quite a lot on a rain forest and mountain hiking. The 55L Version of the photosport pro is on sale right now here in my country for $125 USD so i might pick it up because it has smaller camera compartment and a sleeping bag compartment unlike the Powder. The only thing i dont like about this is the color. I love the colors of the powder. Powder has a bigger camera compartment but i founs out the i don't usually use all of it since i only carry 2 Mirrorless cameras and a small drone and some batteries. The other empty areas on the camera compartment is where i put my ultra light pants and shift with tons of silica gel to keep the moisture out. We had a huge rain during camping and there were no water that went inside or outside the bag with the rain cover on.

[@Globetrotter-1]

I have used Lowepro bags for decades...but this one is a big letdown for me. It is essentially just a normal trekking rucksack with a simple cheap padded box insert. And the colour....White and 🍊 orange? What were they thinking of? It would have been far better in green or black versions in my opinion. The price is ridiculous to be honest, because a far better and sturdier backpack, such as the Fjallraven Kajka, could be bought for a £100-£200 cheaper and simply slip a foam camera insert inside the front zip opening. Or an even cheaper Osprey pack. But when all is said and done, a true 'camera backpack' should be robust and stiff-walled for full protection without the need of any padded inserts. My old Kata BP-502 has been around the world and still going strong after 15-years of abuse.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your comments. I don't disagree with you on some of those points.

[@larrycoonrod5563]

I would have rather you got straight to the point about the bag. That’s why we clicked on the link

[@jbairdexp]

The video contains chapters so you can go the section you are most interested in. That's why I've included them. Glad you enjoyed the video and found the content helpful and informative. :-)

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

It is too heavy for nowadays standards.

[@jbairdexp]

Fair point. Just out of interest, what bag suggestion(s) would you make for such activities?

[@VangelisMatosMedina]

@@jbairdexp Shimoda explore 60 weights 1.5kg. Moment Strohl 45L weights 1kg but it's better suited for APS-C mirrorless kit without drone.

[@jbairdexp]

@@VangelisMatosMedina Good shout on the Shimoda bags. My daily driver bag is an Explore V2 30L. :-)

[@wellwhatthen10101]

Lowepro must think money grows on trees .yes they make some good camera bags but if they want to be number one they need to stop ripping us off I have worked in the textile industry so I have knowledge of what materials cost .the problem are us the people photographer's for paying well over odds for their products .stop buying their kits and make them suffer. We are the fools.

[@jbairdexp]

It's a good thing there are plenty of options at all sorts of price points. :-)

[@wellwhatthen10101]

@@jbairdexp yes but we still pay over the odds for what they are worth regardless of what model or style Julian.

[@RobJorg]

My Channel is following your channel. Love the whats on my shelf and other video's. If Lowepro wants to send me a Protactic or other 450 bag they may do so. Thanks for the video Julian.

[@jbairdexp]

As always Rob, thanks for watching. :-)

[@justinuriahphoto]

I contribute the rip in the stitching due to the new eco materials all of these companies are moving toward and pushing down our throats. The problem is it doesn't hold up to hard use. My most recent pair of Keen boots are the same. They too have moved to using more eco friendly glues and the soles of my new boots lasted a month before they started separating. Straight to the trash they went. The older pairs would last me years. Until people stop buying this trash we are being offered, sadly it's only going to get worse.

[@jbairdexp]

Hi, you are right, there is a lot more use of eco materials. I have the material on walking boots start to peel off after light use - but it does seem to vary between manufacturers. I disagree that it will get worse though. The use of these materials will improve and soon there will be on parity with more traditional materials.

[@TomiFerrin]

Have you tried attaching protactic pouches to the hip belt? Maybe the 100 Utility or 100 lense exchange?

[@jbairdexp]

I can't say I have, no. Sorry.

[@witcheater]

Shared to another that I thought could benefit off of the information that you shared. She seems to be pretty smart. Maybe she will take your information into serious consideration.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for that Gerard. :-)

[@mdjmurray]

Looks nice. But that price! It’s absolutely unjustifiable.

[@jbairdexp]

I think the question of price is fair concern for buyers.

[@jaysun070476]

Nice video. To bad they dont make a 35liter version of this bag looks comfortable.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching! :-)

[@SamCyanide]

5:35 thank you for the dimensions. It looks too big to be a carry on for airline travel which is unfortunate because this would be a great "one backpack" traveling kit for trips to other countries. Do you perhaps know how large it is with the top bag removed and maybe squished down a little bit? I know that aluminum spine will probably prevent it from getting smaller than a certain amount but maybe I could make it smaller by removing some things from it and putting them in a separate drawstring bag to use as a "personal item" or small backpack then transition them back in once I'm off the plane. That way I could have a carry on and a personal item

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching and apologies for delay in responding. Looking at the bag, the minimum height is probably around 68 cm...that's the rough length of the rigid part of the bag. The top bag only add height if you have stuff in it. Hope this helps. :-)

[@SamCyanide]

@@jbairdexp no issues at all Julian, I appreciate the response! That's right on the limit for some, but over for others... I actually went to NYC this weekend to go look at one at B&H and measure it but they ended up being closed despite what their website said! I wonder if the Small/Medium has a smaller rigid section

[@jbairdexp]

@@SamCyanide When I was last on holiday in NYC I got all excited about vising B&H, and when I got there they were closed! :-) For my trip Iceland back in 2021, I took a Shimoda Explore v2 30. It's smaller than the bag in this video, but the Explore V2 range is designed to meet airline restrictions. Might be worth a look.

[@andyp7787]

The Lowepro bags are very hard to beat for quality. This Pro line of bags, especially the 70 L is absolutely beautiful. But it is large. As you alluded to, for a long camp and needing a maximum size bag, this is great. It’s hard to justify for lengthy trekking daily unless you are extremely fit. Photography gear gets very heavy quickly even in smaller bags. I think the weight would wear on most people. But, from your transportation to campsite, probably fantastic. This big one is nice as it can take lots of personal and photo gear. But as I stated, car to campsite, not days of trekking. Unless you are very fit. Just my opinion.

[@jbairdexp]

Weight is always a concern, especially when carrying photo gear as well...but try adding video gear in as well...it can then feel like you are carrying a branch of B&H on your back! lol

[@andyp7787]

@@jbairdexp Fair point sir and I think you have much greater experience with that than myself. Unfortunately I personally have to take into account I’m also not 25 years of age anymore so everything gets heavier in your 50’s. But your point is spot on and funny reference to B&H, my favorite shop I buy most things from (even though I’m Canadian). Cheers!

[@jbairdexp]

@@andyp7787 I thought a B&H reference would be more relatable internationally! Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@thevalleywalker]

Great review. It didn't look as big as a 70L on your back when I 1st saw it...from memory seeing you at TPS I didn't think you was very tall so wondered . Also I have to say carrying that amount of gear and weight, hiking in wellies and not once looking out of breath you are extremely fit young man..lol. 🤣 Before the end of the review I paused the video and went looking for the 55L version on the link you provided and quickly came back to the review after seeing the price - out of range on my small pension for sure! 🙄 I have 3 Lowepro bags and would dearly love something that I could carry camping gear and camera stuff but not at that price. Looks a great bag and I am sure all content creators who were sent it will be glad they don't have to fork out that sort of money. I can see why Lowepro sent it to you for review, an honest good review that covers all aspects of that bag for those considering a purchase. Slightly away from the bag I have never walked in Dartmoor and would love one day to come and do some - loved the image from Oke Tor - wondered where you started your walk from or did I miss that bit? regards Alan

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching and great comment! For scale, I'm about 180cm tall. The wellies weren't needed in the end. I thought with all the rain that the ground would be boggy and the river (brook) difficult to cross but that's the good thing about those Muck Boot Arctic Sports...dam comfortable! I do think the price will be a stumbling block for many. As I said in the video, it will depend on how much value you place on those photo centric features. I started walking in Belstone village, but didn't start filming until about half way between Belstone Tor and Oke Tor. I think you'd love Dartmoor. So much good walking to be had. :-)

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

You did a great job on an overview and unbiased review buddy !! Looks like a nice bag for sure , expensive but if it allows the photographer to get out with everything without much compromise then I’m sure it will have appeal !! I love my lowepro powder even after years of use !! Bravo Julian, great video

[@jbairdexp]

Mate, you are too kind!!! :-) As you say, nice bag but expensive. I'm still sure they'll sell a lot of them though.

[@tauntonleisure]

Great video as always! Keep up the amazing work and keep getting out there

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks TL, and same to you guys as well! 👍

[@jbairdexp]

I think a some of the TL team are photographers as well? Do you know what bags they use?

[@tauntonleisure]

@@jbairdexp My name is Sam, I work at the Exeter shop and am a keen wildlife photographer @sam.hazellwildlife, I use a Lowepro trek 450 and then a Mammut Ducan Spine 50L with an ICU for when I'm camping. I have always been interested in the trekking-style packs that Lowepro makes!

[@jbairdexp]

@@tauntonleisure Hey Sam, I think I've spoken to you in the store...probably about yet another jacket! lol. Thanks for sharing your bag info. Always interesting to know what other people use. I checked out your Insta page...and while I'm no expert in wildlife photography, I thought your work was outstanding. :-)

[@_stateofmind_]

Hi! Wonderful video, I really enjoyed watching it. Have a lovely day my fried ☺😀

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks. 👍

[@davidfromdownunder]

Firstly, great review I may end up getting this for a trip to Tassie or NZ south island come March 2024. Just a couple of issues I have with it mostly the price as I'd have to be going on overnight photo adventures at least 6 times a year to reap the benefits. It's why I picked up a Mindshift 180 Rotation 50 Litre Plus instead. A) its cheaper by $300 AUD and B) the instant access to my camera gear is totally unique that no other bag offers in terms of simplicity and innovation. Dont get me wrong though as I own 4 Lowepro Bags and love every one of them but for different purposes. BTW... Epic landscapes across the UK I hope to get there one day, so tired of shooting Aussie Beaches in summer. I crave to shoot moody B&W's in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the like on a cloudy, misty, drizzly day. Sounds crazy I know but one can only shoot so many blue skies and golden / white beaches on the South East Queensland coastline.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment Dave. The price is a real sticky point for the bag. Always nice to hear from someone down under. I've been several times (though not recently) and QLD is stunning. But, I'd also take the more moody conditions of the UK for my photography! :-)

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice hike and video. Thank you for sharing 👍 wishing you a great week 👍

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you and have a good one as well.

[@timwilliamslive]

Great review of the backpack and the pictures were great too. I purchased this backpack after watching your review but I did manage to get if for £366 in a sale on the internet so it was a win win situation. Thanks again.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Tim, I'm glad you found the review helpful and well done for getting it at such a good price. Happy hiking!

[@Sudarshansridhar]

I guess Lowepro is missing some basic design elements. Today any traveler likes to carry a laptop or a tablet and some documents. I have lowepro bp 350 aw ii with a laptop compartment and side accessible camera compartment. What today's Lowpero bags are missing both of them. I am looking something which combines both. ie. PhotoSport pro type backpack with a Laptop compartment that fits at least 14 inch laptop or some paper documents to secure. Also instead of front or back open for camera gear, Its really good if side open option also provide along with either front or back. A combination of rucksack/hiking bag like photosport with above two will make perfect combination for a person who is using the bag for multi purpose. Since it will be lightweight, it will be easy to carry , carry a laptop which helps browse and copy photos and editing along with carrying camera gear. I hope Lowepro reads this comment and consider for their next bag.

[@jbairdexp]

You know what they say, there's no such thing as a perfect bag....that's why we often end up having more than one! :-)

[@digitaliphotography]

Great review Julian, but like others have said, a tad pricy! I've got the 55L Powder BP 500 which seem like this bag's little brother. Plenty of space for all my gear, but a bit small for tent and sleeping bag.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks. It's a bag for some specific purposes rather than a general photo bag. But yeah, not sure if that justifies the cost. :-)

[@carlw8072]

I’ve got the Powder BP 500 too and if you get the ultra light camp gear then you can get everything in it. Easily fit laser compact 2 in as well as a down sleeping bag, along with a klymit v pad, the stove I use is a 750ml titanium cup, with msr pocket rocket 2 and a small canister, it all goes in the cup, I can even squeeze a helinox chair in if I don’t mind the weight.

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Julian. Cracking review - impartial and thorough. The bag looks great but, like other folks on here, I feel the price is too high, especially when you consider it will only get limited use each year. I've managed so far with a Lowe Alpine 70ltr trekking bag which is really comfortable, holds tons of kit and I can fit an ICU in as well. I'll take a look at this at the Photography Show but can't see me being tempted. Great review though.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Tim. You make a good point on how much you would use a bag like that. Anything is expensive if you don't use it or use it in the way it was designed. I think to justify the cost, you'd have to be using it a lot...but there will be a market for that so I'm sure they'll sell plenty.

[@lukaszbien2904]

Hello Tim, thanks to you we went with Lowe Alpine Manaslu 65:80L - TBH I forgot that Lowe had parent company that did these trekking backpacks. We needed something for my wife and definitely price made difference in the end. Appreciate the suggestion!

[@timrosenburgh9485]

Great review on the bag Julian. It certainly holds a lot of gear. Looks like you did a lot of walking that day. Great image's as usual.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Tim. 13km walked in the end...I was knackered! lol

[@timrosenburgh9485]

@@jbairdexp I'm not surprised mate.

[@BoundToNature]

👏

[@jbairdexp]

👍

[@alchymista2]

it looks like a great hiking backpack, but the camera compartment is tiny. As shown in the video, you can barely fit anything there and nothing is ready to shoot (even the 24-120 needs to have the hood collapsed to fit). This is really designed for a hiker with a simple tiny mirrorless kit.

[@jbairdexp]

I found it surprisingly roomy and able to carry all my kit (and I have to take two cameras), but everyone's requirements are different. :-)

[@alchymista2]

Yes, you have a tiny mirrorless kit there. It's not a photo backpack, but a great hiking one with a possibility to fit a little bit of gear and even the second camera has to be disassembled.

[@MWB_logic_reason_respect]

Hi, thanks, love the channel but this is just insane. £365! I have tried some of the best including Lowepro Tactic II around the same price. It was awful. Sold it, I use a standard back back, does all that and better (£40 in sale) . I use small photographic bag inside allowing me to leave the large one when need (a smaller Vanguard day pack) . You don't need to cover the tripod. Get a standard back pack that will do abetter job on long treks for a fraction of this price. For landscape treks a lot of why you carry isn't photographic. Comfort is key. Sorry waste of money.

[@jbairdexp]

Hey Marcelo, glad you love my channel and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I don't expect everyone to agree with me, not that I disagreed with some of your points anyway :-)