LowePro Powder BP 500 AW camera bag review

I hate looking for new bags and rucksacks, it's so difficult. I've been looking for a new camera bag and backcountry pack for a while now. Tried a few including the Lowepro Whistler but finally a think I have found a great rucsac that is great for carrying and protecting my photography and video kit, and also just right for mountain adventures. I've not seen any reviews up for the Lowe Pro Powder, so I had to take a bit of leap of faith in ordering one, and I'm glad I did. It totally proved it's worth on a recent snow shoeing trip to the Cairngorms. The LowePro Powder BP 500 AW camera bag is really good. Hope my review helps you find your perfect bag.

[@therobotguide]

A few months in and it’s developed a fault, the metal tube that forms a lightweight frame to give the back shape has gone through the fabric at the end of the tube on one side and is looking thin on the other side. I’ve contacted LowePro UK to give them feedback and ask about repair.

[@therobotguide]

Currently talking to LowePro about repair, hope they can repair it. Don’t want a new one as possible the damaged one would go to landfill. Reduce, re-use, repair, recycle ;-)

[@therobotguide]

Had a good chat with LowePro on this issue. Apparently a small number were made like this and they recalled them and the design is now improved. As I don’t want a replacement, we agreed they would send me the improved parts and I will repair the material myself. I had some initial difficulty getting hold of their warranty department, but once we started talking we had the issue resolved same day. Nice service, good to know when I have spent £300 on a bag.

[@ShySports505]

Just on the look out for a new camera bag/hiking rucksack and came across this. Looks amazing and you're the first review I've seen.

[@that247life]

@4:58 ... Honestly, it's probably designed that way for Americans like me :-) Great review, thanks for posting it! I'm going to give mine a full, multi-day shake down in Utah in a couple of months. However, based on the few times I've taken it out for short trips, my criticisms are thus far likewise minimal. First, the zipper for the camera cube is really hard to open / close when seated in the bag. I'm inclined to leave it open, but then all my loose camera items (cleaning cloths, brushes, etc.) fall to the bottom of the bag. Second, like you, I find the tripod sleeve a bit odd. Generally, I hate tripod sleeves that sit down beneath the bottom of the bag as this one does, since when you put the bag on the ground, the tripod pops up out of place. Also, I'm not sure why they didn't run the tripod sleeve pocket all the way down the bag - it would be an ideal place for my tent poles if it were a couple inches longer. It's not a deep pocket, and I can't really use it for anything else when the bag is really full. One last nit-picky thought - I can't fathom why with the abundance of straps running horizontally across the bag could they not put two loop mounting points on the bottom of the bag for carrying large items like a tent or large sleeping bag that tend to fall when mounted vertically. Otherwise, I really like this bag and I am finally glad I found a good overnight camera bag that is also durable. Update: I have discovered that, with some serious finagling, you can *just* fit a Therm-a-rest Z-Seat in the sleeve behind the tripod holder. And I mean just - the pack looks swole.

[@therobotguide]

I’m trying to eat more cakes to grow in to it:) The tripod sleeve feels like one of those things added last minute to fulfil a sales tick list. Glad overall you like the bag too. Enjoy Utah.

[@fredericc1633]

Thx great review and great demo of how to make LOT of STUFF in a bag ! Nice tips , nice comment, no bullshit ! i trust u and i am going to buy it cause i need this Hybride BAckPack :D

[@suhailzubaid9192]

Great review! I watched it on my home TV. I wonder how do photographers with long telephoto lenses or zooms like Bigmas carry those while hiking or trekking for long distances. I only use a 300 mm with 1.4 conv at the most. With the gear I have, powder seems to be an ideal investment for me though.

[@GarethDanks]

just ordered one.. loved my whistler but far too small for other items.. shocked you got all that gear in it.. oh yeah nice hat! :-)

[@spectrexfpv]

Hi Mike, I really enjoyed the review! I am considering this backpack for 1-2 overnight trips and was wondering how it would compare to the Photosport Pro iii 55L/70L from Lowepro?

[@vilson.farias]

Very nice review. Thanks a lot.

[@cdduffy]

Great review Mike thinking about getting this bag and have a question/query as to the lid does it cover the too of the bag ok all the time even if the main bag isn't full, can it be dogged completely down. Cheers 💪

[@ianspicer1529]

Hi Mike, great review - thank you. I'm looking for a new 'do it all' back-pack for photography/hiking, I saw the Powder at the Photography show, but your hand-on review certainly helps! Also, I absolutely LOVE your hat and I also really like the jumper/cardigan you're wearing.....your wife is clearly a very talented knitter!

[@kunalrajputphoto]

very helpful! thanks for sharing..

[@StandingInMotion]

Hi Mike, great review on the backpack. It's a bag I am considering, for winter/alpine and 1-2 overnight backpacking trips for 3 seasons. One of my major concerns with this backpack is the back support. I have the old Rover Pro 45L and I enjoy the back support, and with this bag, it's very different, and concern whether it'll affect back support in the long run. Especially if you're trying to fit a 3 season tent and sleeping bag, camera, stove, clothes, etc..., would that affect the zipper compartment area such as in the timestamp 10:05 where as the items might bulk out a bit, something that might irritate your back? Thanks

[@therobotguide]

I’ve found the back really supportive for my shape and size. The first time i used it i made the mistake of overtightening the shoulder straps and this really compressed my back and was v uncomfortable. But since then i have done a few winter overnighters in to the Scottish mountains and the bag has been great. i’m not using the camera cube for all of those, the camera and drone have been packed in smaller bags as in the time lapse at the start, and the bag has been comfortable. it’s also comfortable with the camera cube and stuffed with outdoor kit. But as always ymmv so worth trying one on.

[@StandingInMotion]

thanks for the response @@therobotguide

[@ivanmg-r7326]

Thanks for the review (Y). Has it aluminium frame? thx again

[@bthemedia]

Thank you for this first-look review! The Lowepro Powder 500 is definitely much lighter weight than the Lowepro Whistler 450 (v1 which I have and v2 which is 20% lighter than v1) and that seems to be the primary benefit. Likely not as sturdy - but perhaps sturdy enough for most less-extreme outdoor photo adventures? I do worry about the bag's thin material tearing from ice axes, snow shoes, crampons, branches, or other sharp objects... so I would love to hear a follow up video review after a year of use to see how well the bag held up! As well as comfort with a full load on long multi-day hikes. Another review said it feels top heavy. @5:24 maybe have leather sewn on inside of strap or a sheath of some kind to protect the straps from snow shoes? would love to find a good solution for that. The black leather-looking padded reinforcements only on the ends are only for skis like you mentioned. @6:18 @6:05 the elastic bands on the shoulder strap for the water hose are helpful, though I really miss hard plastic D-rings to clip accessories to my chest with small carabiners, especially my Lowepro Toploader case! Sadly that is missing from the Whistler as well - though it does have small hidden nylon webbing behind the elastic that provides something to clip to. @7:05 the waterproof front pocket does not look as durable as in the Whistler - would love to hear how well the waterproofing holds up. I presume there is a water drain hole grommet on the bottom as well? @11:50 glad to hear the toggles are improved to remove the padded insert. Glad to see the following features - but also easy for you to remove: @13:30 I appreciate the hidden tripod pocket sleeve as it puts less pulling strain on the straps. @15:00 you don't like the built in rain cover?!? Wow - that's the other (besides weight) key benefit for me over the Whistler! I prefer all of my Lowepro and photography bags to have the rain cover built-in so it never gets lost, quick access, and is always available when needed. It takes up minimal space and weight in the dedicated bottom pocket and finding a place to store a separate rain cover takes up valuable packing space (e.g. in the Whistler). Nice hack @15:25 to add a pinch buckle to it.

[@therobotguide]

i’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up to long term use. LowePro is always pretty robust, and build quality is good so i am hopeful. The front pocket does have a grommet to let water out, and i agree it is a little flimsy inside and having used it i’m not sure it is waterproof. It is a useful space though to give some separation between a wet fly sheet and waterproof and the rest of my kit. As for the rain cover, well, i’ve actually ended up using it quite a lot and it works well. i normally hate them as you have to take them off to get inside, but with the rear zip opening, it is easy to get at kit whilst keeping the rain cover on.

[@RugerFirearms]

Nice job Mike, solid review . I've been using the Whistler 450 for a while (avec quelques modifications) works great for smaller stature, but I sometimes wish it had more cubic space like the Powder for personal items. By the way, your wife makes a beautiful hat.

[@therobotguide]

doesn’t she just ;-)

[@therobotguide]

Thanks for the comments, glad folks found the review useful

[@danieledilonardo4255]

hello, I would really like to understand how much space remains with the photographic cases fitted for extra accessories?? Thanks

[@SkonrokkenTV]

My only problem with this backpack, is, when backcountry touring with skis/snowboard, you have the usual (shovel, probe, beacon! at a minimum!), and then avvy bag as well. Would have liked to see this bag accomodate avvy-systems (whether mammut, or the newer battery-based ones, etc). As it stands, this bag is for places where avvies are not in the picture, so in my mind, not a real back-country skiing/boarding bag. Still liking the rear-entry and ICU a la f-stop, but lacking avvy-balloon, especially given the promo vid, is a no-go. I have an older snowpulse 30l guide, which weighs a ton, but has similar functionality. Ditto have a mammut protection pro-light, which weighs much less. They are missing the volume of course! For multi-day hiking, space for sleeping bag, small down jacket, bivvy bag etc. But that is easily solved via ebay and camera insert holder (the equivalent of an f-stop icu). Still, for a dedicated back-country winter backpack, should accomodate avvy protection. Maybe in next version! Yes I once live in Scotland/Edinburgh, so see that avvy's are not exactly a high priority there! But from Norway, and going backcountry, it is foremost and front center of brain! And of course, can you fit snow shovel and probe in front pocket?

[@bthemedia]

@7:00 It looks like the avy gear (shovel, probe, beacon) would fit in the front waterproof pocket -- just like on the Whistler! In the video it even shows the loop to hold the folded up avy pole. Some shovels may not fit but could be strapped to the outside.

[@sofiaoropesa]

can it fit a sony 200-600?

[@stephanwenzinger2865]

Best Review ever :) Searched like for ever for a review to this bag :D Thx

[@ptcruiser2012]

Thanks Mike. I take it the whiskey came with the bag. That sold me so I ordered one.

[@peterhellemans4582]

Dear Mike, I liked you video but would like to know if you can give me the torso length of this bag. I'm myself 6'4 and struggle with the F-stop Tilopa due to its limited torso length.

[@bthemedia]

Definitely considering this Lowepro Powder as the response to the Atlas Athlete and Adventure backpacks from last year! So glad to see some competition in this space for a lightweight outdoor photography backpack.

[@michaelrafferseder9345]

thx for this review. I am looking for a camera backpack for hiking with my DSLR, some lenses and a tripod. This seems to be one bag with additional room for hiking stuff, beside of the camera equipment. This is the first/only helpful review I found regarding this backpack. I like, that you show both, what you like and what you don't like.

[@miraottini4027]

Hi Mike! Beautiful review! Thank you! Can you give me the size of the back? I need to know if I can use it as a hand luggage...

[@k.whiking4372]

Thank you for the review of this bag, the only thing is no water bottle pockets.

[@danieledilonardo4255]

hello, in the front compartment is it possible to insert a winter jacket and an anti rain jacket?

[@riaganbogenspanner]

What water bladder do you use?

[@SonofRobinson-lo5qo]

GREAT REVIEW !!! HELLO FROM RUSSIA !!!

[@brianroyalroberts]

I'm curious about how you have the water bladder stored in the bag, this is something that would be ideal for long hikes. Does it have a specific pocket/holster for a bladder (like a camelbak backpack)? Or maybe you just made it work on your own. Thanks!

[@nicolahguy]

It has a specific pocket on the side of the pack for a camelbak, with an outlet hole for the hose and a velcro hook to hang the camelbak from. Alternatively, you can use the pocket for a large drink bottle

[@andreabuffagni6102]

It is carry on!?

[@JonasKnutson91]

Great review 👍

[@walkawalka4ni9]

Thanks for the review! How feasible would it be to keep the camera cube in, while also bringing a sleeping bag, tent, etc for a winter camping overnight trip?

[@therobotguide]

For a single night, with a minimum of food and lightweight camping gear you should be able to fit it all in. But if you like lots of food and lots of camp toys, like coffee makers, then i suspect it won’t be big enough. Prob also depends on the rating of sleeping bag, the one I showed in this video is down and rated to -10ºC so takes up a good chunk of space, but not that much. As you can see in the video, the camera cube takes up just over half the 55L of the bag, so if your camping gear will fit in a 20-25L bag you should be ok. Hope that helps.