Lowepro Whistler 450 AW Review

[@DavidSchultz]

Nice review. I agree with the comment about the width. Since I do not do any extreme action shooting but do outdoor and backpacking work, I took a razor to the inside section (camera block), from the back, and removed the hard panels from both sides and from the top. Left the bottom one intact. Much better for getting 3 rows of lenses in and drops the weight. I sealed up the slits with duct tape, put the camera block back in and you'd never know. I did find that the bottom hard panel sticks into my back a bit so I added some 1/2" rubber padding.

[@gustaff.weldon]

David Schultz is the padding thick enough after you removed the plastic insets? Does it keep the shape still while allowing the box expand more in width?

[@granitfog]

I was thinking of doing the same thing so the bag with less equipment doesn't stick out so much, which makes it hard to maneuver around crowds. And get rid of the divider between hiking and photo sections to increase the size of the hiking-non photo section.

[@randygeene9455]

Tom Mason pulled the plastic walls from the side of the camera block, which gave him the 3/4” that you were looking for in compartment width.

[@stakstonkvinge]

Thank you for doing these reviews! As an amateur, that is into hiking, and values fast and easy access to the camera, I must say that the Mindshift gear packs seems like the better choice. This Lowepro pack seems better suited for bringing more camera gear, with the best possible protection.

[@thinkingape7655]

Maybe the side pocket with the hidden zipper is for a water bladder like camelbac? Their other bags have that feature.

[@zipop50]

Greetings from Portugal, excellent review. I have the 350 and is perfect for my motorcycle adventures, I just attach it on the top of one my panniers and is perfect when i am riding. The material is so good that i know, if i crash my cameras will be protected. About the side pocket that you don't understand, for me is simply perfect, and isn't a design mistake. First they made the ziper more water resistant, hiding it behind layer, what is very cleaver. Second is flat and long for caring maps, a note book, a first aid manual... that's why they are trying to make that side pocket more water prof. Anyway.. i just think that bag is perfect for me ofc. Keep the good work mate, great review... ride safe ^^

[@mattanderson7905]

Very helpful review. Thanks Dan! Just wondering if you had any comments about the internal frame (if there is one). That's one of my favorite aspects of the Fstop packs. When you're loaded up with lots of glass, laptop, etc. they still carry quite well. Same for the Whistler?

[@hugodapalma]

After some years of using this backpack I came across three major issues, first one is that I can't carry lens wood (no space for it), second is the box inside is to rigid and low flexibility and third is you have space for your camera and drone but there is no space left for the accessories (chargers, batteries, etc.). My next acquisition will be a 50L Backpack as this one is too small. My gear 5DMIV body, Tamron 15-35, Canon 24-70, Canon 100-400, Mavic Pro Platinum+remote+DJI Cristalsky 5" and Haida 150mm filter Holder System+filters.

[@NovaTerraStudios]

Great review! One question for you: The zipped up pocket on the top, has 2 zippered areas. One zippered area is a mesh-based container; the other zippered area, has a zipper that appears backwards. I don't get the purpose for a backwards zipper .. would love an explanation. Do you know anything about this hidden container?

[@NigelsVidPix]

I have the same question, what is it for?

[@judah506]

Maybe it’s for the internal frame. That’s what I have on my internal frame backpacking bags

[@michaelglavanis4160]

Thanks for the review. Have you used Fstop ICUs with this?

[@MrBaeyb]

Looking for a bigger backpack and this could have bin the best bag out there for me. Unfortunately the width seems indeed to small. The same internal dimensions as the Lowepro Flipside 400AW. The Evoc CP 35L is almost identical, but wider. The Lowepro though seems to have a bigger area on the front side. I will buy the Evoc!

[@d1xenotime797]

Hello Muse, would you be able to tell me how much the bag weights empty, without the ICU? I like light bag and having the ability to take the ICU out into my Osprey Expedition bag. Would you please be able to tell me in kilogram how much it weight just the bag itself?

[@dinham]

Are the waist straps removable? Have you flown with this bag? Is it to large for cabin?

Great and thorough review! One thing I was wondering, though, was the minimum exterior dimension on this backpack and whether it could fit within the Ryanair hand luggage allowance (which allows a thickness of 20 cm). While the specifications say the thickness of 350Aw is ~30 cm, the internal dimension is specified at 16 cm, so I wonder if it could be squeezed at all to fit within the allowed 20 cm. Unfortunately, none of the local shops have these in stock, so I'd have to order one online without trying...

[@hmsn65]

could you attach a tent and sleeping bag on this thing? planning to buy the 350 one though because i am planning on buying a sony a6300 and also looking for a bag to come with it

[@gr8motive]

You can attach anything, like any good hiking bag, you are the limit for what you can carry.

[@gabriellangley6458]

I think that side pocket Is for a map or something. on my Lowepro Whistler i didn't find it for a few weeks though lol

[@sandmancz4756]

Thanks for perfect review. I decide between this Whistler 450 and Protactic 450, Protactic for more photo gear space and access, and Whistler for more better protection. Can you tell me which from theese is more comfortable and lighter? And what is your opinion about theese two bags? Thank you very much.

[@MichaelVettas]

you change your office Dan? i have been interested to see this bag

[@xaviergf]

Hi Car, Although some time since the review, just to let you know that with the F-Stop Large Pro ICU you are NOT able to fit 3 lenses with hoods either. I have it and has almost the same width as Lowepro's. Cheers and nice review.

[@richiebanez2822]

Best review of this bag so far. Just bought it off amazon after watching your vid :)

[@mymisty7]

Very good review. I've been looking at fstop bags but they're never available or they're shipping 4-6 months out. Maybe you've helped me make my decision easier. Thanks!

[@bobcartledge5250]

Side pocket with 2 smaller pockets would be for maps, compasses, etc, Jr.

[@kenspo]

I dont see the problem. Just turn the lensehood while the lense is in the bag.

[@gr8motive]

You missed the point, its not about the length, its about the width. Hoods also gets even wider around the lens, when you turn them the opposite way ;)

[@modzy1111]

All comes down to the way you pack, and what you pack.

[@SoloVagant]

Great review mate, glad I found your channel.

[@SuperJoy000]

Really in depth review..!! Was really handy info as I am currently studying all the possible options before purchasing the right one. I am about to go on back to back tours to the extremely opposite weather conditions (Atacama desert in Chile and then Patagonian mountains and glaciers in both Argentine and Chilean sides). I currently do not have heavy camera gears but very entry level DSLR with couple of lenses (upto 200mm range) and have a Vanguard full sized tripod to carry in. Since I will be upgrading myself with more professional camera in near future with considerably larger lenses upto 500-600mm, here comes my couple of queries: 1. Does this bag stand good if I am travelling where I will be carrying few or little camera gears and want to take out the sturdy camera compartment box to make more room for clothes and other stuffs? 2. I am more comfortable in attaching the​ tripod to the side of the bag and would like to bring the setup as my carry on baggage at the Airport. Will it be allowed? 3. Is the side strap strong enough to hug and grip a 2.5Kg (5.5 lbs) tripod properly when I am on a hike? Thanks in advance.!!! Regards, Sagnik

[@TobbeArnesson]

Thanks! Very informative! I'm on a mirrorless system and actually think the more narrow camera block seems like an improvement. Will get the 350 after seeing this review! Had an F-stop bag on order that never got anywehere, so after more than nine months I managed to cancel that and actually get my money back (probably thanks to using PayPal and escalating a claim on there since the F-Stop CS did not answer until I did). Seems F-Stop has gone from bad to worse, the designer has jumped ship and lot's of old employees testimony that things rotten on the inside. Shame.

[@Introverder]

Thanks for putting so much input into it.

[@edgaralonso232]

thank you! .. I've been waiting for this video. you explain everything I need to know about this backpack.

[@MrDemodulator]

Hello, thank you very much for the review, very good job. I would like to ask about carrying on board plane with this bag (450 version). Does anybody has experience especially in Europe?

[@raskolnikov1873]

Great looking pack! By the way, are there any actual Canadian-born people living in Whistler, BC or is it all Australians and Americans?

[@TobiDnz]

Excellent detailed review. Thank you so much!

[@xandervanwassenbergh7643]

Very nice review! I really loved it! Only thing stopping me is the price right now :D

[@mycebu3172]

the 45 size, is it small enough for carry on luggage.

[@gr8motive]

Yes

[@MatthiasWeinberger]

Great review! Very versatile pack with a lot of useful functions.

[@NicholsonWayne]

Hi, can you tell me if the Lowepro Whistler 350 can carry a laptop?

[@gr8motive]

Yes

[@Henkepenkeberg]

Does laptop fit?

[@pawelkostrze]

Witam, czy do tego plecaka jest możliwość doczepienia statywu?

[@GranatyWdrodze]

Jest

[@Wolpertinger138]

Great Review, Thanks a lot!

[@p7105550]

You just saved me a tone of money not buying into other crap and especially Sukha

[@j-ydu2428]

Bravo !

[@gr8motive]

Isnt it funny, you are a company thats been making camera bags for decades, you get up in the morning week after week, year after year, you ONLY do that, STILL you arent able to test out what actually fits inside, like 3 common lenses next to each other? No, just make a bag, put in some dividers, and let the customers do that job, to find out it doesnt fit like advertised, still beats me. How many generations does it take to make a close to 100% ultimate bag, or at least something that fits what its intended for....

[@cowboyup6744]

It already looks full, and there's nothing in it!

[@Proph85]

11 people carry their cameras in a garbage bag