I’m not a reviewer by any stretch of the imagination. I watch reviews on YouTube. Read reviews on forums and online articles. But I never thought that I would be writing a review of my own.
Having said that, I feel that this one needs to be written:
It’s about my “new” LowePro Protactic 450 AW Camera Backpack. (New as in it’s now about 8 months old)
This backpack is everything that my other backpacks weren’t. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying there was anything wrong with my previous backpacks. In fact, most of them were also LowePro, but Protactic 450 has got almost everything I could possibly need.
It does come in a slightly smaller 350 AW version. The 450 AW however, is aimed more for the bigger Pro Bodies or Bodies with a battery grip, as well having a telephoto lens attached, such as the 70mm – 200mm f2.8.
Why is this bag so good you ask? Well, I’ll tell you why…
- The removable waist strap – This was practically the the top selling point for me. All my other bags either had waist straps that were fixed or some that could be hidden away. However, with my Tamrac Evolution 8, which could be used with dual straps, or as a sling; when I “hid” one strap away to use as a sling, I could always feel it in my back, pushing in slightly. It wasn’t a major issue, but on longer days when I was carrying a heaver load, I it could make it a little bit uncomfortable. I feel that waist straps are only necessary if you are carrying a really heavy load and/or walking long distances. Especially when the sternum strap just isn’t enough to take the pressure off your back and shoulders. But what if you are just out and about, or at a local event, carrying a smaller load out? With the Protactic all I do un-velcro (if that is even a word) the waist strap and leave it at home. Genius.
- The molle system – Being a former MagFed Paintball player, I got used to having molle systems on my vests to carry magazines and extra things like smoke grenades. (What can I say, boys will be boys who love their toys) Molle Straps are easy to attach items onto and hang things from. The Protactic comes with a whole array of molle points. Along with 3 extra pouches which you can place anywhere where that there is a molle strap. And for a whole host of uses, like a tripod, water, extra batteries, snacks etc.
- The hard top – The top compartment of the bag has a hard top. Making it pretty good for outdoor exploring or travelling, while keeping your gear safe from knocks and bumps. Not to mention if you are on a plane or train, the bag does fit under the seat in front of you (I haven’t put it under a seat on a train as of yet, but loads of planes while travelling the last 6 months) and having the hard top prevents you from kicking/damaging what ever you have under the hard top.
- Multiple access points – All your camera gear can be accessed from either the top (if you have adjusted the internal compartments for it) or the left and right had side and even straight out the back. Just lay the bag face down, and unzip the back compartment open to give you access to the entire bag.
- Padded and Vented back support – It has the most comfortable back support I have ever encountered. Keeping me pretty cool, especially on longer walks.
- All weather – The rain cover is a pretty standard feature for me. And I usually don’t purchase a bag without one.
- Cradefit laptop system – This takes up to a 15″ laptop and is well padded and protected. It fits my 2015 Macbook Pro Retina snuggly, even though it has an external protective cover. (A little side note: I did get the laptop to fit into the compartment while it was inside a Zip Up Sleeve, but I felt it puts too much pressure on the laptop and also, I couldn’t get the laptop compartment zip to close)
- Multiple internal pockets – For things like passports or filters, spare batteries, memory card holders and so on. While travelling I used one of the side pockets to hold my 10 400 MAh 3 USB battery pack for charging my mobile devices.
- Zipper pulls – Each zipper has a loop attached to hit. No fussing about with finicky zippers. Just grab a loop and unzip or zip back up. Quick and easy.
As some of you may know, my wife and I have been travelling a bit of the world the last 6 months. This has given me a chance to really put the Protactic 450 through it’s paces and I really can’t find too much to fault.
From having water bottles hanging off the strap loops, to using the extra straps to carry my windbreaker or tripod or both, this bag has been phenomenal.
Have a look at a few of the images below to get an idea of what I mean.
This is not my video but still gives a great review and look at this amazing amazing camera backpack.
Have a peek at the LowPro YouTube video.
And there you have it… My Review of this amazing Backpack.
Please feel free to leave any comments or contact me if you have something to add.
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