Lowepro Photographic Backpack, Black, BP 300 AW III

I’ve always rated LowePro camera cases and was looking at this one (flip side 300AW II) for a while before deciding.Firstly, comfort. The weight of the camera, kit lens, 2 other lenses and other paraphernalia are well-distributed in this case, ensuring you can wear it for long periods of time without getting shoulder / neck / back pain. The straps are easily adjustable to give a good fit.Second, security. I’ve not travelled with this case, however I always used to keep my zips safe with a large karabina on my old case, because I didn’t like that my camera was on my back and could be accessed. With this case, that can’t happen, as access is behind the straps.Thirdly, storage. The zip access on the rucksack provides ample storage for an iPad, keys, glasses, notepad and two side pockets mean you can carry a drinks bottle. No more going out with a camera bag...and a second bag with all your other kit!It’s on the pricey side but for me, does what I want / need it to do, making it worth the extra money from some of the similar rucksacks across the range.

Why am I say almost? Because Lowepro also follows marketing policies vs. creating the best backpack on Earth. They distribute the new inventions in several models, so they can sell them all. Maybe it is just me, but there are so many cool features but on 4-5 different models while it would not be hard, nor expensive to merge all these awesome things in one. My previous bag was a 400 AW which I liked however I missed a few things that are perfectly patched now in the new version.But anyways, I do not want to be nit picking here, since I think I still got the best backpack in my life and the most important features are there! I am really happy with it in general. It is made from really high quality materials. They built this to last. I love this green camo color, because it matches with my other military backpack, and on the previous black version, you could easily see the dirt that was hard to clean. The other important thing that it does not look so obviously like a photo backpack. It might come handy when you go to some place you do not want to bring other's attention that you are carrying expensive equipments on your backside.I love the new laptop pocket in the back, that was something I was waiting for. It has also extra straps on the bottom now to strengthen the hold when you keep the backpack on your belt while opening it. It is also higher and deeper that the AW 400 so I can fit all my new lens in there. I got 2 Canon Flashes, a 70-200 IS USM F2.8 II, a 24-70 F2.8, a Macro F2.8 100mm, A Canon 5D M4, a Canon 5D M2, a mini tripod, a Flash turbo with charger, a 13 inch Lenovo Yoga 2 laptop, a tons of batteries in the separate bag compartment (very handy feature), and a bunch of small items in bags all fit in the backside (all these weight about 10-11 kg). The bag barely, but still fits in the airplane's cargo, compiles with the big hand luggage size restrictions. It was important for me since I like travelling but do not like giving out my gear to strangers' hands. It is very comfortable to wear it on both sides (on my back or stomach) even with 10-11 kg weight in it. The backside is soft, nicely padded. Thanks Lowepro! :)

After almost 9 months, there's one little frustration I have with this bag that has been an issue on perhaps 3 or 4 different occasions.It's the limited options to reconfigure the internal dividers. The two main dividers are long, with a short 'hinged' pieces at the ends. The fixing velcro in the main 'tray' of the bag consists of two thin strips, running top to bottom. The combination makes it a challenge to customise/reconfigure the internal compartments for certain contents. One of the key features I was looking foward to with this bag was the side access flap, using it to grab/store my camera on the go. I find this impractical to setup with the internal divider limitations.Overall, though, I would say it's a great quality bag.I like the deepness of the interior, allows most equipment to be carried comfortably.I like the removable mesh zippered pocket, great for keeping all those small items safe and accessible.The laptop sleeve inside is great, but be aware anything bigger than a 14" laptop is unlikely to fit.The zips and build material is rugged and stands up to lots of use. Feels strong with lots of heavy gear packed inside.Comfortable to carry for long distances.The waist strap and ability to swivel and open the bag while standing is a brilliant feature when you find yourself unable to put the bag down, for whatever reason.Overall, I would recommend it as a great bag for professionals who need something tough and practical for daily use.If the internal configuration options were better, it would be the perfect working bag.

This bag is the result of my doing lots of research on Youtube as with no shops open I could not get a feel of what was good enough. Days after buying it I went to Iceland to visit the volcano and did three trips up the hill. In it I had, Nikon D750, 24-85 Zoom, 70-300 mm, filters, lens cleaning stuff, sd cards. Plus phone and a giotto tripod strapped to it. In there were my over trousers, gloves/beanie, snacks and on the side a big bottle of water. To be honest, I would not want a bigger bag (more kit) for hiking up 300 meters for a 7 mile round trip in howling wind on rough ground. While travelling, it also held my trablet and documents etc etc for carry on. It fitted the overhead bins on the plane easily. The bag has more straps than you can think off. I used some of them to attach a fleecey to etc. Overall good quality, right size and comfortable.