Does it even exist?

First we’ll compare the top backpacks for hiking then get into the buying guide. What do those features even mean?

Top Camera Backpacks Compared

Camera backpack features to look for

Comfort

Many camera packs forget comfort in the search for endless configuration and dividers inside. Make sure you try on the pack before you buy with some weight in it.

Back, side and top access

The difference between regular backpacks and camera backpacks is the access. Whole back, side or top panels open giving easy access to your gear.

Back

The hallmark camera backpack access is the large back panel. The whole back of the bag opens up when it’s sitting on the ground. From there you can access your camera bodies, lenses and drones.

Side

Side access to the pack is a fast access while you’re wearing it. A small side panel opens straight into your main camera.

Top

Some camera packs have a top access too. This might be into your camera gear or into another compartment for camping gear or clothes.

Configurable cubes and dividers

To hold your camera inside the pack, there’s usually a removable camera cube or built-in area that can be divided by soft, bendable velcro dividers.

Cubes are removable and can be put into other backpacks but the extra layers and lids can get bulky inside a pack. Some cubes like the Mountain Light in the Moment Strohl pack are very thin but still strong and protective.

Some packs like the Lowepro ProTactic has a built in area made from the soft velcro material that you can divide however you want.

Laptop and tablet storage

Most camera bags come with some sort of laptop storage but some don’t. Be careful it’s big enough if you have a 15″ or 16″ laptop. Some only fit 13″ laptops and tablets.

Removable hip belt

Most bigger camera bags will have a waist belt and some are removable. It’s nice to have the remove it if you are using it more like a small city or travel bag. When you’re going for long days or have a lot in your pack, the waist belt will take some of the weight off your shoulders.

Tripod storage

A camera bag wouldn’t be much. of a camera bag if it didn’t have somewhere to store a tripod. Most of the time, they attach to the side with a strap and sometimes a pocket to hold the bottom of the legs. The pockets can double as water bottle holders as well.

External attachment points

No matter how much space inside there is, there’s often other stuff to hang from your bag. Anything external could fall off easier so be mindful of what you put out there. Other tripods or sleeping mats can attach to the outside with attachment points. Most bags have a few on the bottom sides and back for small clips or carabiners to attach to.

What’s your favourite camera pack?

Have you used the perfect camera pack? What’s great about it? What sucks?

The post Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking (Buying Guide) first appeared on Pack & Trail.

The still padding all around does a good job of keeping gear safe and the shape of the backpack.

Specs

The basic specs:

• 2.85 kg
• 36 x 22 x 52 cm external measurements of the bag
• 29 x 2.2 x 37 cm laptop compartment
• ActivZone back panel
• Utility belt with water bottle holder, tripod cup and 2 quick straps
• 15″ laptop slot
• 2 clear accessory pouches
• 4 access points
• 2 small zippered side pouches
• 1 small zippered pouch in top

Fit and Comfort

The 450 AWII is a very comfortable pack.

Being a stiff, black box, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be comfortable. Having worn all sorts of hiking, backpacking, ski and photography bags, this has easily been one of the most comfortable.

The padding on the back and straps is nice and thick, comfortably holding the pack when it’s fully of cameras, drones, lenses and water bottles.

Camera Access

There are 4 ways to access to the main compartment on the 450.

Depending on what I want to get, I’ll go through the side, top or back lids.

Back Panel Lid

The whole back panel opens up with a zipper. The dual zipper can be put on either side or the top. or locked together. I love that the zippers can be put anywhere on the track to close it.

The backpack straps are attached to the back and not the back panel. While this does take a little extra effort to open, I’d much rather have the straps firmly attached to the bag. If that zipper fails, the bag would stay closed and on your back.

The flat front of the bag means the back stays flat and level when the back panel is open.

Top Lid

The hard top shell of the pack opens as well. It’s quite stiff and feels more armoured. It flips open but stays mostly closed. I rarely have my camera sitting in the top since so I can access it through the side.

Side openings

Both sides have a small opening at the bottom for sling-like access to the main compartment. You can pick either side to set up. for camera access. I always have my camera in the left side so I can pull it out around my left shoulder with my right hand.

How much can it hold?

The 450 is about 25 litres total inside which can hold a fair amount of stuff.

If you are looking for something to use for a multi-day trip with camera gear, this will be small. You might need a multi-day pack and small camera module or larger camera pack.

The LowePro website says it can fit can fit 2 pro bodies, one with a 70-200, up to 8 other lenses, drone and action camera.

The hip belt is like a utility belt with a few spots to hang attachments to. The back and sides of the pack has a molle-like webbing to hold velcro and SlipLock hooks.

The pack comes with a water bottle holder, tripod cup and 2 quick straps to attach other things. Other accessories are on LowePros website for strapping on all the things.

2 other small pouches on are the sides of the pack and 2 clear pouches sit on the inside of the back panel. The clear pouches are very useful to see everything inside.

Laptop Pouch

Just inside the back panel is a 15″ laptop. It’s well padded and easily fits a 15″ MacBook Pro.

My only issue with the laptop pouch so far as been accidentally letting it fall open with a laptop in it but that’s all my fault?

Difference between the ProTactic 350 AW and the BP 450 AWII

The ProTactic 350 AW is a smaller version of the 450. It’s a very similar layout but 15 litres instead of 25. It still has the webbing, removable hip belt, ActivZone back panel and 4 access points.

Conclusion

After using the LowePro ProTactic BP 450 AWII for the last couple years, it’s been an awesome camera pack. It’s very comfortable even when fully. loaded, fits a ton of stuff, and is very configurable inside. All the zippers, straps and dividers are still in good shape even though it spends a lot of time laying in the dirt on my hikes.

If you are looking for a dedicated camera backpack, or daypack with camera dividers, the ProTactic BP 450 AWII is an excellent option.

The post LowePro ProTactic 450 AW II Backpack Review first appeared on Pack & Trail.