Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II review
Compact yet comprehensive, this clever modular camera backpack is worth its (light) weight
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A modular backpack that can grow according to how many accessories you want to take on any one photography trip. What a great idea! The ProTactic BP 350 AW II has various accessories available for it, from drinks bottle holders and tripod grips to hip belts and phone carriers, though at its core this is a brilliantly designed – and very compact – camera bag for anyone that travels with a lot of camera gear, a DSLR and/or a drone.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II: main compartments
Measuring 300 x 180 x 470mm, the bulk of this bag is one compartment, it’s accessed from the back for extra security, though also via doors on the sides, top and rear. Inside is a compartment divided up using Velcro dividers, as per usual for a camera bag. In our test, I managed to get a DSLR camera with a 24-70mm lens attached, a separate wide-angle lens, a pair of binoculars, a sunglasses case, and – in a pocket (240 x 18 x 345mm) on the inside of the lid itself that also forms the back panel of the backpack – an 11-inch laptop. It all weighs 2.12kg when empty.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II: pockets
Outside the main compartment are several pockets. The lid of the main area is EVA molded, essentially a hardtop to cover a delicate drone (specifically the DJI Mavic 2 Pro or Zoom or DJI Osmo+), though in the lid is a secure and fairly roomy pocket closed by a zip. Even the wall of the pocket hosts a slip for SD cards. On the outside of the bag are two small side pockets, essentially for storing keys and more SD cards – and perhaps a wired remote.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II: accessories
Coming as standard accessories in the box are ProTactic Quick Straps, a tripod leg holder, and a small drawstring bag, each attached to the outside of the bag using its many (many) tough fabric loops. It’s all done using Velcro, and once in place, they’re very secure. With the first two accessories, we managed to strap-on a large tripod to the outside of the bag, later moving it to the side for extra carrying comfort. The modular design makes that possible. You can invest in a better water bottle holder (that hosts a flask), a phone case for the shoulder straps (don’t bother – it must be ranged way to high to be of any use), and a Utility Bag 100 AW that could take a compact camera, a 360 camera, or a pair of binoculars.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II: conclusion
Exceptionally travel friendly and compact enough to act as carry-on luggage, this clever camera backpack is great for storing all kinds of camera equipment, and even a small laptop. Toughly made and very comfortable to wear, it can, however, look a little messy when fully rigged, and those extra accessories are expensive. However used in its basic configuration, it’s the ideal carry-on for photographers on short trips.
Price as reviewed: £209.95 / US $219.95