Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW. AW stands for All Weather! Yes, there is a built-in rain cover. It comes in either orange or black. I like both colors but opted for black only because I don't want the bright orange color to scare away my macro/nature subjects.
The name suggests that this two-in-one rucksack/backpack is designed for the athlete who loves photography. Now you don't have to leave your DSLR at home while you go for physically challenging activities like mountain-biking, trekking/hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc.
Some technical specification from Lowepro:
Top compartment: 24 x 19 x 53 cm (9.45 x 7.48 x 20.87 in)
Internal Dimensions: 19.5 x9 x 23 cm (7.68 x 3.54 x 9.06 in)
External Dimensions:27 x 17 x 49 cm (10.63 x 6.69 x 19.29 in)
Weight: 1.3 kg (2.86 lbs)
Fits:
- Up to a pro-sized DSLR with a kit lens attached
- Flash
- Hydration reservoir (up to 70 oz. or 2 liters; not included)
- Personal items
This bag is only 1.3kg when empty.
Exterior Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.7 x 19.3" (27 x 17 x 49cm)
The three main chamber/compartment/pocket are:
(1) Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber
Interior Camera Chamber: 7.7 x 3.5 x 9.1" (19.5 x 9 x 23cm)
Zippered, side-access pocket allows photographer to quickly rotate to front, unzip, un-cinch and access camera
I can fit my Canon 40D with the MPE65 attached, and a Sigma 150mm with 1.4x teleconverter on.
It can be the other way round too i.e Sigma 150 + 1.4x teleconverter on the Canon 40D, and MPE65 on its own
Admittedly, this combo will create quite a little of bulge! Should be better with the 1.4x teleconverter removed.
Once your photographic gear is all in, just pull drawcord and tightly cinch for snug and secure fit, and to help prevent bouncing while in motion!
(2) Top/upper compartment.
You can fit so many things in here. Light jacket, clothes, food or more photographic gear like lens, speedlight, extra body. Just put them in neoprene pouches.
Top Compartment: 24 x 19 x 53 cm (9.45 x 7.48 x 20.87 in)
There is a zippered pocket inside the upper/top compartment. This is a good place for personal items like car keys, mobile phone, wallet etc.
There is a clip for key ring.
(3) Hydration pocket
There is a hydration pocket for a 2L hydration reservoir (not included)
You can use the hydration for your iPad/Tab or even a small laptop too. The padding isn't that great though so make sure your tablet is in a neoprene pouch, at least.
Many other pockets
Oh, there are a few more pockets too! The waistbelt pockets would be great for small items like memory cards, batteries, snacks and so on.
And more pocket :). If you don't need a hydration pocket, you can just use this pocket for water bottle.
Compression straps and loops at the bottom part of the bag allow attachment of a life jacket, poles or extra gear, or even a traveler tripod. Mine is a big tripod though.
However, holding the tripod at the bottom might not be the best idea especially if you're doing some serious hiking or biking. Luckily, there is enough space in the top compartment for you to put even a large tripod inside!
Yes, there is actually room between the bag wall and the camera chamber, therefore it is not a good idea to put small item in this compartment as it might end up at the bottom and you'll be left wondering if you forgot to bring it or you lost it! :D. You can, however, use a small zippered bag to store your items before you the whole zipper bag in this compartment.
It comes with a built-in whistle too. Handy when you need to attract attention!
Comfort
All the thoughtful features aside, this backpack also fits snugly and comfortably on my back/shoulders. And once you buckle up the chest straps and the waist straps, you will feel less burden on your shoulders and neck as some of the weight will be transferred to your hips.
Other users' reviews:
Check out some of the clips here for review/overview/sharing by other athletes/photographers.
You can pack a lot of stuff into this bag, including a medium tripod! Check out this clip and see it for yourself!
From trekkers' perspective
From a mountain biker's perspective. You can see in this clip that you don't have to put the backpack down in order to reach for the camera. Just sling the backpack to your left.
You can see how he put the hydration pack into the pocket in this clip.
From a skier's perspective
Some other product details that might be of interest to you:
- Ultra-lightweight construction with high-performance fabrics provide comfort, durability and resiliency during extreme activity
- Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber™ protects camera gear in a padded and secure compartment and helps prevent bouncing while athlete/photographer in motion
- Zippered, side-access pocket allows photographer to quickly rotate to front, unzip, un-cinch and access camera
- Toploading upper compartment provides up to 13.9 liters of personal space for items like a jacket, lunch, cell phone, etc.
- Dedicated hydration pocket with port provides storage and easy access to liquid from a hydration reservoir (not included)
- Multiple attachment points offer a variety ways to expand carrying capacity
- Patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™ protects camera and personal gear from the elements
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