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I’ve been testing the new Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III and I like it—a lot.
I’ve owned a couple of Lowepro backpacks over the years, and they’ve been functional and reliable. I’ve never had a backpack as large as the ProTactic BP 450 AW III, though. With a 28 L total volume, it’s actually a very practical size for two scenarios.
The ability to buy and add multiple pouches and cases to the all-over webbing is very useful. I particularly like pouches on the waistband for phone or filters, giving quick access without having to take the pack off.
Outdoor Adventures
If heading off for a hike in the mountains or forests is your thing, this is a fabulous option. It’s a perfect size to carry a full frame pro body and a bunch of lenses, a filter kit, and filming gear or a drone too. There’s a trend with backpacks to make them streamlined and minimal with a shiny plastic weather-resistant covering. I don’t know about you, but I don’t buy a backpack because it looks stylish—I want something practical that can adapt to my needs.
The BP 450 AW III is possibly the most practical pack on the market. It features an all-over webbing system that allows you to attach a number of pouches if you need to carry even more gear or want to access things quickly. For example, you can attach a pouch for your phone or Action Cam onto the front shoulder straps for quick access, add a pouch to the back for a tripod or water bottle, or add a cube to the top of the pack. The backpack comes with one zippered pouch, one drawstring pouch, two Quick Straps, and an All Weather Cover. There’s a wide selection of additional pouch options to choose from.
The ProTactic BP 450 AW III has four points of access, including a top access point with a hard shell. You can configure this access as a separate section from the main pack—for things like wallet, glasses, film/batteries, snacks and even clothing. I found this very convenient.
The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III.
Event and Commercial Photography
This backpack is a worthy contender for event and wedding photographers. A new molded divider system lets you extend, connect and fully customize dividers to adapt to your changing kit. I used the pack for a client shoot that required lighting, and it easily allowed me to carry a couple of lights, a couple of lenses, and two camera bodies. Usually I have a pack and a bag for these items, so I was happy I could carry everything in one piece of luggage.
When fully loaded, it can get heavy. Lowepro gave this some careful thought and added a total of four very useful and substantial grab handles, making things like loading and unloading into an overhead bin easier when flying.
There’s room for a 16 inch laptop. When I do commercial shots, taking my MacBook Pro is essential, and this pack allows quick, easy access from the top section instead of having to lay the pack down and open the main section, which tends to be the case with most backpacks.
In the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 III, I’m able to carry a portable lighting kit in addition to my camera and a few lenses and accessories. It’s the perfect size.
Key Features
- Holds pro DSLR kit with five lenses
- Top, rear, and side access
- CradleFit laptop pocket
- MaxFit divider system
- 2 water bottle and 2 volume pockets
- Compatible with SlipLock tabs
- MOLLE/PALS pouch attachment
- SlideCam sternum strap
- Made from recycled fabric
- Removable padded waist belt
Specifications
- Weight: 2.95 kg
- Total Volume: 28 L
- Main Color: Black
- Internal Dimensions: 18.5 x 30 x 49 cm
- External Dimensions: 23 x 34.5 x 51 cm
- Camera Compartment Dimensions: 18.5 x 30 x 49 cm
- Laptop Compartment Dimensions: 1.8 x 26 x 37 cm
- Exterior Material: 210D Nylon Ripstop (recycled), 600D Polyester (recycled), 900D Polyester (recycled)
Something I find incredibly useful is the ability to remove the padded waist band and use on its own with a pouch or two. This is brilliant design.
What I Love
- It’s incredibly practical and versatile.
- Top access with hard shell lid is a nice touch.
- The ability to add pouches onto the webbing.
- The waist belt can be removed and used on its own with pouches.
What I Like The Least
- The only nitpick is the All Weather Cover is a separate piece and you need to decide where in the pack you’re going to keep it. And make sure you remember to take it with you. Maybe it would be better if it was attached to the pack. One of my earlier Lowepro packs had a hidden section at the base of the pack where the cover was stored
The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III retails for $319.95.