As summer draws to a close and photography students return to campus, they can balance their artistic pursuits with the demands of daily life with a comfortable, stylish, everyday bag. Lowepro offers a variety of carrying solutions, starting with our overall recommendation for 2012: the Photo Hatchback 16L AW.
The Top Choice
How does the photographer/student protect their camera gear while transporting those personal items needed for a busy day on the go?
For many, the Photo Hatchback AW ($99 to $119 US) may be the perfect answer. It comes in two sizes and features a padded camera box with storm-flap closure and grab handles that offer customizable storage for a complete camera kit. And when not shooting, remove the camera box to convert the bag into a fully functional daypack with plenty of storage space. So as your day changes, so can your backpack. Protect you photo gear when heading out for a shoot, or use the entire capacity for personal items.
Backside camera access allows the photographer to quickly retrieve the camera without having to remove the backpack. The dedicated iPad pocket protects a tablet computer, plus leaves room for periodicals and papers. Dual mesh side pockets are designed for water bottles and other personal items.
The Photo Hatchback comes in two sizes: 16L and 22L. Both include an All Weather AW Cover™ that protects bag and gear for times when the climate is less than perfect.
Street-smart styling, versatility, and excellent value all come together in our top pick for the fall season.
Specialty Bags Tailored to Your Individual Photography Style
No two photographers pack the exact same gear. That’s why we design specialty bags designed to your individual approach.
Camera and Laptop
The DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW ($149)combines dedicated camera storage, secure laptop compartment, and lots of room for personal items.
Pack your gear in the dedicated camera compartment. When it’s time to shoot, grab your gear from the fast-access, side-entry pocket. A separate laptop pocket keeps your workstation within reach. And a Hideaway Tripod Mount™ secures a tripod or DSLR video rig to the side of the pack. Additional features include: a built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from moisture; hidden ID pocket; stretch-mesh side pocket; grab handle; and stow-away waistbelt to minimize extra bulk when traveling.
Classic Photo Bag
The Pro Messenger 180 AW’s ($209) durable, yet soft exterior is reminiscent of classic canvas, but it’s actually a modern performance fabric. It’s built to fit pro-sized camera gear in configurations you’ve told us work best. And it has an innovative flap that effortlessly folds in half to quiet your moves and quicken your pace.
Interior dividers are padded and adjustable to fit a variety of pro-sized gear in a number of configurations. A Dual-Purpose Pocket transforms from handy storage space to travel-friendly trolley sleeve with a fast unzipping.
Additional street-friendly features include: a built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from moisture and dust; an expandable, zippered front pocket; a detachable, grab handle for an extra carrying option; plus a thickly padded shoulder strap for long-wearing comfort.
Camera and Personal Items
The award winning Passport Sling ($74) is designed for today’s photo enthusiasts who want to carry an equal amount of camera and personal gear as they explore the world with their DSLRs. Its unique and comfortable shape is unlike a traditional sling bag—it truly conforms to the body and easily moves with the wearer.
On the exterior, two slash pockets and a water bottle pocket provide quick access to books and other goodies. Inside, the sling is equipped to protect your DSLR and a few accessories as well as offer plenty of space for personal items. Unzip the front of the Passport Sling to reveal an expansion compartment that adds approximately 30% more space—enough to accommodate items like a light jacket or lunch. A fully padded camera box (with built-in memory card pocket) protects a DSLR. Remove it and collapse the box when you want to pack the sling in a larger bag for travel.
Compact System Camera and iPad
The Urban Photo Sling 150 ($84) provides 3 wearing options: front, back and side for versatility, comfort and added security. This stylish bag features 2 loading options: top and full panel for maximum organization of camera gear and a tablet.
The modern, streamlined design makes it easy to grab gear and capture images. You can load and unload from the top for easy access or with the front panel fully open for maximum organization. A variety of carrying options allow you to customize the bag to your working style.
For Your Compact System Camera
The Event Messenger 100 ($59) features a Dual-Mode Flap design and Grab-and-Go access. It’s streamlined, lightweight and easy to carry. Get full access to your gear via the wide main compartment. It includes a padded and adjustable divider system to organize your kit in multiple ways. Use the Dual-Mode Flap to go from maximum security mode to quiet working mode by unfolding or folding the hook/loop fasteners.
This modern messenger bag looks stylishly discreet, and is perfect home for your Compact System Camera with an extra lens or two and a handful of accessories.
The Dashpoint 30 ($24) is a multi-functional, outdoor-inspired pouch offers a lightweight, yet rugged carrying solution for a wide variety of electronic devices. It features removable/adjustable shoulder strap with rotating snaphooks and offers comfortable fit with increased mobility.
Its durable EVA padding provides protective, impact-resistant construction and the built-in memory card pocket supplies a convenient place to stash spare memory—right inside top lid.
Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.
