Here’s a hand-picked selection of gear that will help you choose the right Lowepro bag for the photographer in your life. Each item is linked to the Lowepro product page for more information and for a ballpark price. But we encourage you to also check with your favorite specialty dealer.

And from all of us here at Lowepro: we wish you a picturesque holiday season!

Gifts Under $50

Apex 110 AW (shoulder bag for Compact System Cameras and all-in-one compacts)
Lightweight, rugged and designed to withstand the elements, Apex AW bags are perfect for even the most discerning adventure photographer.

Exchange Messenger (light messenger bag for all types of cameras)
Combine a classic bike courier profile with Lowepro’s protective and practical design sense and you get the Exchange Messenger — a well-priced DSLR shoulder bag that offers soft-sided protection with modern appeal.

S&F Lens Exchange Case 200 AW (innovative case for DSLR zoom lenses)
Our breakthrough, purpose-built design allows a one-handed lens exchange. This inventive case is ideal for busy photographers who need to switch out lenses as they work.

StreamLine 100 (stylish shoulder bag for Compact System Cameras)
The slim and stylish design of Lowepro’s StreamLine 100 almost conceals the fact that it’s purpose built to fit and carry a compact system camera kit, plus a few extras. Compact, lightweight, yet truly protective, this sleek shoulder bag provides an easy and comfortable way to keep your camera gear within reach.

Gifts Under $75

Passport Sling (versatile sling bag for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)
Lowepro’s Passport Sling is designed for today’s photo enthusiasts who want to carry an equal amount of camera and personal gear as they sightsee, travel, or go out for a walk 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.

Nova 170 AW (high value shoulder bag for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)
No need to let the weather stop you from shooting –the Nova 170 AW includes a 360 degree All Weather Cover that protects your gear as you work. Size to carry the most popular digital SLR cameras; lenses; memory cards and accessories.

Toploader Zoom 55 AW (case for enthusiast DSLRs with lens attached)
Lowepro’s Toploader Zoom 55 AW offers a weather-protective, streamlined, and easy-access carrying solution for outdoor photography enthusiasts who are passionate about their pursuits. This toploading design is ideal for a day of outdoor activities, travel or sports. With Lowepro’s patented All Weather AW Cover, gear is protected from the elements.

Gifts Under $100

CompuDay Photo 250 (high value backpack for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras with laptop storage)
It holds your laptop… and your camera… plus life’s essentials: cell phone, MP3 player, portable hard drive, USB, keys, wallet, snacks, jacket, tickets, pens — any convenient item you want for the day. As you move through the world with your lean and lightweight CompuDay Photo 250 backpack, it’s ready for every inspiration point.

SlingShot 102 AW (sling bag for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)
Designed for the photojournalist. Adopted by the enthusiast. Improved for all! Introducing the next generation of SlingShot AW from Lowepro. Our newest, fast-access SlingShot AW series builds on the inventive design of the original and incorporates what many photographers are looking for: faster access, extra space for personal items, improved organization, and the ability to add a tripod.

Gifts Under $150

DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW (urban backpack for enthusiast and pro DSLRs with laptop or iPad)

The DSLR Video Fastpack AW series builds on the award-winning design of the original Fastpack backpack and incorporates flexible options for today’s multimedia photographer who shoots with a DSLR or HD video-enabled DSLR. Fast access and flexible organization are key elements of this protective, yet lightweight design.

SlingShot 302 AW (sling bag for enthusiast and pro DSLRs)

Innovative sling bag includes: a patented All Weather AW Cover; 3 SlipLock attachment loops; built-in microfiber cleaning cloth; dedicated memory card pockets; and easy-glide zippers; plus a fully padded main camera compartment with an updated divider system to accommodate the most popular DSLR models.

Gifts Under $200

Photo Sport 200 AW (award winning adventure backpack for enthusiast DSLRs and Compact System Cameras)

Adventure sport athletes who like to go fast and light — but equally like to capture the moment — will enjoy the freedom of Lowepro’s Photo Sport 200 AW backpack. It’s an ideal carrying solution for trail running, mountain biking, snowboarding and other active outdoor pursuits. The dual-compartment design offers ample space for personal gear and a camera kit. Contoured adventure-pack construction features ultra-lightweight, resilient and high-performance technical fabrics for improved durability during extreme activity. The Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber protects camera gear in a padded and secure compartment and helps prevent bouncing while you’re in motion.

Pro Messenger 160 AW (stylish deluxe shoulder bag for pro and enthusiast DSLRs)
When your gear feels right, your work more smoothly. This idea inspired the design of our Pro Messenger AW. Its 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.

Pro Runner 300 AW (efficient backpack for enthusiast and advanced DSLRs)
The Pro Runner 300 AW DSLR backpack delivers a compact, streamlined and urban-inspired solution for photographers who carry their gear through crowded airports and busy city streets. This feature-filled design fits a camera, tripod and accessories, plus a few personal items, in a highly organized pack.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

In honor of the recent 2011 Pop Award for “Best for Hiker,” we’re going to give away one Photo Sport 200 AW as part of this week’s Free Bag Friday contest. Pop Photo commented about the bag, “We call this a solid hiking pack because it’s almost literally true: A rigid plastic back panel acts something like a hiking frame.”

If you want to a chance to win this stylish backpack, simply add a comment to this post stating why it appeals to you. The contest is open until 12:01 am PST on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011. Later that day, we’ll post the winner on our Lowepro Facebook Fan Page.

Help us celebrate this wonderful honor from Popular Photography. And by doing so, you just might win yourself a new backpack.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro. Photo compliments of Popular Photography.

In theory, we’re clear on how a bag is to preform under adverse conditions. But to actually experience its virtues takes appreciation to a new level. That’s what happened to me on Saturday, Oct. 29 in New York City with the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW.

By now, you’ve probably already heard about the record-setting storm that hit New York City. Those *never* happen in October. But after teaching my class Saturday morning at PhotoPlus Expo, here’s what I was greeted with when I walked at the door of the conference center.

Anyone who has been to NYC in a storm knows there are no available cabs when this happens. I had walk back to the hotel, retrieve my suitcase, and get to the airport as soon as possible. I wanted to get home.

The latest version of our popular Fastpack series includes an AW cover. I pulled it out to protect my camera and computer gear for the slushy trek back to the hotel. Not only did the AW cover do its job, it wiped off quickly once inside and was neatly stowed in the bottom of the bag. The location of the AW cover is very important. Here’s why.

After many hours or wrangling at JFK airport (flight cancellations, terminal changes, etc.), I got a window seat near an exit door on a Delta nonstop to San Francisco. The plane had to be de-iced before we departed. My Fastpack was sitting upright at my feet during the process. Afterward, I noticed that the carpet around me was soaked. The Fastpack was sitting in these sponge-like conditions. Because the AW cover is on the bottom of the bag, it served as a barrier and protected the valuable contents.

And last, but not least, all of this is after wearing a fully packed bag for 4 days without any shoulder or back fatigue. For longer walks, such as back to the hotel, I would pull out the waist best from its hiding place and use it to stabilize the bag as I maneuvered the busy NY streets.

The DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW was my trusty companion in the Big Apple. And it lived up to every bit of theory the designers conceived on paper when they dreamed up this amazing backpack.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

For a bag that looks so comfortable and blends in with the urban environment, the new Lowepro Pro Messenger 200 AW includes a lot of features. I’ve created two short movies that will help you decide if this “high-tech-retro” bag is for you.

First, here’s an overview that shows the basic features.

Now, since I shoot often with the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom on camera body, I thought you might like to see an alternative way to pack the 200 AW. In this case, I use one of the dividers to create a false bottom. In all honesty, this is just one of the numerous ways you can configure this bag.

There are two other models in the Pro Messenger family. You can learn about the entire line up by visiting lowepro.com, or by stopping by the Lowepro booth at PhotoPlus Expo.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

We have a new area on Lowepro.com called Your Video & Photos. Our nickname for it is Lowepro Inspired. And if you look at the images on the page, you’ll see why. Photographers from all over the world are sharing pictures of them with their Lowepro bags. Makes me want to pack up and head somewhere right now.

To help get this page on everyone’s radar, we thought a promotion was in order. It’s this week’s twist on Free Bag Friday. Here’s how it works:

• Submit a photo with a Lowepro bag in the composition to Your Video & Photos.
• Each image you submit, if approved, will enter you in a drawing to win a brand new Lowepro product.
• The prize is a pro-level bag that will be announced at Photo Plus Expo the week of Oct. 24, 2011.
• You can submit up to 3 photos for this promotion, giving you 3 chances to win.
• Include the bag type (eg. Fastpack 250, SlingShot 102 AW, etc.) in the caption box.
• Images already posted on the Lowepro Facebook page are eligible, but must be submitted again on the Your Video & Photos page to be included in this promotion.
• The deadline for participation is midnight PST, Oct, 31, 2011 (Happy Halloween).
• We will announce the winning entry the week of Oct. 31, 2011.
• This promotion is void where prohibited by regional laws.

Oh, and I guess I’ve just spilled the beans that there will be a new product announcement next week…

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Congratulations to Damien, the winner of a new DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW for his description of what Lowepro means to him, “Lifeproof.” Many of us depend on our Lowepro bags to protect our gear from the elements while comfortably transporting it from one location to another. So much “life” can happen along the way. Good to know that we’re equipped to meet it head on without incident.

And thanks to everyone else for participating. We’ll have another Free Bag Friday soon.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

We’re offering up one Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW this week. That’s right, our latest bag that so many have been talking about. How do you throw your hat into the ring (to be the possible winner)? Post a comment below following this format: When you think of Lowepro, what is the one word that comes to mind? Only comments that contain a single word will be eligible to win the DSLR Fastpack.

You have until midnight, Sunday Oct. 9 to participate. We’ll announce the winner here and on our Facebook page on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. Good luck!

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.