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| The Lowepro Primus AW, showing the harness system and water bottle pocket. |
The problem is as follows. Like presumably many photographers, I own a
camera backpack that is very rigid and protective. It has a square-ish compartment with
adjustable dividers, which allows the various lenses and bodies to be snugly
nested in place. Unfortunately, as a
result of its structure it is also tremendously uncomfortable to wear, and
provides no space for non-camera items such as a water bottle, field guide or
spare clothing. As a nature photographer
I frequently find myself camera-in-hand, hiking through a forest or traipsing
across a marsh, so features such as these are completely indispensable.
As a result of these shortcomings I often find myself
throwing my valuable camera gear into a regular daypack, along with a water
bottle and perhaps a sweater. Loose in
the pack the lenses bounce around, vulnerable to impact, and are constantly at
risk of water damage should there be some sort of catastrophic bottle failure.
Seeking some middle ground, I set out to buy a new
daypack for my upcoming trips – one that combines the structure of a camera bag
with the comfort and utility of a hiking pack.
After a great deal of searching with little success, I finally stumbled
on the Lowepro Primus AW.
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| The rigid bottom compartment has adjustable dividers and pockets for memory cards and other small items. |
At first glance, the Primus truly seems to represent the
best of both worlds. It has a rigid
lower compartment with dividers for camera gear, and a capacious, flexible
upper compartment for whatever else you need to carry. In addition it has an open front compartment
which accepts a large hydration pack, and an adjustable tripod/monopod rig on
the outside which I suspect will also support a snake hook or bug net poles.
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| The upper compartment has room for a surprising amount of gear, and more small pockets for various items. |
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this bag though, is
its 8-point adjustable harness system.
Similar to systems found on much larger expedition packs, it is complete
with a proper padded waist-belt and lumbar bolster. The bag has some other handy gadgets too,
like a side access panel for grabbing your camera quickly, an external water
bottle pocket, a waterproof cover, and rear access to thwart would-be thieves
and to keep the straps out of the mud when accessing your gear.
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| The open front pocket supports a 2L hydration pack. |
As if all that weren’t enough, there are incentives for
the eco-friendly consumer too. The bag’s
fabric is made of primarily recycled material; Lowepro claims that each one
uses the equivalent of 22 plastic water bottles. To make it even greener, Lowepro donates a
portion of each sale to polar bear conservation!
This bag definitely generates a favourable first
impression. I have worn it loaded for a
short hike and it is remarkably comfortable. While wearing the bag I am able to pull my 7D
body and Tamron 180mm out of the side hatch with minimal difficulty. It is only just big enough for one body and 3
medium-sized lenses (the smallest of which will likely ride the top
compartment) but I appreciate the compactness, and it is apparently carry-on
compatible.
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| The side access panel allows the wearer to access the camera without removing the pack. |
I am excited to break this bag in on my upcoming trips to
the Dominican Republic and southern Africa, and will be sure to report on its
performance when I get back.
Incidentally, the countdowns are on!
Dominican Republic: 5 days
Madagascar and South Africa: 27 days
I can’t wait!
Kyle
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