By Mike in Alaska from Wasilla Alaska on 7/12/2008

Uses a SCUBA type dry suit zipper that is undoubtably 100% waterproof. However, zipper jams and is very difficult to close, even after waxing. Called Lowepro and they were very accomodating and sent me a new waterproof inset. Same problem, every time I ever needed it for a wet outdoor trip it took forever to close it up. I was so afraid to take it out I never used the waterproof zipper and closed it with the conventional zipper. I am going to contact Lowepro and see if they will credit it for another backpack.

By Martin from Worcester, Mass on 4/10/2008

This Dry Zone pack will fit a Canon 40D with a WFT or Battery grip + 10-22, 24-105, 70-200 lenses + 2x and 1.4x extenders along with spare batteries, lens hoods, filters and a 580 Speedlight. Then there is still enough room for a 180mm Macro along with a Macro twin light and the support brackets, extenders and mounts. Now it is full and weighs about 35lbs. A tripod can be mounted on the exterior using the built in pouch and 3 adjustable snaps. The exterior pack has an additional 7 or 8 pockets for all the other stuff that is allowed to get wet. The distance from the waist belt to the shoulder straps can be adjusted using the supplied velcro separator. A very neat trick. All the other strap adjustments are normal except for the sternum strap. A feature I had not appreciated until now.

Being from New England and spending most of my vacations in Scotland, Canada and the wetter parts of the USA I know the damage water can do to photographic equipment. The main reason to buy this backpack was its claim to be WATERPROOF. It is. I put it in the shower for an hour, hot, cold, spray and full stream. Filled the bath and dropped it in. It floated. I held it under. It did not leak and I believe it will not leak on the trail.

The internal foam dividers are substantial enough to give you the confidence that a porter could manhandle the bag in a normal way or it would survive a trip around the Heathrow Airport baggage conveyor. This is not an Economy Class International carry on bag. For a start it weighs about 50% of the weight allowance (32lbs) and if packed as described above it would be refused by the Airline (>50lbs) as being hazardous to both the employees and the conveyor system! However if you are reasonably fit and travel on the surface by boat or car/bus this is ideal. It will protect your gear from mechanical damage and be very comfortable to wear and you can use your hands for other things. Although it does come with a regular carrying handle in the right place for a porter.