Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW Hydration-Ready, Expedition Camera Backpack - Mica/Black

2014-06-16T21:00:00

BLUF (bottom line up front): Buy this if you need a large, capable, rugged backpack for quite a large selection of gear. This is a very rugged and well built backpack with a myriad of options for connecting things to it and securing them within. Some will likely be annoyed by the extensive use of buckles and clasps, but this one is ready for lots & lots of assignments. The main zipper is rubberized & water resistant which is good, a bit slow to open if you happen to be in a rush, but then you probably needed to slow down anyway, right? A very nice feature is that virtually all the bits/parts/pieces are removable so you don't have to simply choose not to use them (but still have to carry them around) - you can remove them altogether & leave them at home for the next adventure. I ticked the cumbersome box under "Cons" just so I didn't sound like a robo-rater but it really isn't terribly cumbersome to access your gear given the level of protection it is afforded while waiting.

Ike

2014-06-09T21:00:00

I needed a backpack to store all my lenses and camera when traveling. This one is solid and sturdy with enough flexibility to fit my gear. The only draw back is with all the weight, it rides a little too high on my back. I wish it would press lower and was able to distribute the weight better. Even so, I still recommend it.

WILLIAM B.

2014-03-03T19:00:00

Excellent protection for your camera gear. Wonderful size, could be your goto carry on camera bag. Great layout for compartments, pockets, computer bag and Lowepro's awesome rain cover.

TIMOTHY H.

2013-12-30T19:00:00

This thing is just way too big. I expected it to be a large bag based on what it will carry, but in my opinion this is ridiculous. Impossible to wear indoors, it's so deep you're constantly bumping into things. I returned this bag and bought the much smaller Flipside 400aw which carries the same amount of gear (except the laptop) in half the space.

MICHAEL D.

2012-07-28T21:00:00

I got this pack for my mountain shoots -- my old pack, a Versapack 20W, just can't hold any clothing and the hydration pack and tripod have to go the farthest away from my body as possible, which makes them, in effect, much heavier. I can fit foul weather gear in the ProTrekker, which is great, and I put my tripod in one of the side sleeves. But the only tripod cup is on the back, which means that my tripod rides really low in a side sleeve, hitting my calves on somewhat steep class 2 terrain and the rock on class 3 or 4 terrain. I'll have to modify it. In small airplanes, it doesn't fit in the overhead compartments (OK in 737s) and all buckles need to get tucked away so they don't catch since it's generally a tight fit. I wish they had a pocket for hydration bite tubes as I'm always getting mine in the dirt/sand when I put the pack down. The fitting system is great, love the adjustability & padding. The build seems to be the usual Lowepro bomb-proof quality. Really appreciate the coating on the pull tabs.

monika c.

2012-03-04T19:00:00

Don't be fooled by the fact that this is the smallest in this line of bags. This is a very big bag. I ordered it for a trip involving several international flights and returned it because I thought it was too big for that purpose. This is a well constructed bag. Probably best for serious hiking or for protecting gear when traveling by car.

DANIEL S.

2011-11-20T19:00:00

I love this bag. Excellent quality, and it is perfect for what I need.

Marianne M.

2011-11-10T19:00:00

I have been using this bag for a few years and it has served me well. I love that it includes a rain/dust cover, how adjustable it is and the fact it does fit most overhead bins on airlines. So far only had one that it didn't fit for some odd reason. On a few flights I did have to remove the laptop from the pocket to make it fit the overhead bin but that is ok. One of the many things I love about the bag is that you can remove the upper part and use it as a fanny pack. Either with the straps sewn in or with the removable waist band from the main bag. The fanny pack is big enough for a lens or two along with batteries, memory cards and even enough room for a snack or two. Yes it can get heavy at times but because the harness system is so adjustable it can be used with great comfort. On my last trip the pack weighed in at 41 pounds with two DSLR bodies, seven or eight lenses, batteries, chargers, cords, laptop and assorted other odds and ends. I only have two real gripes about the bag. One is that for something costing this much money you would think they would include the water bladder. Sure you can pick them up for a few bucks at any sporting goods store but this is something I feel should be included with a bag in this price range. Secondly with a bag this big it would be nice if it would hold a laptop bigger than 15.6 inch. I can get my 17 inch into the pocket, although not all the way, but not the included padded case.

joecichlid

2011-06-15T21:00:00

I received this bag from my wife for my birthday. I will have to say that this is one the best gifts she has ever given me. The bag is not too big but can handle all of my equipment and then some. It has more places and room than you can imagine. Love this bag.

SteveM

2011-01-11T19:00:00

I love the looks of this product. I am a super fan of Lowepro bags. I've had several and their customer service when I had issues with one of the was excellent. The bag is well made, zipper is kind of tight to open, but secure. The space to store your laptop is very tight and it is hard to get the 15" laptop in and out of the case.

ROBERTO R.

2010-01-25T19:00:00

Perfect for extreme conditions and everyday use.

Metadone

2010-01-10T19:00:00

I needed one bag that would carry my computer and camera equipment. This does all that. The computer compartment is a bit tight and it's a little difficult getting the computer into it. ( I have 13" Macbook Pro). It certainly fits a lot of equipment. I can carry a Canon 5D markII with a 100-400 mm lens attached, 5 other lens and attachments, a flash unit, filter, batteries, etc, and still have room left over. It is very heavy with everything loaded, so, if I am walking any distance, I will carry only what I need to use that day. That does take some planing ahead. There's a place for a water bladder, which is convenient. I haven't had the opportunity to take it on an airplane, so I don't know how it fits. I'm sure it will fit in the overheads, but not so sure about under the seat. For that reason, it doesn't quite fit my original purpose.

Kathleen A.