I'm following your quest and adventures finding the right camera bag. Is the Atlas Pack the one you think is the right one? In December I'm going to be relatively near a camera store that sells them and I'm thinking about trying them out. By the way, great suggestions about the handcuff holder and the non-Lowepro water bottle holder.
Thank you! I would LOVE to get my hands on an Atlas Athlete (black) pack and try one out to review. I have talked with the maker but unfortunately I won't be able to order one for a while since they are expensive. I do believe that is the one bag for me and hopefully soon I will have one. If you get the chance to stop and try one out, please let me know how you like it. I would be very curious to hear your thoughts on it.
@@tammymellertphoto Yes, the Atlas is pricey, but it looks like it's in the same price range as the Shimoda or f-stop since you also have to buy the core unit/icu for those. I have a Mindshift Backlight 36L, which is ok, but .... I'm interested in the Atlas because you do NOT need a core unit/icu and you can carry water bottles. I'm looking for a bag where I can carry a rain jacket, fleece shirt, polartec cap, snack, DSLR, 2/3 lenses, filters, headlamp, and tripod. I'm a larger breasted woman so the straps and fit are really important, that's why I want to try it out. I'll let you know towards the end of December.
@@recycleretirement80 Exactly! I have the Backlight 36L also but it is way too big for me and I plan to sell that one. I love the idea and concept of the Atlas pack. Keep me posted on what you find out and I can't wait to hear from you! Have fun on your trip.
@@tammymellertphoto I tried on the Atlas Athlete this afternoon. The fit is much more comfortable than my Backlight 36L. I love the design; it's so well thought out. However, it is a bag for mirrorless camera systems and I have a Nikon D750. The Nikon is just a tad too tall. I could lay it flat but then I'd lose a lot of room to carry the rest of my gear. The Atlas Adventure is just too darn big and too darn heavy. If only the Athlete were just a teeny tad deeper, just a few millimeters. I'm disappointed and I'm on a 2-week restricted diet so I can't drink away my sorrow with an IPA or a glass of red wine, alas, alas. I believe you shoot with mirrorless, I think you'd like the Athlete.
Recycle Retirement oh no thats a bit of a bummer. I am slowly saving my money for the Athlete version. I do shoot with mirrorless and I think my Olympus OMD system would fit. Sorry it didnt work for you. I wish you could have a drink or something...darn it. Thanks for update and information.
I have 450 AW and your video is the best I have ever seen explaining the contents and use of this backpack. Great job! I don't see the need of an upgrade to the AW II.
I’ve received the 450 AW II a few days ago and absolutely love it. Didn’t upgrade from the first version, but from another Lowepro. Overall I will be traveling with the new version for the next year. Super comfortable and fits ALL my gear, including the A7III, 5 lenses, filters, a gimbal, Mavic 2 Pro + 3 batteries, and more. Absolutely love it.
Just a quick update for anybody reading this. I absolutely love this thing. Fits me perfectly and stores so much stuff. Only downsides would be that the chest strap keeps moving around which is annoying, and that the top compartment is just about big enough for my Weebill Lab. Love it though, for the last two months nonstop travel. Would recommend!
I just needed a nice comparison between the two versions and I really liked your simple, no-nonsense approach. Very useful and rich of informations. Thanks!
Hey Tammy! Thanks for the review! I have been needing a new bag for my adventures and I was going to get the new ProTactic but I think I am going with the original. I also just subscribed!
Hi, I'm french and there was no video detailing the two articles. Thanks to you I made my choice, I will take the 2. Because today there is no more price gap :). thanks again
@@tammymellertphoto No, you were great!! So much so, that I clicked right over to Adorama and ordered the first thing I pulled up w Lowepro, but it was the RUNNER 450, NOT the PROTACTIC, lol. I've calmed down now and have the right one on order! HAGD!!
Pretty good review but I think you missed the most significant difference. The size of the opening for side access. Version II bag fits larger dslrs and gripped dslrs easier through its side access openings. Something some people disliked about the gen 1 smaller side access opening. Even if you don't use the side access much yourself, as a reviewer it was definitely worth mentioning. Love your videos BTW...
Thank you! Since I don't use the side access I never really thought about the side openings being any different in size. I checked the dimensions but it never said anything about the changes to the side access. Thank you for the information about those!
Hi Tammy! Hey… Great review. I have the smaller version of this bag the 350 AW-2 Which I loved. I was looking to get the larger version to incorporate my small 4 x 5 into it and was going to buy the older version. Your information has been very helpful. Thanks for the great honest and straight-dope review!
hey...im planning on getting lowepro protactic bp 350 aw ii and i use Nikon D750 with 200 to 500mm...do u think d750 with 200 500mm attached would fit in that bag?
Thank you very much! WOW that is a question. My favorite bag of all time....well that would have to be the MindShift Backlight 26L in Green. I LOVE that bag and it is always the one I go back to. I love it so much I also have the 18L and 36L (although that one is way to big for me so I have to find it a new home lol).
thanks for the detailed comparison, I'm happy that I pick up the original 450 AW because it was on sale for $102 at Amazon during Black Friday, the $160 difference for the upgrade can't justify the price. save that money up for accessories!!!
Great review Tammy! I have seen and read a few reviews on the Protactic 450 II and this detailed review with specific pros and cons may be the deciding factor for my purchase going forward
Nice review Tammy! This was very helpful...I've been looking for a new camera bag for my DSLR Camera and my drone (Mavic Air / Spark) and I think this will be perfect for what I need. As a guy I don't think the chest harnesses will be an issue for me (and I don't own the older model)...that being said, I think I'm going with the Protactic BP 450 AW II. Again...thanks for the review..nicely done! Keep up the great work... :)
Thank you for sharing this video, Right now I can’t afford to buy the new 450 AW II, watching this video I can see that is the same backpack, I found the first version on eBay for $70 dollars 💵 ( I think is a good deal) thank you again, this video is very helpful. 👍👍👍👍
Great review. Many Thanks. I have the Protactic 450 AW but seldom use it. I use my Peli 1510 case most of time for my paid work. I will definitely use the Protactic 450 AW more for my leisure photography.
jodad hello sorry just saw this one. Sometimes RU-vid doesnt notify me about these. I was talking about the Atlas Athlete which I did get and quickly outgrew lol.
Thanks Tammy, that's really great detailed review and comparison. I'm thinking about getting one of those bags and there is about 80$ difference between them in my local stores. Now I know it's not really worth to pay more.
What about the rain cover ? - Will it still be able to cover, if you have multiple pouches mounted to the molle system, or will it be to small to fit over a fully equiped bag ?
Thank you so much for the review, I wanted a bag that if I need to take into camp or go in the mountains I am able to with safety as well. Thank you so much!
That was really helpful, thanks! Opting for the original AW 450. The upgrades aren’t worth the extra $$ and according to the specs I’ve read the original is slightly deeper which for me is a benefit.
and finally....which one would be more carry on friendly? I read here that v1 may not fit under the seat. Would v2 fit maybe? minor differences in size I know..
Well I can say that if V1 won't fit then V2 is basiclly the same size. Each airline is different in what they allow in carry on size and I would check with your airline to see what sizes they allow. There is a webpage for that and I will link that here too travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/. It is a large bag. I have never flown with it so I cannot say for sure. Sorry about that.
Very interesting review Tammy, I have a very noob question but I think no one has covered them in any review of this backpack, can you detach the separation compartments for the camera tools and gadgets within the inside of the back, just to put clothes of different kind of tech bigger gadgets for travelling? Thanks
Nice and detailed review. But 450II looks smaller in your video. As per specification available on lowepro website 450II is thinner at 22cm but larger in length and breadth. Please let me know as I am planning to buy 450 version 1 as it is shown as smaller.
It looks smaller because it made to be more "boxy" in the look. They are very very close to the same size but version 2 is shaped differently is why it looks like that.
Hi Tammy, great review! Can I please ask if you’ve taken the Lowepro 450 II on a plane? If so does fit under the seat or is it more a overhead bag? Thanks!
gsh0ck3d thank you! No I haven’t taken it on a plane. I don’t fly at all so I am not sure if it will fit or not but I can find out for you. A friend of mine flies and she has this bag as well.
Great review! A slight addition though - if you look very closely for the specs of each bag, the first version is actually bigger in terms of volume. 6L bigger to be exact, so fairly significant! Sneaky dudes at Lowepro
Hi Tammy wich one all those backpack you keep it I prefer the new version I think has more smart divider and than the original version. I am watching review before take a decision to buy one for my camera and accessories once again thank you for you video.
Love your channel! You’ve done a few bag reviews. What’s your 2021 backpack? I’m looking at a F Stop Kashmir or Loka UL. I have a Mindshift Backlight 26l and hate the thick waist belt, it’s great except for that.
Tammy, thanks for this great and in depth review, now I know what the differences between the bags. The only what I would like to see improved is the MOLLE straps. IMHO they should be stiffer like the other military/tactical bags.
How many bodies and lenses could it fit? I need a bag to contain D850, 80-400AF-s(quite a big Lens), 24-70, 16-35, 85mm prime 1.4, 12 mm Samyang, a Sony camera ax 100(or even 2)...enough space? Too big for that? Is the 350 enough? So hard to decide... between the old and new...no big difference but still I choose the new one... Thks a lot
Hey there! Well while the 450 might fit all the gear you have listed, you may have an issue with the 80-400mm with all that. The 350 is not big enough for all the gear you have. I would see if there is a store close to you that sells one and bring your gear with you and check it out. I have know I had issues with my Sigma 50-500mm and it was quite a large lens as well. I would try one and see but you will have to go with the 450 for all your gear to fit in it. I hope that helps!!
Excellent review and write up. I've been looking at the protactic 450 versions but I have one huge concern. Currently I have the fastpack 350 which only has the side opening. While I am slowly outgrowing this bag, it is one of the only ones that allows for a full frame dslr with a grip attached along with a 70-2002.8 lens to be stored and removed. Is there a way you could see if a full frame camera like a d750 with a grip. can be removed through the side ports when a 70-200 lens is mounted? I would hope that if it does not go in the side ports it could still go in through the top opening. thanks again
Sorry for the late response, this just showed up in my dashboard. The version 2 of the bag should fit your camera with a grip and lens attached through the side opening. I would try it out and see first though if you can. It would fit in the top opening though as well in the V2. Hope that helps.
Chuck Ostrom it says on the website that they meet the limitation requirements and will fit in the overhead compartment but you need to check with your airline to make sure. I don’t fly so I cant speak from personal experience. Hope that helps.
Informative video Tammy, especially being based on practical experience, as opposed to someone just basically verbalising the manufacturers advertising/website information. One question though. You made a comment about the side zips and water ingress on the 'Mk I' bag, have those side zips been improved to stop the ingress of water on the 'MK II' bag? Thanks again.
Thank you! I would rather be honest and let people know. I didn't see a difference in the zippers from the MK 1 to the MK 2. If the ground is wet and you set that bag down, it will more than likely seep through.
Thanks for making this. i just picked up the version 1. I think I will be returning it as its over kill for somebody just starting. plus my SL2 is wayyy to small for a pro bag like this., even with a battery grip.i also have a mavic air, even with that its over kill.
@2:58 LowePro webbing is NOT "MOLLE" system webbing - it is a completely different sizing specification. MOLLE gear will not fit securely on LowePro webbing - only LowePro accessories. It would have been great though if LowePro went the MOLLE route many years ago. =( Some MOLLE accessories will attach though not securely as I have tested.
I use 511 tactical gear on my bag and it all fits perfectly and doesn't come off. I don't have any issues using that brand or VooDoo Tactical either. While it might not be a true MOLLE system (as it ws created for the military), they do work on the bag and most bags that have those loops on them are referred to as a MOLLE system. I have a couple tactical bags for the shooting range here that have different size loops on them and they are from a tactical company. The way the pouches are designed, I do use the loops on the back of the tactical pouches as well and it stays on tightly. I have tried several configurations with them on it. If you just run the bars through the loops on the bag and not use the loops on the pouch itself in between then they will flop around. I don't skip those and I had a police officer show me that trick a long time ago. I never understood why LowePro decided to use two different size loops on the front for the attachment points. They should have been uniform all the way across.
Tammy Mellert You will definitely see the difference in how accessories fit on a MOLLE backpack. LowePro does not refer to their webbing grid as MOLLE, and you read the specs on the MOLLE and PALS Wikipedia page.
@@bthemedia LowePro calls their system the MAS system (which LowePro had a long time before this bag came out when they had the belt system like ThinkTank has) and they always have but everyone refers to them as MOLLE loops. f-Stop bags call their MOLLE and Tenba's new Axis bags (video coming out on Sunday for that one) specifically calls it the MOLLE system and they are set up exactly like the Protactic bag. Like I said I have MOLLE system bags from two large tactical companies and the loops are different sizes on each one but the pouches fit fine. I won't argue semantics over a bag but that is how people refer to it. Thanks!
thanks for the video! you really took the time to present what these bags cn or cant do. around the 17 min mark you put in a description saying how water entered the bag when you set it on the ground..for the v2 it looks like the zippers are placed a little higher up. does that solve that issue maybe? now i know this bag is in no way advertised as waterproof and for my use case it would really only have to keep my equipment dry for a couple hundred yards through medium rain. think that would be an issue?
Hello Eike! The one AWII bag I had, the zippers were in the same pot as the original one as well. I did have water seep in from the front of the side zippers too but mostly from the bottom. I am not sure if it would in the new version or not. The zippers are not rain sealed or water sealed so they might leak. I have not had mine out in the rain like that just yet so I am not sure if it would leak or not. I am worried to take aa chance with it now even though my equipment is water sealed. In my opinion it is not a bag I would take in the rain without the cover or lay down on the ground without putting it on something to keep it from seeping in those zippers. I hope that helps a bit!!
ROFL! "This is the Lowepro Protactic 450 AW camera backpack." It sounded perfectly like "These are the 5.11 Stryke tactical trousers... ." Thanks for this great review. Are they exactly the same width? It looked like the new one was more narrow. But you had all of your gear in the other one. Also, what's the perfect $400 one. I'm literally thinking about buying a 5.11 backpack and modifying it with padding, and installing a side zipper - because the perfect bag doesn't appear to exist. I'd really like one like the 350 AW li because I want it as compact as possible. But it doesn't look like it will hold the Nikon Z9 with a lens - or at least not so I could pull it through the side zipper. So, I'm looking for the 350 but thicker to accommodate aZ9 w 70-200.
Thank you! I think the perfect bag might be the Atlas Athlete Pack. I will find out soon since mine will arrive next week. There will be an unboxing video for it!
Jason Blankenship hey there! No unfortunately there isnt a place for one unless you attach one to the front with the sliplock system. I know they make hydration systems that can attach to backpacks like that. Hope that helps.
I have heard of some people doing that but it depends on how heavy your gear is I think. I haven't tried that but have others bags that do that and I don't care for it. I almost dumped my whole bag once trying it with my Flipside BP 450 AW. The waist belt on the bag isn't that thick or sturdy like those other bags and you would need to rest the bag on your knee to make it work out. Otherwise it would probably just fall forward more. If you have anything in the top zipper compartment where the hard top is it might make it too top heavy as well. LowePro doesn't show that you can do that with the bag on their website but that doesn't mean people don't try it. Just be cautious like I said the waist belt is not designed for it.
You seem like a kind person. Thanks for the review. For someone who doesn't own a camera backpack yet, should I go with the cheaper 450aw (170 euro) or get the newer one (200 euro)
Thank you very much! Well if the price is only 30 euro difference and you have it I would go for the newer one. That way you already have the upgraded one to grow into. For me though that is not much of a difference in price to stop me from getting the newer one but if you are on a tight budget, then the first version will work just as well for you. I hope whichever one you get works well for you for a long time to come. Take care!
Glad I found this video...I need a backpack for my Canon 90D with some lenses, a small HD camcorder, my gopro 8, my insta 360- I found a 450AW version 1 in good shape on my local kijiji for half the price of a new 450AW II...of course i like new things but i wonder if the V2 is worth buying new considering that I can get the older one in good shape for 1/2...silly question...but I know I will have to live with the decision for a few years! thoughts? thanks!
Arijit Ghosh I dont think the waist belt on these bags are ridged enough to do that like you can with the Flipside ones. Also the back would be difficult to work around once unzipped. I mean you can try it but the bag will just flop forward. I dont use mine like that since I almost dumped my Backlight 26L trying it. Not fond of that feature.
Tech Hints the peak design bags are nice but I dont care for the dividers or how the top is open and only closes on the front. For someone with minimum gear they would fine. I do know a couple people who eventually switched from peak design because of it closes and the divider issue. I would get one and try it. Its the only way to really know if you like it. Let me know what you think about it.
Nice review. Quick question, how many accessory strap comes with the version 2. The bag that I bought has only 1 strap but on the lowepro channel, it comes with 2. Just want to double check. Thanks.
Thank you! Both bags come with 2 straps included. So you should have gotten 2 straps with the version 2 bag. I would definitely ask the store or where you purchased it about the other strap. I hope that helps.
Adam Szigeti Hello! The side access zippers on the version 1 and the version 2 of the bag are not waterproof. The belt on the version 1 is removable. Hope that helps!
@@tammymellertphoto okay. Thnx because i just found out that their are fake lowepro bags being sold on amazon. There is a dude who explains the differences. But i seen a lot of this bag. I think i can tell the differences 😂
@@tammymellertphoto and do you know the differences between lowepro protactic 450 aw ii and lowepro protactic BP 450 aw ii? Or does bp just mean something like BagPack 😅
The versions 1 of the bag has smaller side openings than the version 2 so I don't think it would fit. However, version 2 I think it would. On their website they have a photo of the new bag (V2) with a large DSLR with a 70-200mm attached across the bottom of the bag at the side opening. So I think it would fit in the V2 but not the V1. I have never held a 1DX so I am not sure so on the size but its worth a try. I hope that helps. Top access is really wide and depending on how you have it setup it should work as well but thats simply setting up the bag as you like it.
idly sure its from Amazon Gonex Tactical Military MOLLE Water Bottle Pouch, Drawstring Open Top & Mesh Bottom Travel Water Bottle Bag Tactical Hydration Carrier Black www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7SZII4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_M7im2n4QwJXKw
Does the fact it doesn't stand on its own bother you? That's the biggest issue I'm finding with these bags.. Don't want my gear dropping or sloshing around when I'm not wearing it
Dam good job on the video. love those bags. in the middle of getting one myself. Also i like what you did with your channel. You have my subscription. Would love to have your support as well. Thanks again nd take care. ATB Joe 😎👊🏻
Hi, thanks for nice video with detailed informations about those bags. Just considering buying one (and older version is 33% cheaper, since seller is trying to get rid of those old bags) and this was helpful. But I am curious. What is that "perfect photo bag" with too high price tag you mentioned? I am still searching for better solution, but as you said, everthing has some downfalls.
Kisuke CZE thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it. The pack I am referring to is the Atlas Athlete Pack by Atlas Packs. It comes with a hefty price but it might be the bag for me. We shall see when I can afford to get one lol.
@@tammymellertphoto hi Tammy...great review. Checkout the Mindshift Rotation 180 Professional Deluxe camera backpack. It is an excellent hiking bag with a camera system built inside a pull out, swing around waist belt.
@@anthonyfong4922 Thank you! That was the first MindShift bag I owned but I had to return it not long after I got it. I have two frayed rotator cuffs in my right shoulder and reaching around or pulling anything with that arm is almost impossible now. I loved the bag and design but it wasn't functional for me at the time.
@@tammymellertphoto I loved that bag too and sold it as I was looking for something that was low profile. I have the new Lowepro Freeline BP 350 AW Camera bag...very well designed and they call it WATERPROOF...not water resistant but WATERPROOF. I wish it came in a 450 version.
@@anthonyfong4922 I saw a review of that bag and it looks interesting but I am not a fan of side access bag. With that said, I do love the Protactic due to the ruggedness of the bag and I don't use the side access at all on it. Maybe I will check out the bag if they get a 450 size!
Tammy Mellert I was shopping for one the other day and almost bought the original on amazon but saw the link to the “newer model available” and it was cheaper :). I ended up buying it on B&H though because I was already making an order over there and it was the same price as amazon 179$
