Review: Lowepro PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack BP 15L AW III
14 September 2021
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
Recently we were sent the new, third-generation PhotoSport Backpack from Lowepro for review.
Designed and produced mainly to cater for outdoors and wildlife photographers who are looking for the perfect lightweight camera backpack for daily hiking and adventure travel - the new generation promised to be lightweight, weather-resistant and for the first time, made from 75% recycled fabrics and materials. We took a closer look to see if the small, 15L version was also ideal for a long canal hike...
Design and performance
The Lowepro PhotoSport AW III is launching in 15-litre and 24-litre capacities, in either black with blue details or grey with orange details - we had received the latter and it's a very attractive bp with recycled packaging being used for the plastic sheet cover and also the cardboard labels. Clearly, Lowepro have used this new 'eco friendly' range of products as a platform for future releases and at some point during this autumn, two larger 55-litre and 70-litre capacity versions will become available. Lowepro hasn’t specified the colours for the larger versions, but I expect they’ll be available in at least the same black/blue and grey/black options.
As a Lowepro AW backpack, the new PhotoSport III is designed for use in all weathers and comes with an included rain cover for more drastic conditions. That cover, too, is now made completely from recycled material. The PhotoSport AW III features the same ActivZone padding tech on the back as found on the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II. And even though it’s not a fully adjustable back support system like a real hiking backpack, it was very comfortable to carry for a long canal walk of three hours plus.
Inside the pack is a module for holding your camera gear safely in the bottom half, accessible through an access panel in the side of the bag. The module is removable, however, letting you carry it separately in a number of ways through the use of various straps (which can also be used for holding your camera when not in use) to free up the entire space inside the bag for your regular hiking or camping gear. Clever stuff!
Durability, weight and value
The PhotoSport III is very well made and feels robust. You'll have no fears about putting all your expensive camera gear and other items inside or outside (with the straps) to be honest and there is a nice feel to the pack. On various rest stops as it was a hot day, taking the pack off and putting on again was quick and easy and finding what was needed be that food, drink or equipment was a cinch. It's not a cheap pack, but you do get what you pay for on this occasion.
Verdict
Clever design and functionality meets versatility and extreme lightness. Combined with an eco ethos of using mainly recycled materials - Lowepro has come up with an excellent backpack which can be used in lots of different ways to enjoy the outdoors.
★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
Testing scores
Contact: www.lowepro.com
Pricing: £164.95 RRP
Designed and produced mainly to cater for outdoors and wildlife photographers who are looking for the perfect lightweight camera backpack for daily hiking and adventure travel - the new generation promised to be lightweight, weather-resistant and for the first time, made from 75% recycled fabrics and materials. We took a closer look to see if the small, 15L version was also ideal for a long canal hike...
Design and performance
The Lowepro PhotoSport AW III is launching in 15-litre and 24-litre capacities, in either black with blue details or grey with orange details - we had received the latter and it's a very attractive bp with recycled packaging being used for the plastic sheet cover and also the cardboard labels. Clearly, Lowepro have used this new 'eco friendly' range of products as a platform for future releases and at some point during this autumn, two larger 55-litre and 70-litre capacity versions will become available. Lowepro hasn’t specified the colours for the larger versions, but I expect they’ll be available in at least the same black/blue and grey/black options.
As a Lowepro AW backpack, the new PhotoSport III is designed for use in all weathers and comes with an included rain cover for more drastic conditions. That cover, too, is now made completely from recycled material. The PhotoSport AW III features the same ActivZone padding tech on the back as found on the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II. And even though it’s not a fully adjustable back support system like a real hiking backpack, it was very comfortable to carry for a long canal walk of three hours plus.
Inside the pack is a module for holding your camera gear safely in the bottom half, accessible through an access panel in the side of the bag. The module is removable, however, letting you carry it separately in a number of ways through the use of various straps (which can also be used for holding your camera when not in use) to free up the entire space inside the bag for your regular hiking or camping gear. Clever stuff!
Durability, weight and value
The PhotoSport III is very well made and feels robust. You'll have no fears about putting all your expensive camera gear and other items inside or outside (with the straps) to be honest and there is a nice feel to the pack. On various rest stops as it was a hot day, taking the pack off and putting on again was quick and easy and finding what was needed be that food, drink or equipment was a cinch. It's not a cheap pack, but you do get what you pay for on this occasion.
Verdict
Clever design and functionality meets versatility and extreme lightness. Combined with an eco ethos of using mainly recycled materials - Lowepro has come up with an excellent backpack which can be used in lots of different ways to enjoy the outdoors.
★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
Testing scores
- Design: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
- Performance: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
- Durability: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
- Weight: ★★★★★★★★★ 9/10
- Value: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
Contact: www.lowepro.com
Pricing: £164.95 RRP
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Next article: Endangered beetle hides out at WWT Welney
Next article: BTO ask British public to participate in a national study of Tawny Owls and their calling behaviour
Next article: The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) competition has announced the 2018 winners
