My first camera bag was an older style lowepro rucksack Which was a great rucksack but as my equipment grew the bag seemed to get smaller, i then upgraded to a Kata HB207 which looks stunning and worked quite well but it had downsides, sheer size mainly but also less adaptability to move compartments to suit different kit layouts. In october last year i planned a last minute holiday to Greece and did not want to put any of my gear in the hold luggage, a trip to park cameras at burgess hill sorted that out and i walked away with a Lowepro 400aw.

The 400aw is a perfect day pack for someone who travels light or doesnt take all of their kit everywhere they go, theres enough room for quite a bit of kit, that said it was the only bag they had in stock that was hand luggage compatible. (purchase made).

Since then with the addition of a few small items a 2xlens extender and a fixed focal lens i was struggling to fit it all into the 400aw.
I had been planning since january to go to Focus on imaging and choose a new bag little did i know that Lowepro were going to be launching a new bag just in time for the show.

Arriving at the Daymen uk stand greeted by the ever friendly staff who were more than willing to advise on which bag was right, i looked at the street and feild bag as i already have some of that set and while practical it was not suitable for day trekking or walks longer than 20 ish mins.

So out came the 500AW, it was clear immediately that the bag was alot bigger yet still just within hand luggage size for carry on (as long as you don’t stuff the front pockets). Being larger than the Flipside 400aw and a slightly different top shape the Flipside 500aw offers many more combinations of arranging equipment layouts, with additional dividers.

Being lowepro it has a build quality to match any rival, strong quality construction with great padding and many ways of adjusting the various straps.

Key features are: all Weather cover(built in), Stow away tripod holder, multi section padded interior, front zip area for document or Ipad/small laptop storage, memory card pockets, interior zip section, bag has straps that will hold upto 6 ziplock lowepro pouches, large padded shoulder straps and waistbelt, 2 expandable side pockets and the best feature is the pack panel zip.

There are several reasons that the back panel zip is a great idea:
1. If you take your bag off lay it on the ground in mud or wet areas, the area that touches the floor is not the area that then goes on your back when your done, thus keeping your clothes clean!
2. Added security, it would be almost impossible for a pick pocket to open the main area of the rucksack while its being worn, meaning your camera and lenses are much safer than a standard style rucksack.
3. The main design reason:- While wearing the waistbelt slip your arms out of the shoulder straps, and twist the bag around your waist, you can then open the bag and access all your gear without having to put it down.( it kind if flips down like a tray then you open the access flap towards you).

I have had this bag 2 weeks now and apart from the fact that so far its only available in black (i prefer the pine green) i cant find any faults with it, perfect in every way and even with a kit list of 1x camera with grip, 1 x long telephoto, 3 medium sized lenses, 1 x converter, macro tube set,Very large filter pouch, filter holders, speedlite and various accessories, there is still room for more stuff.

Well done lowepro, 10/10.

Pictures to follow.

*Disclaimer
This is my own opinion and in no way have i been paid to advertise this product, before purchasing any equipment make sure it suitable for your own needs and do no base your purchases on my opinions.

Please note: Images of the B&B are Not Mine
 

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There were plenty of people up on the trundle having fun in the snow with enough to allow for a good amount of sledging, I managed to get home and back with the kids before the snow melted .

here are some January sunset photos from the images i have taken this year so far.

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These images are also found in the following galleries nightscapes Seascapes, Sunrises and also for sale in the shop