Amateur Photographer - UK (2021-11-13)

48 http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk

WHILE most camera backpacks are primarily designed

to hold lots of kit, Lowepro’s PhotoSport models are

different, being true dual-purpose bags for those who’d

like to carry a camera while out walking or hiking. Here,

we’re looking at a 24-litre version that’s ideal for a day

in the great outdoors.

In essence, this is a lightweight trekking backpack

that’s split into three sections. The lower part holds a

padded camera unit that can be accessed through a

flap on the side or used externally via the supplied

shoulder strap. It’ll hold a large camera body and a

couple of lenses, but the supplied dividers don’t

make great use of the space. Meanwhile, the top

half takes everything else you might need for a day

out: sandwiches, sunglasses, headphones and so

on. A separate full-height rear compartment is

designed to accept a hydration bladder or when it’s

work time, a 15in laptop.

As befits a bag that’s designed to be carried all day,

one area where the PhotoSport stands out is with

regards to its harness. In addition to generously

padded shoulder straps complete with a stretchy

sternum strap, there’s a deep waist belt which is great

for distributing the load onto your hips. The back

boasts moulded air channels to help stop you getting

sweaty on a long hike.

Several handy pockets are dotted around for

organising your belongings, including an externally

accessible one in the lid and a particularly handy one

on the right side of the waist belt. A set of loops on the

left side of the belt allows the attachment of additional

pouches, perhaps for a compact camera or lightweight

binoculars. Finally, a large stretchy pocket on one side

will hold a flask, water bottle or small tripod.

I tested the bag on a 10-mile walk along the North

Kent coast, using it to carry the Fujifilm GFX50S II

with 35-70mm and 30mm lenses, along with my

lunch and personal items. Suffice to say it did the

job extremely well, proving itself to be extremely

comfortable to carry fully laden for hours on end. At the

end of the day my feet may have been aching, but my

back was absolutely fine.

Verdict
For outdoorsy photographers who wish to be able to
carrymore than just their camera kit for a day’strekking,
the Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III ticks a lot of the
right boxes. It’s thoughtfully designed and well made,
giving good access to your kit. The only real drawback is
ALL the relatively limited size of the camera unit.

PRI
CES

ARE
AP
PROXIM

ATE
ST
REET

PR
ICES
Lowepro also offers a smaller 15L
model for £ 165 , which is designed
to take an APS-C mirrorless camera
and a couple of lenses. Like the 24L,
it’s available in either blue or grey.
For multi-day hikes, 55L (right) and
70L bags are available for £430 and
£460 respectively.

THE PHOTOSPORT RANGE

Andy Westlake tests a camera

backpack that’s designed for walkers

l £ 210 l http://www.lowepro.com/uk-en

Attachment

points

A pair of walking poles can

be fastened to theoutside of

the bag. However, there’s no

easy way of carrying a

full-size tripod.

Front pocket

The stretchy front pocket is

perfect for carrying a

lightweight jacket.

Testbench ACCESSORIES

Lowepro PhotoSport

BP 24 L AW III

At a glance

l 2 4-litre capacity

lRemovable camera unit

l Takes enthusiast camera

and two lenses

l Rear hydration or laptop

compartment

Eco-friendly

Lowepro says that 75% of

all the fabric used to

construct the bag is

recycled.

Rain cover

The bright orange

waterproof cover is quick to

fit, large enough to cover a

water bottle and stows away

neatly in its own pocket.

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