Lowepro, who makes some of my favorite bags, has finally refreshed their entire line and included something I think we all expected from them a long time ago: hard cases. Under the new "Hardside" line, the hard cases look to take on Pelicans in the photography market. Also new are the Trekker, the Toploader and Protactic lines.
Hardside
Tested to a rating of IP67, which translates to 100% protection against the ingress of dust and sand, and makes it watertight for at least 30 minutes under 15cm to 1m of water, these hardworking cases double up on protection and versatility with a tough outer shell of formed ABS resin and a removable, soft-sided insert with a padded divider system.
The Hardside Series is comprised of three cases: Hardside 400 Photo and 300 Photo for DSLR kits, and Hardside 200 Video to house action cam kits such as GoPro®. To differentiate among existing, foam-filled and single set-up camera cases in the market today, each Hardside case includes a protective and fully customizable photo/video insert with Lowepro’s padded divider system. Tuck-away backpack straps and zippered pockets provide a versatile, out-of-the-case option for photographers and videographers who like to have a Plan B option on their shoots.
Studio, location and traveling professionals will appreciate the stackable form factor of Hardside Series cases. You can store, lock, carry and ship with ease – and Hardside 300 Photo and 200 Video meet standard airline carry-on requirements (less than 45 linear in. / 114.3 cm).
The Hardside Series also includes these premium features: integrated release valves in the latches for automatic pressure equalization in low and high altitudes; interior organization pocket on inside lid of insert; sturdy lift handles; plus full-length piano hinge on back, and lockable handles on hard case.
Hardside 400 Photo fits: Pro DSLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached; 6-8 lenses; accessories and will retail for $249.95. The Hardside 300 Photo fits: DSLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached; 4-6 lenses or flashes; accessories and will retail for $199.95. Finally, the Hardside 200 Video fits: 5-10 action cams (such as GoPro®); multiple mounts and attachments; accessories and will sell for $169.95.
Trekker
Nature, wildlife and landscape professionals that travel to the back-of-beyond to capture amazing imagery will appreciate the improved comfort, superior protection and versatile organization system of the new Pro Trekker 650 AW, Pro Trekker 450 AW and Lens Trekker 600 AW III.
The ActivLift System™ harness is the result. This purposefully designed system is constructed to mimic the natural “S” curve of the back, transfer more weight from waist to hips, make it easy to adjust the length to the torso, and include airflow channels to improve breathability. Ten adjustment points allow for a custom, fine-tuned fit from the top of the shoulders to the lumbar.
The Trekker Series is built to protect and carry big glass and a huge amount of supporting gear. The patent-pending MaxFit System™ of adjustable dividers is featured in the Pro Trekker 650 AW and 450 AW packs. This easy-to-adjust system allows for a custom, snug and protective fit within the pack and is designed to hold the maximum amount of gear – all while safeguarding valuable glass, pro-sized DSLRs and accessories.
The Lens Trekker 600 AW III is built with Lowepro’s classic adjustable divider system with a lens collar– housed within walls of thick, shock-absorbing foam to protect a telephoto lens. This pack is ideal for wildlife and sports shooters who rely on a sturdy, comfortable and protective carry solution to get them from point A to point B.
The Trekker Series also includes these premium features: patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™; durable Cordura® base; tripod attachments; organization pockets; SlipLock™ attachment loops for added capacity; plus a hydration-ready pocket and checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve, and a removable backpack lid/waistbelt in the 650 AW and 450 AW packs.
Pro Trekker 650 AW fits 2-3 Pro DSLRs, one with up to 600mm f/4.0 lens attached; 5-7 extra lenses; 2 flashes; tripod or monopod; up to a 15" laptop; accessories and personal gear and will retail for $429.95. The Pro Trekker 450 AW fits 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with up to 400mm f/2.8 lens attached; 4-6 extra lenses; 2 flashes; tripod or monopod; up to a 15" laptop; accessories and personal gear and will retail for $379.95. The Lens Trekker 600 AW III fits: Pro DSLR with telephoto lens attached (such as 600mm f/4L) OR 800mm lens unattached; lens hood; tripod; accessories and small personal gear and will retail for US MSRP $299.95.
Toploader
Aimed at sports photographers, the multiple wearing options allow for tremendous freedom of movement. The bag includes 2 utility straps to configure as an over-the-shoulder strap, 3-point holster, or 4-point chest harness. The Toploader Pro may be secured at the waist using a belt or strapped to another bag via its SlipLock™ attachment loop.
Toploader Pro 75 AW II and 70 AW II are built to protect pro-sized set-ups with a snug, protective fit and fast access from the contoured, body-side opening.
Lowepro takes its patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™ up a notch by adding a 360° All Weather AW Cover that protects contents from the bottom to the lid, so photographers can work out of the bag in the snow or rain.
The Toploader Pro Series also includes these premium features: super-strong metal D-rings from Duraflex® to keep straps and harness secure; glove-friendly, U-shaped zipper pulls; soft, tricot lining on inside lid to protect screen; multiple storage pockets for small accessories and essentials.
Toploader Pro 75 AW II fits: Pro DSLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached; small accessories and will retail for $99.95. Toploader Pro 70 AW II fits: Pro DSLR with 24-70mm f/2.8 or 14-25mm f/2.8 lens attached; accessories and will retail for $89.95.
Protactic
These packs are built for photojournalists, documentary photographers and urban shooters who rely on mission-critical access and on-the-fly versatility to get them behind the lines and into the action.
Four access points at the top, sides and back help a photographer capture a shot and organize like no other camera backpack Lowepro has designed. The secure, body-side opening provides wide access to an interior built with the patent-pending MaxFit System™ for maximum capacity with a snug and protective fit, plus a dedicated laptop compartment and full organization panel on the inside lid.
Access gear from the molded, turret-loading top or quickly grab from either side – zippered compartments left and right are positioned to reach gear without removing the pack.
The exterior SlipLock™ attachment strap system built on the exterior of the pack lets you actually attach different objects to the outside. Five modular accessories are included: a water bottle pouch, accessory case, tripod cup and two cinch straps – all SlipLock compatible.
ProTactic features Lowepro’s ActivZone System™ technology that delivers targeted support at shoulder blades, lumbar and waist for comfort on the move. A removable waistbelt – padded and featuring breathable, mesh-covered support – makes it easy reduce the profile for packing or travel. Wear it for extra support and storage; two zippered hip pockets offer space for quick-grab items.
The ProTactic Series also includes these premium features: a patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™; multiple organization pockets inside and out; and Lowepro’s CradleFit laptop pocket that suspends and protects a device within the pack.
The Pro Tactic 450 AW fits: 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with up to 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached; 8 lenses/speedlights; 15" laptop; accessories and will retail for $249.95. The ProTactic 350 AW fits: 1-2 DSLRs with grip, one with up to 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached; 6 lenses/speedlights; 13" laptop; accessories and will retail for$199.95.
I have one of the older pro AW packs (I think it's a 400 or larger - sorry can't seem to find the number on the pack). While pretty solid overall and has always worked well for me on my travels, one thing that I've always wished the bag had was a side handle. Do these new packs have one? I always find when the bag is super loaded, the bottom tends to drag a little when using the top handle. I'm not super tall, but not short either so I can't be the only one with this issue.
I have learned NOT to trust lowepros assessment of "fits a pro DSLR body" Sometimes there is plenty of room. Sometimes as with the flipside bags, there is not nearly enough room to fit the cameras their fit tool specifically says there is.... Pretty clear they don't actually check every camera... Pretty sad since there are are pretty much only a few big cameras...D4, D3, 1Dx....
It's too bad they can't make them more aesthetically pleasing. Seriously these things are just plain dorky.
Hardside 400 without wheels?? WTF?
Hardside cases look good. I'd go for Pelican cases though. The Lowepro sling bag I do have has served me well and is built tough. I carry about 50 lbs worth of stuff in there and the seams show no sign of wear and fraying. That is one tough bag.