Lowepro’s Trekker series of camera bags have long been a staple for outdoor photographers who need to comfortably carry larger loads into the field. Check out these new updates to the Pro Trekker backpacks.
Lowepro has released three updated Pro Trekker travel-ready backpacks with the BP 350 AW II, BP 450 AW II, and BP 550 AW II. There’s also now an updated roller backpack, the RLX 450 AW II, that can convert from shoulder strap carry to rolling bag with a telescoping handle.
The emphasis with this new collection is that they are all carry-on compliant while improving the materials and design. The BP 350 II and BP 450 II can stow away the shoulder straps behind the backpack’s rear panel, and the BP 550 II features a two-piece design that can be split apart to be carried on an airline. Prices for the new series range from $249.95 to $399.95.
Unfortunately with the new mission of carry-on for all, it appears that Lowepro is neglecting their long lens customers and are not releasing an updated Pro Trekker 650 AW at this time. The options are limited out there for photographers wanting to load 600mm or 800mm lenses in a quality camera bag, and it would be great to see Lowepro continue filling this role in the Pro Trekker series.
The Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II series is available now.
In 2012 I searched Craigslist for a bag when I first got a camera. I found someone selling a Lowepro Pro Runner 200aw for $50, he took $45. It was a fairly small pack relative to other packs but here I am in 2019 still using it. It comes up with me to the BWCA every year. Fits my a7riii w/ 100-400 attached and two other lenses.
I even bought the Peak Design everyday pack to replace it. It didn't work out. Too much wasted space, uncomfortable and heavy for its size. Also can't fit the 100-400 attached. I'll probably sell it and get a slightly bigger Lowepro.
Any other packs you guys/gals swear on?
I lave my Lowepro Protactic 450 aw ii. Might be a bit big for you but they also got a 350 version.
I was looking at that one at one point. If it could fit a pair of shoes plus my camera I may use it as a motorcycle pack.
For long lens shooters I don’t think there is a perfect do all bag out there. I’ve gone through four and the last two seem to work together to cover all my needs.
For everyday travel around home I use the Lenscoat 4xpandable bag for my Canon 600/4. I can even have the 2x TC mounted and it fits with the 1DX2 also. I attach a smaller bag using the molle straps to carry a second body and teleconverters and snacks.
For flyaway travel I use the Gitzo Adventury 45L as my carry on and I can fit the 600/4 70-200 2.8 and 24-70 F4 with a 1DX2 and 5dsr with battery grip and 1.4 and 2x TC’s along with back up batteries and memory cards. This bag is really good but for everyday use it just to tight to have a body mounted on the 600 and no way with a tc on. I’ve done several trips with this set up and no problems with it as my carry on luggage.
I use the Lenscoat bag as one of my checked bags and store my tripod and jackets or Lenscoat raincoat in it with other clothes to help protect tripod legs. When I get to my destination I put the 600 in it and seatbelt it to the passenger seat so if I see something it’s easy to pull out and shoot. I just got back from seven days in Wyoming, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone and this worked great.
I added a Protactic AW 450II six months ago for air travel and it’s a great bag. In my opinion, those new bags are not an attractive design unless you like square, utilitarian looks.
When will they learn with interior depth less than 7” it’s a no starter for any serious equipment bag. There is a need for backpacks to have a certain weight balance by properly arranging the heaviest equipment at the middle top of the pack. The rolling bag only has a interior depth of 5.5” that’s a shame it’s so shallow. A duffle bag with rollers or backpack straps is cheaper and a much better solution. Most camera bags are manufactured by one company in the Philippines, they make the F Stop,bag a great quality camera bag collection but seriously lacking in design and that’s bar none the best backpack camera bag made today. Barbershop leather bags are the best made shoulder bags today period. Very sad there is so much room for improvement.
Quick Point of Clarification for the Big Lens shooters: The Pro Trekker 550 AW II DOES fit a 600mm Lens when not attached to a body. Fits 400mm attached to body.
*Note: I am an employee of Lowepro (Vitec Imaging Solutions)
I think there’s a reason why Lowepro didn’t say that because the tolerance has to be unsafe. It might technically fit, but according to the published inside dimensions there’s going to be zero play with the lens dangerously stressed up against the sides of the bag. Half an inch of play the long way and exact same depth. No way, dude.