Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black)

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Pack does an excellent job distributing weight between shoulders and hips. Good for long walks. Good flexibility organizing space.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Earlier I had a Flipside 300. Recently I bought an Olympus E-5, so there was a need for a bigger backpack. Flipside 400 suits my requirement for carrying the E-5 and 3 lenses plus filters. I also find it very practical in use.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

This bag is great. It is spacious and comfortable and practical for an active photographer. I wore this bag all day on a 10 mile hike and was able to swiftly change lenses several dozen times during the day without having to stop and unload an entire bag on the ground. It is big enough to carry my sigma 150-500mm zoom and my sigma 70-200mm f2.8 including lens hoods and several smaller lenses. I was also able to use the tripod holder with no trouble. It holds it securely enough to not move while climbing up and down steep hills. There was even plenty of room for a large sized mens hooded sweatshirt in the back pocket and plenty of extra space to go around. The side pockets held 20oz gatorade bottles securely enough that I never worried about losing them. This is an incredible bag. Perfect size. The bag is rigid enough to withstand lots of bumping and rough handling and still protect your equiptment. This is a must for a photographer who is active outdoors. If your equiptment gets dusty, rained on, muddy, splashed with lakewater, then this is the bag for you

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

I use this pack specifically for Sports Photography and it has to hold a Canon 7D with 300mm F2.8 lens mounted, a 70-200mm F2.8 lens, a 24-70mm F2.8 lens, and a 1.4X Extender. It's a good thing I didn't need to carry any other lenses because that's about it. It might hold another body, but it would be tight. If I removed the 300mm F2.8 lens, it would carry two bodies and seven or eight lenses, but this would require rearranging the partitions. It also has room for some accessories in the back pouch and it has a strap which easily attaches a monopod on the back. I'm not sure how well it would do with a tripod. It had stretch pockets on both sides for water bottles. I like the way this pack opens, the quality straps, belts, and padding. I think the small strap that connects across the chest is too light. It may not last long. From a money standpoint, this pack is a very good value. If I had to choose another pack in the Lowepro line it would be the Pro Trekker 600AW but it is a good bit more expensive.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

The perfect size, easy to carry

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Great bag

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

I use this bag when I need to transport a lot of equipment and don't know exactly what lenses I want to use and other equipment. I would normally transport with this bag, a nikon d7000, nikon sb900 speedlight, a sekonic light meter, a 50 mm prime lens, a 17-55 mm lens, a 70-200 mm lens and a tripod. I also transport a water bottle and lens filters in this bag. I like the fact that it is a backside flip in which I feel more security that no one will walk up and unzip the bag when I'm walking around with it. It is lightweight and durable. What I don't like about it is that I wish the bag was a bit bigger where I can fit more stuff. I also wish the lowepro will design a bag that will fit the tripod along the side and is a little more stable instead of dead center along the front of the bag. Overall, I really like this bag

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

I use this to carry my equipment, it has a lot of space and is ease to reach all the stuff

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

I am 6'2" and weigh 205 lbs. All the straps were pretty much fully extended and the adjustable chest strap had to be set so low to avoid choking me that it came off it's sliding adjustment track.

The pack was well made, and otherwise was very appealing in terms of design and quality of construction.

My preference would have been to keep it (I returned it) and to have given it 5 stars. Somebody needs to look out for the moderately tall and taller...

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Having read many of the reviews and wanting a Lowepro based on loving my older case, I bought this knowing it had barely adequate ways to carry water and that the tripod needed to be small. No problem; I want to hike with a light tripod anyway. (It still fits better on the side, nice and snug. Every hiker knows you want weight close to your back, not swinging.) Adequate hydration for longer day hikes may simply be reducing gear and stuffing in a hydration bladder -- the shoulder straps have guides for the hose -- or some other option. I don't know yet. But having used it to reach and photograph some nesting egrets and anhingas, I am delighted with the way it carries weight, even on my 6' frame. It is shorter for me than would be adeuqate for real backpacking, but it is fine for it's purpose. Just wish they'd add bigger, water-designed side pockets.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

The 400AW is very roomy and the flipside feature is great. It beats trying to find a dry place on the ground to lay it down to access my gear. I take my camera when hiking and biking and it is very comfortable. The only thing I'd like to see different is the rear pocket zip would extend down so the pocket would open further. Overall it is a very good product.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

I wanted a photography bag that I could use to carry my photo gear including my full size tripod to ski into the backcountry. This pack works great with minor modification.

The problems:
1-the tripod holder at the back is useless for any tripod that would work with an SLR camera.
2- the straps on the top of the bag are too short to accommodate anything other than maybe a very light windbreaker.
3-The chest strap is rather small and probably will have to be replaced since it will likely pull loose from its attachment.

The solution:
1-By adding longer straps to the top I can lash my full size tripod perfectly balanced on the top of the bag & ski into the wilderness to photograph with all my gear loaded safely inside.

2-A more conventional chest strap that wraps around the shoulder straps could easily replace the skimpy original chest strap when necessary.

This will definitely be my preferred winter photography bag.
I could even carry my 400mm lens attached to my full size SLR, plus my 70-200 zoom & two or three more lenses & two teleconverters & extra batteries & filters with room to spare. And even without fully loading up the bag it is stiff & sturdy enough to carry the tripod safely & comfortably strapped onto the top allowing free hands to ski, snowshoe or hike to your favorite photo spot.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

I bought this bag because I wanted to be able to carry a Nikon D3 and D2(infrared) plus four lenses into the field.  

It does this *just* - but only if I mount a *short* lens onto the bottom camera - either a 20mm or a 50mm. It's possible to mount a 28-70/2.8 on one camera and a 17-35/2.8 on the other and get them into the bag, but getting the lower camera back out requires a tyre iron and bad language.  

Note my largest lens is a 28-70/2.8 - I don't normally carry an 80-200/2.8, and wouldn't try to get one into the main compartment of this bag.

Also note that the main compartment tapers and is a little too shallow at the bottom to fit a D2/D3 without pushing the padding outwards a little - no big deal.

The tripod carrier is not good - attaching a Manfrotto 190 leaves it hopelessly out-of-balance on your back.  It's possible to side-mount a tripod using the mesh pouch to carry the 'pods centre column and run the compression strap around the head - not sure if that'd work for anything larger than a 190 tho'.

The secondary compartment is a little too small for a full safety kit - I have to choose one of the following to leave behind: (EPIRB/PLB, GPS, phone), (waterproofs) or (food/snacks).

I'm looking to add a lens case or two for extra carrying space - I reckon that'll sort out these niggles and give me a versatile carrying system.

The back-access is a good idea and works very well. Overall this bag is working well for me - if only it had a few extra litres of carry space in the secondary compartment I'd be wrapped and give it five stars.

So overall this pint pot doesn't have quite enough room for my quart - if only the next size up weren't so much larger I'd go for that.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Very easy to wear and configure. Typical high quality, good design from Lowe. One caution when opening pack (swinging it from your back to your front) while still wearing it: it's awkward. When you zip the pack open you've got to have something solid to rest it on, like your knee, or a rock. You've got to have your knee well braced to receive it. If there's nothing to put your receiving leg up on, you have to kneel awkwardly or stand on one leg, or use one of your hands. Takes a bit of practice.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Bought this backpack to transport equipment to and from the field. Strongly built and fairly comfortable. I can get a D700, D300, 300mm f2.8,
105mm micro in this backpack although it is very crowded. I actually should have gotten a larger backpack but this will work with all the dividers rearranged.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

This backpack was a birthday present to myself (thanks to an understanding wife!), and a step up from my Fastpack 350, which I'd found to be great as long as I only wished to access my camera and attached zoom on the fly. Whenever I tried to switch lenses without setting the Fastpack 350 down, I struggled, and at one point, actually dropped a lens in the snow.
The Flipside 400AW was my perceived remedy to that, and I must say that it's precisely what I was hoping for. As other reviewers have stated, it's very simple to slip one's arms out of the shoulder straps while leaving the hip-belt securely attached, swivel the pack to the front, unzip, and access gear--all with the assurance and security of what amounts to a portable table on which to swap lenses and access gear. Additionally, this pack enables me to pack a bit more than the Fastpack despite smaller dimensions and a slimmer profile--D300 with attached 18-70 f/3.5-4.5, 105 f/2.8 macro, 10-20 f/4-5.6 Sigma, 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 VR, 38 f/1.8, SB-800 flash, filters and Cokin filter holder, silica packs to keep things dry, and a blower--all in the main compartment. I've also found that I can easily fit my 80-200 f/2.8 by removing two of these other lenses. In the few weeks I've had this pack, I've found myself shooting more often, as the whole experience is that much more fulfilling. That's no exaggeration.
Other strengths:
* I've used the integral AW cover; great to have, and missing from the Fastpack.
* The integral tripod holder is also a great addition, although my Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 looks a tiny bit absurd on it. I have not used this much yet--but nice to have.
* Straps and attachment points are well thought-out, and the elastic-mesh holders will hold a 20 oz.--but not a 32 oz--water bottle.
* The hook and loop (velcro) dividers are more customizable than many similar packs.
* I have yet to use this pack in a setting where I'd fear theft, but because of this pack's design, it is absolutely ideal for such an environment.
* The bag is inconspicuous, but attractive.
Cons:
* The last two inches of the interior are hard to access. This is an intentional flaw, as the bag is stronger and provides greater support as a result. I store my less commonly-used items there--the silica gel and 35 f/1.8. In the third column of gear within the bag, my 70-300 extends down into this space, but I can easily remove this lens by grasping the significant portion that's more accessible. (It's stored on its side.)
* Another reader mentioned the zippers. I haven't had any issue whatsoever with them, but they certainly aren't as robust as those found on Pro Trekkers and the like.

In summation, short of a full trekking expedition requiring a larger bag with beefier harness to accommodate more photo gear and a lap-top besides, this is absolutely my go-to bag. It's speedy access to a lot of gear without either a back-breaking experience or the need to put the bag down, superb protection of equipment, well-considered ergonomics, and delightful carrying ease over a long haul all ensure that hip-packs and lesser backpacks will see less use or hit the secondhand market.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Perfect for heading out for a day of shooting.
Holds enough gear to spend the day out and be ready for most any situation.
Can be difficult to access some parts of the pack (outter pouch and bottom of the main compartment) but these cons are negligible when they come in a comfy, sturdy and good-sized bag that does its job well.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Bought this for my wife as a gift for Christmas.It's perfect for all her cameras and gear.She carries a Canon 50D, Rebel XTi & a Nikon camera plus several Lens. All fits good and she is quite pleased.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

Using the pack for day hikes. Plenty of room and safety for 400 and 2 other lenses along with accessories. The outside has a space for snack and the dog's gear.

Comments about Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack (Pine Green/Black):

This backpack is exactly what my husband was looking for. He's a photographer on the side and really needed a great backpack to hold more than just his camera. There's tons of perfect space for his lenses, chips, paperwork, wallet, phone, and even a water bottle. The padding in it will also protect his expensive equipment, and there's even a rain coat for it tucked into the bottom compartment so everything stays dry. This will also be great for our camping trips and hikes. This was a great deal for the quality of this backpack!