Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black)

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I got this bag and had to return it to B&H. The idea of universal bag with storage for personal stuff, computer and gear was attractive, also attractive seemed to be the ability to turn it around and quickly remove/replace the gear. But in reality there were a few cons not obvious from the demo.1 - The gear compartment is relatively small for such a huge bag2 - The computer compartment is not under zipper, so in the rain the computer will be wet - huge disadvantage.3 - (And the worst) - the seam between the compartments is very stiff and hurts the back. I tried my best to get used to it by loading it moderately and wearing inside the building for an hour but my back was hurting, fixing different adjustment belts did not help either.I had to go into an urgnet trip and replaced it with the Pro Runner 350AW, which is a bit smaller, but has a lot of space for gear and feels by far more comfortable on my back. The only downside - a lot of money spent on returns and urgent delivery of replacement, I should have gone with Pro Runner in the first place

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I really like the design and features for this bag. The only thing I don't like is that it is difficult for larger camera's, like my D700 to go in and out of the side access panel.

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I've taken this all over the world and enjoyed every use.

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I have also been looking for something like this for quite some time. This bag allows for the perfect mix of laptop, camera gear, and other. The camera compartment is quite large, the basic compartment is also quite roomy, and the outside compartment easily fits a decent laptop. It's a great way to keep all your expensive toys (laptop, camera, lenses) together when you're flying... and once you arrive at your destination you can lighten up your load for day trips.

The bag is a little on the heavy side when empty (really heavy when loaded), but there's tons of protection around the camera compartment so there's at least confidence that your gear is pretty well protected.

This piece was really well thought out and I'd highly recommend it to anybody who needs to pack a decent amount of mixed gear (laptop, camera, other) when travelling.

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I've been looking for a backpack like this for quite awhile. I wanted to be able to bring my camera gear (full-frame DSLR, one zoom, and one prime lens), laptop, tripod, and a few books with me when I travel.

I can fit all of the gear in it that I want. The compartment that generally holds the laptop can also be used to hold a CamelBack or other hydration pack. It isn't the ideal location, but it works.

The harness system is comfortable, although I haven't yet taken long hikes with it. I expect it will perform well.

A word of caution: the bag is very large, so be sure to check the specifications, so you know hat you're getting. I have no problem with the size, but it may a surprise to some.

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I used the pack for a 2-week trip to Hawaii. I carried 2 camera bodies (Canon 30D & 40D), 3 lenses (EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM; EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM; EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM), a Speedlite 430EX II flash, and assorted accessories (such as filters, flash cards, and a cable release). The bag easily accommodated my entire kit, and there was ample room in the upper compartment for rain gear, guide books, etc. The bag was a great way to transport the gear on the plane, and worked very well for day hikes. It was comfortable, and the gear was reasonably accessible (though certainly not as accessible as in a shoulder bag). The side opening is, as others have noted, a tad small, but works. Also, one can swing the bag around and access the gear through the back with the hip belt still attached (although this is somewhat awkward). The bag is probably too large to use in an urban environment, where the large upper compartment is not necessary. If you expect to be changing lenses frequently or need to change lenses quickly, you should attached lens bags to the waist belt, because you can't access the stored lenses very fast.

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I am a location sound recordist and use this back to pack all my gear: cables, microphones, couplers, etc. I use the incredibly handy detachable laptop bag to store my wireless microphone kits (up to 4 at a time!).

Love this bag, solid, rugged, nicely constructed.

Comments about Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Backpack (Black):

I just returned from a week-long trek through Puerto Rico and this bag performed flawlessly. I carried my Canon 5D mark II with 16-35 lens attached, along with my 50mm, 28-135mm, 580EXII flash, memory card holder, and other small accessories (cleaning kit, etc) in the bottom compartment. The bag got tossed around quite a bit and I never once worried about whether everything was protected (due to the sturdy padding and construction). On the plane, I had my MacBook pro in the back compartment and in the top I carried a change of clothes, GPS, rain jacket, a Pentax Optio W60, gorillapod, a pair of two-way radios, a water bottle, and a LowePro slingshot bag, etc. All this and I could still stuff it under the seat in front of me when the overhead compartments were full. One thing I was concerned about before I purchased this pack was the design for the laptop compartment on the back, however it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Once I arrived in PR I could take it out and lock it away... with the laptop still protected. You can then use the outer pocket for additional gear if you need to. Keep in mind, this pack is very large and likely isn't the best choice for an "around town" day pack. It does, however, get you from point A to point B with all your gear and is great for traveling or longer hikes if you need to bring food or a lot of water and rain gear. Since I packed the smaller Sling bag (very strategically... I might add), I could load up the sling for the day and leave everything else behind. In the rainforest, the all-weather cover protected from the occasional shower and the weight was distributed well for the entire 14 km to the top of El Yunque. On the beach, the AW cover kept out the sand and gave me confidence that I could lay the pack on the beach without worry... even in very windy conditions. Also, having the zippers placed against my back gave me confidence that no one would be digging around in my pack on a crowded bus. I love this bag!