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Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW (Midnight and Horizon Blue)

BH #LOP500AWBL • MFR #LP37231
Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW (Midnight and Horizon Blue)
Key Features
  • Dual-Configuration, Multiuse Backpack
  • Accommodates Photo & Winter Sport Gear
  • Heavy-Duty Side and Front Straps
  • Straps Hold Skis/Snowboard/Hiking Poles
The midnight and horizon blue Powder Backpack 500 AW from Lowepro is designed to serve the combined interests of the adventure photographer and winter sports enthusiast. Along the front and sides of this backpack, multiple heavy-duty compression straps allow skis, a snowboard, or other outdoor mountain equipment such as hiking poles to be conveniently harnessed and carried. Inside, the spacious main compartment has a partition system that forms an optional bottom section to accommodate an included camera equipment pouch. When the partition system is enabled, the space created above the equipment pouch can be dedicated to a variety of items such as batteries, memory cards, or packable clothing that need to be reached quickly and conveniently through the backpack's top opening.
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$281.67
$47/mo. suggested payments for 6 Mos.
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Lowepro Powder 500 AW Overview

The midnight and horizon blue Powder Backpack 500 AW from Lowepro is designed to serve the combined interests of the adventure photographer and winter sports enthusiast. Along the front and sides of this backpack, multiple heavy-duty compression straps allow skis, a snowboard, or other outdoor mountain equipment such as hiking poles to be conveniently harnessed and carried. Inside, the spacious main compartment has a partition system that forms an optional bottom section to accommodate an included camera equipment pouch. When the partition system is enabled, the space created above the equipment pouch can be dedicated to a variety of items such as batteries, memory cards, or packable clothing that need to be reached quickly and conveniently through the backpack's top opening.

Access to the camera equipment pouch while using the partition system is provided by a rear-facing zippered panel with a 180° downward opening. The equipment pouch and its nine padded, touch-tab dividers can hold a two-DSLR camera kit with a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm lens, or a mirrorless camera kit with three to five lenses. Alternatively, two existing lenses can be exchanged from the equipment pouch to comfortably store a 300mm f/2.8 lens. When placing the equipment pouch itself within the backpack, four toggle buttons allow it to become a securely mounted compartment. The equipment pouch is then prevented from shifting and can be made to have its own zippered opening align with the backpack's rear-facing zippered panel for seamless accessibility to the cameras and lenses inside.

Separated from the main compartment by a water-resistant barrier, a zippered front pocket with a bottom drain hole allows wet outdoors equipment such as a collapsible snow shovel to dry even when carried inside the Powder Backpack 500 AW. Integrated within the main compartment and behind the front pocket is a dedicated sleeve that accommodates a 15" laptop within a separately available, protective case. The laptop can be reached through the backpack's top opening, while the front pocket includes a secondary pocket along its inner wall which can be used to hold a snow probe or other smaller collapsible items. When opened, the front pocket's outer flap also reveals a zippered organizational pocket for extra storage capacity.

Under the compression straps, essential carrying features are also built into both sides of the Powder Backpack 500 AW. A zippered hydration pack pocket above an open side pocket contains an exit for a sip tube along the right of the wearer, while a pocket opposite the open side pocket unzips to reveal a fold-out cup to support the base of a tripod or monopod strapped along the left side of the backpack.

During storage or transport, the top opening is closed using a drawstring and is capped by a top lid that buckles into four adjustable straps along the backpack's front and rear panels for a secure fit. The top lid features a zippered pocket that faces the back of the wearer, which allows its contents to be reached without having to remove the Powder Backpack 500 AW. Similarly, zippered pockets along both sides of the backpack's waist belt provide secure on-the-go storage, while a zippered slash pocket along the bottom of the front panel can hold photo accessories that are intended for use whenever the Powder Backpack 500 AW is set down.

The Powder Backpack 500 AW can be lifted via its built-in haul handle, and carried by its adjustable, padded shoulder straps. For heavy loads, this backpack's waist belt transfers weight to the hips for additional comfort, while the sternum strap further limits unintentional shifting around the wearer. Featuring durable nylon construction, the Powder Backpack 500 AW is built to be weather resistant and includes a seam-sealed cover for use under heavy rain.

Capacity
  • Versatile, multiuse backpack that can serve the combined interests of the adventure photographer and winter sports enthusiast
  • Multiple, heavy-duty compression straps along each side and on the front of the backpack allow skis, a snowboard, or other outdoor mountain equipment such as hiking poles to be conveniently harnessed and carried
  • Partition system within spacious main compartment forms an optional bottom section that accommodates an included camera equipment pouch
  • Equipment pouch can hold a two-DSLR camera kit with a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm lens, or a mirrorless camera kit with three to five lenses
  • Two existing lenses can be exchanged from the equipment pouch to comfortably store a 300mm f/2.8 lens
  • Access to the main compartment is provided by a front-facing zippered panel with a 180° downward opening
  • Four toggle buttons allow the equipment pouch to become a securely mounted compartment with its own zippered opening aligned with the backpack's rear-facing zippered panel for seamless accessibility to the cameras and lenses inside
  • Front pocket with water-resistant lining and drain hole allows wet outdoors equipment such as a collapsible snow shovel to dry when carried
  • A secondary pocket along the front pocket's inner wall can be used to hold a snow probe or other smaller collapsible items
  • When opened, the front pocket's outer flap reveals a zippered organizational pocket for extra storage capacity
  • Integrated within the main compartment and behind the water-resistant front pocket, is a dedicated sleeve that can accommodate a 15" laptop within a separately available, protective case
  • Laptop sleeve can be reached through the backpack's top opening which can be closed using a drawstring and is capped by a top lid that buckles into four adjustable straps along the backpack's front and rear panels for a secure fit
  • Top lid features a zippered pocket that faces the back of the wearer, which allows its contents to be reached without having to remove the backpack
  • Zippered pockets along both sides of the  waist belt provide secure on-the-go storage, while a zippered slash pocket along the bottom of the front panel can hold additional photo accessories
  • Right-side hydration pack pocket with zipper above an open side pocket contains an exit for a sip tube
  • Left-side zippered pocket opens to reveal a fold-out cup to support the base of a tripod or monopod strapped along the side of the backpack
Handling and Fit
  • Can be lifted using its haul handle, and carried by its adjustable, padded shoulder straps
  • Adjustable sternum strap and padded waist belt help evenly distribute weight
  • Padded back panel provides lumbar support
  • Durable, weather-resistant nylon construction
  • Seam-sealed cover for use under heavy rain
UPC: 056035372315

Lowepro Powder 500 AW Specs

Carry/Transport OptionsBackpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Waist Belt
ColorBlue
Type of ClosureZipper
Laptop/Tablet CompartmentSingle Compartment: Fits 15" Laptop
Interior TypeAdjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Monopod/Tripod HolderYes
FeaturesAccessory Loops, Hydration Bladder Compatible
Environmental
Water ResistanceRain Cover, Water Resistant (Material)
General
Maximum Volume1860.32 fl oz / 55 L
MaterialsExterior: Nylon
Interior: Nylon
DimensionsExterior
25.59 x 12.2 x 10.24" / 65 x 30.99 x 26.01 cm
Interior
24.41 x 11.81 x 7.87" / 62 x 30 x 19.99 cm
Weight5.51 lb / 2.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)25.5 x 23.5 x 13.25"

Lowepro Powder 500 AW Reviews

Large backpack

By Sean
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-13

The backpack is to large for day hikes. Great for travel and camping adventures

OK, not PRO

By Vitaly
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-27

It fits Canon 5Ds R with the 100-400mm IS II USM lens. However, it is very tight when the lens hood is still on the lens backwards. Pro stands for flexibility and tunability. Lens bag insert compartments should be tunable, or just simply making the camera bag ca. 2 cm wider, with extra flexibility lens compartment options, e.g. different width/length, etc. Then it will become true PRO Swiss Alps photo hiking backpack. However, the 21st century is famous for lack of talented engineers. Cheers, Photo-Hiker

Lowepro Backpack: Powder 500 AW

By Matthew
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-03

So far so good! Holds what I need it to... 2 pro bodies with grips, 4 lenses, a macro tube set, a speedlight, my iPad, a hydration bladder, a full size tripod, and the accessories needed for a day hike - food, stove, fuel, extra layers, and some photo accessories. The zippers are easy to manipulate with gloves and all of the synch points work as expected. It is quite comfortable (although I have not yet had a long hike with it, I am looking forward to my first one shortly). There is ample room for everything needed and all is easy to access. Lowepro has a winner with this one. The only con I have found is that the lid does not fit snugly over the body when the top section is not full, it is secure but can flop around a little bit which may be an issue in the rain. It is a minor gripe, but hopefully Lowepro will address that in the next gen of the bag

Perfect!!!

By Juan Carlos
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-14

Have a good space and it's possible personalize the organization inside the camera's compartment, and have enough space for climbing stuffs, i love it. The purchase and delivery service to Peru was perfect and super fast, thankyou B&H.

Very convenient

By Ernesto
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-08

My wife got this for me last year for my birthday and we finally had a chance to use it hiking some steep trails at Mt. Diablo in Cali. The tripod holder is great and the pockets are plentiful and conveniently located. I only carried two lenses and a camera body but there was plenty room for more and the top pocket was perfect for our water bottles, lunch, and layers once it warmed up. It felt super comfortable and my wife was even willing to strap it in her back because she found it so comfortable! Highly recommend it!

Great Backpack Except...

By Richard
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-22

Its an outstanding photo backpack for 3 days and 2 nights. There is ample space for photo gear and ultralight camping gear. The major drawback is the water carrying capabilities. You either carry the tripod on the side or only a single nalgene bottle. There are few other alternatives to carrying them inside the pack with your camera gear.

Great, but not quite there

By Lauren
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-28

This pack is great for an adventure photographer except they need to offer varied pack sizes. I'm a small framed female and this pack was huge for me as far as fit goes. I took it to get tailored...they took 8" off the shoulder straps. If Lowepro offered different sized pack this would be perfect. Love the ability you use up to a 3L camelback for hydration.

Everything I needed and than some

By Danny
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-25

I love this bag! The functionality and practicality is just beyond impressive. Lowepro has done exceptionally well with this bag. *** Of note *** one person here mentioned that you can't add the peak design clip on the straps. That is INCORRECT. I was able to do it within a few minutes. Things I like: - Lots of space - Lots of pockets - Easily accessible and quick access pockets - Lot of room for lenses/camera's etc. - Very comfortable to carry even with heavy way (mine has gone up to 50lbs) Things that can be improved: - No clip-on items for keys - Laptop compartment not padded (can be solved with a slim case) - No quick side access for camera

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Is there space for a water bladder?

Is there space for a water bladder?
Asked by: Lisa G
Yes, on the side there is a place for small-medium a water bladder.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-07-24

What size / brand/ model avalanche probes and ...

What size / brand/ model avalanche probes and shovel are depicted in the product photos? What size probes and shovels will fit in the avalanche equipment section of the backpack?
Asked by: Jon
The dimensions of the front compartment of the Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW are as follows. 12.20 x 0.79 x 19.68 in / 33 x 22.5 x 54 cm. There is no information currently on which items are used in the images.
Answered by: Yaakov
Date published: 2021-10-11

I am 5'1", female would this be too big?

I am 5'1", female would this be too big?
Asked by: Lisa G
Yes, it would have to say this bag would be too big and top heavy for you.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-07-24

Can the entire height of the backpack be accessed ...

Can the entire height of the backpack be accessed from the top?
Asked by: Richard
Yes it can be, depending on your configuration. The two compartments are separated by a divider that is held on by velcro on three sides. If you undo the velcro you will have the entire height of the bag accessible from the top. This was the big unanswered question for me until I bought the bag and physically confirmed it. Note that the back access may be slightly covered by the divider when used this way, but it is just fabric so can be moved out of the way.
Answered by: Li-en
Date published: 2021-07-14

Can this bag carry my camera gear and a ...

Can this bag carry my camera gear and a lightweight tent and sleeping matt
Asked by: Tyler
Interior dimensions are : 11.81 X 24.41 X 7.87 inches
Answered by: Shalom
Date published: 2020-10-13

Would this hold a Sigma 150-600mm lens?

Would this hold a Sigma 150-600mm lens?
Asked by: Lawrence
There are different models of Sigma zoom lenses that are 150-600mm, so it's impossible to give a single definitive answer to your question. As such, we'll just say that even the longest of the compartments of the Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW (Gray and Orange) (B&H# LOP500AWGO) is about the same length as the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF (B&H# SI1506005CC) which is the most popular Sigma 150-600mm that we sell. Moreover, it would be so tight a fit with the newer Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E (B&H #SI150600SE) (also available for L mount cameras) that you may not consider it a good fit at all. In the cases of at least those two especially popular Sigma 150-600mm lenses it is clear that neither will fit while attached to any camera.
Answered by: Yoni
Date published: 2021-08-12

is it allowed as carry on at airports ?

is it allowed as carry on at airports ?
Asked by: Mukul
Recently got back from a 6mo trip around Asia. This was my only bag. Used as a carry-on for every flight. Thought if you do have a problem you can remove the camera unit and bring that on.
Answered by: Austap
Date published: 2020-12-09

What is the captivity of the bag? Is it 50L

What is the captivity of the bag? Is it 50L
Asked by: Ryan
Yes it is 50 liters. I found the inner compartment that holds the camera quite small. Great for a mirrorless camera system but a little small for full size DSLR system.
Answered by: Thomas
Date published: 2022-04-02
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