p.1 #1 · Looking for a camera backpack like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II, but lighter
Hello everyone,
I’m looking for a camera backpack that matches the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II in terms of functionality and features. I’ve been using it for a while and find it nearly perfect, but it could be lighter. My only issue with the ProTactic is its empty weight of nearly 3 kg – on flights where the maximum carry-on is 8 kg, this can be quite limiting.
What’s really important to me in a backpack:
Durability: The backpack should withstand being placed on rocky, muddy, or rough surfaces without the exterior developing cracks or scratches.
Equipment protection: The interior must be well-padded in case the backpack falls or lands on sharp rocks.
Theft protection: It should not be easily slashable from the outside. Zippers are fine, I secure those myself.
Flexible interior layout: I want to be able to carry, for example, a drone plus a 600 mm lens with a camera attached. The entire interior should be freely configurable to allow flexible storage of expensive equipment. Extra compartments for things like lunch boxes or similar that cannot be used for camera gear are unnecessary – a lunch box can easily fit into a camera compartment, but the reverse often isn’t possible, because these compartments provide little protection and are separated from the main compartment. No space should be permanently wasted. The entire interior should therefore be freely configurable.
Visibility: Transparent inner pockets so I can immediately see what’s inside.
Rain protection: An integrated rain cover is mandatory.
Expansion options: Flexible attachment points on the outside for tripod mounts, water bottles, bags, etc. (loops on all sides).
Stabilization: Chest and waist straps for alpine or more demanding terrain.
Focus on function: I don’t care if the backpack is pink, looks stylish, has a famous brand, or is trendy – it’s all about practicality, protection, flexibility, and functionality for real-world photography use.
The size and space should be similar to the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II.
I don’t expect there’s a significantly lighter option out there, but perhaps someone has an idea or knows an alternative that meets all these criteria.
p.1 #3 · Looking for a camera backpack like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II, but lighter
Shimoda Explorer V2 and Atlas Athlete are my favorite options. Both are lighter than your Lowepro and IMO are better at being backpacks. I have the Flipside Trek 450, which is almost identical to your bag, just without the molle exterior. It's just a storage bag after getting the Shimoda. You can get lighter packs from mountaineering companies and add a camera cube of choice, but access isn't very camera friendly since they don't open from the back like a camera pack does. I really wish one of the camera bag companies would partner with Osprey or Gregory and combine the two, but after a decade and a half of trying to find the right bag, I don't see it happening.
p.1 #5 · Looking for a camera backpack like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II, but lighter
Shimoda Explorer V2 is smaller bag and also a little heavy. I just have both now in front of me Shimoda and Nya - Evo... Both are heavier than I would like.
Atlas Athlete now has preorders for newer model gen 2 with different materials... ICU is integrated so there is not option to change but they use folding ICU. I think it has the lowest weight.
p.1 #7 · Looking for a camera backpack like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II, but lighter
Thumbs up for the Atlas Athlete. It's a lot flatter than most camera backpacks, so the weight is closer to your spine and pulls less on your shoulders. The Atlas Athlete was clearly designed by someone who knows a thing or two about what a hiking backpack really needs, and what a photographer needs. I really like that it expands from 20 to 40 liters and IMHO it carries 10kg/20lbs. almost as comfy as a Deuter or Osprey.
