Product Description

A perfect combination of fast access and all-weather protection, the Primus AW was built for the backcountry. Rugged construction with a recycled, water resistant outer fabric and a seam-sealed AW cover protects gear. This pack also conforms to a variety of body types with an adjustable 8-point harness system giving the adventure photographer exceptional comfort under heavy load. The lumbar-equipment access point keeps the bag off the ground when digging for equipment in either of the two padded compartments. Gear retrieval is further complimented by a side access zipper that gives the user quick camera access without taking the bag off. Combine that with pockets and features that are made for today s adventure photographer and the Primus AW delivers adjustable comfort with tough camera protection. In commemoration of Lowepro s 40th anniversary, we are proud to introduce the industry s first backpack designed for the professional photographer that is made primarily from recycled materials.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #38786 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Lowepro
• Model: Primus AW (Arctic Blue)
• Released on: 2007-08-05
• Dimensions: 20.10" h x 9.30" w x 13.20" l, 4.90 pounds

Features

• Lumbar and side access provides fast equipment retrieval
• 8-point adjustable harness and padded waist belt comfortably distributes weight for long hiking trips
• Upper compartment provides organization and storage for personal accessories
• Glide-Lock system and hideaway accessory holder easily fits a tripod or other backcountry equipment
• "Seam-sealed, All Weather Cover protects equipment from weather, sand and dust"

Customer Reviews

A brilliant photo backpack for walkers and trekkers
I've been looking for a good photo backpack for ages. The problem has been that the ones which are designed to hold lots of camera gear aren't ideal for travelling/bad weather trekking. Conventional backpacks are great for trekking, but poor for carrying, protecting and accessing camera gear. I looked at the LowePro Vertex range (too heavy - many internal airlines have a 5kg total weight limit for hand baggage) and the Kata range (not comfortable enough) before coming across the Primus. It looked like what I needed. and as many shops sell this at £160+, the Amazon price of £58 seemed a bargain. But how did it meet my needs?

Well, I've just got back from three weeks trekking in Southern Patagonia, and it was brilliant. The Primus doesn't hold a lot of photo gear in the main camera compartment, but can easily accomodate a large digital SLR and at least three lenses. I took a Nikon D200 + 18-70 and 12-24 lenses. Decided to leave the telephoto to cut down on weight (no regrets - wide angle more useful). I was carrying the above, plus two spare batteries, two lens hoods, three CF cards, blower brush and filters. In addition I carried a largish MP3 player, headphones, PDA/phone, sunglasses, toiletries, medical kit and lunch in the upper compartment. I stowed a waterproof shell jacket, waterproof over trousers, gaiters, Goretex socks and gloves and a hat in the outer pocket. One litre Sigg water bottle easily fitted in the side bottle carrier. On some days we were wild camping, so in addition to the above, I had a change of clothing, wash kit, and thermal base layer in the upper compartment, with a Thermarest mattress strapped to the top of the pack. The Primus has a brilliant adjustable strap system and a really comfortable waistbelt, so even when climbing 800m during an 11-hour trekking day, it all felt fine.

With the amount of gear listed above, access to the photo gear would be difficult using a normal pack. The side entry access of the Primus made life much easier (but not perfect). I could just reach round, open the side zip and pull out the camera, without taking off the pack. The AW cover proved invaluable in the Patagonian rain and wind, and I could still access the camera with the cover on. Also, having an external expandable storage pocket for wet gear is brilliant - no chance of leakage onto your photo stuff.

So is it perfect? Not quite. I wish that LowePro had made the side access flap just a little larger - I doubt it would take a D200 or 300 with motor drive. Also, the internal dividers are a strange shape - I replaced them with some old dividers from another bag.

However, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. None of the straps or zips failed despite being sorely mistreated. Final comment: a thief tried to get into the pack while I was walking through Buenos Aires. Even though they managed get the side access zip open, they quickly realised that they couldn't get the camera out without seriously alerting me. Good anti-theft design or serendipity: you can decide.

what a fantastic backpack!
This is an excellent rucksack which will both protect your beloved camera, a couple of lenses and small accessories, and still have space for some snacks/clothes/water or whatever you might need for your trip. You can even fix a tripod on the outside if you wish. It's perhaps more suited to a day hike than a long trek, although does fit a surprising amount in, and is very versatile. (I've often carried a tin of corned beef instead of a third lens!)
The design is really superb - it seems like everything has been thought of. The quick access sturdy zip-up flap on the side, for accessing your camera without taking off the bag, is my favourite feature!
The bag is made of strong sturdy padded material and holds its shape really well, whether empty or full.
If you're an amateur photographer, and want a protective camera bag and daypack combined this is the one to go for.

back paks for cameras
it took me a long time to find the combination of Backpack and camera holder with easy access and this bag met that criteria, although there is space for your usaul items in the top half there is only limited space, around 12 litres of storage.
the camera compartment is well padded and compartmentalized with velcro so you can shape what is stored, i found the bag very useful and would recommend it.
this is a recycled product so friendly to the environment and was a dream on a long trek on Dartmoor