Camera Gear: ProTactic 450 AW Camera Backpack

As we ramp up our team in the video department and our studio, we also got a few more equipment for field shoots (like the DJI Osmo which we have not reviewed here yet). The choices for lenses also came to mind (Tamron 35mm f/1.8, 90mm f/2.8, Tamron 17-50mm) and a heavy-duty camera bag from LowePro.

We’ve had several camera backpacks as daily drivers before but the ProTactic 450 AW from LowePro is aimed at more serious photographers and heavy-duty users. The Protactic 450 means business — it can hold everything and then some more.

The innermost chamber houses two 92) large-sized dSLR (fits well with our C anon 70D and the 5D Mark 3 we borrowed from Vic). Plus, we already have a few lenses we’ve been swapping around — a Tamron 35mm f/1.8, a Tamron 17-50mm f/3.5-5.6, a Canon 50mm f/1.8 and a Tamron 90mm f/2,8 Macro. Add to that the Canon 580EX flash and the Rode VideoMic Go.

That doesn’t count the GoPro Hero 4, some chargers, cables, lens filters and smaller accessories you carry around for the camera.

As with any camera backpack, the internal padding can also be re-arranged to comfortably fit any set of gear you already have so you may also configure them to fit bigger lenses like the Canon 70-200mm f2.8. Or you can reconfigure it into two main compartments so that the lower part can hold clothes and essentials while the upper portion will hold your camera gear.

The backside also has a separate compartment for a laptop of up to 15 inches like the Macbook Pro 15 although the much thicker thicker Alienware 13 that we often use also fits snugly, plus a tablet or iPad beside it. There are also a lot of smaller pockets in the outside for smaller, frequently-used items like a smartphone, business cards, IDs and change.

The top portion has another smaller compartment for more fragile things like sunglasses and easily breakable items so it has a tougher cover. This will keep the fragile things more secure yet easy to access from the outside.

The backpack can be opened all the way in from one side to the other so you can arrange and access all your equipment better. This is better when you are re-configuring the internal padding and fitting the individual camera and lenses into each smaller compartment.

The backpack was well thought out that LowePro even access a quick access pocket on the both sides so you can quickly grab your dSLR from outside without opening the main zipper.

The side pockets allow for bulkier items to be carried along the exterior of the backpack — this includes a water bottle pouch, accessory case, tripod cup, and two cinch straps.

The exterior of the backpack is lined with a lot of woven strips to allow for smaller pouches to be strapped into the backpack for additional storage. That makes the ProTactic 450 an expandable storage, depending on your need.

Aside from the padded shoulder traps there’s a heavier waist strap for added support and comfort when carrying heavy load. The backpack is mostly made of nylon webbing and 900D polyester so it’s also weather-resistant. The bag comes with it’s own raincoat too, just in case you get caught up in the middle of a downpour while trekking.

This is a very versatile backpack specifically for camera buffs and while it’s a bit bulky for daily use, the ability to re-configure the compartments according to your existing gear or needs makes it an ideal travel bag as well.

The LowePro Protactic 450AW retails for Php7,950USD 135INR 11,485EUR 129CNY 987 and is available in stores like CameraHaus and ShutterMaster.

LowePro ProTactic 450 AW specs:
Laptop and camera backpack
Nylon webbing
210D nylon
1680D ballistic nylon
900D polyester
Zipper & Quick-release buckles
Backpack straps
Top grab handle
Cinch straps and tripod cup on side
Built-in rain cover
5.7 lb / 2.6 kg (net weight)
13.7 x 10.6 x 19.2″ (dimensions)

What we liked about it:
* Extendable and re-configurable
* Light and sturdy for its size
* Large capacity
* Comfortable and safe
* Affordable

What we did not like:
* No color options
* Not completely water-proof