Customer Reviews

Lowepro Vertex 100 AW Backpack

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is camera case # 6 for me and by far the best. It's easy to configure, tough, well though out, comfortable. The two outer compartments on the back are easy to access with plenty of nooks for various items, velcro close pouches for memory cards, and inside one of the compartments is another zipper compartment that's pretty cool. The compartment for the laptop is well padded with dense foam. The main compartment is well padded and has more than enough inserts for tons of configurations.

I had some difficulty finding bags that would fit my D200 with the battery pack attached and this bag has no problem.

Size wise is a small backpack (but a good sized camera bag). With ease and room for more I fit...

My D200 with battery pack.
2 SB800 flashes
105 mm macro
85 mm f/1.4
50 mm f/1.4
18-70 mm kit lens
70-300 zoom
extension tubes
lens hoods
2 additional batteries
memory cards, cables, polarizers

and still had room for more.

I physically laid my hands on and played with several backpacks from Tamarac, National Geographic, Lowepro and some others. The big thing that sold me on this pack was how dense the foam was. I'd be more confident about my equipment surviving a fall in this bag than any other bag. I expected more from Tamarac; their padding felt flimsy. I own a Tamarac, two smaller Lowepros, a Kata and a Sony bag. This is by far my favorite bag.

Oh and it has a saftey whistle built in to one of the buckles. It's an awesome bag. I'm not one to write reviews but I just couldn't keep quiet about this bag.

1. This is my 3rd or 4th lowepro backpack (prior ones have includes the phototrekker etc...).

2. All lowepro products are excellent--> great construction and excellent fit. The problem I had / have with the photo / nature trekker is the limited amount of small type pockets etc... I was so dissatisfied that I eventually sold my trekker series backpack (bad decision) and then bought a tamrac expedition series backpack (really bad decision).

3. Anyway, since I wasn't happy with my Tamrac--> I bought the Lowepro Vertex---> this is a near perfect photo backpack--> excellent ergonomics / great fit (as is the case with all lowepro products), excellent construction (as with all lowepro products), good tripod holder, and unlike the trekker series--> the vertex series has more... pragmatic pockets,, which is really handy. I just got back from a series of hikes to Mt Rainier, Mt Baker etc...--> excellent photo backpack.

The bag is easily configurable to match your camera, lenses, flash units, etc... But what makes this bag so ideal for me is the comfort while hiking the mountains/volcanoes of Hawaii. When the straps are clipped and fastened as designed, this bag is incredibly comfortable even if you have a lot of weight by carrying a fast telephoto lens. However, if you are the type of person to sling a bag over one-shoulder, this is not the bag for you. Over one shoulder is awkward to say the least. This is meant to be fastened in place and to provide extreme comfort when used as designed.

Everyone else has already written in length about why this pack is awesome, so I'm going to keep this short and just mention the reasons I didn't give this pack five stars:

- The mesh pockets on the side are too tight. Anything more than a 16oz water bottle won't fit without the risk of falling out or tearing the mesh.

- Although there are a lot of dividers, they cannot be arranged in any way you want because there are only certain points around the inside perimeter of the bag that are designed for the Velcro to stick.

From the title, you'll get a general understanding of how versatile this backpack is. I'll go in more details to explain the different aspects of why this backpack is unique.

-Construction:
This backpack is made from rigid pads that are dressed by really strong and durable fabric, that will protect the equipment in every situation (falling, banging into objects, weather conditions, etc.). It has strong water resistance zippers for the main and laptop compartments.

-Space:
Really spacious with many storage areas. The main compartment (camera space) is heavily protected by pads and is divided into smaller areas by some other adjustable protective pads. This means that design the compartment yourself for an optimum space use. There's also a designated pocket to fit small books or some papers. The laptop compartment fits a 14" laptop, and I also use it for books and filters if I'm taking my laptop. The two side storage areas are used for filters, memory card, keys, cable, cleaning kit, etc.

-Tripod Attachment:
One of the best feature of this backpack is that you can attach your tripod to the backpack.

-Shoulder, Chest, and Waist Straps:
Rigid build, yet really comfy for those long journeys. The chest and waist straps are there for those who like to go on an adventure and take ther camera with them. After fastening all the straps, the backpack will be as if part of your own body.

-Weight:
Even when full, it's not that heavy, I mean anyone can manage to carry it.

-Rain Cover:
As for most (or all) Lowepro bags, this backpack is equipped with a rain cover, that when neseccary protect the whole gear for the pouring rain.

-Price:
Really reasonable for such backpack with these specs and features.

-Overall:
Two words - A MUST!

I do a lot of traveling with my photo gear and tend to take too much with me. On a recent international trip, I took a large backpack as my carry one and it worked pretty well except it was very large.

I decided to try this Lowepro Vertex 100, the smallest of the three Vortex models. So I knew it was going to be smaller than what I was used to.

When I go on local sunset shoots, I tend to carry two camera bodies and 3-4 lenses. I've tried numerous configurations with vests, belts, back packs, messenger bags, etc. I usually find them not very comfortable.

So I now use the Vertex 100 for most everything and find it VERY well built and comfortable.

With my equipment in the pack it weighs 19 pounds. Here is what I usually carry in it:
Nikon D300 with battery grip, angled tripod bracket and 70-300 zoom
Nikon D80 Body
12-24 lens
18-300 lens
10.5 lens (fisheye)
SB-800 Flash and extra AA batteries
5 77mm filters
Extra camera batteries
Extra Cards
Knee pad
Cokin filter wallet with 6 filters
Lens Pen and Misc.
Water bottle

The pocket for a computer is very small. See the description for the size it accepts. It is too small for my laptop so I will use it for other things.

The pack has a waist belt, but because the pack is not very tall, the belt may not hit you at your waist. It depends on how low you where the pack.

So after years of trying to figure out the best solution to carry my gear, this is my latest solution and seems to be a good one. There are less expensive packs available but they are not built as well as this one is.

If you shoot like I do, you might find this a good solution.

This product is a quality backpack, typical from Lowepro. However, if you have more than 3 extra lenses to carry, and a flash, you may want to consider the 200 AW, since the 100 is a bit small inside.

Really liked the pack but wasn't large enough for my needs so had to return. Well constructed and particularly liked the rain cover pull-out. I have a lot of equipment - 2 bodies, 3 lenses (one the Canon 100-400mmL which is BIG), a little point & shoot along with all the other "stuff" (batteries, cards, etc). Could just barely get that in and if wanted to add flash, could not do. If you've significantly less equipment - one body a couple of lenses, a hot shoe flash and odds and ends, should work just fine and I'm sure you would be happy.

I've been researching for a good camera bag and finally settled on the Lowepro Vertex but couldn't decide between the 100 and 200. I have a modest kit so either should meet my basic needs so I opted for the 100. It arrived today and I was able to get what I would need in the field in to the bag but it was more limited in space than I expected. It would have been fine however but when I put it on it felt like a kid's backpack. I'm 6'4" tall and wear an XL shirt. I have to have the shoulder straps at their longest extension to feel comfortable but the waist strap hits me above the navel, just under the rib cage. It would in no way support the pack at all as a waist belt should but would only keep it from moving around as I moved. I am returning this pack and have ordered the 200. It may still be a little too short but the added two inches of height will at least help some.

As to quality and features this pack is really amazing and I highly recommend it if you need a pack that will take a lot of abuse. The water proof zippers are a great feature and the integrated rain cover is great. I've never been disappointed with any Lowepro product from a manufactured or features point.

Lowepro Vertex 100 AW backpack

Very good backpack for the price I paid. I got this as an open item from a camera store with all the attachments and padding. The original price is a bit too high and I would not have paid that if I had not found this deal.

The bag is fairly bulky, but very well padded. There are alot of straps the just kinda dangle around and look messy. Unless you are using the Waist belt and chest strap for a trek, it looks fairly goofy. There is also no way to remove the waist belt when not in use. It would have been nice. The exterior is great. Very rugged construction and the weather proofing is a great feature. The fact it is all black and grey is also nice.

The Tripod holder is very loose when not being used and bounces around alot. This can be removed when not in use and the straps that assit can also be removed or hidden. The two front exterior compartments are very useful for holding extra memory cards and lense filters. Great feature with easy, one handed access.

The laptop compartment is so so. I do not have a laptop so I use this for storing my tripods pan-handle. It works nicely. It would be a slight problem if I did have a laptop because there is no specific compartment outside the camera gear space where you can store a wireless mouse, charging cable, ect. I personally dont want those items coming into contact with my camera, lenses and flashes.

Now for the main compartment. The padding is nice. It has cloth sewn onto the walls to keep the main areas "rub safe". I keep three lenses with lense hoods attached(18-55mm w/h, 50mm, 70-300mm w/h) securely tucked in without fear of them falling or tumbling around. I also keep a point and shoot and 2 2.5" externals tucked into one of the adjustable pockets. They fit nicely and do not fall out.

I can keep everything I need to do outdoor photography with me at all times and not need to worry about running out of room. This is a great backpack for people who intend on being outdoors for long periods or expect unfavorable weather in their journey. If you are a sun shine only shooter and dont have alot of equipment to lug around, this backpack may be a little to much for practicality.