Lowepro Protactic BP 350 AW II

£179/$189 The Protactic is the outright slimmest pack in the group, yet has four entry points

There are no fewer than four ways into the camera compartment of this full photo backpack, with a full-access main zipper at the rear, plus zippered flaps at the top and at both sides. You can configure it for instant access to one or two cameras complete with lenses, plus an accessory. At 30x18x47cm, it’s the shallowest backpack in the group, and it tapers away towards the bottom.

The main compartment measures 26x12.5x40cm and the laptop compartment is disappointingly small, only able to take a 13-inch device. There is a larger 450 AW II version, with a 31.8x19.8x44cm main compartment and space for a 15-inch laptop.

Two internal zippered pockets are useful for filters, batteries and remotes. There are two outer compartments with zippered access but they’re very small. An extra utility pouch and bottle holder are supplied, which can attach to the webbed loops around the backpack, or to the waist strap, via Lowepro’s secure Velcro flap-based Sliplock system. The heavy-duty waist strap is removable and can function as a standalone utility belt with an internal zippered pocket, external zippered pouch, and two loops for attaching Sliplock accessories. The backpack also comes with a tripod cup, two Quick Straps and a rain cover.

Performance

As usual with full access to the main compartment at the rear, it’s easiest to bend the shoulder straps forwards before opening the zip. Being deeper at the top, the backpack gives easy access to a chunky DSLR through the top flap but the shallow base makes it prone to falling over.