Let's go on a walk !

4/3/2014

Hey Guys !

As promised, here's the second product review of the bag series! Today we are going to check out the Lowe Pro Flipside 400AW.

I purchased this little fella three years ago. Rather compact and discreet, it looks like a regular back pack, if it weren't for the Lowpro logo on the back.

http://www.digit-photo.com/Sacs_a_dos-aFA0076/LOWEPRO_Sac_a_Dos_Flipside_400_AW_Noir-rLOWEPROLPT35271N.html

A rather unique feature for this item: you can only access the main compartment from the back. Meaning -> you have to drop the bag in order to reach your gear... but not always ! :) Lowpro added a belt to the bag allowing you to flip it in front of you. Bend it over and you'll have direct and comfortable access to the gear. It really comes in handy when you're in the wild.

The load capacity is pretty impressive. I can fit up to 2 DSLR bodies, 5 lenses and a flash plus all the little accessories that go along. The interior is entirely customizable with soft parts using velcro.

Small pockets on the sides allow water bottles or some more gear, clothes, etc.

The front pocket is large and the inside is rather well conceived. There is an inside pocket to put delicate things. That is where I put all my personal stuff ... keys, cell phone, wallet but only when I'm in nature . In the city I would never offer this opportunity to pick pockets. :D

I walked hours with it on my shoulders and never experienced major pain. Walking with a fully loaded bag (up to 12 kg) during a tough hike would be an other story. Lowpro put some nice fabric (like small fishnet) on the parts that touch your back and your shoulders; so you don't sweat too much

Lowepro, as they always do on their AW BackPacks, put an extra rain-cover tucked away in a hidden bottom pocket. I used it only once, in Britany where I got caught in a sudden storm coming from the ocean. But the fabric used for the bag itself is resistant enough to endure small rains.

I often carry a tripod with me and I was disappointed by the lack of tripod support on the bag. When I put the tripod on (using the small retractable tripod mount and the appropriate handles) the tripod tends to bend backward. I use a small rope I scavenged from another bag in order to reinforce the whole thing.

PLUS +

* Quality of fabrication
* Confort for long walk
* Loading Capacity, lots of pockets
* Customizable inside
* Easy and original accessibility to your gear, so you don't have to put your bag on the ground

MINUS -

* No pockets for A4 docs or Ipad.
* Shaky carrying of a tripod (need to add some handlers)
* Discretion if you go to a party
* It takes more time to access your gear with this bag compared to a shoulder / slingshot bag.