First test PRICE: £159
LOWEPRO.COM
Lowepro Protactic Lite BP 250 AW III Can the new entry in Lowepro’s Protactic range deliver the same comfort and quality as its predecessor?
the front and another on each side. Additionally, there is a zip-up pocket on the top lid, which is handy for smaller bits and pieces. You have two options for accessing the main interior compartment: one is via a full-width top flap, the other is via a side flap that spans the full length of the bag. The main interior compartment is split vertically by one movable divider, but there are no specific, stiff gear dividers like those found in bags that are more equipment focused. The idea behind this bag is to be a blank canvas – compatible with Lowepro’s Gearup cases, pouches and camera boxes, allowing you to build your own compartments. Aside from this, there’s a laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 16in, as well as a tripod sleeve that secures your tripod inside the bag without it shifting around. Again, a worthwhile option for those not wanting to draw unwanted attention. As a photographer, when I first received the Protactic Lite BP 250 AW III, I wasn’t entirely sure how I would use it. Since so many camera bags are specifically designed for
TESTED BY PETE TOWNSHEND
RATHER THAN PROFESSIONAL gear transportation, Protactic Lites are built for more relaxed day trips or, as Lowepro puts it, ‘photographers off-hours’. The Protactic Lite BP 250 AW III is the new 30-litre model that caters for everyday use. It is a soft-shell bag made from 600D polyester, and while there is no extensive padded protection, the material is hard-wearing and splash resistant. The overall dimensions are within hand-luggage restrictions, so it lends itself well to travel. This is a good-looking bag. While functionality and quality are excellent, the style is discreet – that’s perfect if you’re out on the streets and would prefer your bag not to shout, ‘I have loads of expensive gear in me!’ The bag features ergonomically designed straps and a rippled back panel to enhance airflow. A sternum strap complements this overall comfort, adding extra security. Exterior pockets include three elasticated sleeves; a large one on
SPECS › Weight 1.06kg › External dimensions (wxhxd) 28x17.5x52cm › Internal dimensions (wxhxd) 26x16x39cm › Total volume 30 litres › Materials 600D polyester exterior, dual-density foam straps, moulded EVA back panel
STRAPPED FOR ACTION The Protactic Lite BP 250 AW III features a moulded EVA back panel with airflow-enhancing perforations and a dual-density harness, keeping you comfortable on long shoots or hikes
“AFTER SPENDING TIME COMMUTING AND GOING ON DAY TRIPS, I BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND: THIS BAG, LIKE THE REST OF THE PROTACTIC RANGE, IS ABOUT VERSATILITY” Add one of Lowepro’s modular camera or lens pouches, and you now have the best of both worlds – offering added flexibility. However, it’s worth noting that these have to be bought separately. I found the number of pockets useful, particularly the versatility of transporting gear, I was expecting something immediately recognisable as a camera bag. But after spending some time commuting, going out on day trips with my family and doing lots of other things that aren’t photography, I began to understand: this bag, much like the rest of the Protactic range, is all about versatility. With just the single divider, your camera gear would roll around all over the place inside – but when you start filling it up with everyday items like jumpers, headphones, jackets and notebooks, you realise that the large space is exactly what you need.
the stretch pocket on the front, which was handy for a variety of items I had never previously considered. Whether it was a coat, bike lock or lunch box, it kept on delivering when I needed to stow less-valuable items for easy access. Overall, this was a great bag for day-to-day life. With the addition of a Gearup camera box, you have the ideal one-bag solution for photographers and videographers to use in all aspects of their lives. See more photos online at photographynews.co.uk/reviews
Verdict This bag is designed for off- duty photographers, so it’s not a specialist gear carrier out of the box. But with some added accessories, the Protactic Lite BP 250 AW III offers the versatility to become whatever you need – and we love it for that. PROS Great quality, very comfortable, well designed for a variety of uses, ample pocket space, good looking, understated CONS Soft shell offers less protection, requires additions to be camera-ready
50 Photography News | Issue 120
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