The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III: Refined for Travel Photographers
I’ll admit it - I have a bit of a camera bag obsession. With no fewer than six different bags in my collection, I have one for practically every occasion. Yet, despite this variety, there’s really only one that I consistently rely on. Since 2022, my most trusted Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II has been with me on countless adventures. From the bustling streets of London and New York to the stunning landscapes of Montana, Arizona and New Mexico, this bag has travelled with me to America three separate times and proved itself as the ultimate travel companion. It fits perfectly into hand luggage restrictions, organised my gear flawlessly and withstood the rigors of travel. So why, after only a couple of years of loyalty, have I just switched to the new Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III?
The answer lies in Lowepro’s continuous commitment to innovation. Whilst I adored my ProTactic BP 450 AW II, version III offers several upgrades that address some key pain points (albeit, minor) while enhancing the overall experience. Here’s why the switch was a no-brainer:
1. Built-In Bottle Holder
One of the few downsides of the BP 450 AW II was its lack of a built-in bottle holder. Whilst it did come with an attachable one, it often flapped around and felt like an afterthought, especially when moving quickly or navigating tight spaces. The BP 450 AW III addresses this perfectly with stretchy side pockets built directly into the bag. These pockets securely hold a water bottle, making it much easier and more convenient to stay hydrated while traveling. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective improvement that makes a big difference on the go.
2. Detachable Rain Cover
The previous model had a built-in rain cover, which was great for sudden downpours but tricky to deal with afterwards. If the cover got wet, drying it was inconvenient, especially during multi-day trips. The detachable rain cover on the BP 450 AW III is a game-changer. I can easily remove it, let it dry separately, and keep the rest of the bag functional. It’s a small but thoughtful change that reflects Lowepro’s attention to real-world usability.
3. Improved Dividers
Organisation is everything when you’re carrying expensive camera gear. The updated dividers in the BP 450 AW III are more customisable and sturdy, providing even better protection for my equipment. They’re easier to reposition, allowing me to adapt the bag layout to fit different lenses, bodies, and accessories. This flexibility makes packing and accessing gear even more efficient, saving valuable time during shoots.
4. Enhanced Comfort
Carrying a fully loaded camera bag can take a toll on your back, especially during long days of travel or extended hikes. The BP 450 AW III addresses this with redesigned straps that offer increased padding and a more ergonomic fit, making the added comfort instantly noticeable. It feels like the bag was tailored for long-haul journeys and adventures on foot.
One standout feature that deserves shouting about more from Lowepro is the ability to securely hook the bag onto the handle of your rolling luggage. This simple yet invaluable addition makes navigating airports far more convenient, saving effort and stress. It’s another small but thoughtful improvement that enhances the bag’s practicality for frequent travelers.
5. Stability When Standing
One of the most frustrating quirks of the BP 450 AW II was its tendency to topple over when set down. It’s a minor inconvenience that can become a big deal when you’re scrambling to unpack your gear quickly. The BP 450 AW III resolves this with a more stable base design, ensuring the bag stays upright when placed on the ground. It’s a seemingly small win, but one that makes a big difference in everyday use.
6. Safe Laptop Storage
The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III also features a dedicated, padded laptop compartment that can fit devices up to 16”, making it perfect for my MacBook Pro 14”. It’s well-placed within the bag, offering excellent protection from bumps and impacts during travel. This compartment has kept my laptop safe on every overseas trip, giving me peace of mind knowing my device is secure whether stowed under an airplane seat or in an overhead compartment. For phptographers like me, this added safety and convenience is a must-have.
Why the Switch Was Worth It
Whilst the BP 450 AW II served me well for a couple of years, the upgrades in the ProTactic BP 450 AW III address every small issue I had with the older model. Lowepro has managed to retain everything that made the original series great - durability, functionality, and sleek aesthetics—while refining the design to meet the needs of modern photographers. Whether it’s the convenience of a proper bottle holder, the practicality of a detachable rain cover, ability to carry an attached tripod with ease or the increased comfort of the straps, each improvement enhances the overall experience.
If you’re in the market for a versatile and reliable camera bag for travel, the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW III is an outstanding choice. Its thoughtful upgrades ensure your gear remains safe, accessible and comfortable to carry, no matter where your adventures lead. It has truly made all my other bags feel unnecessary - maybe it’s finally time to acknowledge my camera bag addiction and part with the ones I no longer use!