It's pretty neat because it allows you to access the camera without taking the bag off (you just swing it to the side). I've tested this swing to the side method in many situations and it actually works really easily. When you have to do some tricky maneuvering over rocks or scree you just stash the camera so you don't have it swinging around. It also has some hiking and travel-specific features like a pocket for your hydration system, a stash pocket on the front for a quick place to put your jacket, water bottle holder (which doubles as a tripod holder), straps for your sleeping mat (or another place for your jacket), bungees for your hiking poles, a place for a blinky light (maybe you want to cycle with the pack), reflective detailing (maybe you're exploring a new city at night), a convenient pocket on top of the lid (although it's a little too small for my liking), a small pocket on the bottom of the lid, and a small pocket inside the bag next to your back which is big enough for an e-reader (I will call it the e-reader pocket). There is even a rain cover stashed out of the way on the bottom of the bag.
What do I use the LowePro PhotoSport 200 For?
I personally use this bag as an overnight bag, a travel day pack, a hiking bag and as my main camera bag. Since I like to take my camera with me into all sorts of situations this bag is great because it fits my laptop (in what's supposed to be the hydration pocket).
The laptop sits in the exterior back pocket which makes it really easy to get out when you're at airport security.
It also fits a DSLR with a zoom lens attached and another small prime. The downside is there's not another spot for your other lenses unless you want them just loose in the bag. I can fit a very small nifty fifty lens in the e-reader pocket but it's a tight squeeze. I have been known to take this bag to weddings as well but it doesn't really fit in too well. It definitely brings the outfit down a notch! While I'm hiking I use the beefy hip belt and chest strap and it keeps the bag nice and secure. When I want to take my camera out it's super easy to swing it around and get a quick shot. I really like it for travel too because the colour scheme is fairly neutral so it doesn't look out of place in the city. If you want to take only one bag on your travels try the larger photosport 300. I bet I could pack for a 3 week trip in that baby.
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| Snowshoeing with my Lowepro photosport 200 |
How Durable is the Lowepro Photosport 200?
I have had this bag for 3 years and really put it through the ringer. I stuff it full of heavy stuff like zoom lenses, my DSLR, my ancient (and heavy) laptop and then top it off with water, clothes and an e-reader and sometimes even my manfrotto tripod. Even with all the weight the straps and material have held up really well. The bag looks close to new. The bottom of the bag is a heavier material and the rest of the bag is a lightweight, semi-waterproof durable material. The water bottle holder and the sides of the stash pocket are a super stretchy material.
I have lugged this bag through field work in the Canadian Arctic, travel around Europe, airports, and even Sable Island.
It's even had seabirds poop all over it which washed off easily since the fabric is water repellent.
How Comfortable is the Photosport 200?
I've lugged this bag through airports and even hiked for 8 hours up Mt. Whiteface with this bag and I can assure you it's very comfortable.
That being said everyone is different and you should fit the bag to your own torso size. The bags rigid back and beefy hip belt effectively transfer weigh to the hips making it more comfortable for longer periods.
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| Hiking Whiteface with my Photosport packed with hiking poles, hydration pack, camera equipment and a thermos (I need my coffee in the morning! |
So there you have it, one of my favourite bags is the Lowepro photosport 200. And this is coming from someone who has a large bag collection.
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| Walking around Cusco with the Photosport 200. |
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