Review on Lowepro LP37016 PWW Flipside Backpack Camera by Christopher Bates

As of July 2019 I've been using this set for a year and a half and will definitely buy again. Nothing has broken and everything is perfectly arranged, what and how I store. I am not an active user, I carry the complete package with me 1-4 times a month. When I go outside with only two lenses, I use a Think Tank Mirrorless Mover. After many YouTube views, I've narrowed down my backpack choices to Mindshift Backlight, Vanguard Alta Rise, and Lowepro Flipside Trek. While each of these three has one or two features that I like and others that I don't, I ultimately settled on Trek as the best compromise, with the most features I like versus the least features, which I also did like Not. My kit: Fuji X-T20 camera, Fuji 18-55, 55-200 and 100-400 + 1.4x TC lenses, Rokinon 12mm lens, all with lens hoods, plus accessories such as filters, remote shutter release, cleaning products etc. The 450 size Trek is overkill for a typical APS-C mirrorless kit, but adding a 100-400 lens complicates placement. At least place it where I'm happy with the options for using the remaining space in the camera bay. So I went with the 450. I also wanted a backpack with extra space for things like a light jacket, hat, gloves, headlamp, binoculars, water bottle etc. As for the title of my review, either the QC Lowepro is poor quality or I'm horribly lucky. The pack I'm using is the third I've ordered. I had to return the first two due to two different faults related to zippers. Examine yours when you receive them to make sure there are no imperfections in the stitching around the zippers that could cause them to get stuck. Third time was adorable and all zips work smoothly. Advantages: - Top compartment and conversion of the backpack. The backpack has a roomy top compartment for bulkier personal items and that was one of the biggest advantages for me. Sometimes I even throw my camera in. If you have an extra long lens or prefer to access the camera from above, the bottom of the top compartment can be removed to convert the backpack from 2 separate compartments into one large compartment. It also turns it into an all-purpose backpack if you also remove the camera compartment air baffles, making it a very versatile bag. Flip-up camera cover. I love that the camera shaft valve is designed in such a way that you can only open it halfway at the top. This keeps sand/dirt out and prevents devices from spilling. Belts are suitable for tall people. I am very broad. The shoulder straps and chest strap are longer than I need, which is not the case with many bags. There are elastic straps attached to the straps that fit snugly over the excess length of the straps so the ends don't dangle which is great. (I don't know if the waist belt is that big, I haven't even tried it yet.) - Adjustable chest strap. The chest strap can be moved higher or lower by sliding the buckles on the shoulder straps up and down. In this way, the chest strap can be adjusted to different upper body sizes and shapes. Detachable waist belt and waist pack storage pocket. I'm not a hiker and the waist belt comes off easily. That way I don't have useless straps getting in the way, but I can still use the storage pockets in the remaining thigh flaps. Flat shoulder straps. I prefer the flatter Lowepro straps over the thick, padded straps that many backpacks have. This makes the bag less bulky and easier to swing onto your back. Please note that the straps have hard edges that could cut you. Chest strap buckle solves this problem for me, but may not fit everyone depending on fit. The chest strap buckle has an integrated emergency whistle. I hope I never need it, but it would be nice to include it just in case. Organizational specifics. The Flipside Trek strikes a good balance, offering just enough zippered pockets and compartments for useful organization without being overly complicated or useless. Good side pockets. Two side pockets are elastic and roomy. If you want to use the side tripod pocket, only compact travel tripods will fit. (You can still use the two side straps without the bag for a larger tripod.) I'm not sure how well the stretch mesh will hold up to heavy use and abuse, but the bottoms of the bags are hard material, which should help. with durability - front straps. There are two straps on the front that can be used in different ways. They may cling to small objects or bags. You can detach them from the central loops and attach a bulky item like a thick coat. You can use them to carry a tripod. I have a medium sized tripod and prefer these to the side straps. Possible disadvantages: - Sloped bottom. My only real dislike of the backpack is that the bottom is slightly sloped rather than completely flat, so the backpack has a hard time staying in one place. In my opinion this could be fixed without ruining the look of the backpack. The flap of the camera compartment does not always remain fully open by itself. You have to decide if it bothers you. For me that is secondary. Tapered camera shaft. Because it is rear entry and the front of the pack is rounded for a slimmer design, the bottom of the camera compartment is neither flat nor square. All but one of the small dividers are narrowed to accommodate this, making them difficult to position in a unique way. That annoyed me when I set up the backpack the way I wanted to store things. However, once I set it up and started using the package, I almost forgot about it. It's a compromise because a design that uses a flat and square compartment results in a boxy backpack look, which I don't like. weather resistance. I don't have a weatherproof camera so don't waste much. Time out in the rain or snow. I like the backpack's fabric for my use, but it doesn't feel as water and dirt resistant as many other outdoor backpacks. The good news is that the rain cover integrates well with the backpack and is easy to use. handle on top. The backpack has a top handle, which is important, but it's too flimsy. It really should be more durable with some padding for a backpack that can carry the weight of so much gear. - Durable strap seams. Having only been using the backpack for a few weeks, I don't know how it will hold up over time. I doubt how strong the lower shoulder straps and top handle will be. you are skinny This means that due to the amount of gear that a fully loaded pack can carry, the small area of the seams where they connect to the pack will experience more stress. Hopefully I've provided the details you need to help you decide if this is the right package for you. I am very happy with it.