Thirty years ago, when I saw a man with a big leather rectangular bag on his belt, I could easily approach him, get acquainted and talk about our mutual interests. Because I knew with certainty that the owner of the leather case is my colleague, a photographer. These days, accessories for photographers are much more diverse. There are dozens of models of backpacks, cases, and suitcases to carry your equipment. Each for its own purpose. Expeditionary, non-sinkable, shock-proof or with ultra-fast access system. But the most popular and popular are small urban backpacks for amateur photographers, which can put a camera, a replacement lens, some personal items and a small stock of food and drink. Backpack by the famous manufacturer Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW belongs to this popular class. I will try it out and compare it to other models from different manufacturers.
The backpack is the usual height of similar products – about 50 cm. Available in gray, blue and red. The design of the straps and backrest is made anatomically comfortable, inserts of porous mesh material that the backpack, filled with things, can be carried on the shoulders for a long time, even in hot or humid climates. The middle and bottom support straps secure the backpack to your body, for example, to prevent unauthorized removal. The middle strap is height-adjustable and lets women in the better half of the human race buckle up comfortably on their chests.
The YKK zippers open very easily, without the slightest sign of binding. Clasps have lugs made of metal and enough cord, but no plastic endings. It does not cause any inconvenience.
Usable volume of backpack is divided into two compartments, the lower of which is intended for the transport position of photo equipment. The truth is that you can safely access your camera only by removing the backpack and placing it on a surface, because the zipper is on the back side.
The size of the compartment 22×18 cm, depth 14 cm. The space can be organized with the traditional system of removable partitions with Velcro. It was found experimentally that the compartment can hold an APS-C or even FX size reflex camera without external battery packs with the zoom attached, e.g. 18-135 mm or 24-70 mm from any manufacturer, but in the transport position with the hood upside down or removed.
You have room for two interchangeable small prime lenses or for one lens and a medium-sized flash. You can put long focal lenses like 70-300 mm or 70-200 mm only in the top compartment of the backpack, reserved for your personal things. You can fit today’s increasingly popular mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras with no problems, and with a big assortment of lenses and accessories. Note that the compartment for photographic equipment is removable, has special handles for carrying, and can be closed with a lanyard with a lock. This solution is very popular today.
A special compartment for memory cards is located inside the flap on the back and is designed, it seems to me, for the CF format. I would place the now more popular SD cards only in the special plastic container, otherwise their delicate chip could break from impact loading or just fly out of the large size compartment.
The top compartment, as I said, has room for personal items. Sure, you could put your camera gear in there too, but a sweater, a guidebook, or a sandwich would look better in it.
The large flap has two compartments for a netbook and/or tablet. Inside there is room for a device with a screen size of up to 13 inches and a book or magazine of 21 x 30 cm in size. The electronics are recommended to be more securely protected from external influences or bumps, because while moving in public transport or in a crowd it can be damaged. It’s great that the bottom of the backpack is securely attached and packed with a dust and waterproof pouch.
In normal position it protects your set of equipment from penetration of moisture from below, and in bad weather it covers all sides except back from unwanted natural influences. By the way, the backpack withstood with honor the simulation of pouring rain in the form of a shower for 10 minutes: the water rolled down from the impregnated synthetic material and did not penetrate inside.
In my opinion, this inexpensive and well made backpack is designed and intended for someone who is in the habit of taking a camera with one or two lenses on small hikes or bike rides, not forgetting various other things. At the same time, photography for such a user is not the main thing in life: he’s not engaged in professional street shooting or reportage, does not use a tripod of large size, does not go to extreme trips.
And to take the technique to the place of shooting, such as excursions, to hang the camera around your neck, and after shooting carefully put everything back – that’s what backpack Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW is designed for.
For casual non-photographic life you can take out all the interior compartments and dividers and have a great city backpack for young people.
Is the Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW backpack comfortable to wear for long periods of time and does it provide enough support to protect heavier equipment from damage while on the move?
Yes, the Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW backpack is designed for comfort during long periods of wear with padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and adjustable waist belt. The bag also features an adjustable camera compartment to securely protect heavier equipment while on the move. The backpack’s quality materials and design provide sufficient support to prevent damage to your gear, making it a reliable option for photographers who are often on the go.
How reliable is the Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW backpack in protecting photography equipment? Can it withstand potential damage during transportation and keep delicate gear safe?
The Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW backpack is highly reliable in protecting photography equipment. Designed specifically for photographers, it features padded dividers and compartments to keep delicate gear safe during transportation. The All Weather AW Cover provides additional protection against potential damage from weather conditions. With its durable build and excellent cushioning, the backpack ensures the safety of photography equipment, making it a dependable choice for photographers on the go.