Review Lowepro Vertex 300 AW

_dreamer wrote in post #3793201
Paul_210:
from my experience the backpacks that store the laptop against the back tend to put a lot of pressure on the laptop.
I've used CompuRover for a short while and felt that the equipment is pressuring the laptop too much.

Not sure if it will be the same with CompuTrekker (it's more massive bag), i just suggest to check it.

I intentionally wanted a backpack with the computer on the outside. I think this works better since I don't always need to bring the computer.

I have a dedicated computer bag if I want only the computer and possibly the Dimage 7, and a third bag if I go on a business trip and want computer, a couple of days of clothes and the Dimage 7 or the 350D with one or two lenses.

calicokat wrote in post #3794312
Great review, I picked up a 200AW and am impressed, looking forward to some real world testing

Thank you

[QUOTE=Paul_210;379272​1]
On the other hand the Vertex has its pluses..
1. Zipper Cover that hides the shoulder and waist straps. (Prevents the straps from getting caught in xray at airport or overhead on plane.)
2. The Vertex has the nice filter & card holders on the shoulder straps..
[QUOTE]

Where do you see this?

In the first photo, you can see the cover flap sticking out to the right. The cover is stored in a pocket below the bag, and there is a zipper around the harness part. You just put the cover over the harness and then zip it up.

In the same picture, you can see fittings on the top of the harness where you can fit equipment - such as a memory wallet, a water bottle or similar.

Uhh...I still don't see it. I do have the 200AW and now wondering if it's only available in the 300AW.

I don't know about the 200AW, but do you have a zipper around the sides and top of the backpack, on the side that faces your back?

The 300AW has a pocket under the bag. This pocket contains the AW protection cover, and a flap that may be zipped over the harness.

pwm2 wrote in post #3795300
I don't know about the 200AW, but do you have a zipper around the sides and top of the backpack, on the side that faces your back?

The 300AW has a pocket under the bag. This pocket contains the AW protection cover, and a flap that may be zipped over the harness.

Nope no zipper. I'm beginning to think its just on the 300AW. Underneath, it just stores the rain cover.

Ok. Good to know. I didn't manage to find this difference mentioned on the Lowepro site.

pwm2 wrote in post #3798233
Ok. Good to know. I didn't manage to find this difference mentioned on the Lowepro site.

That sucks!!

Nice review, gonna grab one of these for my trips to China...Thanks for the time you put in, it's much appreciated

I have just received my Vertex 300 AW

It seems like a very well built case as are all Lowepro products. I bought this case for an upcoming trip to Alaska and will be taking 3 bodies (30D, 10D and D60 converted to full time infrared), 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, 12-24mm f/4 Tokina, 70-200mm f/4L IS and 300mm f/4L IS lenses and 1.4x TC along with a 550ex flash and the general accessories such as chargers, memory cards, CF cards and various filters. I will probably take the Sigma 28mm f/1.8 and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 Mark-I because the D60 will not accept EF-S lenses and I want these lenses for infrared photography. i will also take my notebook computer with which to download my images and a tiny Cigar hard drive. I may also take a P&S to bring out on the fishing boat with me.

The Vertex seems big enough to fit all my gear but, that is what people also say when they view empty rooms into which the want to move their furniture.

By the way, I bought this item on eBay new for $190 with no shipping charges and obviously no sales tax. Its list price is $340 and the Amazon and Calumet prices is $250. I purchased it through Pro Digital of Canada:

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

UPDATE AFTER THE ALASKA TRIP>>>
I will never take this case without using a wheeled luggage carrier. When filled, it weighs a ton! Additionally, the straps also are so bulky that the case, when filled, will not fit into carry-on size restriction box many airlines use.

Yep, got pretty much the same deal, took mine to China and packed a 1DmkII, 1DsmkII, 100-400, 70-200 2.8IS, 24-105, 35L, 50L and 85L and my porta drive to boot,
It's a super solid bag and kept my gear safe . Still looks brand new.
Again, thanks for the review, don't think I'd have picked this one if it wasn't for the time you took to share your experience with this bag

I got my Vertex 300 AW and it is packed for Alaska

In addition to the equipment in view, I will be carrying a Toshiba notebook, batteries, CF cards, a few filters, chargers and cords for my notebook.
Oh yes! I have a raincover for each camera...

I won't be shooting out of this case because it is far too heavy and a backpack is not convenient for shooting from. The Vertex is just for transport and for storage during the trip. I will carry a Think Tank hoster case and a small Tamrac shoulder case empty in my check on suitcase. These will be the bags I will use when I am shooting.

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I have been following this thread ... a great review of the bag. I'm sold for sure ... Looks like it will hold more than enough of my gear. I guess ebay is the best place to find these. Right after I bought mine at $180, I even found one brand new there for $160 that ships for free:
http://cgi.ebay.com …iewItem&item=27​0249603550
Couldn't believe it ... my local shop wanted over $300! Gotta love ebay!

I must also ditto the "Great Job" on the review of the bag. Hope you guys don't throw me off the forum as I plan to put Sony/Minolta equipment in the bag, but have a question about the bag. I am planning on stuffing my chargers and cords into the slot for the laptop since I don't have a laptop. I assume that that slot would hold 3 chargers and 2 cords pretty handily. I have a Lowepro Microtrekker 200 that no longer holds the stash and am looking to upgrade to the Vertex 300 AW. I must also add that I think the quality of the Lowepro bag is great. Would appreciate any input. Thanks.

I am sorry for the bump here but I just wanted to ask a few questions re. this backpack.

1. Does this backpack have the little rings/links where one could connect the backpack-strap i.e. OpTECH pro loop strap ends?

2. Can this hold a 1dMarkIII with a 70-200 f/2.8 and the 5DMarkII with a 24-70 facing each other like in this photo?

Thank you.

RPCrowe wrote in post #5710636
In addition to the equipment in view, I will be carrying a Toshiba notebook, batteries, CF cards, a few filters, chargers and cords for my notebook.
Oh yes! I have a raincover for each camera...

I won't be shooting out of this case because it is far too heavy and a backpack is not convenient for shooting from. The Vertex is just for transport and for storage during the trip. I will carry a Think Tank hoster case and a small Tamrac shoulder case empty in my check on suitcase. These will be the bags I will use when I am shooting.