Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW III review

Lowepro has a strong reputation for high-quality camera bags, not least the ProTactic series, which has consistently delivered excellent options for comfort, protection and versatility.

The brand has now introduced the third generation of the ProTactic series and, while it has big shoes to fill, it promises everything you would expect. The ProTactic BP 350 AW III is part of the backpacks side of the range, designed for more serious use. Let’s see how it fares.

ProTactic BP 350 AW III exterior

The BP 350 AW III is a great looking bag. Its black hard-shell exterior cuts a pleasing form and with a 210 nylon ripstop construction, it offers durability to boot.

It’s a streamlined bag that conforms with hand luggage allowance, so it’s good for travelling. This is complemented by a strap on the back for the handle of a roller case to tuck into, plus an additional strap on the bottom of the bag for easy handling.

The front of the bag is covered in webbing, which not only gives the bag a utilitarian air, but also leads us to the BP350 AW III’s biggest selling point: its amazing versatility.

This bag is part of a modular system that encompasses a range of accessories that can be attached to the exterior webbing of the bag, allowing you to customise it to suit your individual needs.

A number of these accessories come with the BP 350 AW III, including a zip-up pouch, a drawstring pouch for a bottle or tripod foot and canvas straps for securing items like tripods.

Additional accessories can be bought separately, including a protective phone pouch and exterior lens pouch to enable easy changes on the go. These can also be attached to the removable waist strap for complete convenience.

ProTactic BP 350 AW III comfort

The BP 350 AW III has been designed for photographers who are working all day long and the bag’s ergonomics reflect this.

Straps are curved to the contours of your body and are made from dual density foam for extra comfort. The back panel is made from moulded EVA and features ripples to improve airflow. It also includes additional lumber support.

The shoulder straps include a sternum strap for complete security and there is a removable waist strap for improved weight distribution when carrying heavy loads.

ProTactic BP 350 AW III pockets and access

The BP 350 AW III’s exterior pockets include two zip-up pockets on each top corner of the bag and two elastic side pockets that can be used for things like water or tripod feet.

When it comes to interior access, Lowepro has covered all bases. There is access from a zip-up top flap, plus two D-shaped zip flaps on either side of the bag. This allows both right and left-handed photographers quick access without removing the bag from their shoulder.

In addition, the back panel unzips and unfolds completely to provide easy access to the entire interior of the bag.

ProTactic BP 350 AW III interior space

On the inside, the main compartment of the BP 350 AW III is lined with soft nylon and uses an updated divider system that is moulded to allow for more flexibility when packing your gear.

As usual, these dividers attach using velcro, so can be fully reconfigured to suit most setups – or removed completely if required.

The total volume of the bag is 17 litres, with internal dimensions of 14.5 x 27.5 x 44cm. This provides room for a decent mirrorless setup, but you may struggle with some of the largest telephoto lenses and bulkier DSLR setups.

On the inside of the back panel, you will find a laptop sleeve that can hold a laptop up to 14” along with a couple of soft zip up pockets for other items.

There is also an interior pocket on the underside of the top flap for additional interior storage.

Using the ProTactic BP 350 AW III

I found the ProTactic BP 350 AW III to be a pleasure out in the field. I have used the bag both on days out in urban environments and in more demanding conditions when hiking on challenging terrain.

In both situations the bag was comfortable all day long and provided decent protection. The shoulder straps felt good and snug, while the waist strap gave extra support on longer excursions.

While it was comfortable, I did not feel the back panel significantly reduced sweat, but to be honest, I’m not sure any backpack ever will, especially when in demanding conditions.

I must say that the general pockets available are a little on the small side, leaving me wanting a bit more room for personal effects like keys, wallet and phone when out hiking. However, I found the interior space to be ample for my setup.

I’m a mirrorless APS-C user day to day, so I don’t require a huge amount of room. This meant I spent most of my time using only the bottom half of the bag for equipment, leaving the top half empty for storing extra layers, lunch and other general items.

With those side access panels on both sides in addition to the top flap, I still had access to everything without having to fold back the entire back panel.

Of course, when your tripod is in one of the side pockets it can be a little more difficult to gain access, but that’s where the bag’s modular design comes into play. By using the tripod pouch to attach it to the centre of the bag, the side panels remain completely clear.

Having so many accessories at your disposal undoubtedly adds versatility, however, I feel it could begin to get a bit unwieldy with too many things hanging off the bag itself. Instead, I found attaching them to the waist strap was more comfortable, plus it keeps them close to hand.

Bigger design factors aside, I found the BP 350 AW III’s smaller details made a big difference. The fact the bag stands up on its own, supported by its rigid exterior, made it a joy to work with. Moreover, the large rubber loops attached to the zips were easy to grip, even in gloves.

Finally, as a left-hander, the double side access panels were very well received.