LowePro is the acknowledged leader in camera bags for the outdoor photographer. Agreed?

So when they came out with this “green” backpack, it was no surprise. An environmentally aware company, this CompuPrimus AW has the right credentials: All bags in the series are constructed of 100% post-consumer, recycled Cyclepet® exterior fabric—using the equivalent of at least 22 PET bottles while conserving landfill, energy and crude and refined oil.

OK, as we all get on board with green goods, the question is always, “does it work like we need it too?”

No worries.
This particular model has some of the coolest features and attention to detail, that I’ve already been using one of its modular components in day-to-day use.

Let’s first go through some of the main features:

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This unit will hold a DSLR with about 4-5 lenses, a tripod, a 15″ laptop AND gear.
What gear? Well, there is a storage area that’ll take care of ropes, outerwear, flashlights, maps, hats, and yep, lunch. Positioned at the top end, this design, maintains the heavy stuff at the base, so the weight is properly distributed.

These guys are masters at comfort so the padded straps all fit right and make sure your trek will be a comfortable one.

OK, onto a couple of brilliant touches:
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The laptop sleeve is rugged, protective, and has a built in folding Sun Screen.
Ever use your laptop in the field? Yeah, plenty of companies sell and add-on to flag your screen, but this one is…well…just perfect. Now it comes along everywhere I go. It also has a band of Velcro that hooks it into the case. Nice and tight, which is good and bad. Takes some extra effort to remove. No worries, though.

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Once you have your gear loaded, there is an easy access side zipper which lets you grab the DSLR without taking off the backpack. It’s a solid entry , which unzips from the top so you can make sure you have a solid grip on your camera for that quick shot.

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So here is another sweet attention to detail: there is a stiff, pull stick for the zipper, so you can grab and unzip MUCH easier. Small but very useful.

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And a easy way to strap your tripod to the outside of the pack, while you travel.

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A little protection from the elements is a common, and built in feature on many of the LowePro bags. This cover is kept in a velcro slot on the bottom of the bag, always available to you.

With plenty of side pouches, internal card holders, and strapping choices, before you hit the trail, take your gear down to the local camera store and try this on for size.

You’ll dig it for sure.

AND we have one of these for one of you. If you want to be eligible for this awesome giveaway, you MUST be signed up for the NEWSLETTER. The details on getting this CompuPrimus AW sent to you totally free, will be in there.
Just so you know, the reason we do weekly giveaways is to learn what you like. The more people respond, the more we know how to tailor our editorial coverage to meet your needs and desires. All we ever ask in return is that you let us know how you like the item, and share it on the site.

The official specs:

CompuPrimus AW accommodates one pro DSLR with attached lens and 3-5 additional lenses, tripod, accessories and personal gear, and features a removable notebook sleeve with integrated sunshade that fits most 15.4” notebooks and offers protection from glare. Both have a dual-compartment design for flexible carrying options, organization pockets, an 8-point harness system with DryFlo™ lining, an All Weather Cover™, a Glide-Lock™ system, a Hideaway Tripod Mount™, a side-access panel, a safety whistle and SlipLock™ attachment loops and compression straps. All bags in the series are constructed of 100% post-consumer, recycled Cyclepet® exterior fabric—using the equivalent of at least 22 PET bottles while conserving landfill, energy and crude and refined oil.

Capacity:
1 pro DSLR with lens attached (70-200mm f/2.8) or a compact 3-CCD DV camcorder, plus 3-5 additional lenses, charger and cords, filters, flash unit and 2 memory cards. Fits most 15.4″ widescreen notebooks.
Size(Interior):
12W X 6.9D X 11H in./
30.5 X 17.5 X 28 cm
Size(Exterior):
14.4W X 11.5D X 23.5H in./
36.5 X 29.2 X 59.7 cm
Notebook Compartment Inner Dimensions:
10.6W X 2D X 14.6H in./
27 X 5 X 37 cm
Top Compartment Inner Dimensions:
12W X 6.9D X 12H in./
30.5 X 17.5 X 30.5 cm
Outer fabric:
Cyclepet® Fabric: 100 post-consumer recycled Cyclepet® exterior fabric combines highly water and abrasion resistance with an ecologically minded design.
Interior Fabric:
Velex, Tricot, BK Knit Polyester
Weight:
7.7lbs/3.5kg