The CompuPrimus AW is designed for the serious enthusiast or professional photographer who wants a dual-compartment camera backpack that treads lightly on the planet and carries a notebook computer. The rugged outer material is made of 100% post-consumer recycled Cyclepet®--providing high water and abrasion resistance while remaining environmentally friendly. An ergonomic, 8-point adjustable harness system with DryFlo™ lining distributes weight evenly and allows for breathable comfort. The roomy lower compartment has adjustable padded dividers to organize your pro-sized camera gear. The upper compartment includes organization pockets and space for additional accessories or personal gear. In addition, an outside “hatch” pocket with compression straps creates ideal storage space for a jacket or hydration system. A full set of premium features includes: All Weather Cover™, Glide-Lock™ system, Hideaway Tripod Mount, side access panel, and memory card pockets. Includes a removable notebook sleeve with integrated sunshade to reduce glare. A portion of the proceeds from each Primus AW backpack will be donated to Polar Bears International (PBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide preservation of the polar bear. Professional Photographer magazine has awarded a 2009 Hot One Award to the Lowepro CompuPrimus AW! Rugged, eco-friendly and fully equipped, Lowepro’s CompuPrimus AW offers flexible options for the serious enthusiast or professional photographer who takes his or her gear on an outdoor trek, an urban exploration, or a global adventure.
What fits inside
1 pro DSLR with lens attached (70-200mm f/2.8) or a compact 3-CCD DV camcorder, plus 3-5 additional
Its spacious, fits all my gear, quick side access to camera, fits really well, laptop is quite safe, as is the rest of your gear (back access), tripod holder, AW
Room for improvement
very long straps (they can get in the way, the strap of the side clip sometimes got in the way of closing the quick access), its big and pricy, the side access doesn't work well with small lenses (as far as I was able to test it)
I got my Lowepro CompuPrimus AW today. I must sat that I wasn't expecting such a large bag. I went to the store and tried it. It is extremely comfortable even when loaded. It has a very nice laptop case fitted in front slot. Lower photo compartment was large enough to get the following:
D300 w/ MB-D10 + 105mm VR + 12-24mm w/hood + 17-35 f/2.8
You can also carry 70-200 with the body and squeeze 105mm in one of the remaining places.
Top compartment is large enough to get almost any thing. Winter coats, books, magazines or if you are trekking for couple of days you can carry your personal items such as clothing. The front laptop opening can be used to carry ropes, tents or sleeping bags. My Rover II AW bag looks like a day pack compared to this bag. It is very light yet very comfortable. There are many straps to adjust to your body and it provides perfect fit.
I have many Lowepro bags (almost all) but I can clearly say that this is the best of all. I should exclude Dryzone 200 of course. This bag is very light almost 5lbs (2.5 kg) without the laptop sleeve. I would strongly recommend it. But this is the largest of the 3 versions. This might me too big. The top part is bellows shaped so when it is empty is is folded almost flat.
The laptop sleeve also fastens to the bag by a velcro band and it is securely sits in place. The front lid is also padded.
I think I finally found the camera bag to go many day long trekking with my camping gear and photo gear.
What works
It is simply an awesome bag.. Extremely comfortable and light.
