Lowepro CompuRover AW

Contribution · Jul 2015

After reviewing a lot of backpacks, I finally bought a Lowepro CompuRover AW. The main reason for this choice is that with this backpack I can bring with me all I need: my camera equipment, my notebook and other things that may be necessary (in the "generic" compartment). The laptop compartment is very large, and it should fit bigger laptops, with up to 17" display. My laptop is light and tiny (12.1" display) so I could fit two of them in the compartment. :-) Jokes apart, this compartment is well padded and seems like it will protect the laptop efficiently. I still have not brought it with me, so I can't judge, but the impression is good. The general compartment is big enough to contain a few extra things you might need, such as a meal, or a raincoat, or a jacket. It's equipped with a removable transparent mesh pocket, which can be used to store cables and accessories for the camera and/or the laptop. It also features, stitched in the front "flap", a memory card storage pouch You can place up to 8 memory cards in there. The base of this compartment is padded, and represents the "roof" of the camera space below. The camera space is not too easily accessible. First you need to unlock a quick-release, then pull the two zippers that keep the section closed. These are not very comfortable, since they are curved downwards, and they often get stuck (both while opening and closing the compartment). While this may be considered a good deterrent that make thefts more difficult, it's a little frustrating when you need to access your equipment. The camera compartment can not be accessed with the rucksack on your back. You have to take it off, place it on the ground and only then you can open it and access your camera equipment. That's because the camera compartment is accessed from above, therefore you have to move the upper part of the backpack backwards to expose the camera equipment. This can't be done with the backpack on. The camera compartment is very big for this kind of backpacks. I could fit in it: - my Nikon D50 with Sigma 18-200mm lens attached - Sigma 10-20mm Ultra Wide Angle lens - Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens - 2x Teleconverter - Cosina 100mm f/3.5 Macro lens - Nikon SB600 Speedlight and I still have one space left to use for cables, batteries, chargers, filters or any other accessory that might be useful. Or, another lens which I might buy in the future (the space should be big enough to fit also a long lens like a 80-200 f/2.8m zoom). The padded box that contains the camera equipment can be removed, with it's roof (as explained above) transforming the backpack in a general use backpack with just one big compartment. The outside of the backpack features two small pockets at the sides of the foldable tripod mount. They are not too big, but you can put your cellphone or batteries, or snack bars in there. Another small and flat pocket can be found behind the tripod mount: open the velcro flap and access it. You can store a map or airplane tickets in there. Speaking of airplanes, this backpack's size is airplane compatible with most airlines rules, therefore you should not have too many problems bringing it on board with you. The harness system is very well done. Even with a lot of equipment inside, the backpack distributes its weight very well, and it does not stress your shoulders too much. The waist belt would help in this, but for me it's placed too high (I'm 6'4" and its more of a chest belt than a waist belt!). The back is well padded which helps preventing back aches, but it's also very hot during summer, so prepare to sweat a lot. Being an "AW" backpack, an All-Weather cover is stored in its base, which also helps protecting the equipment inside when posing the backpack on the ground.

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