Travelling with the Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II Hybrid Backpack
Hybrid backpacks are perhaps a traveling photographer’s best friend, I concluded after having tried one for the first time.
Before heading for a weekend in Edinburgh with the school where I teach I was so fortunate to have the newest Lowepro hybrid backpack sent my way; the Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II.
Designed by nature and travelling photographer Chris McLennan the backpack has everything you could wish for in terms of pockets, rooms and smart solutions. There is actually an abundance of pockets in various sizes. Thick soft padding all around makes sure that the gear is well protected.
I spent four hours walking the streets of Edinburgh with the backpack and the carrying comfort is very good. The Lowepro felt like an extended part of myself. Shoulder straps and waist belt are well padded something that makes walking around for hours very comfortable.
Negotiating airports becomes very easy when the backpack in seconds can be converted to a roller.
The waist belt can be removed and can either be stacked in the Lowepro or perhaps in the suitcase. This of course comes in handy when carrying the backpack into a plane for next storing it in an overhead compartment. Included with the backpack is also an All Weather cover.
I was able to find room for two cameras, four lenses, a Sirui travel tripod, my Nisi filters, a 15" laptop and various other photography related items. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit into the main compartment of the backpack. As with all Lowepro backpacks I have owned it was very easy to organize the main compartment for my needs.
Also included with the backpack is a tripod pocket which can be fastened on one of the sides.
To conclude: I found the Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II to be surprisingly flexible and I was left with the impression that a lot of thought has gone into the design. I have to admit I was a tad skeptical when it came to the backpack’s carrying comfort owing to the fact that it is a hybrid meant for travelling, but there was really no need to worry.
