The search for the perfect photo gear bag is a never ending search that rarely ends with the perfect bag. I own several bags for my photography gear including multiple backpacks, sling bags and shoulder bags none of which is a do-it-all bag that I could suggest for all users or uses but if your looking for a medium sized backpack for your camera gear the new Lowepro Flipside 300 may be something you want to look into.
I have been searching for a backpack style camera bag to use on day shoots where I need a variety of gear that would be comfortable to carry all day, is user friendly and most importantly can carry a Pro sized camera body such as the Canon 1D series cameras or the Canon 5D with grip along with a 70-200 f2.8 attached. The Lowepro Flipside 300 is claimed to be able to hold a pro body along with a 300 f 2.8 lens attached but my shooting style generally requires me to carry only the 70-200 along with two other lenses that I find I shoot with most often including the Canon 17-40 f/4 L and the bargain bang for the buck 85mm f/1.8 prime and a couple flash units. When I discovered this bag I had to give it a try and so here I present you with a small review of the Flipside 300, with my needs in mind.
First off, this bag lives up to Lowepro's excellent quality standards with tight seams, quality zippers and well padded compartments with very nice padding and dividers. On initial inspection this backpack camera carrier is sleek with very few outward indications of what might be inside to the casual observer. I removed the waist belt right away so that it wouldn't be hanging or get caught on anything, knowing that I will not use it myself. The single external pocket is just large enough for a couple memory cards, a pen or two, some business cards and possibly other small items that you may wish to carry. Inside the bag, which is accessed from the back of the bag that presses against your back when being worn, is divided into four areas. The primary interior area is for your camera storage with plenty of room for for the attached zoom lens with a narrowly separated compartment along one side for small equipment such as hot shoe flashes. The opposite side of the bags main compartment is customizable with removable separators for different gear arrangements. The upper area holds a removable accessory pouch that can hold anything from additional gear to you afternoon snack. There is also a flat pocket on the zippered opening that is perfect for flash gels, paperwork, or other flat items that need to stay that way. On the outside of the flipside 300 you'll also find a tripod holder tucked away nicely into the bottom of the bag.
The interior of the Flipside 300 is shown loaded with camera gear including a Canon 1D dslr with attached 70-200 f/2.8 with hood (reversed), a 17-40mm f4 lens, an 85mm f1.8 lens along with two 580EX flashes (one is inside the upper pouch).
Carrying this bag is relatively comfortable with a well padded rear surface and nicely padded and sturdy shoulder straps though I wouldn't mind the straps being just slightly wider for all day carry. Accessing the camera requires you to completely remove the bag from your back but that doesn't bother me much as I tend to keep the camera out as long as I need and only pack in up when I'm done shooting, primarily using the bag for transport rather than access and shoot use. I've been able to carry this bag loaded as shown along with a small photoflex light stand in the tripod holder for day long outings without any noticeable soreness to either my shoulders or back.
Overall I find this photographic gear backpack to be a relative bargain at only $57 combined with how useful, rugged, and protective it is to expensive camera gear. I would recommend this backpack to anyone looking to carry a larger lens along with a small kit of gear for a full day of shooting who doesn't want to have to carry one of the much larger photo backpacks to accomplish this. My only wishes for something different on this bag would be slightly wider shoulder straps, full velcro lining rather than the strips of lining it has for relocating the compartment dividers, and possibly an optional all weather cover. However, I wouldn't let those small quibbles stop you from picking up this very nice backpack what is a very reasonable price.
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$57
