I nearly didn't buy the 450 AW II after seeing this review but the number of positive reviews on other channels convinced me to give it go, and I'm glad I did. I have owned this bag for over 3 months now and I carry it nearly everyday. I have quite a lot of gear so it is heavy but it has proven to be a very comfortable carry. Unlike the demonstration in this review, once the bag has some weight in it, it will stand upright and remain very stable, it has never fallen over in the time I've owned it, and I have set it down on all types of terrain. It seems as though this review has been carried out on an empty bag in a studio environment and the reviewer has never actually used the bag in a real life scenario for any length of time at all. Don't let this review of the Lowepro ProTactic BP AW II be the reason you didn't research this bag further, it is an excellent, well thought out and constructed camera backpack.

Traveled with this bag, loaded up, planes, trains, autos, hiking, rain & sun. No problems with access. Zippers are sturdy and work great. I have almost 1,000 shots after 2 weeks on the road. Yes, I abused the bag and contents are still working. Most comfortable backpack I have owned. Only negative is that I finally have something that will load all my stuff and it is heavy. I am downsizing my laptop to save weight. Obviously, this pack isn't for you but will be excellent for most other photographers.

walked around italy and Greece last year , two cameras (7d mkii,200d) lenses batterys 13 inch mac book air filters etc had no problem accessing any gear changing lenses etc with out putting it in the mud, it hangs off the waist belt or one shoulder all the zips worked fine it stood up when i did put it down when loaded, a brilliant back pack,

I attached an old lens pouch to the outside near the center and use that as my tripod cup. Helps the bag’s balance immensely. Can put it down anywhere and it won’t fall over. Plus when tripod is not attached, can use as actual lens case or water bottle holder. Love your style man - new sub here!

I watched this review long time ago and it popped up today and watched it again . I bought the first generation protactic 450, which is really a good bag. Yes, it does not stand when empty. But once packed to the brim and a little maneuver of the rain cover it actually stand on its own.

Thank you for the honest review. I like your style and found the video extremely entertaining. Thanks for your honest opinion.

Have used this bag for years. It is awesome and stills looks very good. It has so many different functions and does everything I need it to do. Also wearing it for longer times while hiking it felt great on my bike.

Best bag review I've watched. Honesty is Excellence!

Your review is candid without sugar coating the "cons". Thanks for the unmitigated verdict!

Magnificent review! Seriously. I didn’t agree with it all, but you hit all the points that bear thinking about. I’ll tune in again, thanks.

Great review! Your absolutely right about the Flipside 500 and I should of watched this before purchasing it. Might be getting the pro tactic next but for now, still searching for that "perfect bag" for my use. Thanks again!

I actually had one of the earlier think tank street walker hard drive bags and it was time to change so the 450 protactict was the one I got to replace it. I had got so used to the thinktank which was pretty much bomb proof that I'm still using it and the protactic is now used by my pal! Its hard to find the perfect bag!

Fantastic review. Finally a proper review of using the bag. Really appreciate a ‘real review’ of this bag that so many others overlook! Have you found a better bag? I’m still searching.

like your candid honesty

Gave an impression that you were paid to negative review an amazing bag.

I was looking at the lowpro and gitzo 30L in the end I went for the low pro because it felt more comfy to wear and I can fit a ton of stuff in it, a 600mm sigma, 24-70 L, 70-200L, 100mm Macro and still space for other stuff. The main thing for me was easy access to my gear and the side access opens up better than most nice and wide and the top access is great for getting out the 600mm which I keep in the centre with body attached, having the hard top just keeps it safe and secure and I can get it out quick and pull out the 200mm from the side no problem. Sometimes it does fall over but you can fix that if you put a rod in the two notches at the bottom. Heavy when fully loaded but overall happy with it.

Thanks for your review. I appreciate your honesty and addressing real practical issues that exist out there in the field. You’re a cool guy👍.

Useful and whimsical review!

Great Review......Very helpful.....I agree with your whole video. I have made a similar journey. I like Peak Design, but it just seems awkward and after a few uses decided to try something different. I am using this pack now. And I like it. I totally agree with the need a hard flat bottom and that the backpack should be able to stand up. And I wish they had a 550 even just a little bigger. Perhaps would not want to carry full, but larger would be handy for the top of the line pack.

I bought the bag and the reason why it doesn't stand up is because the cover is stored below the backpack, if you remove it, the backpack will stand up without problem!