Lowepro’s Dedication to Polar Bears and Their New Pro Roller X200
I’ve been using Lowepro camera bags since the start of my career back in 1980. I’ve always been impressed with their durability, attention to detail and overall design. My first Lowepro bag was the Commercial over the shoulder model. As time went on I made the decision to start using their camera backpacks and it was then that I really became sold on their ability to design a pack that excelled at carrying heavy loads.
Tanya attaches security tags to the many Lowepro camera bags that our group was traveling with in India. Lumix GX1 with 12-32mm zoom ISO 1600
My first photo backpack was the Super Trekker. I was able to carry a vast array of photographic tools and accessories. Typically it would included a 600mm F/4, a 300mm F/2.8, three bodies and drives, a 20mm, 24mm, 50mm, 70-200mm, battery packs, a strobe and other miscellaneous items. When it was all packed for a lengthy excursion it was just over 60 pounds. Admittedly it was heavy but the beauty of the Lowepro design was the suspension system that all Lowepro camera packs incorporated.
A brief history of the Lowepro suspension system. Greg Lowe was one of the most respected mountain climbers of his day. In 1967 he invented the first internal frame backpack and in 1972 he introduced the first foam padded, soft-sided camera bag. Eventually he went on to design a camera backpack that incorporated all the necessities needed for carrying expensive, heavy equipment in a safe and relatively comfortable manner. Many folks who have traveled with Tanya and me have heard why I feel the Lowepro backpack design is so superior. In short it’s the suspension system. It allows you to take the weight off your shoulders and distribute it on to your hips. Only a knowledgeable backpacker would understand the importance of this idea. The hip belt suspension system on Lowepro camera packs is by far the best in the business and it’s all due to Greg Lowe’s history in mountaineering. I promise you, a good suspension system makes a huge difference.
Ever since the first bags rolled out of their factories, Lowepro has been leading the field with innovative designs. Their newest addition is my current favorite and comes in the form of a rolling hard case. It’s called the Pro Roller X200.
As you probably noticed I’m switching gears from a backpack to a rolling hard case. I actually still use both but for extended trips where I’m not planning to hike with my gear I’m more than happy to keep the weight off my back and hips and put it on wheels. That’s where the Pro Roller X200 comes in to play. The most unique feature of this case is it’s ability to transform itself in an instant. It does this by allowing the inner, protective liner to be easily removed by zipping it out of the hard shell. This immediately removes 20-30% of it’s size and bulk. When the airline steward declares, “that won’t fit in the overhead bin” you can quickly change their mind by zipping the hard case off and handing the outer shell over for it to be sent below with cargo. You can then easily fit the inner liner, gear included in the overhead bin. Additionally, the inner liner has a pair of backpack straps, nothing like the suspension system of the real camera backpack, but plenty sturdy to carry the inner case to the plane or across the airport.
It’s a great new bag and the updated option of separating liner and outer case is tremendous advantage. Take a look and try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
