I am beyond excited to be writing this review for the Lowepro ProTactic right now. I have practically lived out of this bag for the past 2 months. I have spent nearly every weekday and most weekends organizing my photography life into it. And I have to say, this is without a doubt the most useful bag I have ever reviewed for this site.
Shown Above: Lowepro ProTactic 450 and Joby Gorillapod 5K (review here)
Lowepro ProTactic 450 Review
The Lowepro ProTactic 450 is what I would consider a medium sized bag. It’s more than capable of handling a full photography kit + some personal accessories. Some have said that it’s humongous, but I simply don’t agree with that. While it’s not a compact bag, I would certainly not say that it’s a large bag either. I find it to be that ‘just right’ size.
The ProTactic 450 is capable of fitting into my passenger seat (where it rides on my solo trips), behind the seat if I’m with my family, under the table at restaurants, etc. I have had no problems or reservations about EDC-ing this (everyday carrying).
Lowepro ProTactic 450 in the Great Smoky Mountains
What do I love the most?
For me, the ProTactic hits on all of the things that I like and need in a bag. But, what I love the most about this bag is it’s simple and everything has a defined purpose. The number of pockets are minimal but well thought on out this bag. The main hatch (referring to the hard shell top) serves as the perfect place for my personal accessories (snacks, notebook, a light jacket, etc). While the side and hip belt pockets are perfect for quick items like batteries, or lens cloths.
Stock photo from Lowepro.com
But, where this bag really shines is on the inside. It is full of space that you can organize to your liking with modular padded dividers. I can easily fit my entire photography kit into this bag with room to spare.
Modular For the Win
What doesn’t fit on the inside of the pack will certainly fit on the outside. Lowepro has outfitted the ProTactic 450 AW II with molle webbing all along the outside of the pack. This allows you to attach extra pouches, water bottle pockets, and tripod holders. While I’m typically not a fan of molle gear…I love it on this bag. I’ve found myself using the modular capabilities on every outing.
Overall Quality
There are several brands out there who are making excellent quality bags. In fact, I’ve tested camera & hiking bags from many of them. So, given the experience I have with many other products, I can say Lowepro have their quality on point and are at the forefront of the competition.
I’ve owned 3 Lowepro Bags so far (read my Photosport review here) and the ProTactic is the best one yet. This backpack blends military grade quality with what we need as active photographers. I’m fully confident in the ProTactic as I put it through the ringer in the field.
Zipper Pulls & Finishes
I always get excited when a company puts attention into every detail of their product. And Lowepro have done just that with the Lowepro ProTactic 450. As you can see above, they have utilized my all-time favorite zipper pulls. These make my life so much easier when I’m wearing gloves or simply want my zipper to work easily the fist time.
Lowepro haven’t stopped at the zipper pulls though. They’ve used nothing but the best materials throughout the ProTactic 450. YKK Zippers (the best), an integrated rain cover which easily stows into the bottom, high-quality nylon materials throughout which are more than capable of withstanding a beating. I’ve never been more confident in a bags materials than this one. I assure you, you’ll feel the quality when you pick it up.
Ready to go when you are
The Lowepro ProTactic 450 features 2 side access points, which put your camera at the ready in a moments notice. I personally utilize these side access points for my camera every day, whether the bag is on my body or in the seat next to me as I’m traveling.
Lowepro ProTactic Comfort
We’ve already established that the Lowepro ProTactic is perfect for organizing your gear. But how does it handle heavy loads and is it comfortable for extended carry? Because, at the end of the day, that’s the most important part.
To those questions, I would answer that the ProTactic is the most comfortable camera bag I’ve worn yet. I feel like you’re probably thinking to yourself right now, this dude sure is high on this bag. And heck yes, I am. I’ve carried this bag through some intense Smoky Mountain trips, many weeks of everyday carry and countless photo shoots. This bag has never once given me issues, no matter how much I overloaded it. Never has a bag been this magical to wear (yes, I called it magical).
Who would love the ProTactic?
By now, you already know that I love this bag and I think it’s simply brilliant. So let’s wrap this thing up and see who would love this bag. I believe anyone who is active and outdoorsy would love it. This bag is plenty capable of handling the rigors of hiking and strenuous outdoor activities, all while leaving you comfortable and happy at the end of the day.
I also believe anyone who carries around a lot of camera gear on a daily basis would find this bag to be perfect for them. So, if you’re a blogger, vlogger, fellow creative, etc I think you’d love it! You’ll easily be able to carry a full camera kit along with your 15″ Macbook.
Lowepro ProTactic 450 (10 out of a 10)
After my first Smoky Mountain trip with the Lowepro ProTactic 450, it was clear to see that it would be getting a 10 out of a 10. And it grew on me even more after that.
I have even said that this is the last bag that I want to test, lol. Obviously, I’ll keep reviewing bags, but that’s how much I love the ProTactic. I will, without a doubt, keep carrying this one as my personal bag when I’m not testing something else for AnthonyAwaken.
Buy one & help support these reviews
If you’re now convinced about buying a Lowepro ProTactic 450 for yourself, please consider purchasing through my Amazon Affiliate link here. Anytime you purchase through these links I receive a small kickback from the sale. Which helps to support the site and my ability to test more gear in the future.
Also – Please go show my friends over at Lowepro some love if you aren’t already following them. I really appreciate their continued support and quality products.
