Lowepro has been one of the biggest names in camera bags for literally decades, and I was fortunate enough to be able to check out one of their newest backpacks. The great thing about the CompuRover AW is that it's so much rolled into one package.

In my previous article, "Just in case: Protecting your investment," in the April issue of Connected Photographer Magazine, I stated that although I always thought camera backpacks were neat, I never had much confidence in their ability to protect my gear. All that has changed with Lowepro's CompuRover AW backpack, shown in Figure A.

FIGURE A


The Lowepro CompuRover AW, an amazing backpack. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The features
The CompuRover is a three compartment backpack capable of carrying a digital pro SLR with lens attached, up to four additional lenses, depending on size (up to an 80-200 mm), a 17" laptop, plus many other accessories and gear. It features an all weather cover, a YKK (Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, often known as Yoshida Company Limited) water-resistant zipper, and a contoured shoulder harness with removable waist belt, all wrapped up in a water-resistant, ripstop, ballistic nylon shell. Also included is a built-in Trekker tripod mount with slip-lock attachment loops.

The inside
To begin with, the CompuRover is a camera backpack, so of course there's room for your camera. In Figure B, you can see there is ample room for your camera body, with lens attached, and several other lenses.

FIGURE B


Space to bring your camera and lenses for all occasions. Roll over picture for a larger image.

And, this compartment is fully customizable, depending on the size and configuration of your camera, and the lenses you want to bring along.

Sitting above the camera compartment is the gear section. As you can see in Figure C, there is a removable, zippered pouch that can be secured to a lanyard and key ring attached to the inside of the compartment, a large, zippered compartment for additional gear, and yet another storage pouch that cinches with a slip-lock cord.

FIGURE C


Plenty of space to store your gear. Roll over picture for a larger image.

This section has ample room for external flash units, light/flash meters, filters and cleaning equipment, plus all the cables, disks, and accessories for your laptop as well.