It was just ahead of Photokina 2018 that Lowepro delivered the new Freeline BP 350 AW Backpack to the doors of PhotoBite HQ and since then, we’ve been using it on almost a daily basis. Read on for our review and find out why this could just be the bag of the year.

The new Freeline BP 350 AW Backpack will accommodate [up to] two standard DSLR cameras, one with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached, and [up to] 8 lenses and/or speed lights. A DJI Mavic, Osmo, 360 camera, a 13” laptop, along with various small accessories.

Key features

• 4-Point Access: four access points with moulded, turret-loading top, quick-grab from both sides, and full, rear entry.
• FormShell™: A lightweight, tough composite-shell system gives excellent impact protection 
• SlipLock™: System of compatible loops and tabs make it easy to add pouches and cases to larger bags so you can easily bring along water bottles, memory cards and more.
• CradleFit™ Laptop Storage: A smart compartment stows and will protect your laptop. The BP450 will take a 15-inch laptop, and the BP 350 with take a 13-inch laptop.
• ActivZone™: Delivers focused support for your shoulders, base of spine and waist for improved comfort.
• All Weather AW Cover™: A waterproof cover for your kit, Lowepro’s patented cover fits neatly over the bag and can be folded away when not needed. When the new bags were launched.

Tim Grimmer, Senior Director of Product for Lowepro, said: “In designing carrying solutions, we always listen closely to what our image makers are telling us. They are seeking increased versatility, organisation, and accessibility with the performance and protection Lowepro is known for.  We’re excited to offer this new product, which features more adaptive interiors, always-ready access and a great collection of exterior attachments and accessories.”

When the new bags were launched, Tim Grimmer, Senior Director of Product for Lowepro, told PhotoBite: “In designing carrying solutions, we always listen closely to what our image makers are telling us. They are seeking increased versatility, organisation, and accessibility with the performance and protection Lowepro is known for.  We’re excited to offer this new bag featuring adaptive interiors, always-ready access and a great collection of exterior attachments and accessories.”

In our time with the bag, the Freeline BP 350 we were surprised as to just how brilliant it is. It’s clear that Lowepro has taken real time and effort to further develop their already excellent range of bags with this addition.

They deliver an adaptable, tough, secure and stylish solution for image makers, giving an excellent bag that’s both subtle and superbly designed for practicality. It’s also the very first bag from the Lowepro brand to highlight their new QuickShelf technology; an ‘adaptive interior divider system, which unfolds into 3-tier shelf or can fold flat to remove for open interior space.’ In addition to the three tiers, you can add dividers and an extra gearbox to break up the interior, giving a huge amount of flexibility with the system. 

It’s the very first bag from Lowepro to highlight their new QuickShelf technology, which gives the user an adaptive interior divider system, which unfolds into 3-tier shelf or can fold flat to remove for open interior space.’ 

The access has been carefully thought through and, even though I’m not a huge fan of side and rear access [only], I can see past that for the benefits you receive by way of security and peace of mind. Anyone shooting in busy areas will appreciate this, and the fact that the bag is so subtlely designed, most would be robbers wouldn’t be liekly to consider the possibility that there could well be a lot of valuable equipment on board.

Pricing and availability

Prices range between just £11.95 [for quick straps], going up to £239.95 for 450 BP II.

For more info on this product line, visit Lowepro’s website.