Brand Interpretation

Taking a Lowepro backpack, luggage bag, and organizer on your trip will make your photography journey even better.

This is a line from the official Lowepro website. Even if I were offered a million-dollar reward, I couldn't come up with such a simple and relevant copy.

Lowepro's official website provides a detailed introduction to its backpack selection options on the homepage, covering various user groups and scenarios. It includes options for small and medium camera kits, large camera kits, laptops and small devices, drone backpacks, and multimedia kits.

Lowepro Pulse Camera Backpack 300 AWis a daily photography bag that meets the needs of outdoor adventures and travel. What kind of experience does it offer? I will share my review in this article, thanks to the trust of What Worth Buying.

Backpack Details

Overall Appearance

The backpack comes in two color schemes: black-gray and black-blue. It has a design capacity of 25L, weighs 1.48kg, with external dimensions of 31 x 19 x 48 cm, internal dimensions of 26 x 13 x 46.5 cm, and a laptop compartment size of 28.5 x 1.5 x 41 cm.

The shoulder strap system is designed with various functional partitions to achieve different purposes.

The ActivZone™ back system is ergonomically designed, breathable, comfortable, and feels very soft. The shoulder straps are also designed to be wide and soft, which helps improve the long-term carrying experience.

The top of the laptop compartment in the backpack has an opening for routing the hydration bladder tube.

When used as a hydration bladder bag, it supports up to a 2L bladder. Obviously, if you put in a hydration bladder, you can't fit a laptop.

The pockets on the shoulder straps are designed to be small, suitable for items like glasses and earphones, but it's challenging to fit larger water bottles.

The outer layer of the backpack has many functional areas, including an external zip pocket, elastic mesh pockets on both sides and the front, which can temporarily hold items. Additionally, there are straps for securing a small tripod and trekking poles.

The bottom of the backpack is also padded with foam to enhance overall protection.

Upper Compartment Space

The main storage space and laptop compartment support laptops up to 15 inches. The laptop shown in the picture is 14 inches. The laptop compartment uses a single-layer design with sufficient foam protection on both sides, so you don't have to worry about damaging your laptop.

The CradleFit laptop compartment can store and protect a 15-inch laptop.

The laptop can be replaced with a 2L hydration bladder, transforming it into a sports backpack.

The main storage space also has a hidden pocket for storing valuables.

The main storage space is divided into two parts, each occupying roughly half the space. The lower part is the camera compartment with dimensions of 26 x 13 x 27 cm, and the upper part is 24 x 13 x 20 cm. Judging by the dimensions, the upper part is smaller than the lower part.

The outer small pocket contains a rain cover, and the inner layer also uses a cotton-like protective layer to enhance protection.

Camera Compartment/QUICKSHELF Compartment System

The internal dimensions are divided into two parts: the lower part is the camera compartment with dimensions of 26 x 13 x 27 cm, and the upper part is 24 x 13 x 20 cm, each occupying roughly half the space.

The camera compartment can be accessed from both sides of the backpack.

The compartment space uses a quick-release panel design that can be completely removed, transforming the backpack into a regular one.

QUICKSHELF Compartment SystemThe revolutionary inner compartment system can be expanded into three layers or folded flat to become an open internal space. The quick-release panels are all connected with Velcro, allowing for free combination.

The quick-release panels can be easily folded flat or disassembled into a single layer.

A single layer can hold a camera kit (DSLR with an 18-200mm zoom lens), using up all the space.

For someone like me who uses a single-lens kit, one lens is enough. Since the lower part of the backpack is 26 x 13 x 27 cm, theoretically, any camera lens within 26 x 13 cm can be placed (single layer). Another layer can hold the camera and a prime lens, making it a golden combination for outings: one camera and two lenses.

The side opening has various transparent pockets for storing memory cards, cables, or other items, making them easy to find. The sides are also padded with foam for full protection of the camera compartment.

If you remove the quick-release panels, it can be used as a regular backpack with ample space.

This is my usage state. I modified the camera compartment to a single layer because I use a single-lens kit, freeing up some space for other items.

Some Details

Each different partition has a different zipper pull, which helps with 'blind pulling,' allowing you to identify the zipper by touch without looking. Personally, I like this style.

The zippers on the backpack are treated with pressure glue, and the fabric feels smooth, not rough.

This cord buckle is located on the side for securing a tripod, but I personally don't like this spring design. First, it feels insecure, and second, it takes multiple attempts to secure it.

The stowable rain cover is also very convenient to use.

The all-weather AW Cover™ rain cover provides weather-resistant protection.

Carrying Experience

For me, this bag is a compact small bag, and it feels just right when carried.

This backpack is designed with a chest strap and a waist belt. I particularly like the chest strap, and whether a backpack has a chest strap is a criterion for me when purchasing. The benefit is that it prevents the shoulder straps from slipping off, greatly improving the carrying experience. The waist belt is not as important; it's a nice addition if present, but not a deal-breaker if absent.

The waist belt and shoulder straps are designed in a triangular shape, conforming to mechanical principles to improve stability.

Without putting the bag down, you can remove it from one shoulder and access the camera through the side opening.

Travel Experience

I enjoy running marathons, and usually, a single bag is enough for a weekend trip.

As shown in the picture, I packed a laptop, a camera, a pair of shoes, a set of running clothes, and a toiletries bag all into the Lowepro Pulse Camera Backpack.

By selectively packing, you can create more space to achieve your travel goals. For example, I can save space by wearing the shoes and bring an extra set of clothes, extending the travel duration.

Summary

The Lowepro Pulse 300 Camera Backpack combines the functional attributes of a sports bag. The chest strap, waist belt, thick foam (unique ActivZone™ ergonomic back system), and multifunctional pockets enhance the backpack's usability. Additionally, the unique camera compartment and side opening make it easy to access and store the camera. Most importantly, the backpack's protective capability is significantly enhanced with full foam padding, greatly improving the safety of the camera and laptop inside.

When I ran the Zhengzhou Marathon in early October this year, I used a regular laptop bag, which lacked the camera compared to the configuration shown above. Now, with the Lowepro Pulse 300 Camera Backpack, I can travel worry-free with my camera.

Advantages

1. The camera compartment uses a quick-release panel design that can be removed or modified (to a single layer).

2. The dual side openings allow for quick access to the camera and other equipment.

3. Multifunctional partition design, such as the laptop compartment and various pockets on the outer and inner sides of the side opening.

4. Outdoor sports bag attributes, such as the chest strap and waist belt, enhance comfort.

5. Full foam padding for comprehensive safety protection.

Disadvantages

1. The waist strap buckle is relatively thin.

2. The tripod strap buckle is inconvenient to use.

3. The price is debatable; it's expensive if used as a regular bag after removing the quick-release panels, but reasonable if used as a photography tool bag for carrying a camera.