Product Description

A premium backpack for the serious adventure bound photographer or sports photojournalist, the Vertex 200 AW is made for the outdoors. Rugged construction with water resistant zippers and a seam-sealed All Weather Cover protects gear while providing photographers with a bag that conforms to a variety of body types with an adjustable 8-point harness system. Combine that with pockets and features that are made for today's digital photographer and the Vertex 200 AW delivers adjustable comfort with serious camera protection.

Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: Lowepro
• Model: 35019
• Dimensions: 18.50" h x 11.80" w x 13.80" l, 7.32 pounds

Features

• Holds 1-2 Pro D-SLR's, large 35mm or medium format system, 4-6 lenses (up to a 200mm F/2.8), tripod or monopod, 15.4" notebook computer and more
• Lightweight harness system with high-density padding and 8 adjustment points for maximum comfort with minimal bulk
• Revolutionary adjustable Glide-Lock system attached tripods, outdoor accessories or any Slip-Lock compatible product
• Padded main compartment with adjustable padded dividers provides excellent protection and a customized fit for your gear.
• Seam Sealed All Weather Cover offers maximum protection against rain, dust and sand

Customer Reviews

2 weeks and 6 cities in Turkey later...
I bought this pack a couple days before my trip to Turkey. I had a 15" MacBookPro, Canon 30d, 17-55/2.8 attached, 70-200/4, 30 1.4, battery chargers/power adapters, Gorillapod SLR, filter cases, cleaning clothes and solution, etc. All the stuff photo enthusiasts take on long trips. Overall this pack performed fantastically.

Pros: Despite the previous reviewers comments, I found the Vertex 200 to be very comfortable when it was completely adjusted. But to adjust it for maximum comfort I tightened all the straps very tight. Between the waist strap, shoulder straps and the chest strap, I thought it was about as comfortable as any other way for me to carry that much gear without being a roll-bag. I like that the zippers are water-proof even though I never had to test that feature. The top handle is sturdy and comfortable when the bag is off.

It's well padded and comes with many re-configureable velcro compartment walls for the interior. Shoulder straps are also very padded and comfortable when the waist and chest strap are fastened.

Cons: The laptop shouldn't be in the front flap. I'm not sure I understand the design decision of putting one of the heavier items in the whole pack on the front flap that requires lifting to get to the contents. Then when you want to fully open the pack, you have to make sure your laptop encased in the flap has a flat surface to rest upon. You certainly can't fling it open with reckless abandon.

I agree with the previous reviewer that the laptop placement also tends to make the bag tippy. Luckily my MBP doesn't weigh very much, but I can imagine if my wife's hp 15" laptop were in there it would be more of a problem. On top of that, it levers the weight of the computer further away from the body's center of gravity when being worn.

Conclusion:
The laptop placement and the somewhat useless expandable pockets on the side are the only things preventing me from giving this bag 5 stars. It is obviously very sturdy and protective. It performed great and I walked quite far with it without pain. A considerable feat for someone with bad knees like me.

If I were making the choice again I might look at the Kata backpack more closely as they decided to put the laptop closest to the body of the wearer. But I also preferred the subdued look of this bag.

This heavyweight not for lightweights.
Bottom line: a sturdy well-built pack that could use some design improvements.

After obsessing over camera packs I chose the Lowepro Vertex 200 and brought it to Boston for a 5 day photoshoot. It was loaded down with a Canon Rebel body, 17-40 lens, 50mm lens, small tripod, flash, 14 inch laptop and various accessories. Total weight 25.6 lbs (according to airport scale)

For reference, I'm an avid backpacker and have tried on and purchased many high-end packs before.

What I like: It's stylish and built like a tank. (but weighs as much as one) Feel confident your gear will be safe inside. There are dozens of pockets and it is very customizable. Sealed zippers are a nice touch, usually found only on high-end technical packs.

Complaints: The accessory pockets on the front and inside are not wide enough for the manuals. The outer side pockets are not good for much either, I normally stick a water bottle in there. The laptop sleeve is positioned at the front of the bag, which makes the pack very tippy. It would be more stable tucked next to your back.

My biggest complaint is the harness. Due to excessive flight delays at Boston Logan, I wore this pack for 3 or 4 hours walked a mile or two. By the end of the day, my shoulders and back were killing me. Lowe makes some excellent packs for backpackers, which is why I was so surprised at the crappy suspension. It just hangs on your back.

Maybe I'm spoiled by my Atmos 50 by Osprey Packs. I've packed 35 pounds and it feels great. At $229, I expect more.

Decent product, esp. for wet conditions
Pretty good product. Its a bit heavy, but sturdily constructed. Main compartment zippers sealed for water resistance.
Would like more pockets/storage spaces however. Holds my Nikon D300, flash, set of filters, 70-200mm 2.8, 17-70mm 2.8 along with a GPS device.