[REVIEW:] LowePro Outback 300 AW Review by Dennis Hays

This is an intriguing bag which can carry an assortment of photography gear on day trips, vacations and for events. I say intriguing as it's a good-sized belt-pack made to wear around your waist. The bag sits either on your side, in back or, if you want, in front. I foubnd it somewhat distracting with the bag on my abdomen, but quite useful with it on either side. Of course, you can slide it to your back, out of the way, such as for hiking or getting into lower positions for a better angle.

The Outback 300 AW (the AW is for All Weather - the cover is included) is quite resourceful with the main bag, much like a small to medium "gadget" bag in the middle and two cylindrical lens cases on either side. These can be removed if necessary, or switched with other lens cases, etc. Each of the three LowePro, beltpack models come with two interchangeable lens/accessory cases attached by SlipLock™ loops and secured with sturdy, yet lightweight compression straps.

The main portion of the Outback has plenty of room and held my DSLR with grip, a Metz 54 flash and a few other lenses. There are pockets on the under side of the zipper lid for memory cards and a small pocket for manuals or similar material. On the front of the main compartment is a storage pocket, good for a small flash, extra batteries, and other goodies.

I really liked the overly large zipper pulls, which made getting into the bag  quickly, even with gloves. The lid, by the way, unzips around three sides and opens to the side of the bag, not the front or back. If you think about it, this is the best way to design a bag such as this as opening to the front or back is always questionable. Unzipped around three edges and opening it to the side and the generous width allows the lid to stay open until you flip it back.

When wearing the bag on either side, the total weight, when fully packed, can weigh down that side of you, putting a strain on your back. I should know as I had back surgery a couple of years ago and I really felt the weight one afternoon. Fortunately, the Outback comes with a clip on shoulder strap that you can put over the opposite shoulder, so the weight can be evenly distributed.

The Outback 300 AW is a nice addition to the world of photographic bags and is welcome, especially if you don't want to lug a backpack around with you (or, are already wearing a backpack) or have no need for a larger bag, but still want to move about with a modicum of equipment.

The only suggestion I have is I would like to see a similar bag as the Outback 300 AW, but with the ability to remove the waist straps and use it only with the shoulder straps.

Disclaimer: LowePro graciously supplied me with the Outback 300 AW for this review. In doing so, they acknowledged there is no quid pro quo or editorial oversight on their part. They expected no more than a fair evaluation of their product and I was free to draw my own conclusions as to the efficacy of the Outback 300 AW.

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