We’re no strangers to the high quality bags that Lowepro puts out for hardcore and enthusiast photographers and videographers. After having a chance to review a few of their products in the past, we’ve always come away impressed with their quality construction and durability. Earlier this year, we had a chance to review one of their first “Eco Friendly” products, the Lowepro Primus AW Backcountry Camera/Video Backpack. The bag used 100% recycled materials consisting of mainly old water bottles. Although initially we were skeptical of how a bag made of old bottles could endure the rigors of daily use, our concerns were quickly laid to rest as our test sample has endured many more adventures and still looks almost as good as the day we got it.
Today, we get a chance to check out their latest Eco-Friendly bag, the Lowepro CompuPrimus AW. Compared to the original Primus AW, this bag gives us more space and finally, a real place to put our laptop. Let’s see what’s new and improved.
Features and Specifications
The CompuPrimus AW backpack is the big brother of the Primus AW. The line has expanded to three models since the introduction of the Primus AW. Above you’ll see the CompuPrimus AW (which is shown in blue) and the Primus AW which is behind it. A third bag called the Primus Minimus AW, a smaller version of the Primus AW, finishes off the trio. All three bags come in the two color combos that you see above and are made using the CyclePet material which is 100% recycled. Of course, they wouldn’t be “AW” bags without Lowepro’s patented AW cover.
The CompuPrimus AW weighs 7.7lbs (3.5kg) and measures 14.4W X 11.5D X 23.5H in (36.5 X 29.2 X 59.7 cm). This makes the bag just small enough to be taken with you as a carry on with most airlines, but it’s definitely not tiny. The 12W X 6.9D X 12H in. (30.5 X 17.5 X 30.5 cm) interior is split into two different compartments.
The bottom compartment is large enough to hold 1 pro DSLR with lens attached (70-200mm f/2.8) or a compact 3-CCD DV camcorder, plus 3-5 additional lenses, charger and cords, filters, flash unit and 2 memory cards. The top upper compartment measures 12W X 6.9D X 12H in. (30.5 X 17.5 X 30.5 cm), making it large enough to pack a change of clothes and other things you’ll need while you’re out and about. It is big enough to hold a netbook like an ASUS EeePC. Like on the Primus AW, both compartments are under the straps for added security. This also keeps your straps clean in case you need to toss your bag down on a dirty surface.
One new feature of the CompuPrimus AW that isn’t present in the other two bags is a new laptop holder that piggy backs in the outer compartment. This compartment, which is actually a separate sleeve, fits up to a 15.4 inch laptop. Unfortunately, this compartment is also on the side of the back that hits the dirty ground when you need to get at your camera gear.