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.
First Impressions
There is no doubt that the Primus AW and CompuPrimus AW share a ton of similarities. Both are equally well put together and our long term testing of the Primus AW has already confirmed that the CyclePet material is as durable as any material that bags are made of. Instead of just super-sizing the Primus AW into the CompuPrimus AW, Lowepro did some specific tweaks to make it stand out on its own.
Instead of just slapping on the eight point strap system from the Primus AW, the CompuPrimus AW comes with wider and better padded straps all around to support the added weight from filling this larger bag all the way up. Like the Primus AW, the straps are lined with moisture wicking material for comfort when it gets hot out. A nice touch that came from the Primus AW is the whistle that is integrated into the adjustable sternum belt buckle. This is great for those times you get lost in the woods and need a helping hand and is another way that Lowepro tweaked this series of bags out for the outdoors.
The increase in size also means increases in the size of the camera bodies you’ll be bringing along. While the Primus AW’s quick access pocket was better suited to much smaller consumer level DSLR’s like a D40 or D60, the CompuPrimus AW allowed me to easily access a Nikon D200 with grip and a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 lens attached. However, you still can’t put it back in the same way, necessitating the need to flip the bag around to access the main compartment.
Just to further prove that Lowepro didn’t just copy a smaller bag and make it bigger, they even beefed up the handle at the top of the bag with a set of rivets and a larger handle. It’s definitely nice to see that the designers went the extra mile and thought ahead at what things might be important when increasing the capacity of a design.
In order to live up to its “AW” designation, the CompuPrimus AW features Lowepro’s patented All-Weather cover. It’s not particularly pretty, but I assure you that in a torrential downpour, this All-Weather cover will be your best friend.
Putting the “Compu” in the CompuPrimus AW
In order to integrate laptop carrying functionality into the CompuPrimus AW, the designers took a slightly different route than we’re normally used to.
Instead of using a compartment that integrates inside the bag, either behind the straps, or somewhere within the front panel, Lowepro decided to piggyback a totally separate laptop sleeve into the front flap. In the Primus AW, Lowepro tried to sell this as a place to throw your rope and your avalanche gear. We quickly found out from real mountaineers that it was a bad idea; all the stuff would fly out in a slide. However, putting the laptop sleeve there also means that when you have to plop your bag down on a muddy surface, your laptop will be covered in it because the gear compartments are behind the straps. I think someone needs to actually go into the woods with this bag, however in the urban jungle, this isn’t a big deal.
The laptop sleeve is secured with a large Velcro panel to the inside of the flap area for security. If people can run, jump, and stick to it on Japanese game shows, then you don’t have to worry about someone running off with it. Although the sleeve is a separate unit altogether, the zippers allow you to access your laptop with the sleeve attached to the bag without much trouble.
When removed, the sleeve functions as a separate shoulder bag for your laptop with just enough room for a couple of very flat accessories accessories (like a power adapter) or a magazine or book. It features its own strap so you can tote it around without the rest of the CompuPrimus AW if you’re just going for a coffee break at your favourite WiFi hotspot. I did notice that that strap was rather thin compared to the well padded ones attached to the main bag. However, because they aren’t sewn in, you can easily replace it with something more comfortable. At first I didn’t really dig the whole non-integrated thing. However, I quickly started to like not having to lug the whole CompuPrimus AW around, despite the somewhat cobbled on looks.
The case is large enough for up to a 15.4 inch laptop and seems tailor made for a MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, anything smaller like our 13.3 inch DELL just seems far too small for this case. Padding is minimal so don’t expect it to save your laptop in a fall to concrete, though you might be alright if it hits the dirt while you’re outdoors. The only thing holding your laptop down in the case are two plastic straps that sit along the corners of the palm rests.
The best feature of this sleeve is the integrated sunshade cover. It’s built right into the case and is a life saver if you’re outside in the sun or in a brightly lit area trying to work on processing your shots. If you’re cursed with a glossy screen, this is definitely a requirement. When not in use, it folds totally flat into the top flap.
The CompuPrimus AW in the Field…
After having a chance to carry the CompuPrimus AW around in the liquid sunshine of the Vancouver, I’ve really grown to appreciate just how effective the All Weather cover is. I previously had a chance to try out the “AW” cover on the original Primus AW in a torrential downpour in Taipei during COMPUTEX, and I’m just as impressed with the performance in my own backyard. It isn’t pretty, but it does work and it’s a lifesaver when things get wet.
Thanks to upgraded straps with thicker padding, the CompuPrimus AW feels quite comfortable even fully loaded up. The only that will prevent you from being comfortable is the weight as the extra storage afforded by this super sized version of the Primus AW does allow it to hold quite a bit of gear.
Initially, I wasn’t really impressed with the somewhat cobbled on look of the laptop sleeve, but once you get to use it a few times, you do appreciate how not having to lug around the whole bag becomes. Although integrated laptop compartments are better looking, being able to ditch a bunch of weight to go hang out at the local coffee shop to work on your photos with your laptop is nice.
One gripe I had about the original Primus AW was that the side zippered pocket wasn’t particularly effective with larger DSLR bodies, especially if you had a grip attached. Since the CompuPrimus AW is a larger bag, the flap just got a whole lot more useful. As a result, getting at my Nikon D200 body with a lens attached was quite a bit easier.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
When compared directly to its smaller brother, the Primus AW, you get the benefits of more storage and a real place to put your laptop. Being able to separate your laptop from the main bag definitely makes short trips a whole lot easier, not having to lug the whole thing with you. It’s an upgrade in every way to its little brother, but it might be a bit of a handful if you plan on using it as your “daily driver”.
Whether you’re in the middle of the jungle (or an urban jungle for that matter), Lowepro’s CompuPrimus AW seems equally suited for both environments. Its combination of proven outdoor durability and All-Weather cover makes it a good choice for almost any weather condition. The backpack also features Eco-Friendly aspects like the 100% CyclePet construction for the outer cover of the bag and like the Primus AW before it, Lowepro has still pledged that a portion of this bag’s sale to be donated to Polar Bears International.
The Lowepro CompuPrimus AW will set you back $299US and comes with their Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Pros
- Rugged and durable construction made for the outdoors (or just a general good beating)
- All Weather cover provides excellent protection in wetter climates (or very dusty ones)
- Removable laptop sleeve and integrated sunshade
- Lots of storage for all your gear
- Well padded straps provide comfort and support on long treks
Cons
- The non integrated look of the sleeve makes it look a bit cobbled on
- The large size might be a bit hard to handle as a daily use bag
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
Discuss This Review in the Futurelooks Community Forums
Lowepro CompuPrimus AW Camera Backpack – Photo Gallery
