Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III
The Photographer’s Multi-Day Wilderness Companion
Perfect for extended photography expeditions in the Peak District or wild camping adventures across the Yorkshire Dales, this pack has become my essential companion for everything from misty dawn shoots at Kinder Scout to hauling camera gear up Pen-y-ghent. I purchased the PhotoSport PRO 70L AW III because I needed a pack that could handle both my Canon 5D Mark IV with lens collection and camping essentials whilst maintaining comfort during long treks with heavy loads.
Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III Review: The Photographer’s Multi-Day Wilderness Companion
Its 70-litre capacity strikes the perfect balance – large enough for overnight expeditions with full camera kit, sleeping system, and provisions, yet manageable enough for technical terrain. The integrated GearUp PRO XL camera insert transforms this from just another hiking pack into a professional photography system.
What I Love
- Exceptional camera protection with dual access – front and rear panel access to the GearUp insert
- ActivLift™ harness system that genuinely transfers weight to your hips during long carries
- Made with 86% recycled fabric – environmentally conscious without compromising durability
- Removable top lid doubles as a shoulder bag for day excursions
- 3-litre hydration reservoir compartment keeps you properly hydrated on long shoots
- Multiple attachment points for tripods, hiking poles, and additional gear
- All Weather AW Cover protects everything from the Peak District’s notorious downpours
What Could Be Better
- Weight at 3.2kg – you definitely feel it during steep ascents
- Side pockets become difficult to access when the pack is fully loaded
- Camera insert attachment system can be fiddly in cold conditions with gloves on
- Price point may deter casual photographers
Why I Chose the PhotoSport PRO 70L AW III
I purchased the PhotoSport PRO 70L AW III because I desperately needed a solution for carrying my Canon 5D Mark IV with my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM II wide-angle lens and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM II telephoto, plus my complete Lee Filters system for overnight photography missions in remote locations. Previously, I’d been using separate camera bags and hiking packs – a nightmare system that involved constant repacking and left me questioning gear accessibility when that perfect golden hour light appeared.
The clincher was finding it on Amazon for around £250 when they were clearing out the old model as the new AW IV was being released – a far cry from the £500 RRP. Because let’s be honest, if I’d spent £500 on a bag, even though this one is absolutely perfect, I wouldn’t be able to look my wife in the face. In fact, she’d probably be dragging my arse through the divorce courts as we speak. Sometimes timing is everything, and catching this bag at clearance price made it an absolute no-brainer purchase.
Capacity and Packing Strategy
The 70-litre capacity genuinely works for overnight trips, though you’ll need to be selective with your kit. During a recent expedition photographing the Peak District in winter, I managed to fit my Canon 5D Mark IV with my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L USM standard zoom, complete Lee Filters collection (including the 100mm system with graduated NDs, circular polariser, and Big Stopper), my MSR Access 2 tent, Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag, Jetboil Flash cooking system, and provisions. The secret is utilising every compartment strategically – sleeping bag in the dedicated bottom compartment, camera gear and filters in the GearUp insert, and everything else distributed throughout the main compartment.
My Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping mat straps perfectly to the bottom of the pack, whilst my Benro Tortoise TTOR35C tripod attaches securely to the side using the dedicated mounting points. The modular approach means I can access my Petzl Tikkina headtorch from the top lid pocket without unpacking the entire main compartment during evening camp setup.
Comfort and Carry System
The ActivLift™ harness system is where this pack truly shines. Even with a 20kg total pack weight including my complete camera kit and Rab layering system, it adjusts brilliantly to your body and remains comfortable throughout long days. The pivoting waist belt moves naturally with your hiking rhythm, whilst the padded shoulder straps distribute weight without creating pressure points. During a particularly gruelling ascent of Kinder Scout with full winter photography kit whilst wearing my Rab Baltoro Gloves in freezing conditions, the harness system made the difference between an enjoyable challenge and absolute misery.
The pack works exceptionally well with my Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex hiking boots during technical terrain where sure footing becomes critical when carrying expensive camera equipment. The stable platform prevents the pack from throwing off your balance during challenging scrambles across gritstone edges.
Camera Protection and Access
The GearUp PRO XL insert deserves special mention. It holds my Canon 5D Mark IV with multiple lenses, complete Lee Filters collection (the padded dividers are perfect for protecting individual filters), batteries, and camera strap with room to spare. The filter collection fits beautifully – there’s dedicated space for the filter holder, step-up rings, and individual filter slots that prevent scratching during rough Peak District conditions.
But here’s the clever bit – you can access it from either the front or back of the pack. Front access means no need to remove the pack completely when you spot that perfect shot or need to quickly swap from my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM II to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM II, whilst rear access works better when the pack is lying down at camp. The quick-release system also lets you convert the insert into a chest pack for technical terrain where pack removal isn’t practical.
Build Quality and Durability
The 420D nylon construction with carbonate exterior coating feels genuinely robust. After eighteen months of Peak District abuse – including being dragged through heather whilst wearing my Rab Cinder Downpour Jacket in torrential rain, soaked in Pennine downpours, and subjected to the inevitable tumbles that come with scrambling – it shows minimal wear. The carbonate coating makes cleaning off mud and dirt surprisingly easy, which proves invaluable after bog-trotting across moorland with muddy kit.
The waterproof zippers complement my complete Rab weather protection system, ensuring camera gear stays dry even when my Rab Geon Pull-On fleece and outer shell are completely saturated during typical British mountain conditions.
Real-World Performance Across Conditions
Winter Photography Expeditions: During extended cold weather shoots, the pack accommodates my complete winter kit including the Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket for static photography sessions. The insulated hydration sleeve prevents water freezing during long exposure sessions on snow-covered moorland.
Multi-Day Wild Camping: The pack’s capacity perfectly suits my lightweight camping system. My MSR Access 2 tent, Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag, and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm mat fit efficiently whilst leaving space for my complete camera kit and several days of food cooked on my Jetboil Flash.
Technical Terrain Navigation: When scrambling across challenging Peak District gritstone whilst wearing my Salomon Quest 4 boots, the pack’s stability prevents equipment damage during inevitable slips and stumbles. The low centre of gravity keeps expensive camera gear secure during dynamic movement.
Real-World Limitations
One frustration worth noting: the side pockets become virtually inaccessible when the pack is fully loaded. During a recent trip to the Yorkshire Dales, my water bottle became trapped in the side pocket under the pressure of a packed main compartment. This meant unpacking half my kit just to get a drink – not ideal when you’re racing to catch sunset light at Malham Cove.
The weight becomes noticeable during extended ascents, particularly when carrying the full system including tripod, complete lens collection, and camping gear. While the ActivLift system helps, you’re still carrying significant weight that impacts hiking performance during demanding terrain.
Alternative Options to the Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III
F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond 50L: Offers modular camera insert system with bomber construction at around £450-500. The ICU system provides superb protection but comes with 4.2kg weight penalty versus 3.2kg for the PhotoSport. The 50L capacity means compromising on camping gear, making it less suitable for overnight expeditions with complete photography systems.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: Brilliantly designed for travel photography at £300 with clever organisation features. However, it’s fundamentally designed for urban travel rather than wild camping. The 45L capacity and lack of external attachment points mean you can’t fit proper camping gear alongside camera kit.
Mindshift Gear BackLight Elite 45L: Features excellent rear-panel camera access at around £350 with solid build quality. The rotating belt system is genuinely useful for active shooting. However, the 45L capacity severely limits overnight capability, restricting you to ultralight camping gear only.
The Bottom Line
The PhotoSport PRO 70L AW III represents a serious investment at around £480 (though clearance deals can bring it closer to £250), but it transforms multi-day photography expeditions from exercises in compromise into opportunities for creative freedom. After two years of Peak District adventures, I can confidently say it’s revolutionised my approach to landscape photography.
No longer do I need to choose between camera kit and camping comfort – the PhotoSport system handles both with remarkable competence. The combination of professional camera protection, genuine hiking pack functionality, and sustainable construction makes it essential kit for serious outdoor photographers.
While the price may initially shock and the weight becomes noticeable during steep ascents, the capability and build quality justify the investment for anyone regularly venturing on overnight expeditions with serious camera equipment. The pack occupies a unique position in the market – essentially the only option that treats serious landscape photography and wild camping as equally important pursuits.
For photographers serious about overnight wilderness adventures who need to carry complete camera systems alongside proper camping gear, the PhotoSport PRO 70L remains the benchmark against which others are measured.
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