Product Description

A perfect combination of fast access and all-weather protection, the Primus AW was built for the backcountry. Rugged construction with a recycled, water resistant outer fabric and a seam-sealed AW cover protects gear. This pack also conforms to a variety of body types with an adjustable 8-point harness system giving the adventure photographer exceptional comfort under heavy load. The lumbar-equipment access point keeps the bag off the ground when digging for equipment in either of the two padded compartments. Gear retrieval is further complimented by a side access zipper that gives the user quick camera access without taking the bag off. Combine that with pockets and features that are made for today's adventure photographer and the Primus AW delivers adjustable comfort with tough camera protection. In commemoration of Lowepro's 40th anniversary, we are proud to introduce the industry's first backpack designed for the professional photographer that is made primarily from recycled materials. Funds raised from the sale of the Primus AW backpack will support Polar Bears International PBI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear. The Primus AW backpack, constructed of 51% Cyclpet(R), a 100% post consumer recycled fabric, is the first backpack of its kind, and establishes the Primus AW as the industry standard for eco-friendly carrying solutions. Each bag contains enough recycled material to equate to approximately 22 soda bottles. By preventing this material from reaching a landfill, .0034 cubic yards of landfill space, 15,109 BTU's of energy, .002 barrels of crude oil and .12 gallons of refined oil is conserved throughout the production process. The release of Primus AW celebrates the spirit of conservation which has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Lowepro culture.

Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: Lowepro
• Model: Primus AW (Black)
• Released on: 2007-08-20
• Dimensions: 20.10" h x 9.30" w x 13.20" l, 4.80 pounds

Features

• Lumbar and side access provide fast equipment retrieval
• 8-point adjustable harness and padded waist belt comfortably distributes weight for long hiking trips
• Upper compartment provides organization and storage for personal accessories
• Glide-Lock system and hideaway accessory holder easily fits a tripod or other backcountry equipment
• Seam-sealed All Weather Cover protects equipment from weather, sand and dust

Customer Reviews

Great backpack, for camera gear and extra stuff.
I've had this pack for about a year, and use it mainly for travel. Every year my wife and I travel from California to the East Coast for 3-4 weeks. I needed a bag that would carry the photo gear I usually use and have room for non-photo travel gear. The bottom compartment is a great size to fit my D80, two lenses (sigma 17-35, and nikkor 35-70), a large collection of neutral density filters, some cleaning gizmos, memory cards, remote, and ultra-pod II, with some room leftover. The top pocket is great for non-photo stuff including a portable dvd player, with extra battery pack, a flip case for dvds, a couple of books, travel alarm clock, travel documents, snacks, and some toys for our daughter. The outside flap also accommodates a jacket well.

I love the side quick access flap, My D80 goes in and out easily.

The pack is very comfortable for long hikes and has plenty of room for everything I need to bring for plane travel, day hikes, and general sightseeing.

So far I have no complaints.

Primus a Prime addition
I don't want to jump the gun here, but the Primus AW may be my perfect camera pack. The construction and quality are second to none. This pack is certainly made to be an outdoor pack with every adjustment strap you would find on a back country pack.

PROS:
- Superior quality and all the features you would expect on an adventure pack
- The pack openings are set against the back, providing security and allowing the straps to stay off the ground
- The padded hip straps take the weight off your shoulders. Fully loaded, this pack can pack on the pounds
- The upper compartment is surprisingly roomy. Room for an igloo lunch bag, extra clothes or small jacket
- A jacket can easily be secured to the ingenious outside pocket/flap, which also holds miscellaneous articles
- The side access panel allows quick and easy access to your camera without removing the pack. Provides more than ample room for a D60 w/o grip
- The tripod securing straps are incredibly convenient and durable
- Attached All Weather Cover is an added bonus
- Good sized pack, while not oversized. Makes a perfect carry-on item for flights
- Side elastic pocket is perfect for a large water bottle

CONS:
- The pack has a finite amount of space for equipment. It appears to be able to fit a camera w/ med to long telephoto, two short lenses and compact flash, plus 2 memory card pockets and one medium sized small accessories pocket.
(Perfect if your inventory is on the small side, or you only want to bring part of your inventory with you.)

Something of a let down
Cool concept, mediocre execution. The side-access panel, which is a great idea, is simply too small. No way a pro-DSLR or smaller SLR w/vertical grip will fit. Even a larger non-pro body like the Nikon D300/D700/5D/40D doesn't really fit.

As a backpack, it doesn't even come close to being a real, outdoor quality pack. One size, few adjustments = difficult to put the load on the hips for someone taller.

If you want fast access, consider a Slingshot or Fastpack. If you want a quality hiking pack, consider a non-camera hiking pack w/lower access panel - then insert a padded camera pouch of appropriate size. That basically simulates the Primus. You give up the fast access side panel but get a quality suspension and ability to a pack that fits your build.