It’s almost impossible to get the perfect camera backpack for hiking. I’ve found you usually need a couple, each with different features. This backpack LowePro sent me for a review answers a number of issues I have had with my other camera carriers. It’s not perfect, but will be forward in my first go-to for most of my backpack situations.

Getting your gear from place to place safely and comfortably is a big deal when you hit the trails. The LowePro PhotoSport X 35L and its bigger brother, the PhotoSport X 45L, can be a great help. Here’s my first look and trial. This will be a twofer review, as the 35L is a bare-bones backpack as far as padding goes. You will need secondary padding such as the GearUp PRO Camera Box L II, which was designed for this system, to make this backpack work for photography needs.

Pros

  • Well-designed padded shoulder straps
  • Lots of connection points for ancillary gear
  • Light weight and versatile
  • Easy to get into

Cons

  • No padding camera packs included
  • Water bottle holder not accessible when pack is on
  • A bit pricey when you have added both camera padded bag(s)

LowePro PhotoSport X Backpack 35L AW — Technical specifications

  • Weight: 3.44 lbs.
  • Total Volume: 38 L
  • Main Color: Green
  • Internal Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.66 x 20.47 in
  • External Dimensions: 12.20 x 9.45 x 21.26 in
  • Exterior Material: 420D Nylon Recycled, 600D Polyester Recycled
  • Interior Material: 200D polyester (recycled)

LowePro GearUp PRO Camera Box L II — Technical specifications

  • Weight: 0.66 lbs.
  • Total Volume: 5 L
  • Main Color: Gray
  • External Dimensions: 12.40 x 6.50 x 6.30 in
  • Camera Compartment Dimensions: 11.42 x 5.91 x 5.91 in
  • Primary Device: Camera lens holder
  • Exterior Material: 70D triple ripstop nylon (recycled)
  • Interior Material: Velex nylon

LowePro PhotoSport X Backpack 35L AW — Ease of wearing

One of my quibbles with wearing backpacks is entering and exiting them. This is the first backpack I’ve found to be easy to put on and take off for me. The stiff backboard makes the shape work well. In spite of that stiffness there’s plenty of padding on the back for comfort. Shoulder pads and waist strap are also comfortable and easy to adjust. For those reasons alone, I’m in for this backpack!

photo backpack
The most comfortable setup and strap padding I’ve ever felt. Straps are comfortable, easy to use and well designed. The orange zipper gives entry to the entire pack.

LowePro PhotoSport X Backpack 35L AW — Using Camera Box L II

This is a pretty clever add-on design for protecting your camera and lenses. This can be configured in a number of ways. It can hold a camera with a 70-200mm lens or smaller lenses and a camera body. The entire side can come open or just use the other entry and pop open the top of the case. It’s also well-padded and has strap loops so it can be used alone on a belt in many different orientations.

padded insert for photo backpack
Pop the top of the Camera box and have access to the entire bag. Comes with removable padded dividers.
photo backpack padded insert
Camera box opens from the end for easy access to camera. It has lots of strap configurations for other uses such as wearing on a belt or shoulder strap.

LowePro PhotoSport X Backpack 35L AW — Design thoughts

However, where the design comes up just a little short for me is some of the built in features. For example, I like the idea of having a spot for carrying a water bottle. Unfortunately, I can’t grab the bottle without removing the pack. Not a huge problem. I’ll keep my belt water bottle holder and keep a spare mounted on the pack. Same small issue with the mesh pockets built in on the straps with one designed for your phone. Very difficult to access while the pack is mounted on your back. I’ll use the same fix with my belt phone holder and use the mesh pockets for other gear.

The backpack also comes with a raincoat for when there’s severe rain, but is well-designed to repel most light showers.

photo backpack front view
PhotoSport front view. Backpack has lots of possible connections to attach gear. Note the bottom access zipper.
photo backpack with tripod
Tripod is easily secured and held in place with well placed strapping and clips.

LowePro PhotoSport X Backpack 35L AW — Who this backpack is for

This is a well made lightweight, but strong, backpack for the adventure photographer, rock climber or backpacker. It is lightweight because there is no built-in padding leaving lots of room if you want to take lots of gear and clothing for camping without photo gear. There are lots of straps for attaching ancillary gear for different sports making it versatile. It also doubles as a camera carrier when you add the optional ‘camera boxes’ to protect your fragile kit from bumps and bruises. I like the idea of this setup as you buy what you need verses having a fully padded backpack, and the ensuing weight, always on your back.

lowepro backpack hiking in Sedona, Arizona
Hooked up with the Lowepro 35L AW backpack. Inside is plenty of space around the padded camera bag. Very comfortable to wear and easy to use.