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| Lowepro Inverse 100AW |
| Author: [ trailpeak ] Contact Author: trailpeak | Thu Feb 19 12:49:59 EST 2009 |
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The Inverse 100AW was reviwed by two Trailpeak editors, Kurt Turchan and user Rex Virtue from Kelowna. We also recently reviewed the Lowepro Flipside, whose review can be found here.
We are drawing this bag May 1st 2009. See below for details.
REX: Let me start off by saying that I am not usually a fanny pack type of guy, but this camera bag has given me a new perspective. I was anxious to test this bag as an alternative to stuffing my Canon 35mm SLR camera in my regular backpack, a practice which I was quite used to having never really had a proper camera bag. I usually carry the body and two lenses, and this bag gave me easy access to all that.
This bag comes with many of the standard features of an SLR camera bag; like equipment dividers configurable by velcro, in that regard it's no different that any other Lowepro product that has stood the test of time. It also has a host of mini-pockets to stash your smaller items. Some of the bonus features that set this bag apart (and really make your life better) are the much more breathable body contact area, and my favourite, the well designed and very functional weather cover. It kept my gear dry during a moist trip to Iceland for two weeks, while others were fumbling with oversized zip-loc bags.
KURT: One thing you may worry about with a fanny pack carrying a lot of camera gear is sag. I have the new Nikon D90 and a few lenses and love taking hi-res images of my outdoor trips. Fanny packs have a tendency to droop and I can't stand the constant adjustments that result. Not so with the Inverse 100AW. You've got a serious front buckle that you can tighten beyond tight if you wish, but what I like most are the adjustable harness straps on the side that pull the load into your hips and keep things snug. As with most Lowepro bags, this was an obvious design aspect, and likely well tested in the field. I've used this bag cross-country skiing with no issues. I take only one extra lens, and stick a small snack in the other unused divider.
KURT: You get a few side pockets as well, and I carry a GPS and usually a water bottle. The GPS fits perfectly in one, and a small water bottle goes in the slightly larger mesh pocket. Only one thing, when you tighten the cinch straps, you also tighten in these items. Not a big deal.
REX: But no bag is perfect, although this one is close. The only real downside to the adjustable harness straps is that at times, I was getting hung up on branches when hiking in tight scrub and bush. If you are a bush-whacker like me, you may wish to cut these side straps as they are otherwise a little too long. Mind you, these cinch straps could allow you to attach a windbreaker or fleece. This bag is designed for digital SLRs, so the smaller pockets that work well for memory cards are a bit small for film (if you are one of those).
REX: Overall this bag does it's job very well, and, it's great for day-hikers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and mountain bikers. It's sturdy, fits well, and allows for easy camera access on a swivel.
KURT: When cross-country skiing, at one point I had it more attached to my side so access to the camera was easier. I found I could ski, take frequent pictures, drop the camera back in the bag, and continue on. I didn't even have to remove gloves or take my hands out of the pole straps. I GPS and I take pictures, and I love seeing the goetagged images over google maps afterwards. This bag works.
Kurt Turchan
Founder, www.trailpeak.com
Rex Virtue
Power User, www.trailpeak.com
Contest Details:
To be eligible to win this bag, or any other monthly draw that Trailpeak holds, simply become a premium member at Trailpeak. Click supportus up top, and, as a premium member, enjoy 12 draws each year, extra GPS downloads, and more. Thankyou for supporting this service and allowing us to host and support it.
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