After getting the Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L for Christmas, I took it on a couple of hiking trips and decided to write up a review. I use the pack for day hiking since I can carry most of the camera gear I need along with any other little things I may want on the hike. During the summer, I may try carrying just a light sleeping bag and hammock in the pack for overnight trips.
The straps are padded well and plenty comfortable for a full day hike. The waist strap could benefit from padding, but it is still helpful if the pack is on the heavy side.
The overall quality of the pack is excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to place it on the ground to take a break.
Lowepro seems to be a great brand, with many other quality camera products.
One thing I love about the pack is how smooth the zippers are. They will never get stuck and can be zipped with one hand.
The front of the pack has a padded compartment to fit an iPad or Macbook Air.
Both sides of the pack have stretchy compartments to hold a decent sized water bottle. You may be able to put a water bladder in the iPad compartment as well.
Inside the top compartment, I carry my ND filter pouch as well as a jacket or two.
This pack is a “hatchback” because the camera is accessed on the backside of the pack. This keeps the camera safe from theft as well as placing it down on the ground. It also offers more protection in the rain.
Inside the camera compartment, there is plenty of room for my Canon 7D and the two lenses I use most (18-55 IS and 70-300 IS USM). I use the one divider down the middle so everything will fit no matter which lens is on the camera. I also keep two batteries, some screw on filters, tripod mounts, caps, etc. in this compartment.
Inside the lid for the camera compartment is a stretchy holder for a memory card or two. This is an odd feature because one flap goes over the other so you have to separate them to put the card inside. It seems like there could be an easier compartment to use than this.
Also inside the top compartment is a keychain holder, useful for ensuring your keys don’t fall out on a hiking trip. This is actually inside another zippered pouch in the top.
The entire camera tray is removable and the pack can be opened up to become a full day pack without the dividers.
The tray includes an AW cover for a little protection and handles on the sides. There is also an AW cover that covers the entire pack to protect from the rain.
The Lowepro Photo Hatchback AW 22L is currently around $108 on Amazon. You can purchase it through the link and I will get a little commission at no cost to you!
