Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Camera Backpack Review

I've accumulated a lot of Lowepro bags, cases and accessories over time. Well thought out design, good quality construction, great support and a lifetime warranty keep me coming back. It also helps that many of these items work together as a system. The Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack a great base for this system (though you may never need more). I'm using this pack for carrying small and mid-sized lenses on excursions including air flights (as carry-on of course).

The Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack shown above has a Canon 1Ds Mark II DSLR body (with an attached L-Bracket) mounted to a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens (with hood reversed) positioned in the top-most storage area. Below this, two Canon NP-E3 Batteries are shown with a set of body/rear lens caps between them. If the divider above the batteries is removed (along with the batteries and caps of course), a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS Lens with hood reversed will fit in this space while mounted on the same pro camera body. The sizes of these lenses are the two most-common sizes I carry ready-for-use in this backpack.

Under the camera/lens and batteries are a pile of filter boxes. An additional lens or many other items could be placed here, but I was packing for a trip that was going to need a full complement of filters. A Canon TC-80N3, a Bogen / Manfrotto 337 Hot Shoe Double Bubble Level and a Princeton Tec headlight can also be seen.

To the left of the camera/lens is an Arca-Swiss Z1 Ball Head (the visible quick release is an RRS LR). Below this is a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS Lens with hood reversed. The other side holds a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens both with their hoods reversed.

My actual flight-ready packing was not nearly as photogenic. There is plenty of room left in the above configuration for little items (Rocket Blower, sunglasses, gloves, Lenspen, sensor cleaning gear ...).

See-through flat pockets (two small and one large) can be seen on the inner side of the lid on the open case above (the small black flaps are zipper-pull covers). There is plenty of room for thin things such as memory cards, microfiber cloths ... The other/outer side of the lid has a large zippered pocket that snuggly/just holds my 14" laptop in a padded neoprene slip case.. This storage area is padded on the inside only - thus I use a neoprene slip case for my notebook. This large zippered pocket can alternatively hold the included Lowepro Trekker DayPack. The daypack may be used alone or attached to the back of the Nature Trekker II.

The main storage area of the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack is very configurable as the hook & loop-attached padded dividers are movable/removable. Many are removed in my sample configuration above including a thick set designed to hug the mount base of a large lens. Lowepro provides another example of a loaded Nature Trekker II below ...

As shown above, a tripod can be attached to the Nature Trekker II - on either side or in the middle of the back. Large tripods are not the best match for this backpack's standard attachment pouch - they ride too high. SlipLock cases (such as a Lens Case) can be added to the many side, back and belt SlipLock loops. The Nature Trekker II does not included the two long/tubular SlipLock cases that come with the larger, more expensive Lowepro Pro Trekker II AW. D-rings, loops and elastic cords with quick-release clips are abundant.

Storage is not the only configurable on this camera backpack (and perhaps not the most important). Adjustments are found all over the pack to maximize the support and comfort the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack provides to each of our unique bodies. Perhaps the biggest and most unique adjustment involves an ingenious device called the Pack Jack. Shaped like a large, flat arrow, the thin, stiff plastic Pack Jack slides down behind the shoulder strap harness to release the hook & loop that holds it in place. Adjust the shoulder harness to your preferred ride height and slide the Pack Jack out. The hook & loop again takes solid hold and the Pack Jack stows out of the way behind the shoulder harness (or can be removed completely). You are left with a pack customized for your back.

Adjustments on the shoulder strap, sternum strap and the belt complete a customized-to-you fit. Thick padding surrounds your body, a breathable mesh allows moisture evaporation from your back. Lowepro was generous with the length of belt they provided.

The exterior of the Nature Trekker II features water-resistant 600D ripstop nylon and 600D Endura™ nylon. It is attractive and rugged with a quality feel. Zippers are quiet and water-resistant. A rain coat-like cover is included (stowed in a pouch under the pack) to help keep the backpack dry.

The Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack features a nice rubberized handle on top - Nice for carrying the pack or for assistance when putting it on or taking it off your back. I miss the side handle included on the Pro Trekker II as it makes it easier to remove the pack from your back. An included shoulder strap attaches to one side of the pack.

Lowepro has several All-Weather (AW) camera backpacks. If you've read any of my other Trekker AW II reviews, you've noticed similarities between the models. All are excellent - Size is really the biggest differentiator. You need to determine the size that fits your need best ...

Model	Weight		Inside Dimensions (WxDxH)		Outside Dimensions (WxDxH)
Lowepro Fastpack 100	1.68 lb	(0.76 kg)	7.3 x 5.5 x 7.9"	(185 x 140 x 200 mm)	8.7 x 7.3 x 16.1"	(220 x 185 x 410mm)
Lowepro Fastpack 200	2.73 lb	(1.24 kg)	11 x 5.9 x 9.3"	(280 x 150 x 235 mm)	12.4 x 8.1 x 18.1"	(315 x 205 x 460mm)
Lowepro Fastpack 250	3.62 lb	(1.64 kg)	11 x 5.9 x 9.3"	(280 x 150 x 235 mm)	12.4 x 9.4 x 18.1	(315 x 240 x 460mm)
Lowepro Fastpack 350	4.08 lb	(1.85 kg)	11.0 x 6.1 x 10.6"	(280 x 155 x 270 mm)	12.4 x 9.6 x 19.3"	(315 x 245 x 490mm)
Lowepro Flipside 200	2.2 lb	(1 kg)	7 x 5 x 15"	(178 x 126 x 380 mm)	8.6 x 6.2 x 16.5"	(218 x 157 x 420mm)
Lowepro Flipside 300	2.6 lb	(1.2 kg)	9.1 x 5.4 x 15.9"	(230 x 138 x 405 mm)	10.2 x 6.9 x 17.5"	(258 x 174 x 445mm)
Lowepro Flipside 400 AW	3.5 lb	(1.6 kg)	10.6 x 5.9 x 16.7"	(270 x 150 x 425 mm)	11.9 x 10.0 x 18.1"	(303 x 253 x 460mm)
Lowepro Micro Trekker 100	1.75 lb	(0.79 kg)	8.5 x 4.5 x 10.4"	(215 x 115 x 265 mm)	10.4 x 8.1 x 11.4"	(265 x 205 x 290mm)
Lowepro Micro Trekker 200	2.31 lb	(1.05 kg)	10.4 x 4.9 x 12.6"	(265 x 125 x 320 mm)	11.0 x 8.5 x 14.0"	(280 x 215 x 355mm)
Lowepro Mini Trekker AW	2.56 lb	(1.16 kg)	11.0 x 4.9 x 14.6"	(280 x 125 x 370 mm)	12.0 x 12.6 x 15.9"	(305 x 320 x 405mm)
Lowepro Orion AW	3.75 lb	(1.7 kg)	12.5 x 6.5 x 11.25"	(320 x 165 x 290 mm)	14.6 x 9.4 x 21.3"	(370 x 240 x 540mm)
Lowepro Primus AW	6.4 lb	(2.9 kg)	12.6 x 6.3 x 7.3"	(320 x 160 x 185 mm)	13.2 x 9.3 x 20.1"	(335 x 235 x 510mm)
Lowepro Vertex 100 AW	5.2 lb	(2.3 kg)	11.0 x 5.9 x 15.4"	(279 x 150 x 391mm)	11.8 x 9.8 x 16.5"	(300 x 249 x 419mm)
Lowepro Vertex 200 AW	7.5 lb	(3.4 kg)	11.8 x 6.5 x 17.3"	(300 x 165 x 439mm)	12.6 x 10.2 x 18.5"	(320 x 259 x 470mm)
Lowepro Vertex 300 AW	8.3 lb	(3.8 kg)	12.2 x 6.5 x 20.5"	(310 x 165 x 521mm)	13.0 x 10.2 x 21.7"	(330 x 259 x 551mm)
Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW	2.5 lb	(1.2 kg)	9.8 x 4.5 x 11.8"	(250 x 115 x 300 mm)	11.8 x 6.7 x 14.0"	(300 x 170 x 355mm)
Lowepro Pro Runner 300 AW	3.0 lb	(1.4 kg)	11.2 x 4.5 x 15.2"	(285 x 115 x 385 mm)	13.0 x 7.5 x 17.3"	(330 x 190 x 440mm)
Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW	6.8 lb	(3.1 kg)	11.4 x 6.5 x 14.6"	(290 x 165 x 370 mm)	15.4 x 14.2 x 18.5"	(390 x 360 x 470mm)
Lowepro Pro Trekker 400 AW	7.2 lb	(3.3 kg)	11.4 x 6.5 x 17.3"	(290 x 165 x 440 mm)	15.4 x 14.2 x 21.3"	(390 x 360 x 540mm)
Lowepro Pro Trekker 600 AW	8.4 lb	(3.8 kg)	14.6 x 7.5 x 21.3"	(370 x 190 x 540 mm)	18.1 x 15.0 x 23.6"	(460 x 380 x 600mm)
Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II	9.2 lb	(4.2 kg)	11.5 x 6.0 x 16.8"	(290 x 150 x 425mm)	14.5 x 15.0 x 19.0"	(370 x 380 x 485mm)
Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II	10.3 lb	(4.7 kg)	12.0 x 6.0 x 19.0"	(305 x 150 x 485 mm)	14.5 x 15.0 x 21.5"	(370 x 380 x 545mm)*
Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II	11.7 lb	(5.3 kg)	12.0 x 6.0 x 20.5"	(305 x 150 x 520 mm)	21.0 x 15.0 x 23.5"	(535 x 380 x 595mm)*
Lowepro Super Trekker AW II	11.5 lb	(5.2 kg)	14.5 x 6.5 x 25.5"	(370 x 165 x 650 mm)	23.5 x 15.0 x 27.5"	(595 x 380 x 700mm)*
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW	6.7 lb	(3.04 kg)	8.5 x 8.5 x 20.5"	(215 x 215 x 520mm)	11.0 x 12.5 x 22.0"	(280 x 320 x 560mm)
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW II	4.44 lb	(2.8 kg)	9.1 x 8.5 x 24"	(230 x 216 x 610 mm)	11.0 x 12.6 x 25.8"	(280 x 320 x 655mm)
Lowepro Rover AW II	3.33 lb	(1.51 kg)	11.0 x 5.5 x 11.0"	(280 x 140 x 280 mm)	13.4 x 10.2 x 20.5"	(340 x 260 x 520mm)
Lowepro Trekker Daypack II	2.19 lb	(0.99 kg)	12.6 x 7.5 x 17.9"	(320 x 190 x 455 mm)	13.0 x ? x 19.1"	(330 x ?? x 485mm)
Lowepro Versapack 200 AW	2.3 lb	(1.0 kg)	11.0 x 6.3 x 7.5"	(280 x 160 x 190 mm)	12.4 x 8.7 x 19.3"	(315 x 220 x 490mm)

* Outside dimensions are with tripod holder attached

Model	Manufacturer-Claimed US Airline Carry-On Qualification
Lowepro Fastpack 100	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Fastpack 200	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Fastpack 250	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Fastpack 350	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Flipside 200	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Flipside 300	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Flipside 400 AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Micro Trekker 100	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Micro Trekker 200	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Mini Trekker AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Orion AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Primus AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Pro Runner 300 AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Pro Trekker 400 AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Pro Trekker 600 AW	No	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Super Trekker AW II	No	Well above airline carry-on size.
Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II	???	About 50% of the time As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag
Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II	Yes	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag.
Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II	Yes	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag.
Lowepro Vertex 300 AW	???
Lowepro Vertex 200 AW	Yes.	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag.
Lowepro Vertex 100 AW	Yes	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW II	No	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW	Yes	As of 07/2009
Lowepro Rover AW II	Yes	As of 8/8/2010
Lowepro Versapack 200 AW	Yes	As of 8/8/2010

Model	Weight		Inside Dimensions (WxDxH)		Outside Dimensions (WxDxH)
Lowepro Super Trekker AW II	11.5 lb	(5.2 kg)	14.5 x 6.5 x 25.5"	(370 x 165 x 650 mm)	23.5 x 15.0 x 27.5"	(595 x 380 x 700mm)*
Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II	11.7 lb	(5.3 kg)	12.0 x 6.0 x 20.5"	(305 x 150 x 520 mm)	21.0 x 15.0 x 23.5"	(535 x 380 x 595mm)*
Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II	10.3 lb	(4.7 kg)	12.0 x 6.0 x 19.0"	(305 x 150 x 485 mm)	14.5 x 15.0 x 21.5"	(370 x 380 x 545mm)*
Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II	9.2 lb	(4.2 kg)	11.5 x 6.0 x 16.8"	(290 x 150 x 425mm)	14.5 x 15.0 x 19.0"	(370 x 380 x 485mm)
Lowepro Vertex 300 AW	8.3 lb	(3.8 kg)	12.2 x 6.5 x 20.5"	(310 x 165 x 521mm)	13.0 x 10.2 x 21.7"	(330 x 259 x 551mm)
Lowepro Vertex 200 AW	7.5 lb	(3.4 kg)	11.8 x 6.5 x 17.3"	(300 x 165 x 439mm)	12.6 x 10.2 x 18.5"	(320 x 259 x 470mm)
Lowepro Vertex 100 AW	5.2 lb	(2.3 kg)	11.0 x 5.9 x 15.4"	(279 x 150 x 391mm)	11.8 x 9.8 x 16.5"	(300 x 249 x 419mm)
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW	6.7 lb	(3.04 kg)	8.5 x 8.5 x 20.5"	(215 x 215 x 520mm)	11.0 x 12.5 x 22.0"	(280 x 320 x 560mm)

* Outside dimensions are with tripod holder attached

Model	Manufacturer-Claimed US Airline Carry-On Qualification
Lowepro Super Trekker AW II	No	Well above airline carry-on size.
Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II	???	About 50% of the time As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag
Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II	Yes	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag.
Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II	Yes	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag.
Lowepro Vertex 300 AW	???
Lowepro Vertex 200 AW	Yes.	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag.
Lowepro Vertex 100 AW	Yes	As of 07/2009 - with nothing attached to the outside of the bag
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW II	No
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW	Yes	As of 07/2009

The Lowepro Trekker AW II Users Guide provides lots of insight into Lowepro's quality camera backpacks and is worth reading if you are serious about purchasing a camera backpack.