This is a review I’ve put off writing simply because the product is a very uninspiring product. The Lowepro Trekker 150 AW is the most useless camera bag I’ve used in years. As a reviewer, it really sucks to say that because I never feel like I find good Lowepro products. I know there are lots of photographers who love their bags, but I also know many photographers don’t review bags as we do. So honestly, you don’t need to read too deep into this review. Just know this is one of the worst bags I’ve used in a long time.
If this were just a backpack, it would be incredible. Someone on the street looking at my bag even thought the infinity zipper design was cool. But then they saw how much I struggled to get my gear in and out and were immediately put off.
And this, reader, is how we’re beginning this review.
The Big Picture
The Lowepro Trekker 150 AW is a pretty bad bag for photographers. Want to get to your gear? You have to open up the bag, then the little carry bag, and then pull your gear out. But you also can’t store much in there. Essentially, a mirrorless camera with a lens attached is all that’s possible. Plus, you have to make sure nothing moves around. As far as storage goes, there are far better options on the market. TENBA makes some, as do other brands.
After Gitzo did a similar design, I honestly thought Lowepro, who is also under Vivendum, would’ve learned their lesson. But even Reviews Editor Hillary Grigonis agrees that this is pretty bad.
The Lowepro Trekker 150 AW receives two out of five stars. I’m not going to link to it for purchase.
Pros
- Large main zipper
- Large extra pocket
- Configurable tripod straps
- Keeps your back very dry
Cons
- It’s a massive pain to get camera gear in and out: random strangers agreed.
- Pretty comfortable if you’re packing very light, but could use a waist strap. Lots of brands like to say they don’t want to use waist straps, but that’s a hill I’ll die on.
Gear Used
The Lowepro Trekker 150 AW was provided to us for keeps. I tested the following gear with it:
- Sony a7r III (our own unit)
- Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 (my own purchase)
- Fujifilm X Pro 3 (my own)
- Canon G1x Mk III (my own)
- Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 R WR (my own unit)
- Leica M6 (my own)
- Leica CL (My own)
- Apple 12.9 inch iPad Pro (my own)
- Fujifilm XH2s (loaner unit)
- Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 loaner unit)
Innovations
The Lowepro Trekker 150 AW doesn’t do much that’s innovative, except for making this bag a bit more modifiable. Truly, I wouldn’t tell a photographer to buy this thing, as there are better options out there.
Ergonomics
You should know that when I formatted this section to write it, I groaned in disgust. Here’s the front of the Lowepro Trekker 150 AW. There’s a lot of meshy material and then there are straps to hold a tripod on the bottom. The tripod needs to be smaller though, so I’m using a Manfrotto BeFree here.
There are lots of brightly colored areas around this bag that give you subtle cues to pull here or there.
Here’s a closer look at the strap system for the tripod. It’s not all that great, and I wouldn’t trust it on a long hike, partially because the tripod fell out on one such occasion.
On the side, there’s an area for a water bottle. This is nice and snug and a good part of the bag.
Here’s a look at the zipper system for the main compartment. It’s more or less an infinity zipper, and it snags in certain areas.
Here’s a top pocket for storing stuff. This can easily get packed full with chapstick, eyedrops, money, lens clothes, etc.
Here’s one of the best parts of the bag: the cooling system for your back. Indeed, I didn’t suffer from a sweaty back the entire time testing the Lowepro Trekker 150 AW. You can also see the sternum strap, which is adjustable.
Here’s a look at the standard laptop sleeve. It’s alright: nothing too special or unique.
Here’s a look at the inside of the top compartment. There’s so much room for random stuff.
And here’s a look at the bottom part, which is divided by a zipper compartment and another little bag they give you with padding.
Here’s a look at that small bag. The Lowepro Trekker 150 AW is said to be good for small APS-C cameras and drones, but there are much better bags out there for that.
Build Quality
Despite how much I was frustrated with the Lowepro Trekker 150 AW, I’ll admit it’s well-built. If I were to use it as just a backpack, I think I’d have a really good time with it. The infinity zipper system is nice and the pockets are well designed. Further, I took this bag out into the rain and all the gear inside stayed dry. That’s surprising to me; I was shocked because of how thin all the material is.
I also think if this were to be a better camera bag that it would need a waist strap. But it doesn’t have one.
Ease of Use
This is a complicated bag if you’re using it for serious photography. I honestly think that the “camera bag” aspect of this bag was an afterthought. You can easily store your laptop in the dedicated sleeve, but then, if you want to store actual photo gear, there is little additional room. If you stuff a small camera into the dedicated carrier and ensure it’s held in place, then the Lowepro Trekker 150 AW has extra room for whatever. In fact, that extra space dominates the bag quite a bit. That is why I say this isn’t really a camera bag.
Then there are pockets for extra stuff like chapstick and all.
Truly, I’d never use this thing.
Who Should Buy the Lowepro Trekker 150 AW?
Truly, I wouldn’t buy this thing. There are much better bags on the market. Don’t waste your money.
Tech Specs
These are taken from the Adorama listing of the bag:
- Crop-sensor CSC (such as Sony Alpha 6000 series or similar) with 1 lens attached, plus 1-2 small lenses or charger & battery
- For small drone like DJI Mavic Air 2
- Gorillapod 5K
- Extra gear such as jacket, snacks, sunglasses, water bottle etc
- Shoulder strap included for carrying GearUp inserts as a shoulder bag
- Roomy, top-loading compartment and spacious front pocket for everyday essentials
- Separated, padded 13″ laptop pocket for quick security check
- Soft sided panel loading bag, with a single large n.10 zipper path to access the main compartment and camera insert
- Side access to camera compartment with removable GearUp camera insert
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