Lowepro’s number one selling collection, the ProTactic, has been redesigned for better gear access and protection.

For years I used the first generation ProTactic and it was probably the first camera backpack I owned that was not only comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but exceedingly functional too. Now, Lowepro has made updates to the ProTactic bags and they look even better.

There are two sizes for the new backpacks. The ProTactic BP450 AW II is the larger one and can fit 15-inch laptops, whereas the slightly smaller BP350 AW II will fit up to a 13-inch laptop. Camera gear wise, the main difference is that the 350 II holds a pro camera with 24-70mm attached and the 450 II can do a pro camera with 70-200mm attached. Both will host eight additional lenses or flashes and an extra pro body. If that’s not enough space, the ProTactic series has a range of SlipLock modular accessories to a attach to the outside of the backpack.

As an all-weather “AW” backpack, a built-in rain cover comes standard.

There are four access points in the new version; the top, sides, and rear. People have specific preferences for these things and I think this adaptive design will cater to all of them. The top access is good for people who primarily use one camera and lens, the side access is for people who can’t set down the bag to be grabbing gear, and the rear access is for people who like to see all their gear to decide how to approach their shooting environment.

The Lowepro ProTactic BP450 AW II is priced at $269.95 and the ProTactic BP350 AW II is $219.95. Both are available to order now.