Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Camera Bag Review

Features
Handling
Verdict
Specification


The Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW is a lightweight camera bag designed for active outdoor photographers with protective space for camera and personal gear, as well as 1 litre hydration reservoir. It is available in orange and blue for £129.00. There is also a smaller version, the 10L AW, available for £109.00.

Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Features

Fits

• Pro DSLR with grip, with 300mm f/2.8 lens attached
• 1-3 extra lenses or flashes
• Tripod or monopod
• 1 litre hydration reservoir
• Cables, memory, manual and extra accessories

Other features

• Body-side access for extra security
• Removable customisable compartment lifts out and converts bag to a daypack
• Pocket for a 1 litre hydration reservoir (not included)
• Tripod attachment on the side

Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Handling and Performance

Access to the main section of the bag is via the back of the bag, making it difficult for anyone to unknowingly access your kit when it is on your back. There are two zips with large loops, making it easy to open, even when wearing gloves. The opening flap has a zipped pocket where you could keep some accessories or a small tablet. It's not big enough to carry an iPad, in fact, there isn't any dedicated space for larger tablets or netbooks.

Opening the back reveals the internal section for your kit. This is held in by velcro in three places and is completely removable so the bag can be used as a daypack if you don't need your camera equipment with you. Your kit can remain in the padded internal section making sure it is well protected. The internal section, which has two handles, also has two draw strings so it can be closed, offering further protection from the elements. The inserts are removable / adjustable so you can tailor the inside to fit your kit perfectly.



The bag is comfortable to wear, even when running, with padded areas on the back and on the straps. They have holes in to allow air to move round, which keeps the heat down, they are also covered in mesh to protect them from any damage. The straps each have a plastic clip and elastic loops to clip items on to. There are a couple of straps to go around your chest and waist to hold it firmly in place, these can be tucked away if you'd prefer not to use them (I have my own built-in padding and they didn't feel comfortable). By leaving the strap around your waist attached, it is possible to take the bag off your back, rotate it and access your kit without putting the bag down.


On the bottom of the bag is a pocket which keeps the all-weather (rain) cover. This covers the whole of the front and sides of the bag and is permanently attached so that it can't be lost. Tripods / monopods are held in place by two straps on the side, with two flaps covering it up, which are clipped in place, making it a secure attachment. The front of the bag has two adjustable rubber bands which could hold items such as a trekking pole.

On the opposite side of the bag there is a pocket for the hydration pack which also has a mesh pocket to hold accessories. This pocket zips up and there is another clip. On the top of the pocket is a hole for a straw from the hydration pack. You could alternatively use this pocket for an MP3 player, using the hole for the headphones. The hole does mean it is possible that water may get into the pocket, but this is only likely to happen in torrential rain.

Value for money

The Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW is available in orange and blue for £129.00. The 10L AW is available for £109.00. There doesn't appear to be many bags that are designed for sports, Lowepro also have the Photo Sport 200 AW for £159.95 Have a look at our complete guide to camera bags for more ideas of what's available.

Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Verdict

The Flipside Sport 15L AW is a fantastic bag from Lowepro and is great for the active photographer. It is lightweight and extremely comfortable, offering a whole host of features. There are plenty of great things to say about the bag, we couldn't find much we didn't like, even the bright orange colour looks great, but if it's too bright for you, it is available in a darker blue as well.

The Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW offers the active photographer an ideal way to carry their DSLR when out and about.

Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
Kit is well protected
Room for hydration reservoir
Can be converted into a daypack
Holds a tripod
Access to main area is secure
Straps are breathable
Can access gear without putting the bag on the floor

Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Cons

Just one pocket for accessories
Pocket for hydration pack may let in rain water

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Specifications

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