Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Review Round-Up
The Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack, like all the other Lowepro I’ve used to date, is a very good quality case. I ordered this backpack prior to a trip where I required two carry-on sized backpacks. A new Lowepro feature found on the Vertex packs are Glide-Locks. Glide-Locks slide up and down over a nylon-covered piping on both sides and hook-and-loop attach into place. An adjustable strap and buckle grip the tripod. I like the new strap more than the Trekker II straps, but “glide” does not accurately define the hard-to-adjust Glide-Locks. Most likely, you will position them one time and not worry about them again – and in this case, there is no problem. Like many of Lowepro’s camera backpacks, the Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack includes an attached rain cover that elastic-grips around the pack (shown above right). The rain cover stores in a hook-and-loop closed, thin pouch under the pack. ? ?One feature that distinguishes the Lowepro Vertex series from the Lowepro Trekker II series is the padded notebook computer compartment. I sometimes use the zippered compartment on the main Trekker II lids (where the daypack can be stored) for notebook transport (inside a padded sleeve), but the Vertex notebook compartment is a nicer solution if you plan to have the notebook with you most of the time. The size of the 2″ thick notebook storage area varies (mostly in height) across the Vertex line. The Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack very comfortably carries my current Dell Latitude D630 notebook. The main storage compartment lid obviously becomes heavier with a notebook computer stored in it – care should be exercised when opening it. The computer is in a padded section, but you still do not want to subject it to the unnecessary impact of dropping the lid open. If you have used any of Lowepro’s SLR cases, you will not find any surprises in the quality of the Vertex 200 construction. The pads, zippers and zipper pulls are very nice. Provided padding is very protective and the pack is very functional. A handful of Lowepro Slip Lock attachments are provided for additional modular storage. So, there is little to not like about the Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack. READ FULL REVIEW AT DIGITAL PICTURE
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Get information and user reviews for this bag at Amazon: Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack
Most of us won’t ever get an assignment from National Geographic, but this huge, rugged, well-built khaki bag will hold enough gear for self-styled photo treks to slot canyons or the Serengeti. It has a dedicate laptop slot, and its top and bottom compartments can be joined by unzipping the divider panel to haul seriously long glass. In a category in which ballistic nylon is the standard, these safari-style bags stand out from the pack. 
This big, rugged bag can accommodate lots of big gear, including both a 17-inch laptop and a 400mm f/2.8 supertele. That space and weatherproof construction make it a good choice for hardcore sports and adventure photographers, and photojournalists too. The new Vertex even features silent zippers, for times when even the slightest noise might spook a skittish wildlife subject, set off an avalanche, or annoy a VIP on the podium. 
Backpacking to a remote location to get the pictures you want can be hungry and thirsty work, and that’s why you’d be wise to carry your gear in this new model from M-Rock. It holds a small laptop, D-SLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 (or similar size) lens, some compact zooms, and accessories — with room left over for water. A flat 200ml water pouch with a drinking tube is incorporated into the bag, making it easier for you to stay hydrated while hiking. And when you get hungry, you don’t even have to take off the bag; just get your sandwich out of the Extreme Zion’s integrated lunch cooler. If you want to haul more gear and less food, just pop the cooler out. About $150. 
The Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW is currently the smallest of the Slingshot models. Characteristic of a sling type of case is the single padded and liberally adjustable shoulder strap that goes over the head and hangs on a shoulder. The Slingshots are designed to hang from the right shoulder. An additional strap and clip under the right arm optionally secure the case while it is in the on-the-back position. A handle is provided for carrying the Slingshot off-the-shoulder. The AW portion of the product name refers to the “All Weather” protection provided by a just-the-right-size rain jacket stored under the padded section of the back of the case and held in place by hook-and-loop fastener. Pull it out when needed. The rain jacket is of course for the case – not you. ? ?The Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW pads and the case itself are very protective – very typical for Lowepro gear. Quality construction is also typical Lowepro. The external material is a strong, durable Nylon. The case itself is very light. ? ?The Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW is comfortable to carry even when fully loaded (the small size does not allow a too-burdensome load to be created). Your back is treated to a thick pad that very adequately insulates your body from the camera body. The small case size makes it easy to navigate forests and crowds of people while wearing the pack. Accessing the camera is fast and easy – the case works as designed. There is not much room for fingers to hook onto the grip of the 30D body with the lid only partially opened (as is typical for quick access in the field). I didn’t find this to be a big problem, but a little more room would be welcomed and would make access easier for a 20D/30D/40D class DSLR. 