Choosing the right camera backpack is crucial for any photographer on the go. It needs to protect your gear while offering convenient access. Lowepro’s Flipside series is renowned for its innovative back-access design, keeping your equipment secure and your front accessible. Today, we’re diving deep into a common dilemma for photographers: the Lowepro Flipside 200 vs 300.
Both bags offer excellent build quality and the signature Flipside security. However, subtle differences in size and capacity can make a big impact on your workflow. Whether you’re a minimalist shooter or carry a more extensive kit, understanding these distinctions is key to finding your perfect companion.
We’ll break down the key features, capacity, comfort, and overall usability of the Lowepro Flipside 200 AW II and the Lowepro Flipside 300 AW II. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which of these popular camera backpacks best suits your photographic adventures.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | lowepro flipside 200 | 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1-2 Pro DSLRs, 3-5 lenses, accessories | 1 Pro DSLR, 4-6 lenses, accessories |
| Laptop/Tablet Sleeve | No | Yes (up to 10″ tablet) |
| Internal Dimensions (W x D x H) | 9.8 x 6.3 x 17.3 in. (25 x 16 x 44 cm) | 10.2 x 6.7 x 18.1 in. (26 x 17 x 46 cm) |
| External Dimensions (W x D x H) | 11.4 x 9.1 x 19.3 in. (29 x 23 x 49 cm) | 11.8 x 9.4 x 20.5 in. (30 x 24 x 52 cm) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.18 kg) | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Back Access Design | Yes | Yes |
| Padded Waist Belt | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Shoulder Straps | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in All-Weather Cover | Yes | Yes |
| Water Bottle Pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Accessory Pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Attachment | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Capacity & Size
- Lowepro Flipside 200: This compact backpack is designed to hold a DSLR with a kit lens, an additional lens, and a few accessories. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for travel and light shooting days. However, it can feel cramped if you carry more than the essentials.
- 300: The Flipside 300 offers a larger internal capacity, capable of fitting a DSLR with a larger lens attached, two additional lenses, and more accessories like flashes or filters. It’s a good option for those who need to carry a bit more gear without resorting to a much larger pack. It can be a bit bulkier for very tight spaces.
- Winner: 300
Access System
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Features Lowepro’s signature “flipside” back-entry system, which keeps your gear secure and protected from the elements and potential thieves while worn. Accessing your gear requires removing the backpack and rotating it around. This can be a bit inconvenient when you need quick access.
- 300: Also utilizes the flipside back-entry system, offering the same security benefits. The larger size might make the rotation slightly more cumbersome for some users. The core functionality and security remain the same.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort & Ergonomics
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Boasts a padded and adjustable harness system with a sternum strap for comfortable carrying. The back panel is designed for breathability. Its lighter weight contributes to overall comfort for shorter excursions.
- 300: Features a similar padded and adjustable harness with a sternum strap, along with a more substantial waist belt for better weight distribution. The extra padding and support are noticeable, especially when carrying heavier loads. This can make it more comfortable for longer periods.
- Winner: 300
Organization & Dividers
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Comes with customizable padded dividers to arrange your camera body, lenses, and accessories. The internal space is well-utilized for its size. While adequate, the limited space can restrict complex organizational setups.
- 300: Offers more internal space and a greater number of customizable dividers, allowing for more intricate organization of multiple lenses, flashes, and other gear. The larger compartment provides more flexibility for fitting larger items.
- Winner: 300
Durability & Materials
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Constructed with durable, water-resistant materials and robust zippers. Lowepro is known for its quality construction. It holds up well to regular use and moderate weather conditions.
- 300: Built with the same high-quality, durable, and water-resistant materials as the 200, ensuring longevity and protection for your gear. The slightly larger size means more material, but the overall build quality is consistent.
- Winner: Tie
External Pockets & Attachment Points
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Includes a few external pockets, typically a stretch mesh pocket for a water bottle and a zippered accessory pocket. Minimal external attachment points.
- 300: Generally features more external pockets, including dedicated compartments for accessories and often a larger stretch pocket for a water bottle. May also include additional loops or straps for attaching tripods or other gear externally.
- Winner: 300
Weather Protection
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Made with water-resistant fabric and includes a built-in All Weather AW Cover for added protection against rain and dust. The back-entry design also inherently protects gear from the elements when worn.
- 300: Also features water-resistant materials and the integrated All Weather AW Cover for superior weatherproofing. The robust construction and back-entry design provide excellent protection for your equipment in various conditions.
- Winner: Tie
Weight & Portability
- Lowepro Flipside 200: Being the smaller of the two, it’s significantly lighter, making it easier to carry for extended periods or when you’re trying to pack light. Its compact size is also a major advantage for navigating crowded spaces.
- 300: Naturally, it’s heavier than the 200 due to its larger size and capacity. While still designed to be a comfortable backpack, the added weight can be noticeable on longer treks, especially when fully loaded.
- Winner: 200
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 300 |
| Tablet/Laptop Storage | 300 |
| Compactness & Weight | lowepro flipside 200 |
| Security Features | Tie |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Durability | Tie |
| Overall Value | Depends on Needs |
What They Have in Common
- Back-Entry Design: Both bags feature a unique back-entry design that provides enhanced security for your gear, as it can only be accessed when the bag is off your shoulders. This also means your harness and shoulder straps stay clean and free from dirt and debris.
- Comfortable Harness System: Each backpack is equipped with a well-padded and adjustable harness system, including shoulder straps and a sternum strap, designed to distribute weight evenly for comfortable carrying, even on longer shoots.
- Durable Construction: Both models are built with high-quality, durable materials and feature robust zippers and stitching to withstand the rigors of outdoor photography and travel.
- Integrated All-Weather Cover: A built-in, deployable all-weather cover is included on both the Flipside 200 and 300, offering protection from rain, dust, and other elements.
- Tripod Attachment: Both bags provide a dedicated strap system for securely attaching a tripod to the exterior of the backpack, making it convenient to carry your support gear.
- Multiple Accessory Pockets: You’ll find various pockets and compartments on both bags designed for organizing smaller accessories like batteries, memory cards, filters, and cleaning cloths.
Lowepro Flipside 200 Vs 300 Buying Guide
Capacity and Gear Fit
The primary differentiator between the Flipside 200 and 300 lies in their internal volume. The Flipside 200 is designed for mirrorless cameras or smaller DSLRs with a couple of lenses and accessories. It’s a more compact option for photographers who travel light or prioritize portability. The Flipside 300, on the other hand, offers significantly more space, comfortably accommodating a larger DSLR body with a battery grip, a longer telephoto lens, and additional lenses or accessories. Consider the size and quantity of your camera gear when making your choice. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Comfort and Ergonomics
Both backpacks share Lowepro’s signature “Flipside” design, which means the main compartment opens away from your body, offering enhanced security against theft when worn. The padded shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap on both models contribute to comfortable carrying. However, the Flipside 300, due to its larger capacity, might feel slightly bulkier when fully loaded. If you plan on carrying a substantial amount of gear for extended periods, the extra padding and potentially better weight distribution of the 300 might be beneficial, although the 200 remains very comfortable for its intended use.
Accessibility and Organization
The Flipside system provides excellent security and allows you to lay the pack flat to access your gear without fully removing it. Both models feature a dedicated laptop/tablet compartment, though the size of this compartment may differ. The main camera compartment in both is highly customizable with adjustable dividers, allowing you to configure the interior to suit your specific equipment. The Flipside 300’s larger size naturally translates to more organizational pockets and potential space for smaller accessories like filters, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Durability and Weather Protection
Lowepro is known for its robust construction, and both the Flipside 200 and 300 are built to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor use. They are typically made from durable, water-resistant materials and often come with an integrated All Weather AW Cover for added protection against heavy rain and dust. While both offer excellent protection, the larger surface area of the Flipside 300 might make it slightly more susceptible to scuffs and abrasions if treated roughly. However, for everyday use and moderate weather conditions, both are highly reliable. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy lowepro flipside 200 If…
- You primarily shoot with a compact DSLR or mirrorless camera system.
- You need to carry 1-2 camera bodies and a moderate number of lenses.
- Space for a tablet is not a priority for your workflow.
- You are looking for a more compact and lightweight option for day trips or travel.
Buy 300 If…
- You carry a larger professional DSLR or a camera with a battery grip.
- You need to accommodate 4-6 lenses, including larger telephoto zooms.
- You want the convenience of carrying a tablet (up to 10 inches) securely within the bag.
- You prefer a slightly larger capacity for extended photography sessions or travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Flipside 200 and 300?
The primary distinction lies in their internal capacity. The Flipside 200 is a more compact backpack suitable for mirrorless or smaller DSLR setups with limited lenses. The Flipside 300 offers significantly more space, capable of holding a larger DSLR with a battery grip, a telephoto lens, and additional gear. This difference in size impacts the amount of equipment each can carry and their overall dimensions.
Can a full-frame DSLR fit in the Flipside 200?
A full-frame DSLR might fit in the Flipside 200, but it would likely be a tight squeeze, especially with a larger lens attached. It’s better suited for smaller mirrorless cameras or crop-sensor DSLRs. For a full-frame DSLR and multiple lenses, the Flipside 300 would provide a much more comfortable and secure fit, preventing undue pressure on the gear.
Which backpack is better for travel photography?
For extensive travel with a considerable amount of gear, the Flipside 300 is generally the better choice due to its larger capacity and ability to comfortably house more equipment. However, if you prioritize a minimalist approach and only carry essential items, the Flipside 200 offers superior portability and a smaller footprint, which can be advantageous on crowded flights or during long treks. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Does the Flipside 300 have a dedicated laptop compartment?
Yes, the Lowepro Flipside 300 typically includes a dedicated padded compartment designed to hold a laptop or tablet. The exact size of this compartment can vary slightly depending on the specific revision of the backpack, but it’s generally designed to accommodate most standard-sized laptops or tablets suitable for photography workflows.
Is the Flipside design secure for walking through crowds?
Absolutely. The defining feature of the Flipside series is its unique back-opening design. This means the main compartment only opens when the backpack is off your body and laid on its front. When worn, the access is against your back, making it extremely difficult for pickpockets to access your gear unnoticed, providing excellent security in busy environments.
Final Verdict
Both the Lowepro Flipside 200 and 300 are excellent camera backpacks offering superior security and accessibility through their innovative design. The Flipside 200 is ideal for photographers prioritizing portability and carrying a smaller kit, such as mirrorless or compact DSLR setups. However, for those who need to carry more substantial gear, including larger DSLRs, multiple lenses, and accessories, the Flipside 300 provides the necessary space and organization without sacrificing comfort or the signature Flipside security. The choice ultimately depends on your specific gear needs and travel style.
Winner: Lowepro Flipside 300