Lowepro Classified 160 AW Review

By Jonathan Spira on 1 March 2010
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Finding the right gadget bag to carry a camera in is a matter of personal preference but there are several attributes that both amateur and professional photographers will agree on: 160 awthe bag must be lightweight, offer ample and adequate protection, be well-made, and not look as if an expensive camera were inside.  The aptly-named Lowepro Classified 160 AW meets all these criteria, which is why I feel comfortable toting my gear around in it.

Lowepro Classified AW camera bags are designed to conceal what’s inside, an expensive camera and accessories, while providing protection from the elements and rigors of travel.

The Classified’s main compartment provides fast access the bag’s contents and removable padding allows custom organization of the interior.  The built-in All Weather cover provides protection from the elements.  Small touches abound: the Camerakeeper shoulder strap prevents the camera strap from slipping; a removable memory card wallet holds up to six cards (not carrying multiple memory cards is akin to going out the door without extra film); an optional Sliplock accessory pouch mounts conveniently on the front; a built-in microfiber cloth protects LCD screens; and the bag itself expands by unzipping the gusset.

The 160 AW  is designed to hold a standard-sized digital SLR with an attached zoom lens as well as one to two additional lenses or a flash unit and includes a removable wallet that can hold six memory cards or other small items.  Important for the business traveler, it is fully collapsible and easy to pack.

I found the Classified 160 AW surprisingly light and the large main compartment was easy to access without taking the bag off my shoulder  The exterior nylon poly blend is good looking and weather resistant.  Most importantly, due to its unpretentious design, no one suspected what was inside the bag.

–Jonathan B. Spira is the Editor of Executive Road Warrior and Chief Analyst at Basex, a knowledge economy research firm.

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