The ProTactic range from Lowepro is billed as rugged and modular, so as to be adaptable to any camera-carrying situation - and as any photographer knows, there are endless permutations of required kit, which is what makes the camera bag question essentially unanswerable! ProTactic's SlipLock system is evidently based on the Molle carry system used by the military and the pitch reflects that with terminology like 'Mission Critical!'
The basis of the whole system is the range of backpacks; the 350 AWII version is most likely to have mass appeal. Its 16-litre volume has a slim profile and is perfect for modern mirrorless cameras, and it can fit an attached 70-200mm combo quite easily (stowed vertically).
Internal dividers are endlessly configurable and the pack has four access points - left and right quick access, top-loader style (with a hard shell protector on top) and full back panel access. Laptop sleeve and various accessory pockets make for a comprehensive, but not earth-shattering picture so far.
But it's the attachment possibilities that make this an excellent pack. The optional lens exchange pouches and expandable toploader shoulder bag (one case for any length of lens!) work perfectly with the system, but what impressed us is how many attachment accessories are actually bundled with the pack itself.
First, the water bottle pocket; simple, yes, but to no longer have to worry about a bottle leaking inside with your kit is great (it also doubles as a lens pouch). The tripod cup is superbly minimal, there is a general purpose 'pouch,' and the 'QuickStraps' are really versatile - they can even carry skis.
The cherry on the cake though has to be the removable waist belt which doubles as a utility belt with myriad SlipLock attachment points of its own. If the military vibe isn't for you, surely the potential to feel like Batman appeals to everyone?! And it is a genuinely useful feature for certain circumstances.
The ProTactic BP 350 AWII is a touch on the small side (the 450 version might be a better fit for some pro photographers) but it is ideal - and comfortable - as a daypack for short hikes, and of course the attachment system is a brilliant way to expand capacity.
