Lowepro Orion AW Belt Pack

I'm giving this bag a "3" which I feel is pretty low just because I don't think it works well as designed. It is a pretty good and unique idea, but it's not my choice. The camera (lower) portion holds a good amount of gear, and the addition of the day pack on top is very handy. Problem is, the two pieces don't fit too well together and the bottom doesn't carry well as a waist pack because of the size. It's very well made like all LowePro bags I've used, and very versitle. I can carry an SLR with several lenses including an 80-200 f2.8. It also works well for a small medium format system. I usually use the bottom section only, as a shoulder bag. I'd like to see a bag like this with the two sections permanently joined. This design would work better for me than the other Orion, even though it would not have an AW cover unless the cover would fit over the whole pack, not just the bottom camera section where it would be needed.

Well made, versitle and adjustable. Half day pack, half camera bag is very handy on a lot of trips when you need to carry more than just photo equipment, like a jacket, etc.

The two halves don't work well together. The shoulder straps on the day pack attach through D-rings on the bottom section, so they're held together well only when carried on your back. LowePro recommends only carrying it with the waist belt, and it can't be carried by one strap (which would be useful for moving a short distance). Doesn't hold a large SLR camera body.

LowePro Photo Trekker II, several other LowePro, Domke, Tenba and Tamrac bags (member, camera bag of the month club).

Not needed, very well made.

This is a fantastic bag. I just came back from a one week cruise to Alaska. The AW feature was invaluable. It rains about 66% of the time in Alaska and our trip was no different. 2 of 3 ports were raining the entire day. I simply pulled out the built in rain coat and covered the bag. My equipment stayed nice and dry. The space in the bag was also generous. I was able to hold my F100, 20-35 F2.8, 80-200 2.8, SB-80, 50 F1.8 with room to spare for filters and film. I found you have to use the shoulder strap in conjunction with the waist belt. This combination is fantastic. Using just the waist belt by itself is not good enough as the whole thing drags and hangs off your butt. The backpack attachment when used with the belt pack is extremely comfortable. I never hauled this much stuff around with me before, but I couldn't believe how comfy it was after walking around the entire day. The backpack although small is still plenty good enough to keep my raincoat, film, first aid kit, sunglasses, maps, etc.

Size, comfort, capabilities as a belt pack during the day and then combining with the backpack for carrying the other essential non-photographical equipment.

Can't be used as just a belt pack as it "hangs" too much.

Most lowe pro bags.

None

This bag trys to be everything to everybody. Not that that is a bad thing, but it is virtually impossible to do. I find it to be very versatile and it holds a lot of stuff! The downside of course is that it is big and bulky. My solution to this is that I use this bag as a main storage bag and something to take on vacation but combine it with a Lowepro Top Load Zoom 2 which I use to take on day trips. When needed, the backpack portion of this bag can be opened up for storage of your non-photography essentials (lunch, water, light jacket, etc.). This top compartment is not padded, however (to save on bulk) so it's not suitable for fragile items. You can carry the bag around the waist, on your back, or over the shoulder using the padded shoulder strap. With a full load I can imagine that the waist belt - although it has padded "bat wings" - would get awkward or uncomfortable, so you probably need to lighten the load, convert it to a daypack so you can wear it on your back, or carry it over the shoulder. I also like the weather protection features to protect my equipment when needed. I did a lot of research before buying this bag and feel like it suits my needs very well. As one other reviewer noted, there are several "Orion" models - a belt pack, a permanent day pack, and this one (convertable belt/day pack). In addition, the old style Orion AW is different - it's smaller, which may be good for some.

Quality construction. Carries a lot! Very versatile. Well padded. All weather protection.

Bulky. Somewhat expensive - so shop around.

No-name gadget bags (over shoulder types). Lowepro Nova 4.

Not needed.

The Orion AW is a waist bag. I do not recommend wearing it fully loaded and/or on a routine basis. When loaded, it's not very comfortable on the waist. But, I can't tolerate that much weight on a shoulder for long periods of time, either. I wear it on my waist when the body and a lens are out, in use, to keep my other gear safe and handy during a shooting event. The bag can be used with the included shoulder strap (the waist strap can be concealed), or toted by the handle strap. The construction is sturdy. I configured the bag for EOS gear. It holds a 35-350L and 70-200/4L with hoods reversed, 24-85 USM with hood in working position (and below that, the 1.4x, beneath a padded flap), a HUGE D2000 body, 420EX, and spare camera battery. There are 4 pockets for other junk. I did not use 2 included dividers with bendover flaps (for putting body/lens combo lens down; not space efficient), or 2 smaller dividers. The 2 L lens slots also hold 135L and 28-70L (hoods in working position), and others, I'm sure. Lowepro's AW bags contain hidden rain covers. This one's at the bottom of the center/logo pocket. There are tripod straps at the bottom, which also tuck away. Here's what I don't like: The bag also includes an upper backpack attachment, which I don't find very practical, and which I would rather not have paid for. Be careful when shopping. Lowepro's bag line and names are confusing. Their Orion waist bag (no backpack option) is NOT the same, and is not deep enough. Their Orion Trekker backpack is NOT the same. And, there was an older Orion AW (with backpack option) that was not deep enough for the L lenses.

Well made. Good strap and padding options included.

It's hard to get best use out of a kidney shaped bag. You must experiment. Stowing camera with attached lens is not practical. No option to purchase without the goofy backpack attachment. Lost a rating star for that.

Original, waist bag, predecessor to the Orion I... back when it was "Lowe-Pro," rather than Lowepro.

Had a Lowepro bag worked on years ago, via lifetime warranty. Good service.

WOW! I just took this bag skiing with me a few days ago, and I am very impressed. It holds my N80+MB-16, Tokina 28-80, Tamron 70-300 and a 500 f8 mirror tele, plus the daypack filled up with all manner of other things (clothes, etc). I would never have guessed I had so much gear in there it was so comfortable. I highly recomend this pack!

Big but doesn't feel like it (with shoulder strap), awesome design

Too big to be used as a belt pack by itself.

Tamrac Zoom Traveler