Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III hiking camera backpack with side access (Grey)

The essentials for adventure days

If you shoot mirrorless on trails, commuting days, or travel, the Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III is built around one idea: keep your kit organised and reachable while you’re moving. It’s a hiking camera backpack with a top-loading main space, plus side access designed to help you get to your camera insert without unpacking everything.

On paper, it sits in a practical mid-pack category: not the biggest backpack you can buy, but also not a minimalist daypack. The 24L size and lightweight, weather-resistant approach suggest it’s aimed at day outings where you want mobility and quick access, rather than carrying a full studio load.

Where it stands out (and what you’ll notice)

The most convincing bit here is the combination of a removable camera insert and the side access. That matters because it changes how you live with the bag. Instead of treating the backpack like a locked equipment case, it’s closer to a hybrid: you can reach the camera via the side opening, then use the top compartment for outdoor essentials.

It also includes attachment points for a tripod and hiking poles, which is exactly the sort of detail that feels small until you’re on a route and you don’t want to compromise your carry. Add the Accessory Strap System and you get a few ways to lash in extra bits (for example, keeping things stable while you hike).

And yes, comfort is part of the pitch. The ActivZone harness system is described as aimed at targeted comfort, which is the right direction for long walks—though how much it suits you depends on your own torso length and how you pack it.

Modular carry for camera + “everything else”

This backpack isn’t just “camera storage in a bag”. It uses a modular approach: the camera insert is removable, and the strap system is meant to support different carrying configurations for phone, camera and accessory boxes.

A useful micro-scenario: imagine you’re halfway through a woodland hike, you’ve stopped for a shot, and you don’t want to open the top compartment and reshuffle. Side access is there for that moment—grab, shoot, then head off again with less fuss.

Worth noting: this kind of modular setup can take a bit of tinkering at home, mainly because the best layout depends on your exact lenses and what you choose to carry that day.

Camera insert compatibility: built around Sony α7 mirrorless (full frame CSC)

The included removable camera insert is stated to hold a Full Frame CSC and be compatible with Sony α7 series. The description also points to a typical configuration such as a 24-70 f/2.8 plus one extra lens, and it mentions drone compatibility with the Mavic Pro 2.

If you shoot with a Sony α7-series body and lenses in that general size range, the concept should feel purpose-made. If your kit is much larger, unusually shaped, or you use multiple long primes, you may find the bag’s internal room is more limiting than you expect—because the 24L format has to make trade-offs.

Weather-resistant, lighter materials, and sustainability angle

Lowepro highlights that 75% of the fabric is made from recycled materials (with some blends of recycled and virgin yarns, and some fully recycled). On top of that, the materials are described as lightweight and resistant.

That combination usually appeals to people who want less bulk in the pack while still keeping confidence in mixed outdoor conditions. Still, “resistant” isn’t the same as waterproof—if you regularly shoot in heavy rain for hours, you’ll want to think about your rain strategy (e.g., bag cover or personal protection) rather than assuming total protection.

Who it’s for, and who should skip it

It makes sense if: - You want a day-hike camera backpack that keeps your mirrorless kit accessible via side access - You like a modular setup where the camera insert can come out, so the bag can do more than one job - You carry a tripod and hiking poles often enough to value the attachment points - You’re travelling with a relatively compact mirrorless setup (Sony α7 series is explicitly covered)

You may want to skip it if: - You need a larger bag for bigger camera bodies or a lot of extra lenses and accessories - You’re expecting a fully waterproof solution rather than weather-resistant materials - You prefer purely top-loading access (side access is a key part of how this one is meant to work)

Final verdict

If you’re buying for adventure photography with a Sony α7 mirrorless setup, the Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III looks like a sensible, purpose-led choice: side access, a removable camera insert, and a trail-friendly carry system all point to day trips where you don’t want to baby your kit. It’s not aiming to be an all-day, every-possible-setup bag, so if your kit is bigger or you want maximum space, it may feel a bit tight. But for lightweight mobility with quick camera access, it’s the kind of backpack that can earn its place quickly once you’ve sorted your layout.

Mini FAQ

Is the camera insert removable?

Yes. The design includes a removable camera insert integrated with photo side access.

Is it only for Sony cameras?

The description states compatibility with Sony α7 series (full frame CSC). If your mirrorless system falls outside that, you’ll want to double-check whether your specific body and lens sizes suit the insert.

Does it have room for outdoor essentials?

It uses a top-loading compartment for outdoor essentials, separate from the camera insert.

Can I attach a tripod or hiking poles?

There are attachment points described for a tripod and hiking poles.

Does it work for drones?

The description mentions drone compatibility with the Mavic Pro 2.