Lowepro Inverse 200 AW Camera Beltpack (Black)

I have gone through many camera bags to finally find my perfect match. Everyone has different needs and preferences, so my perfect bag may not be yours, but here are my observations.1. I first passed this bag over because it looked huge in the photos. I'm a skinny 5'7 female and didn't want something that looked huge on me. After receiving it though, I am pleased with the size in proportion to my body. The width works well and doesn't stick out past my hips. The depth is a necessary evil as I feel it sticks out a bit more than I'd like but I don't think I could go any more narrow and still fit my full frame Nikon dSLR.2. Main compartment opening-- I had ordered and returned 2 other bags before this one (a Tamrac sling and a moutainsmith hip pack) and I felt like I was forcing the camera into the opening due to the u shaped lid. The double zip opening on this bag makes my camera easily accessible and I don't feel like I have to shove it past a bunch of padding first.3. Hip bag style. I was original looking for a hip pack as I sometimes carry a small child in a carrier (front or back) and wanted my shoulders free. I had a mountainsmith hip pack (non camera style) that I used for several years that I loved as the weight is supported off my shoulders onto my hips (much better for my neck as well as much cooler in the summer heat). There really isn't much out there with a hip pack design, but this one is a great design. The hip belt is very well padded and fits snuggly on my waist. I wish the shoulder strap (also very well padded) connected a little differently, but the way it's designed allows open access to the main compartment and keeps your pack from flopping around if needed. I probably won't use it much, but I can see the usefulness of it.3. Space. The design of this bag makes everything visible and you don't have to layer your lenses. I currently own a Nikon d750 with an 85mm 1.8 and a 50mm 1.4. Both can fit attached to the camera and stowed with plenty of room for another lens or flash. The front pocket expands so it will stick out further from your body but allows for more wiggle room.When I pulled this bag out, I thought, finally! Lowepro is also very durable (I've owned them before) and am excited to use this bag for years to come!

Reading other reviews of this bag, I almost didn't buy it. But I am very happy that I did.Because of one review I read, I was concerned that it would "flop" open. Or that it would be "huge".... or too small. The one reviewer that said their gear looked like it might fall out everytime they bent over.... all I can think is that they must have been doing weird yoga moves because I find that the bag does nothing of the sort. Things are very secure in this bag.And, as far as the size....... Well, I guess I'm Goldylocks.... because this bag is JUST THE RIGHT SIZE! I wanted something to carry a few of my photographic needs for extended walks, hikes, short trips, etc. I like lumbar bags or as some call them "fanny packs" because your equipment is so very very much more accessable than in a back pack. I often wear the thing in front and everything is immediatly accessable. This bag is just the right size. You don't want to load any bag with so much gear that it weighs you down. And, the belt can be tucked in and you can use it as a small shoulder bag with the shoulder strap. Or you can carry it as a small hand bag by the hand straps if that's what you prefer. If I'm going to do a big photo shoot and I want all of my gear, I take a much larger bag that holds all of my lenses (I have 7) and all of my accessories etc..I find that in the Inverse 200AW I can carry my D300, a few filters, lense cleaning gear, my two do almost anything lenses: 70-300 and my 16-55, several memory storage cards, a tripod clamp, and a few small accessories ....with plenty of room to spare for a light wind breaker and I can clip a water bottle on the outside. or stick a small one in one of the mesh pockets)I think the Inverse 100 would be more appropriate for a one lens carry or a point and shoot camera bag.I like all the features of this bag. The built in rain cover, the outside pocket, shoulder strap, etc to name a few.It is very well built and thought out. I would definently buy this bag again.