My new Lowepro CompuPrimus AW arrived today. I’ve got it packed with gear and it looks like this will be a keeper. If you know me, you know I’ve said this before… 
I’ve been using the original Primus AW for a little over a year and it is the first Lowepro backpack that I can say I’ve been truly happy with. Now, this is really saying something considering my premier status as a certified bag-a-holic. It is comfortable, even fully loaded for all-day hiking and its features are perfect for trail use – quick, side access, top compartment for gear, hydration bladder pocket, tripod attachment, etc. I’ve tried many, many bags and backpacks over the years and Lowepro is finally creating products for serious hiker/photographers. Kudos to them!
My only want when using the Primus AW was a little more space and a convenient way to carry a laptop computer when traveling/flying (Although this was definitely a lower priority, and I have a barely used Lowepro Fastpack 350 for travel). Enter the CompuPrimus AW!
If the Primus was a medium, the CompuPrimus is a large. Both interior and exterior dimensions are larger. The harness and hip belt are also thicker and wider. Just like the Primus, this is a comfortable pack! Yea! The side access zippered flap is also larger. And the rear hatch is now large enough to carry a 15″ laptop in the provided padded case. When hiking this will be perfect for a hydration bladder along with rain or extra cold gear. The top section of the pack is considerably larger and will be great for extra lenses in their individual padded cases (70-200 f/4 L and lots more room) and/or plenty more hiking gear (lunch, survival kit, etc.). The lower padded section houses my Canon 30D nicely and has room to spare. This is convenient, since my Canon 30D will soon be replaced with a Canon 5D mkII. Also stored in the lower section is a Canon 24mm f/3.5 L TS-E, a Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro DX, a few filters, remote switch, bubble level and extra battery. And this leaves a slot big enough for another lens (Hmmm, I wonder what I can find to fill that? A 45mm TS-E perhaps?).
I’m very happy with my purchase. It looks like the CompuPrimus will fit my needs perfectly (for now). I’m excited to get this on the trail for a real test drive. I’ll report back when I do…
