Description:The compact lightweight design of the Flipside 300 backpack lets you carry your pro digital SLR without worry. The unique back compartment entry gives you safe easy access to camera gear when you’re setting up plus extra security when you’re on the move. Outer storage panels keep digital accessories and personal items close at handLowepro''s Flipside bags come in two sizes with the larger 300 that we used for this review recommended for larger semi-pro and pro-sized DSLRs with battery grips. In both cases the Flipside has a slightly tall narrow profile but given its capacity even the 300 is surprisingly compact measuring less than 18 inches tall.I find the look of the Flipside''s zipperless front appealing. Stylistically the bag more closely resembles a daypack or small outdoor pack than a photo bag adding to the security benefits for those hauling around equipment with four- and five-digit total price tags. In Use:On-shoulder the Flipside''s heavy-duty straps offer an appropriate amount of padding for a bag of this capacity. I found the Flipside comfortable enough for all-day wear. A large single handle with a rubber grip insert made carrying the bag off-shoulder equally easy and comfortable. Conversely the back pad while nicely cushioned doesn''t provide much in the way of breathability – not a big deal in February but I''m betting that it would be a different story on an August afternoon.As a conventional backpack the Flipside is for all intents and purposes just as easy and convenient to use as any other similar gear hauler. Depending on how it''s loaded the bag does an acceptable job of sitting upright on its flat padded base making it easy enough to work out of when placed on the ground. The tripod loop and foot holder work nicely as well but if you need to lay the bag down for access removing the tripod is almost a prerequisite – with a tripod mounted the Flipside wants to rock when rested on its front and won''t sit upright because the foot holder hangs down below the base. Still it''s generally no worse in use than conventional backpacks and seems to be better thought out than many.Where the Flipside really excels however is with its slightly ridiculous looking but highly functional on-body "platform" concept. Getting the bag off your shoulders and into working position is easy: fasten the waist belt slip the bag off your shoulders and rotate it around until it''s in front of you. Supported by the belt the bag flips down until its flat base rests against your leg. Unzip the access panel and you''re ready to shoot. With this quick change feature the Flipside provides the ease of use of a belt pack system with the comfortable wearability of a backpack.Because the bag rests against your leg in this position the Flipside provides enough support and stability to work comfortably for short periods even with a heavy kit. After some divider reconfiguration I gave the system a try with a weighty medium-format film body and several lenses. Even with this gear combination the Flipside worked alright in limited use though using the bag in belt-pack position for hours with any setup will likely become tiresome. The issue in this case has to do with the design of the waist belt: I found the thin webbing straps here not in keeping with the comfort and quality seen in the rest of the bag. A nice wide belt like the ones from Lowepro''s belt pack systems would be an ideal upgrade for the next-generation Flipside.So long as you''re able to limit your working time in belt-pack position however the Flipside is relatively flawless for real world shooting.