Lowepro celebrates 40 years by hugging bears

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, camera bag manufacturer Lowepro has announced the release of a backpack which allows you to both shoot and protect polar bears at the same time.

Polar bears celebrate the release of Lowepro's latest camera backpack
(Photo credit: Robert and Carolyn Buchanan)

On sale later this month, the AU$320 Lowepro Primus AW backpack is designed to be an "all weather" day pack and camera bag. In addition to helping photographers capture lasting images of the world's withering wilds, Lowepro will also donote a percentage of its revenue from the Primus AW to Polar Bears International -- a non-profit organisation which aims to ensure the survival of polar bears through research and education. Lowepro representatives were unable to specify an exact amount at the time of publication. Because the Primus AW consists of 51 percent recycled materials, Lowepro estimates it saves 15,600kJ of energy, 0.002 barrels of crude oil and 0.68 litres of refined oil per bag.

Like other Lowepro backpacks, the pack is split into two halves. The lower half of the pack is designed to house the camera and its accessories, while the upper half functions as a day pack. According to Lowepro, a digital SLR with a zoom lens attached, as well as a number of lenses and flashes should fit snugly into the Primus AW.

Lowepro Primus AW

Available in two colours -- arctic blue or black -- and equipped with an "all weather cover" and an ice-axe loop, it's little surprise that the Primus AW is targeted at photographers with an interest in the great outdoors.