As a ham radio operator, I’ve found that having the right gear and equipment is crucial for successful activations in parks and other outdoor locations. Recently, I repurposed my Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW camera bag, to become my go-to companion for carrying all my essential ham radio gear.
It is a beast of a bag, designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures while keeping your equipment safe and organized. And boy, does it deliver! With its ample waistband and shoulder straps, I’ve found that loaded to 23 pounds, it’s surprisingly comfortable to carry.
So, what exactly can you fit inside this beast? Here’s a list of the main contents:
- Yaesu FT-891 transceiver
- Antenna ( SOTABEAMS Band Hopper III; EARC HI End Fed HF Matchbox Antenna )
- ATU-100 EXT antenna tuner for the non-resonant end-fed antenna.
- Power supply ( 30Ah LiFePO4 battery )
- Android Phone with FT8CN and a Digirig DR-891 for digital modes
- Coax cable and connectors for antenna and power
- Logbook, and pencils for logs
What I love about the ProTactic 450 AW is its ability to distribute the weight evenly across my back. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, providing a comfortable fit even when loaded with all this gear. The waistband is also adjustable, allowing me to customize the fit to suit my body type.
The bag itself is made of durable nylon with water-resistant zippers and compartments to keep everything dry and organized. The main compartment has ample room for larger items like my transceiver and antenna, while smaller pockets and pouches accommodate cables, adapters, and other accessories. It contains a sleeve for a laptop, if you choose to carry one.
In addition to its impressive carrying capacity, the ProTactic 450 AW also features multiple attachment points for securing gear or accessories. This comes in handy if you choose to carry a telescoping antenna pole.
Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW camera bag. Its rugged design, comfortable carry system, and ample storage space have made it an indispensable companion for my ham radio activations in parks and woodlands. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting , this bag is well worth considering for your next activation.
Load Capacity: 45 liters
Weight: 2.4 pounds (empty), 22.6 pounds (loaded)
Dimensions: 24.8″ x 14.2″ x 10.2″
Try it out and see how it can help you carry all your ham radio gear with ease!
