New messenger-style bag reminiscent of durable, yet soft canvas bag with the abrasion and moisture resistance of a custom-milled performance fabric

(Petaluma, CA, and PhotoPlus Expo Booth #1119, October 27, 2011) -- Lowepro, the leading brand of protective gear for photography equipment and portable electronic devices, introduces its new, soft-sided professional series of photo bags, the Pro Messenger AW. Its low-key, discreet style and flexible workflow features makes it an ideal carrying solution for pro photographers who shoot news and events in urban and/or crowd-filled settings.

“We used the phrase ‘when everything feels right’ as inspiration for the design of our new Pro Messenger AW series,” said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro, director of marketing and product management. “This bag combines an appealing aesthetic with helpful details. For instance, it has the soft feel of classic canvas, yet it’s made of modern performance fabric. It conforms to your body and sits nicely at the hip, but it’s roomy enough to topload a pro body with grip and an attached 70-200mm lens—and still have space for extra gear.”

The Pro Messenger AW gets its subtle and supple look and feel from Lowepro’s custom-milled fabric. Reminiscent of durable canvas, the fabric is woven of a polyester base and treated for colorfastness and moisture and abrasion resistance.

Along with its discreet appearance, this bag helps pro photographers blend into their environments thanks to the innovative FlexFlap Design™. The full-sized, messenger-style flap may be folded half way with hook/loop silencers to access gear in a quiet and quick mode. When the flap is unfolded and re-attached to the fasteners, it provides maximum security as shooters move from one location to the next.

The Pro Messenger AW is built to fit pro-sized gear. Each of the three sizes is highly configurable with deep and roomy main compartments outfitted with Lowepro’s padded and adjustable divider system. Depending on the shooting scenario, a photographer can organize camera bodies, lenses, flashes and smaller accessories within the main compartment, front pocket and zippered storage pocket.

A dual-purpose pocket on the back serves as ideal storage space for documents, tickets or even a tablet-style computer in the two larger models. With a simple unzipping, the pocket transfoms to a convenient trolley sleeve for travel via a Lowepro camera roller or other luggage with a retractable handle.

Additional features include: Lowepro’s patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from the elements; interior flash compartments with covered battery pockets; an interior see-through ID/business card pocket; a thickly padded shoulder strap for long-wearing comfort; a camera strap keeper on shoulder strap; a removable and adjustable webbing handle; two SlipLock™ attachment loops to expand capacity; and two, gusseted side pockets for extra gear or personal items.

The Pro Messenger AW series is available in three sizes in a neutral slate grey: Pro Messenger 200 AW, Pro Messenger 180 AW and Pro Messenger 160 AW. For more information on this series and other products, please contact Lowepro or visit www.lowepro.com