In photography, technology has changed a lot over the last few decades but one simple fact remains - telling a great story has the power to resonate and inspire people across the globe.

My name is Rachid Dahnoun and I’m a photographer, director, founder of RSM Creative (my creative agency and production company), and I’ve been a Lowepro ambassador for over 15 years. Making a living behind the lens is a pretty rad profession riddled with risks, rewards, and everything in between. But I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Photography and storytelling has allowed me to experience and learn so much from this amazing planet and all the wonderful people that call it home.

ProTactic’s biggest strength is its adaptability. I can load this pack up for a host of different shoots and configurations depending on the type of kit I need. That flexibility is huge, especially when I’m traveling and don’t have the luxury of having multiple packs to pick from as the shooting situation changes. ProTactic allows me to seamlessly switch things up and focus on shooting, which is exactly what a great photo pack should do.

ProTactic’s biggest strength is its adaptability. I can load this pack up for a host of different shoots and configurations depending on the type of kit I need. That flexibility is huge, especially when I’m traveling and don’t have the luxury of having multiple packs to pick from as the shooting situation changes. ProTactic allows me to seamlessly switch things up and focus on shooting, which is exactly what a great photo pack should do.

WHAT’S NEW IN PROTACTIC III

The new third generation of ProTactic BP 450 AW III has a ton of new features that I’m really excited about.

Perhaps most importantly, the new ProTactic is now made of 86% of recycled fabric by weight. Sustainability is something that should be on everyone’s minds these days and it’s amazing to see Lowepro doing everything they can to reduce their impact on this beautiful planet of ours.

There are also a number of awesome new features on the pack, many of which I consider to be huge improvements from the last generation. Those new features include: a new water bottle pocket, new grab handles, an easily replaceable sternum strap, a new adaptive strap fit, all the dividers now have an all attachable surface.

Finally, I want to give a big shout out to Lowepro for listening to all the photographer feedback on the previous generation of ProTactic. All of the new updates and features in the third generation are the direct result of that feedback, yours and mine. We asked and they listened. Gotta love that!

MY ESSENTIAL GEAR SETUP

There’s so many different ways you can load up ProTactic but this is my main kit for most shoots. A lot of people are surprised to find out that I shoot most assignments with only 1 body, 3 lenses, and a drone. I’ll bring more bodies and glass if I need to, but I’ve always believed in a less-is-more approach. The lighter my kit, the more I can focus on creating.

My essential gear setup includes a Nikon Z8 Camera Body, which pairs with my Nikkor 16-30mm f4 S for wide-angle shots, a Nikkor 50mm f1.2 S for stunning portraits, and a Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 S for those distant captures. To manage lighting and reflections, I carry a Camera Filter Kit with CP and NDs. For aerial shots, I rely on the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Drone and its controller, along with extra drone batteries. I also pack extra camera batteries to ensure I never miss a shot. For stability, I use the Manfrotto Befree GT Carbon Fiber Tripod. And of course, I never forget a Water Bottle, Snacks, and a Headlamp for those long shoots in challenging environments.

I’ve trusted Lowepro to carry my gear across the globe for my entire professional career. Not once have I ever had one of their packs fail. So it’s no surprise to me that their latest edition of the ProTactic is built super tough, is exceptionally easy to work out of, and adapts to so many different types of shoots. That winning combination makes it an invaluable addition to my kit. Hat’s off to you Lowepro. You knocked it out of the park with this one.

Now get out there and tell a great story!

Rachid Dahnoun is a visual storyteller known for his award-winning images, including a cover for National Geographic’s Night Sky of North America. A Nikon 100 List honoree specializing in nighttime photography, his work has appeared in National Geographic and The New York Times. As a Lowepro Global Ambassador, he supports non-profits like the National Parks Conservation Association. Rachid leads RSM Creative and enjoys exploring the Sierra and Sonoma as an adventurer.