Anyone have lowepro fastpack 200 (or any in that series?)

[aripantaloon]

I'm looking for a camera backpack for my Nikon D80 with one lens attached (18-135) that will also function as a diaper bag for my 1 year-old.

My DH doesn't want me to take my Nikon with me to Disney because he doesn't want to lug it around. The only other camera we have is an old Sony 5 mp that has a horrible shutter delay, no battery life, etc. No thanks. Despite the fact that we are taking a stroller with a basket and planning on renting a locker for emergency changes of clothes, he doesn't want us to have tons of bags. SO, in an effort to try to be nice and go with his request, I'm researching camera backpacks that have room for personal items.

I haven't found any in person to look at, so if anyone has a lowepro fastpack 200 and can comment on the capacity of the upper compartment and what will be leftover in the lower compartment if I just carry 1 camera and no extra lenses or flashes, I'd appreciate it. We will need to bring a sippy, diapers, wipes, a small blanket, sunscreens, and some other small items.

 

[rhiansmom]

I have the 350 and it's pretty big. We used it last week at Disney and it carried a lot of non camera stuff. The upper portion was big enough to carry a couple water bottles, an autograph book and a change of clothes for DD (she is 8 so bigger clothing) we also used the part where the laptop goes for carrying items like her mouse ears and whatever was purchased during the day.

If you are only taking 1 or 2 lenses the bottom part could also store necessities.

 

[aripantaloon]

Is the 350 a bit unweildy if you don't fill it up? I wasn't looking at the 250 and 350 since they also have the laptop compartment, but that would solve the issue of what to put our laptop in on the plane. I just wish I could find a local retailer that carries the darn things so I can get a look at them to gauge the size comparison.

 

[rhiansmom]

Well my laptop is 17" so it was the only choice I could go with.. when I first opened it couldn't belive how big it was but once I had my stuff inside and put it on my back it didn't feel so big.

 

[Maude4Disney]

I have the 200, and although it's been awhile since I've needed a diaper bag, I'm not sure I could've crammed everything I needed in the top. But it depends on what you're taking and how you pack. I currently have a journal, glasses and contact lens case and solution bottle in the top part and migraine medicine. The bottom part where your camera would be, if you are only carrying your camera and one connected lens, you would have plenty of room. I have my camera, connected lens, extra lens and camcorder and still have some room left. When it has everything in it, it can be a bit heavy, but DH doesn't mind carrying it for a bit, but I try not to bother him with it, plus I don't trust him with it He just doesn't get it yet

 

[aripantaloon]

Thanks for the info on the 200. I went to a local camera shop yesterday and they did have several lowepro models in stock. While I really liked the fastpack 200, I decided to go with the compudaypack. It was about the same size, height wise, as the fastpack 200. However, the personal items area was MUCH bigger and it felt better on my back. The padding design was quite different. Plus, though we are not taking a laptop into the park, we will we taking it with us on the plane. This solves the issue of where to put laptop since it has a nice little pocket in the back. I can use it for the diaper changing items to make changes quick.

The camera pocket is smaller than that of the fastpack 200, but I don't have much equipment to haul.

I figure that when we are walking around or when one adult iand the baby are waiting for the other one and DD4 to come off of a ride, the bag can be hanging on the stroller if it won't fit in the basket underneath. While we are all on a ride, I can wear the bag.