Looking for a review on the Lowepro Fastpack 250

[pdmedic]

Planning on being in WDW late August early September and wanting to take along the DSLR probably a extra lens and a flash unit and would like some extra room for other things such as a poncho / snacks etc....

I like the looks of the Fastpack 250 and wsa wondering if anyone who had one could let me know about the laptop compartment. Last time we were there I carried a camelback and it looked like my water bladder could fit in the laptop compartment.

I would appreciate any reviews or comments I have not seen too many camera bags with the camelback compartment so this looked like it would be a way to do that. I found the bag online for right about 60.00

Thanks
Travis

 

[blackears]

I have this one and used it in June. I like it. I am used to having a backpack though. The grab handle on top is great. Plenty of storage for our equipment (D60 w/ lense kit plus a small camcorder). There was enough storage on top for a windbreaker/poncho and other stuff. Lots of time, if I had to store the camera quickly, I just stowed it in the top part. I wore my camera most of the time in the park. The bag fit nicely between my legs on rides (SM was cramped, but it's to be exptected). I still use it as my day-to-day bag. The straps are comfy for me and the wife. As far as the laptop, it is great also. Easy in/out and secure and padded, great for the airport security deal. The strap has a pocket for cell phones and works great. Granted, this is my first bag like this, but works great for us.

 

[jcb]

I have the FastPack 350, which is the slightly (1.2 inches) longer version of the 250.

I've had mine since August and have had no problems with it. It is well made. The laptop pouch holds the laptop snug (just remember to zip it!!!) and the camera section has more than enough compartments for my DSLR and lenses. The 350 has a mesh pouch on the side large enough for a Sigg water bottle and even a Nalgene but the latter tends to stretch the pouch a little.

I've not tried to put a water bladder in my laptop case, I would be too afraid of it leaking, but there is no reason it shouldn't work.

I took it on a short hike two weekends ago and found it extremely comfortable. I've also carried it on planes (CR and 767) and cruises. Fully loaded (with laptop), it is a tight fit getting mine into the overhead bins but I can do it without stressing the contents. It helps not to load up the flap that covers the DSLR compartment with bulky items. It will not, however, fit in the upper compartment of the magical express buses but then, not much does.

There are two downsides, both minor. There isn't really an "easy access" pouch for things like your passport and tickets. There is a zipped pouch at the top where you can put them and the pocket in that pouch is big enough for a passport. I would have liked to have a small sleeve along the side that holds flight coupons (I'm showing my age there) and the like for easy access. The zipped pouch also has a compartment for my spare nikon battery, a pen or pencil and a mesh pouch for a pocket camera.

The other is that there is a flap above the compartment where the DSLR and lenses is stored. You don't have to always lock down the flap, however, but when you do, that adds two steps to the process of retrieving your DSLR and lens.

 

[pdmedic]

Well I'll see if my idea works it looks like my wife ordered one.