Lowepro Fastpack 250 review
Aug 29th, 2008 by Peter
Disclaimer: I am not paid to make this review. It’s done because I really like this bag, and feels it deserves a review (I couldn’t find others on the net when I tried before I made my purchase. I guess that goes for others too, so why not help them out?).
This Tuesday I got a parcel with my new Lowepro Fastpack 250 multiuse/camera bag.
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The Lowepro Fastpack 250
I just HAD to write a review, even though no one asked me (that’s just the kinda fella I am). You didn’t ask for it, but you got it!
I have checked the net out for a long time. I needed a backpack to replace my “normal” one. The new one had to combine the following 3 purposes (in priority):
- Easy DSLR camera storage (with fast access to the camera)
- Roomy enough to carry an extra shirt, jacket or similar
- Room for a laptop (in this case a 15.4″)
I also valued the following:
- Two shoulders traps for extra comfortable use (unlike the Lowepro Slingshot models with only “1½”)
- Pockets for whatever you carry on a normal day (cell phone, papers, pencils, paper tissues and so on)
- Nice design, but still a neutral black/grey look, which secures that it doesn’t look like it I’m carrying the crown jewels (thief attracting), but still enough to make people say “cool bag” at closer inspection. Tough task, right?
If you wonder, the Fastpack 250 does all of the above, except for the design which is lacking imho.
The hunt starts
Some might say that it would be an easy task with all the many different amazing backpacks on the market. I just couldn’t find one that had combined those mentioned 3 abilities and still weren’t too pricey, bulky or (insert other flaw).
My initial thought wasn’t Lowepro bags at all. KATA seemed more interesting. They have some cooler looking, yet functional bags. Unfortunately there was always tiny thing that didn’t make their range of bags perfect. Either they didn’t support 15.4″ sized laptops, or the bag was described by buyers as “sucking water rather, than repelling it”. Small stuff like that.
The most difficult task for me though, was to find a bag, which had the easy access room for my DSLR camera. The choices were limited, and I almost bought one of the Lowepro Slingshot bags. Eventually I voted against it, because it didn’t look comfortable or fitting for long walks or daily use. I already borrowed my brothers Slingshot 100 on a recent vacation in Norway, and even though I loved it, it wasn’t really comfortable for long days. It didn’t have good room for much else than the camera either.
Eventually I fell over the Fastpack 250. My first reaction was that it didn’t look cool and I dismissed it as being too “schoolbaggy”. It also looked like 2 separate bags being stitched together on the middle: A camera bag in the bottom and a smaller multipurpose bag on top. Actually that’s pretty much how it is divided inside, but why let this show on the outer design? So I looked elsewhere for another bag. Eventually I always ended up with the Fastpack. As you already know, I bought this in the end.
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The Lowepro Fastpack 250
So what’s so cool about it?
Well, as mentioned, I found the design both boring and ordinary. The usability on the other hand, is nothing less than excellent for my intended use: An everyday bag that also fitted my DSLR camera. I normally ride my bike to/from work, and I want to bring my camera if a cool got-to-shoot-situation suddenly shows up.
When I fruitlessly searched the net I even considered if I should design my own bag and start the sewing machine (yep, I was that desperate). When I finally decided on the Fastpack I slowly realised that it was exactly how I would have put it together myself. The rooms are put logically and I find it hard to see what could be changed except the outer design.
Interior layout
You could say that the bag is divided in 3 bigger compartments:
• DSLR camera room
• Laptop room
• Storage room
Then there are the smaller pockets around the bag. They are intended for the stuff that you can’t live without (like wallet, cell phone, etc.).
The bottom compartment (DSLR compartment)
The bottom compartment is made to host a DSLR camera. Not only is it flexible and can be adjusted to match the length of your fitted lens, but it also has smaller spaces for extra camera gear. As you can see from the one of the pictures below, I need more gear to put this compartment to good use (my wife/wallet disagrees so far though).
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The easy access room opened
The best part of this room is the easy access side-entry opening, that lets you pull out your camera without taking the bag completely off first. On Lowepro.com, there is a product video that shows exactly how this works, if you’re curious. You should note that even though this is a great ability, it becomes more difficult to use as you stuff your bag and it gains weight. The overall weight of a full bag makes the process more cumbersome, but it doesn’t make the function obsolete. Keep in mind though, that it’s not as handy as with a lighter Slingbag type bag. This function is my main reason for buying the Fastpack and I haven’t regretted it one bit.
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The easy access room completely opened
The room can be unzipped further, so you can access all the room from the front of the bag too. I’d say that that’s not what you’ll do mostly, unless you tend to change lenses and gear often. On the “lid” of the room, there are 2 small memory card sized pockets. Nice touch and very handy.
(Section updated 26/2 2010) There are a few worries that might be of interest to potential buyers when it comes to the camera room. For one it’s not easy to make the room fit your camera’s lens 100% and second the lens/accessory rooms can’t be adjusted much to fit different gear. The camera will therefore usually be a bit loose. You should note that I don’t have one of the hugest lenses fitted (canon 400D with 28-135mm lens fitted), so might only be my problem. On the other hand, I think it won’t matter that much if the camera moves about slightly, as the sides are extremely soft (my camera/lens hasn’t been damaged by this so far, so might not be an issue at all). The lens rooms may not be a perfect fit for everyones needs either. So bottomline, I do miss a few extra movable Velcro “walls” to secure the camera round the top of the lens plus some differently shaped walls to change the use of the accessory rooms.
The top compartment (storage room)
Its not on the big side (unlike what Lowepro might claim at their product video). Still, it’s big enough for my needs, which would be an extra T-shirt, thin jacket, my lunch and maybe a pair of light backup shoes for that rainy day. I’d say that you could fit all of the mentioned at the same time, but it would be awfully tight packed and I wouldn’t recommend it. The room is not deep (there has to be room for the camera in the bottom of the bag), so don’t expect to bring a newly pressed shirt and keep it unwrinkled.
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The top compartment for additional storage
The compartment also contains the classic pockets for your wallet, cell phone and some pencils. There are more pockets than I need, but that’s how I like it. You can never have too many rooms, can you? One of the two rooms in cell phone size, I personally use for my USB cord (essential for those important transfers from my camera to a computer). My cell phone is placed elsewhere, and I’ll get back to that.
The laptop compartment
Well, what’s there to say really? My 15.4″ laptop fits. On a normal daily basis I don’t bring my laptop, but it’s nice to know that it’s possible when needed. Instead I mostly use this room for papers. It may not be intended for that, but it does the job very well.
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With laptop and papers inside
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The laptop room as it looks empty
Other rooms
There are 3 other smaller rooms in the bag. Two of them are placed on the front of the bag. I use the biggest one for paper tissues at the moment, but there will probably be better uses for this room as I grow into the bag. It has 2 small pockets to strap the object so it won’t move around when you carry the bag. It is placed behind a loose “flap” of that covers the room from rain, and secures the camera compartment. Not sure this is necessary, but it does make it harder for pickpockets to get there.
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Not sure what to do with this room, but sure seems to work for holding paper tissues
The other room is entered through the side. Nothing special about it and it’s like a big pocket. I guess it would be good to fit bus cards, maps or similar, as long as the items isn’t too large.
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Flat room intented for fitting objects like bus cards and similar
On the opposite side from the camera opening, you find a net pocket that can be used to carry a bottle of water
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Net pocket on the side
Then I should mention the last (but not least) Velcro-sealed pocket for your cell phone, mp3 player or similar (see I told you, I’d get back to where I put my phone). It is strategically placed on one of the shoulder straps for easy access. I never knew I needed this option, but I really do. I have fiddled with my old bag to get my cell phone out before it stopped ringing countless times. Now – no more. I love it.
My only concern about the room is its size, which may fit my Sony Ericsson 750i perfectly, but it can’t handle a bigger PDA/HTC/IPOD. Also it is not water resistant when closed, as the top sides to the phone are open. I regard this issue less of a problem for most users though, but may be worth noting.
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Phone pocket on the shoulder strap
Build quality
Build quality is excellent. Lowepro may not be first in line regarding cool exterior design, but I have to acknowledge that their build quality is top notch. I can’t say that I have knowledge of how the bag does when used many years, but compared to my old ordinary backpack, I’d say that it’s at least equal. We talk about a bag that has served me for at least 7 years and its still in good shape.
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Seems hard to kill off, right?
Comfort
Now – I know that not all people are build the same and my opinion about the comfort of carrying this bag, may not match yours. Still I’d argue that this bag is very comfortable to use for most people, even when it is full and heavy. Let’s face it, no bag is a dream to carry, and we’d rather not have to if we had a choice. On the other hand, we also know that most of the time it’s needed. And when so – you’d better have a good bag. Fastpack 250 is such a bag.
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The padded back and straps
The shoulder straps are well-padded and seem durable. There also an extra waist belt to help you distribute weight evenly (not detachable though). The back of the bag is soft (but not too soft) and the fabric is filled with tiny holes (almost like a sturdy net) for the heat to escape and may save you a sweaty back.
It’s not the most expensive bag out there, but it isn’t the cheapest either. I’d call it a good value for money bag. I’d also bet that you can find even better and more comfortable bags out there, but not with the same options and same price range. To be honest I haven’t checked for pricier alternatives, but not sure you can match the options this bag has anyway.
Conclusion
It may be needless to say that I have come to terms with the slightly boring exterior design, but I’ll mention it anyway, because that really is my only main concern. Everything else is as close to perfect as I have yet seen a bag to be.
If you need a camera friendly bag for everyday use (and one day trekking), that offers easy access camera room, space for extra lenses, extra storage and even room for most 15.4″ laptops, then I highly recommend Fastpack 250.
The price is acceptable to most who want a high quality DSLR camera ready backpack (I bought it for 180US$ here in Denmark). There are alternatives, but not in this price range. I bet that other producers will follow with a bag with same options soon, but right now, I haven’t been able to find a comparable one (I’d love to hear from others if you have though).
The build quality is excellent and the bag is comfortable to use. I use mine every day, and already wonder how I could live without it.
There are alternatives to this bag, if you for example don’t need extra room for laptop or storage, so check the market first. Id say that the bag is pretty big (bigger than my old ordinary backpack), but not too big. I don’t feel like a hiker when I carry the bag, but blend in nice with others who use backpacks every day in the city.
Using the bag for a singe day’s trekking is also quite nice. It’s not a replacement for a real hiker’s rucksack, so don’t expect it to be. It’s first and last a camera backpack for every day use. It brings the best from 2 worlds: Everyday storage and a good comfortable camera bag. Please note: If you don’t have a DSLR camera – don’t buy the bag and complain to me about the bags design afterwards.
I bought if online from a Danish shop for around 180US$ August 2008.
Less relevant info (worth mentioning though)
• You can get the bag in a slightly bigger version named Fastpack 350.
• There are 2 older versions out there too (Fastpack 100 and 200, but they don’t offer the laptop room)
• You can get the bag in three different colours: Black (the tested one), blue or red.
Upsides
• Water resistant (don’t dive with it though)
• Excellent easy access DSLR camera room
• Possible to take your camera out without taking the bag completely off
• Acceptable sized room for your accessories, spare clothes etc.
• Laptop room
• Comfortable fit
• Price is good
Downsides
• Loose camera in the bag
• Phone-pocket not water resistant
• Price may not appeal to all
• Design may not appeal to all
• Few posibilities of adjusting velcro walls in camera room (added Feb-10)
Update: Still use the bag and still love it… now more than 4 years later and counting. Input or questions is appreciated, so ask or tell away good people. :-)
I got the Lowepro Rover AW II bag myself and it’s really and excellent bag and the quality is great, but I actually regret a bit not buying a bag with a laptop compartment. Not that I plan to bring my laptop, but for trekking and travelling it’s very useful to be able to bring some maps, books or papers which sadly rarely fits in the top compartment of the two sections bags.
I looked at the Rover too, and it seems like a very cool and sturdy bag. Unfortunately it missed the laptop compartment as you say, so that and the price scared me off :-)
Calm down boys…you are only talking about a bag for a camera!!! He he. Sound like two girl discussing a new Prada bag…come on :-)
Oh no. Boys like gadgets and I bet either one of us would have married our bags if we weren’t already spoken for Lisbeth ;-)
Absolutely!
Thanks for the review. I have checked myself both FP 250 and 350. The FP 350 is really huge but I like the chest strapping and the padding. So now, I am not sure which one to get.
@CypherHacks: Well, Thanks for reading it ;-)
I think which you choose should be depend on your purpose. I guess the 250 is more of a in-between everyday use and hiking backpack, while the 350 is suited for longer hiking trips and probably a bit cumbersome to use daily, but it also depends on your needs. More gear needs more room. :-)
I have been looking at the Fastpack 250 and 350. I really appreciate you taking the time to tell us your thoughts after having and using the bag. My dilemma was which one to get and after examining both and taking into consideration my personal use. I am going to get the Fastpack 250. I can pick it up for about $80.00 US on Amazon. I live in New York… The 350 I can pick up for $110, but I feel it is going to be too big and since I’m the one whose back it will be on, I think it’s a better bet all the way around. Thank you.
P.S. – I think Lowpro should give you new models for free to test and pay you a percentage for your review. It’s better then they could do anyday!
@Steve
Thanks for your comment. Just knowing that you could use my review made it all worthwhile writing. Not being a native English speaker or writer had me worried if the review was usable or not. So I’m very happy for your feedback. I hope you enjoy your FastPack 250 as much as I do.
I still use it every day, even though I mostly drive my car these days, but it doesn’t lessen my enthusiasm for the bag. It’s simply the best I ever had my hand on yet.
Not sure LowePro would offer me new models for free for a review. Also not sure I would accept, though it sounds tempting ;-) I’m afraid readers would have a hard time believing that I was unbiased. Like the thought though ;-)
Peter,
Great review and honest opinions will make me buy this at the weekend.
I couldnt fault your use of English so well done mate!
Cliff
Manchester
UK
Thanks Cliff,
Hope you’ll be happy with your new bag. I know I still am.
Tak for reviewet! Jeg opdagede først at du var dansker da du nævnte hvad du havde købt den for i Danmark! :D
Jeg overvejer stadig om jeg skal have 200’eren eller 250’eren – men det med plads til den bærbare er nu en god ting at have..
Velbekomme :-)
Jeg bruger den stadig hver dag (ogsÃ¥ selvom jeg er blevet magelig og har købt bil), og mÃ¥ sige at jeg stadig er yderst tilfreds med den. Den har hvad den skal have og der har ingen problemer været med den overhovedet. Syningerne holder og lynlÃ¥sene virker stadig gode selvom eg har “voldet” dem ind mellem nÃ¥r øverste rum skulle indeholde mere end sund fornuft siger.
Køber du 250eren er der jo ikke et krav om at tage laptop med rundt, men det er rart at have muligheden. eg bruger mest selv rummet til papir/blokke i mit arbejde, men det har ofte været fedt når eg skal have den bærbare med også.
God fornøjelse med valget. Vil tro du bliver glad for den du vælger under alle omstændigheder.
Tak for kommentaren.
Thanks for the review, Peter!
I find myself needing one of those big two compartment + laptop camera backpacks and the Fastpack 250/350 are on my short list and maybe you would be so kind as to answer a couple of questions about the bag?
First off, I’m wondering whether the waist straps are detachable (as in by design and not through the use of cutting implements : )
Also, how sturdy is the mesh pocket on the right side of the bag? I imagine I’d pack a tripod a lot of the time I’d find myself needing a bag like this and I’m pondering jury rigging a tripod to the right side by sticking the feet in the mesh pocket and maybe use a bungee cord to fasten the upper part to the top carrying handle.
This would be easily answered if I could handle a Fastpack in a store but, alas, small towns are… well, small towns : )
Hi Kalli and thanks for joining in.
The waist straps are, I’m afraid, not detachable. You would need a knife to make them so.
Tbh, I rarely use these myself. Since I bought a car, I mainly travel by that, and so the waist straps are not necessary. I used them a lot when I rode my bike though. Not using them when you have the bag on your back can be a slight annoyance. The straps can be a bit in the way. I solved the problem by tying them together so the straps are between the bag and my back. Not the best solution and I have to say that making them detachable from the start would have been the right choice. For me its not the biggest issue, but I reckon it depends on the user.
The mesh pockets seem solid, but I never use them, so can’t tell whether they will hold up after longer wear. The mesh itself is basically made of thread and even though such can be very sturdy, my bet is that the pockets won’t hold a tripod for long before it leaves a mark. I have a lightweight tripod myself, and wouldn’t consider using the mesh pockets for it. My initial thought was that it would ruin the pocket, but tbh I really have no experience to back it up.
Hope my comment is helpful and let you get right bag. Small town or not ;-)
That was very helpful, Peter, thanks!
I ended up ordering the Tamrac Aero 85 after pretty much narrowing things down to that and the Fastpacks. The waist straps were my main objection to the Fastpacks and having a Slingshot bag already I’m willing to try Tamrac’s take on the side access.
Hope it works out, bags are the hardest gear to buy : )
Nice to hear my input helped. Hope you become happy with your new bag. :-)
Hej Peter!
Tak for et godt review. Fint med billederne også.
Tror du der vil være plads til kameraet, hvis du fik batterigreb på? Også så det stadigvæk, vil kunne komme ud af siden?
Hvordan er balancen i tasken? Jeg mener i forhold til, at kamerahuset er placeret yderst….
På forhånd tak.
Thomas
Hej Thomas,
Tak fordi du kikkede forbi.
Det med vægtfordelingen i tasken har jeg overhovedet ikke noteret mig. Med det ment, at det for mig aldrig har været et problem. Det er dog også således, at jeg altid har diverse andre objektiver mm. med i tasken og de ligger i rum der måske nok er med til at fordele vægten. Jeg har eksempelvis altid mit 18-55 original, samt mit 50mm fast objektiv med (ikke ret tunge nogen af dem). Så slæber jeg også rundt på en 430 blitz (har fået senere, så har ikke betydet noget jeg har lagt mærke til for vægten). Så det alt i alt betyder de ekstra ting vel at det hjælper vægten med at falde jævnt. Men helt ærligt tror jeg ikke det betyder så meget i den sidste ende. Måske hvis kameraet var i toppen, og nemmere kunne ændre trykket så det føles skævt. Mit normale standardobjektiv (28-135mm Canon), sidder altid på, og det er pænt langt og trækker vægten lidt ind mod midten. Det er det der er med på billedet i øvrigt.
Omkring batterigreb, så vil jeg ikke lægge hovedet på blokken (for jeg har desværre ikke et batterigreb selv), men jeg har svært ved at se, at det ikke skulle kunne være der eller værs svært at få ud. Min bror har et kamera magen til, og også batterigreb, så har set hvor stort det gør huset. Det kan måske være svært at se på billedet, men mit 400D kamera er kun omkring halvt så højt som tasken har plads til. Så der er mere at give af.
Jeg håber det beroligede dig :-)
Hej igen Peter!
Klart at mere udstyr i tasken, kan udbalancere den. Men som jeg lige læste teksten, så havde du, da reviewet blev skrevet og som vist på billedet, ikke det vilde udstyr i.
Herligt at få bekræftet, at der er plads nok. De udenlandske testere har ikke meldt rent ud, og det er sgu ikke til, at finde en forhandler, som har den hjemme.
Tror du har solgt mig, endnu en lowepro taske:-)
Skal bruge en, som er diskret og ikke ligner en kamerataske, i ca. denne størrelse, til smÃ¥ture enten til fods, pÃ¥ cykel eller pÃ¥ motorcyklen. Jeg gider ikke slæbe min nature trekker II aw+daypack og alt udstyret med, hvis det kan undgÃ¥es. (Klart nok at hvis det er nødvendigt, sÃ¥ kommer det med…)
Med venlig hilsen
Thomas
Hej Thomas,
For en god ordens skyld sender jeg dig lige et billede der viser det på din hotmail.
Mvh
Peter
Hej igen Peter!
Tillykke med den lille:-)
Lige en update herfra….
Igen tak for billedet. Som jeg skrev i min mail, så kunne det her godt blive min næste taske.
Jeg bestilte Fastpack 200 modellen, samme størrelse bare uden computerafdeling, da jeg ikke vil have computeren med ud.
Det eneste jeg kan pege fingre af er, at der godt mÃ¥tte være, bare lidt mere plads… Skulle nok have haft Fastpack 350 i stedet for. Synes dog den sÃ¥ for voldsom ud og ikke nær sÃ¥ diskret. Men mÃ¥ bare bruge toppen ogsÃ¥.(Og lære at begrænse mig:-))
Det gÃ¥r lige med batterigrebet, uden pladen til stativhovedet, men det er mine (fysisk) store objektiver som er problemet. Det hjælper heller ikke, at (skillerums-) justerings mulighederne er sÃ¥ smÃ¥ og dÃ¥rlige. De kunne godt have sat mere velcro i bÃ¥de sider og bund, sÃ¥ den kunne “sættes op” til det udstyr, man nu ville have med.
Nok sure opstød herfra. Jeg skal nok blive glad for den, nÃ¥r jeg lige har vænnet mig til størrelsen, ingen tvivl om det. Kvaliteten, bærekomfort, diskret udseende, “lÃ¥gen”, de mange mindre rum og det store toprum, giver ihvertfald allerede ejerglæde.
Mange tak for hjælpen.
Med venlig hilsen
Thomas
Hej igen Thomas,
Tak for lykønskningen :-)
Du har helt ret mht. indelingen af rummene til objektiver. Smider det lige pÃ¥ “Downsides” under konklusion.
I øvrigt enig med dig i at der mangler plads i top rummet, men jeg har ogsÃ¥ svært ved at se at dette kan løses uden at lave tasken større, og sÃ¥ er vi jo desværre oppe i 300 serien, der ikke er sÃ¥ diskret og “hverdagsagtig” som 200 serien.
Jeg er ret sikker på at du nok skal blive tilfreds med den, så længe du kan leve med de kompromisser man må indgå pga. taskens størrelse. Jeg har ikke selv den store objektivsamlng og lever indtil videre fint med pladsen. Jeg bruger den også som hverdags taske og har ikke fotografjobs som kræver alt udstyret. Havde jeg det, ville jeg nok have endnu en taske der kunne bruges kun til dette. Omvendt ville jeg nok ikke undvære denne alligevel.
HÃ¥ber du bliver glad for den.
NIce review, thanx. I finally half decided to have fastpack 250. But it would be the best for me if I could find a similar backpack with less in size on upper compartment. I like a small room for my iPad 3G. Any one can help me to find the perfect backpack (must be like Fastpack)..
I’m afraid I’m not the right to give advice on that, but surely other readers should be?
I wouldn’t call the top compartment big by my standards, but than again, your demands may not match mine. If you’re in doubt, you might need to check out the bag physically in the nearest store.
Hi joe,
I have been looking for a camera bag myself, but couldn’t reach a conclusion. Your article has helped me a lot in making the decision.
Thanks a lot.
Happy to be of help :-)
Hi,
I really appreciate for your honest comment. Your comment has help me a lot in choosing the right camera back. I have a few camera bags, they have their own advantages and downside as well, to me probably this is the all rounder camera bag.
Personally, i will go for FP 350, as i need a lot of space for all my gadgets. I am using Nikon D800 with 2 lenses, speed light etc etc…. i will get one tomorrow morning. As i am going to Japan next week, i think after reading your comment , i will not make a wrong decision again!
Edward Lee
Thanks Edward. Happy to be of help. Have a great trip :-)