As ¬†journalist/blogger/photographer/musician, I often carry around a lot of gear. A perfect example of this was last week when the¬†Nerdlike¬†crew went to Comic-Con. I needed to carry ¬†my laptop, my camera, a couple lenses, power cords and cables, chargers, point and shoot camera, and Kodak Zi8. I know what you are thinking,¬†and¬†yes it is a lot of stuff, but I was going to be there for three days and I needed to shot, film, charge, and write all at the same time. They only way I was going to get it done was to have everything with me. Earlier last month I was sent a Lowepro Fastpack 250 to review, and while I had already “played” with it a little bit, I felt like this was the real world test that it needed to give it a thorough review.
Packing
While I was packing the bag, I was¬†pleasantly¬†surprised¬†by how much gear I was actually able to fit inside the bag. My previous bag didn’t have a slot for my computer, so that fact that I could slide my 15-inch MacBook Pro in the back slot and not compromise the space for my other items was big. The back slot was actually large enough for a 17-inch laptop and I took full advantage of the space by¬†throwing¬†in my folders and moleskin. The next item I packed was my DSLR into the lower compartment. I have the smaller Canon T2i which allowed plenty of room for a few lenses, a charger, and my MKE400 microphone in the 5 adjustable velcro pockets. Though, I should note that¬†if¬†you bring anything bigger than a 70-200 lens, your space is dramatically reduced. Moving to the top compartment, I was able to pack my, a Kodak Zi8, and Canon SD960, an audio recorder, all¬†their¬†required cables, and a mini tripod into the available pockets and empty space. Finally, outside the lower compartment is a smaller zipper pocket that I used for the spare batteries as well as extra SD¬†cards¬†and a pair of ear bud headphones. So suffice to say I was able to throw a lot of stuff in the bag, and it made it a lot easier to get around with only one bag to carry.
Access
One of the best features of the bag is how easy it is to access the lower compartment, thus my camera. The lower compartment uses a a zipper that if placed in the right place can be easily opened for those moments when you need to snap a quick picture. Considering that we were at Comic-Con, there were plenty of times I had to throw the bag over one shoulder, unzip, and snatch the camera out so I could grab a pick of Zelda, or Superman, or some strange mixture of the two. Outside of the lower compartment is a security flap that can be used to prevent the pocket for being easily opened by placing the zippers beneath it. The right side features a small flat mesh pocket that is probably best used for maps or flat objects, but I used it for my water bottle.
Fit
The Lowepro Fastpack 250 fits like a typical backpack, but also comes with a waist strap for those longer trips. I probably should have used it more, but can confirm that like the shoulder straps, it is fully adjustable. As an added bonus, the left strap has a sewn-in cell phone pocket and a strap on the right shoulder strap that accepts the Lowepro accessory SlipLock Pouches, neither of which I used.
Comfort
Having used a few bags before, I can say that this is one of the more comfortable backpacks I have used. Lowepro did a really good job with padding on the interior and exterior of the bag and you immediately feel it when you put it on. I was worried about the laptop being directly next to my back and that it might become irritating after extended use, but it turned out to not bother me at all. The back of the bag has quite a bit of cushion, yet remains soft to the touch. The same goes for the bottom of the bag, which most likely will house your most expensive equipment outside of your computer.
Final Thoughts
Comic-Con is a grueling experience, and to have to work while you are there makes things twice as hard. However, that load is lightened when you have tools that operate the way they are supposed to. The Lowepro Fastpack 250 performed valiantly for me at the conference. It enable me to carry around all the gear I needed, and still remain comfortable. Even though I drove down to San Diego, I could have easily taken this same bag on a plane and used it as a carry on. I am very anal about carrying-on my camera equipment and computer with me whenever I fly, and this offers a¬†reasonable¬†solution. Lowepro has been in business for over 40 years, and that sort of history helps you make design decisions that really cater to the consumer experience. If you were not good at what you do, you wouldn’t still be in business.
Though I packed my bag to the gills, you could easily use this with a lighter load and still have the same experience. My only request would be to make the pockets in the lower compartment a little bigger, but that would also add to the bulkiness of the bag, so you have to be careful what you ask for. I could also see this doing well with an over the shoulder strap like their SlingShot 300, but that is more preference than function. Each photographer/journalist has there own set of gadgets they take with then when they go on assignment, and the Lowepro can handle those needs in most cases.
Overall, the Lowepro Fastpack 250 is a durable,¬†comfortable, and roomy bag. It doesn’t have a lot of flash and flair, but it definitely makes up for it in functionality. Next time you are in the market for a camera/computer bag, I can safely say that the Lowepro should be at the top of your list. Retail is ¬†for $119.99, but I have seen it on Amazon for $89.
Giveaway
When we received the bag for review, they mistakenly put two bags in the box. After a bit of back and fourth, they have allowed us to give to other bag away to our readers.
To enter to win is super easy:
- Follow @nerdlikes on Twitter
- Tweet this to your friends: I just entered to win a Lowepro Fastpack 250. Follow @nerdlikes & retweet to enter too! http://bit.ly/lowepronl
The giveaway ends August 9, 2010 at midnight PST. The winner will be picked at random the next day and notified via Twitter DM. If notified, you will have 24 hours to respond and claim your prize, at which point it will be given to another contestant.
*Must be a US citizen and over 18 to win. Free shipping to US addresses only.
Love your review on this bag! I love all the seperate compartments. This would be so handy.
I’m following on twitter (peg42)
and I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/peg42/status/20179402453
Thanks so much for this chance!
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I DONT TWEET
Wow! Awesome review. I think I’m in love with the backpack! I’ve done everything you’ve asked. I would do more to gain extra entries but I’ve done all.
My twitter is @Kr4zi4ur0mg
haha,Why don’t we just use my camera? offered that it’s much more convenient to use.
Following on Twitter and Tweeted- http://twitter.com/ksh123/status/20575831330
Follow on Twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/20605340843
I am following via Twitter as jlsc123.
My tweet for the giveaway is located here:
http://twitter.com/jlsc123/status/20641637975
Thank you so much for the giveaway.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Follow and tweeted (mnsteph):
http://twitter.com/mnsteph/status/20646712317
Great looking bag and awesome review! I’m following on twitter (@guettel78) and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/20658889408
this bag would be awesome to have. so many great compartments!
http://twitter.com/ferriza2/status/20682883309 @ferriza2
Awsome bag follow on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/mommysawaitress
waitressdani (at) hotmail (dot) com
I am following on Twitter (dswnole). Love the bag!
I follow and tweeted http://twitter.com/Aerated/status/20714121096
I follow.
I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/ohslowdown/status/20717137214
following you on twitter /kerri69 and tweeted
Following and tweeted as ordered. I have always loved lowe pro and really would like something that I could pack my camera and my computer in all at once.
I follow you on twitter, nikkidavis05.
Thank you,
Nikki
I tweeted giveaway,
http://twitter.com/NikkiDavis05/status/20751442765
Thank you,
Nikki
You did a great job on the review! I follow on twitter as @carolynishis
I tweeted here.
http://twitter.com/carolynishis/status/20752910190
I liked on facebook and shared this awesome giveaway here.
http://www.facebook.com/NerdLike#!/carolynishis
Thanks for including so many great photos in your review. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what you’re getting when you order online. I tweeted for the giveaway, too: http://twitter.com/Auriette/status/20759684352
Tweeted and following!
http://twitter.com/1_browneyedgirl/status/20759775544
follow you twitter (ardy22)
tweeted
http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/20770145622
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
Following and Tweet:@Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/20772719175
I’d love this!
So who won the bag????