Electronics : Lowepro Fastpack 250 Backpack For SLR Kit, 15.4" Notebook & General Gear - Arctic Blue

Rating: - Quite Simple....it Works!!
Firstly, this backpack looks just like a regular backpack - it doesn't scream out 'camera bag.'

Camera gear stored inside is extremely well protected - the bag has tons of padding and, in fact, the backpack is quite rigid even when empty (it is the padding that does this). Mine holds a Nikon D80/lens with ease, even with the optional battery grip fitted. There are then 3 individual padded compartments, each of which being capable of holding a small/medium lens, or they could be amalgamated to hold a longer lens, etc. There are two further slimmer compartments, capable of holding flash etc.

There are 2-3 zipped compartments, plus a couple of small pockets for holding SD cards (or similar). In the top (non-camera) part of the backpack, it is possible to store your lunch and a drink - plus there are a couple more velcro pockets and organisers.

The backpack is very comfortable to wear and has heavily padded straps, plus a waist strap. There is a pocket on one of the straps for holding a small/medium mobile phone.

To be honest, it's hard to think of ways to improve this backpack!

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Rating: - No item received yet - amazon delivery is awful
Before buying this item think about how will be delivered.

Amazon sent me the email telling me the item had been dispatched and should be in my flat on 23rd. I waited the whole day but nothing had arrived. Then I called the delivery carrier they used and they told me the parcel delivery would have been on 24th ... but again another day waiting for nothing.

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Rating: - Excellent
I owned the lowepro trekker 2 backpack and that is not really designed for a reasonable amount of gear. I have a body with lense, two other lenses and a flash, and it will all fit no rpobs at all.

this bag is very well made, and the best thing is that when you wish to get to your camera out of the bag, you don't have to put the bag on the ground or your lap, and unzip it etc....you can do it while still walking about! That may not sound like a big deal, but it makes a difference!

Basically, if you want a day pack, this is the bag for you!

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Rating: - Genius Bag!
Well, after splurging out on a DSLR and a laptop of late, THEN deciding on traipsing round India backpacking, what did I need? this! thats what! brilliantly padded, but be aware of the dimensions inside beign notably less than themeasutrements outside, though thats what you should expect if you want full protection for that gear!

Seriously good item, does th trick, bags been battered everywhere, laptop and camera nadlenses all untouched!

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Rating: - Possibly the best rucksack out there at this moment
After having bought the Canon 200DG Digital Camera Gadget Bag, I quickly found that it was not sufficient and that a camera and computer bag would better suit my needs. My search led me to the LowePro Fastpack 250. Second time around, I put a bit more thought into what I needed. My criteria were:

- Rucksack form factor for comfort and durability
- Easy laptop access (for airports)
- Must provide good level of cushioning/protection
- Should be spacious in both camera and computer compartments
- Easy on the eye design

This time I was not disappointed. My 15.4" MacBookPro fits snugly into the laptop compartment and its a breeze to take out and put back at airport security scanners. When loaded, the camera section at the bottom ensures the bag is not 'top heavy' so it stands upright unaided. Inside the camera section I can easily fit my Canon EOS 400D with 28-135mm lens attached, spare lenses, flash, batteries, filters etc, and the customisable velcro compartments further ensure you can fit the compartment to your gear so it does not shake around. There is also a mesh pocket where you can put your manuals. The upper pocket whilst not huge, is spacious enough to carry your power supplies, chargers and even a sandwich and a few other bits pieces. The straps all provide a good degree of customisation, and a lumbar support strap and mobile phone pouch are also a nice touch, as is the mesh pouch for a water bottle.

The only thing I would like LowePro to change is the fast access zip. It is an excellent feature, but only for people who prefer to carry their rucksack on their left shoulder. As someone who carries a rucksack on their right, I am unable to benefit from this feature. I don't see why the ends of the zip could not be in the top or bottom middle so then the owner could customise the velcro sections accordingly and have fast access zips on the side of their preference, as the safety flap will still ensure nothing falls out. If it has this feature, I would have given this bag all 5 stars.

Overall though I am very happy with my purchase. It is a little more expensive than other bags out there, but then you get what you pay for. And I can see from the manufacturing quality it has many more miles to go before it will need to be replaced.