Fastpack BP250AW III Backpack

My Experience with This Camera BagThis is my third camera bag in four years. While I am not a professional photographer, I am a photography enthusiast who uses DSLR cameras. Over the years, I have learned the hard way not to skimp on investing in the right bag. After a few years of trial and error, this bag has been a welcome addition to my gear.Purchase and Initial ImpressionsI decided to buy this bag when it was on sale, and I must say, it has been wonderful and works well for my needs. The bag is designed to fit one telephoto zoom lens, two other lenses, my accessories, and a laptop. This setup is perfect for my needs, especially since my son plays travel soccer and I am the de facto team photographer.Storage and UsabilityThe storage units in the bag take a bit of getting used to, but they are adequate for my needs. The compartments are well-organized and provide enough space for all my equipment. The bag is compact enough to use as a backpack carry-on for flights or when not flying, making it versatile and convenient for travel.Quality and DurabilityThe bag is made of quality material, and so far, I have not experienced the usual rips or zipper issues that I encountered with slightly cheaper bags I bought in the past. The build quality gives me confidence that it will last for a long time, even with regular use.RecommendationOverall, I strongly recommend this camera bag. It has proven to be a reliable and durable option for carrying my photography gear, and it meets all my needs as a photography enthusiast. If you're looking for a high-quality camera bag that offers great value for money, this is definitely worth considering.

I was looking for a bag to comfortably carrying 10- 20 lbs of camera equipment on a road trip that would include plenty of day hikes of 5 miles or more. I looked at the K&F Concept Bag (see my review), which is a great-looking, well-made bag and a steal at under $100, but it lacked the heft shoulder straps and waist-belt that I thought I'd need for comfortable hiking. I also looked at the LowePro Flipside 300, which, like all of the LowePro bags, is sturdy and well-made, but it is really just one compartment for equipment with no space for personal items so I returned that too. (Also, not large enough to accommodate a 15" laptop.)For a very reasonable price, this Fastpack has the sturdy comfortable design that I wanted, as well as separate compartments for equipment and personal gear. Ideally, I'd have liked the two compartments to be more configurable but the personal gear compartment is well-padded, so if you want to use it for equipment, you can. Another thing I like about this bag is that the side access is actually big enough to be usable.All in all, a well-designed comfortable bag at half the price of other premium brands.

Finally! A well designed camera backpack! (I have tried a number over the years and was delighted to dump them when this one arrived) The top compartment is big enough for my Sony a7 with a 28-110 lens with its lens cap on so I can be ready to shoot anything quickly. The bottom compartment accommodates my rather large Sony 100-400 lens and would also accommodate a wide angle lens. There are plenty of pockets for my filters, spare batteries and lens cleaning items. Zippers (which are usually the first thing to fail on a camera backpack) seem to be robust and have given good service in the first few months of use. It is surprisingly comfortable to wear which I attribute to well designed padded shoulder straps, the weight distribution of equipment encouraged by its design and its light weight when empty. I travel extensively in the US and beyond to take images and believe that, at last, I have a camera backpack that belongs on my travels.

Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III: A Closer LookThe Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III camera backpack truly lives up to its advertised promises, especially when it comes to the quality and adaptability of its core design.The Good:From the moment you put it on, the backpack's build quality is evident. It feels robust and durable, suggesting it will withstand the rigors of frequent use. The internal organization is a definite highlight; the adjustable slots in the main compartment allow for a good degree of customization, letting you tailor the layout to your specific kit. This thoughtful design ensures that your gear is securely nestled and protected. In terms of tactile feel and construction, the Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III is everything the advertisements describe.The Not-So-Good (For Larger Kits):However, where the backpack falls short for some users is in its overall capacity, particularly for those with larger camera bodies or extensive gear. The main compartment, despite its adjustable dividers, fills up surprisingly quickly. This became particularly apparent when attempting to fit a bulkier camera like the Nikon D850. The D850's substantial body simply doesn't sit comfortably or efficiently within the allocated space, making for a tight fit and limiting what else can be stored. It feels as though there might be a specific trick to organizing it more efficiently, or perhaps it's simply not designed for a full professional setup that includes larger DSLRs and multiple lenses. For those needing to carry a comprehensive array of equipment, this backpack might prove to be a bit too small.Conclusion:The Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III is an excellent bag for photographers with more compact mirrorless setups or smaller DSLRs, offering fantastic build quality and versatile organization. However, if your kit includes larger camera bodies like the Nikon D850 or a significant amount of additional lenses and accessories, you might find yourself needing a larger solution.