Wanted: Fastpack 250, 350 or similar

Hi all, as stated I'm looking at getting a Fastpack 250 from Cameraworld for £53.50 but figured I'd ask around here first to see if anyone had a 250 or 350 just sitting arount taking up space.

Alternately, a Kata 3n1-30 or something similar might also work. Specifically, I'm looking for a backpack and not a sling, and it should have quick access on the side and some storage space up top. Laptop space isn't required but would be useful.

I'm watching a few Fastpacks on ebay as well, just in case, but they tend to go for at least £50 with shipping, so it's not much of a bargain.

Let me know if you have one to sell, or if you have a suggestion! Thanks!

If buying new it's worth considering the Tamrac Aero pack 70 too, personally I think its better made than the Lowepro

Simon

Thanks for that Simon, I had looked at and ruled out the Tamrac Aeros some time ago but now I can't remember why! They're a bit cheaper than the others so I'll check those out again

I've had a 250 for a few months and can't see any problems with the quality -- it'll probably outlast me. I thought the Jessop's price (£59 or so, IIRC, when I bought mine) was a good deal, so I wouldn't hesitate at £53.50. There's plenty of room for a camera, a bunch of lenses and lots of other stuff.

Al

Yeah, I have the Fastpack 100 and it's great - I really like the design. It's just far too small for my ever-increasing kit! It pretty much holds my camera with lens and grip, a spare lens and a flash; plus room for a few sandwiches and drinks in the top. I really like having that extra room as I can toss anything in it like a normal backpack. I thought the build quality was really good too, so if the Tamrac is better then it must be fantastic!

I read a review on the 350 and the guy said he put a change of clothes in the laptop compartment, so it's really a versatile bag. I think I can put a backpackers hydration system in it as well, so still more functionality.

I think the bits and pieces section of the Kata might be too small for me, really. Still checking out the Tamrac bags...

Ah, timing is everything! Amazon were down to £45 with free P&P about a month or so ago. Only for a few days.

You can keep a track of prices for Lowepro bags here http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat15.html

I've been watching that site for the last month or so hoping for a price drop.. the Fastpack 350 was down to £31.20 just before Christmas. They don't track Cameraworld, however, as they're lower than everyone on that list right now.

I've had a look at the Tamracs but for some reason they just don't gel with me.

The Kata bags have some really nice features, like the straps tuck away when not in use and there's a piece for putting the bag on the handle of rolling luggage, but the top compartment just seems far too small for me.

So, unless someone has a great deal on one of those I'll probably go with a Fastpack.

My advice for bags of this size range is to buy a bag that is bigger than you think you need.

I can personally recommend the Fastpack 350, it's my most used, go everywhere bag.

The 200 would probably hold everything I have with some room to spare so I think the 250 ought to do it. I think the 350 might be a shade big but I haven't ruled it out for that reason, should it come up at a good price.

The ones on ebay keep going for a shade under the new price, except for the one auction I happened to miss: a 250 went for £31 including shipping. Figures.

Now that the Lowepro stuff is going on sale everywhere I have acquired a 350. I'm sure they'll be £30 again soon.

Great pack but I hope the extra straps don't get in the way... That was one thing I liked about the Kata bags is that the straps tucked away when you didn't need them.

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestions, everyone!

I think you will find that the Fastpack range are also sling bags.
I'm looking for the same thing not sure to go for a 200 or 250 depends what i can get in a 200.

fastpacks have two straps, slingshots only have 1.

200 fits: k10D with grip and 24-70/2.8, 50-200, D-FA50/2.8, 10-24 and an EF-500 (i.e external flash). The front pocket is big enough for P sized (85mm) Cokins and holders and rings.
The top is then big enough for another flash, tripod feet, cables and still have some room left over.

Only difference between a 200 and 250 is the laptop space on a 250, and I presume the 300 is a tick bigger. If it was 1-2cm deeper, the 80-400 would fit in upright (but that's known to be tiny for its range) and you could then probably also fit that and another couple of lenses instead of the flash.

Bret

Sorry about that it's the Tamrac Evolution 6 & 8 that can be worn conventionally or as a sling bag by adjusting the straps. The Fastback access area operates like a sling bag.

Does all that fit in the bottom section.

I looked at the Evolutions but the top compartment didn't seem large enough for my purposes.

I found this site to be very useful when comparing packs:

Fastpack 350

Fastpack 250

Fastpack 200

I believe the 200 and 250 are identical except for the addition of a laptop compartment and belt on the 250. The 350 is about an inch taller and a hair deeper. It holds my Sigma 70-300mm upright with room to spare, if that helps any. I measure the inside of the bag as about 6.5" (16.5cm) deep in the middle at the divider between compartments, though that is with the laptop compartment empty. It may be shallower with a laptop in.

The Vanguard Uprise series are worth checking out as well.