Lowepro Fastpack 350 (Arctic Blue)

Company : Lowepro List Price : $149.99 Amazon Price : $112.95 Used Price : Average customer review :

Features

• Side Entry Compartment provides easy access to D-SLR equipment and accessories, even when pack is being worn
• Triple Compartment Design ensures superior camera protection, notebook protection (fits up to a 17" Widescreen), and organizes personal accessories
• 180-Degree access panel with adjustable dividers provides excellent protection in a customized fit that's easy to load.
• Outer accessory pockets provide external storage for other accessories with fast access, including a harness pocket for an MP3 player or Mobile Phone, as well as a Mesh side pocket for a water bottle or other personal items.
• Tough, water-resistant outer fabric protects against moisture and abrasion

Product Description

Specially designed for today's on-the-go technology enthusiast, whether the task is photographing family travels, traversing campus, or taking a day trip around town, the Fastpack 350 has been designed to accommodate a digital SLR with attached mid-range zoom lens, 2-3 additional lenses or flash units and accessories and have a specially designed compartment for a 17" widescreen notebook computer, as well as extra space for additional memory cards, cables and accessories.

Customer reviews

The Big Bag
I bought this particular backpack for several reasons. I like to have a bag/back pack that can hold both my computer and gears and my photography gears. I have looked into several models which can be really expensive. Since the main purpose of this back pack is to transport my equipment during travel (air plane), I though this would be a good choice. When I received the backpack, the first impression was it is huge!!! Yes, it is but it will fit the space on the airplane (carry on) with everything loaded. However, it may be slightly high (tall) and can be difficult to place under the seat in front of you for the small jets (regional jet). In addition, it can handle a 17" wide screen lab top easily.

The construction of the back pack is good quality and there are ample space to put the equipment. However, it is a little difficult to use this backpack to carry any letter size document without using the computer compartment. Hence, you will not be able to carry lots of document and might need to carry a portfolio on the side.

The packpack as designed will be able to be sling and open the zipper to get the camera. I tried this and it does work nicely. It is comfortable to carry with a full load all day.

Overall it is an excellent designed pack pack for computer and photography equipment transporter. It is bulky but possibly required for the type of equipment it will house. One thing that I had not tested is whether it is rain proof.

not for medium sized women
this backpack is not so hot if you are 5ft 5 or less, as it is too long and doesn't sit on the back very nicely. It also is really high profile and the way it is set up, the distribution of weight makes you lilt to one side.

I wanted to go to a masseuse after 3 days of using this pack to work out the muscle aches.

I got a Kata bag because it actually is a better thought out bag and am going to try to sell mine to some one who has a better back.

a Big backpack, well though, but you get what you payed for
I bought this backpack for my 5D, 24-70 430EX 50mm and some other misc. stuff. First thing that i've noticed: it's indeed very big. If you really care about your stuff and you are backpacking trough woods and you encounter the risk of falling, this is ok i guess, it's tight around you if you want it so. But all the safety comes at a big price: weight. it's too heavy to carry-around. After having the Nova 5 from Lowepro and this backpack i really want to get something very light now.

This backpack's highest point: fast accessability to the camera, lots of space, but maybe not enough for how big this backpack really is.

LOWEPRO-350-FINDINGS-REMIDIES-FEEDBACK
Well, after 30 minutes typing a very detailed feedback response for my purchase of the Loweprow 350 Fastpack I clicked on the wrong tab and lost everything. Now I must make another attempt to convey my thoughts, but I find it important to do so in hopes that this helps both the seller and buyer.

The Fastpack 350 arrived about six days after I purchased it and I immediately began the task of a thorough inspection. I discovered some areas of concern so I pondered for a bit and arrived at a solution. I would not send it back I needed it for some shooting and would resolve the issues myself, knowing that it would be at least two weeks turn around for the repairs. If they decided to replace it, I might be facing the same issues again.

The areas that showed up upon initial inspection were as follows.

A. Some of the stitching was too far apart for my taste.ie: gaps between stitches which could allow seams to part.

B. Eight places where stitches had been finished and thread was left without securing the ends.

C. Five thread ends long enough to find their way between the zipper, and yes, jam up the zipper.

Well, I began my chore of repairing these issues by the following methods.

1. I took some very strong thread, the best I could find at home, not nylon which I much prefer, but I felt somewhat comfortable with cotton as long as I applied a generous amount of it. I stitched over all the areas which showed large gaps between stitches, and firmly secured the thread ends with three very low profile knots. For additional comfort I applied a very, very, slight amount of Krazy Glue to the knots to ensure integrity.

2. I prepared the nylon thread ends which were far too long by cutting them down to about 3/8". I then applied some heat via a small lighter, be careful not to apply too much heat, you want just enough to cause the thread to melt and shrink into a very small ball pulling itself right up against the fabric.

Needs, wants and desires.

I would prefer if it had more zipper and elastic pouches inside the flaps. A few more loops on the large straps over the back of the shoulders, to secure a Tripod, this would be a very nice feature. I must admit, I wasn't overly excited about receiving a product I had to make repairs to, but I guess mass producing them leads to potential Quality Control issues, at least they were not major design flaws.

What I like about the Fastpack 350.

1. The capability to carry a Laptop in the side access pouch nearest the back. It has adequate room to pack along a medium sized computer and cables.

2. I really enjoy the large net pouch on the side, plenty of room for several medium bottles or one large size.

3. Waist bands and straps allow you to equalize the weight carrying ability between your shoulders and waist. Great if your traveling a distance before your shoot.

4. Large top pouch with numerous internal pouches and pockets to accommodate gadgets and provide additional room for a jacket or cap.

5. The adjustable dividers inside allow you to fit various lenses along with your camera, speedlight, batteries and accessories.

Wrap-up it's time to go shooting.

For the money this was not a bad investment. If I need the extra pouches and pockets I can always fabricate and customize them to meet my needs. I'm pleased with what I have, I just wanted to offer my take on some things I find important when purchasing something, I believe should be a value for your money.

D. S. Righello

Lowepro Fastpack 350 (Arctic Blue)
The bag is brilliant I am sure I can find room for improvement but at present it is a very good product.

Lowepro Fastpack 350 (Arctic Blue)