Hi Charles, Sorry, I don't have information about Fastpack 200, but I have used Fastpack 250 since April of 2008 (so it is not too new).
Here are my two postings about my first experience with it: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg444934.html https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg445138.html They contain some of the answers your are looking for. Back then, I was also considering Computrekker, when Jostein wrote his opinion on that one: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg440026.html Now, let me share with you something that you didn't ask for. Since that, I have discovered Vanguard Up-Rise bags. I bought a "messenger" style Up-Rise 33, but I also saw their analogs of the Fastpack line, and I liked those as well. Here is my impression of Up-Rise 33: http://pdml.net/pipermail/pdml_pdml.net/2013-March/340066.html Today, I would probably have bought Vanguard Up-Rise II 45 or 46, depending on the size need. Here are links for you with nice pictures: http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/detail-1-1-247-849.html http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/detail-1-1-247-850.html Mind that the "Inside Dimensions" (under "specs") are quoted incorrectly! Look for the correct ones on the B&H website. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/967898-REG/vanguard_up_rise_ii_45_photo_video.html http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1008819-REG/vanguard_up_rise_ii_46_photo.html/prm/alsVwDtl If this one is too big for you, I would also consider Adaptor series: http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/list-1-1-229.html And for a buffier version you may look at Skyborne: http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/list-1-1-214.html While I've been a fan of Lowepro quality since 1997, I really enjoy the higher thoughtfulness of the design by Vanguard, at least in my Up-rise 33. The build quality is also very good. The only negative side for my bag I see is how the rain cover is implemented. Essentially, I didn't find a way how you can put it on the bag, and carry it on the shoulder for any long period of time: it tends to get off the bag. This is due to the way how they designed this cover. So, the only reliable way to keep the bag inside the cover while carrying is to hold it under the armpit. However, I am not sure if this would be needed in a light drizzle, only in a substantial rain. I don't how the rain-cover is designed in the backpacks. Cheers, Igor PS. Disclaimer: I am not related to Vanguard company in any way, except for being happy with the quality of their product(s). Charles Robinson Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:01:22 -0700 wrote: I'm going to be taking a trip with the wife to Washington, DC in late September. I anticipate that it will be many days of walking and biking around, and I'm thinking I might want something more comfortable/convenient than a standard camera bag -- not only because they have just the one strap so they're always hanging off of a shoulder (or over your neck), but also think it might be convenient to be able to carry a windbreaker, or water bottle, or other sundries with me. I don't picture carrying a LOT of camera gear with me - but I do anticipate wanting at least one alternate/telephoto lens for the K5 (16-50 is my daily lens) with me, as well as the P&S and other stuff. NOT a laptop, not a lot of flash gear, not a tripod. Searching around Amazon, I've come across the Lowepro "Fastpack 200" (not the newer 250) and it seems like just the ticket. A bit of camera gear in the bottom section, and "regular stuff" up top. It looks like access to the innards of the bag is relatively straightforward when you need to root around for extra gear (most backpacks make you take them off and lay them carefully on the ground before opening them up), and I like the "quick access" for pulling out the camera/lens combo if you've been walking around with the camera stowed. Has anyone here used these, or anything similar to them? Good? Bad? Suggestions? -Charles -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
