Comments about Lowepro Lowepro Fastpack 350 Digital SLR & Widescreen Notebook Backpack, Water Resistant & 180-Degree Access Panel, Red:

My plans are to do a lot of back country photography when the weather breaks.

Comments about Lowepro Lowepro Fastpack 350 Digital SLR & Widescreen Notebook Backpack, Water Resistant & 180-Degree Access Panel, Red:

My main criteria was to hold my Nikon D700 with grip and Nikor 70-200 2.8 VR lens mounted, but lens hood reversed. It can do that snugly.

Its not large enough to hold it with the 1.4x teleconverter installed too, the extra inch is just too much. I tried it once and didn't think it was a good idea. Could possibly have forced it to fit, but didn't want to compress the padding or blow out a zipper.

Upper area is large enough to hold the 70-200 inserted into the Nikon soft pouch and other things too; small digital video recoder and microphone with chargers. Room to spare for a shirt or smallish sweatshirt.

The side access hatch is nice for quick access to the camera. The rear flap with two latches keeps the access hatch from opening too far and spilling all the other contents when you're doing the quick-grap thing. For easy access place the zipper tabs at the side hatch. For more security, place them under the rear flap.

I'm not a fan of the rear flap design, not that I could have done better. It prevents me from getting deep into the bag quickly. As it is, its a two step process. First the two flap latches, then the zippers. I know its there to prevent spills, so I accept it. If I was really opposed to it, I would consider removing it permanently. For now I will just deal with it. I have sometimes just left the flap unlatched, but it looks sloppy that way.

Main area has 5 deep compartments for extra stuff. I removed the 5th one since my big lens required that spot when mounted on the body. With efficient packing you could easily stack a couple thing in each pouch (i.e. mid-sized lens with batteries/filters below). My other len Nikor 24-85 2.8-4.0 and hood is a snug fit side-to-side. Similar sized compartments for each. Sturdy velcrow makes them all adjustable, though I left them in place as they came from the factory. The access area (where the body goes) is very large, even with a battery grip attached. If looking for more space, this might be useable except for risk of spilling. Since I removed the 5th compartment and have a spare pad, I might get creative later.

Laptop area is roomy top to bottom and seems well padded on all sides. I have a 15" wide screen laptop that will easily fit, though I haven't tried it. Its very nice for a small notepad or other things you want to keep flat, i.e. white balance card.

Backback has solidly constructed shoulder and waist staps with comfortable thick pads. I haven't loaded it to its weight capacity yet, so no experience with some of the comments about seams speading apart due to weight. For my usage patterns, I don't think that is going to happen. Its constructed for serious hiking.

This is a big backpack. I can carry it with 6ft frame and average strength. Fully loaded requires more strength and endurance. It sticks out there a long way due to semi-rigid padding in the main compartment, so probably not the best choice if you are always in crowded spaces. Its kind of like driving a truck... you need to be aware of what's behind you and when turning corners.

I'm very happy with the backpack despite the flap thing. It serves me as both permanent storage and travel.

Comments about Lowepro Lowepro Fastpack 350 Digital SLR & Widescreen Notebook Backpack, Water Resistant & 180-Degree Access Panel, Red:

The design of this backpac makes it safe and easy to transport the necessities needed to keep laptop, camera, and lenses. I needed a system to carry the above mentioned items and then some. The carrying handle on top of the pac is especially nice as I do not wear as a backpac but use it as an extre large bag. I have had it on my back and found the fit to be comfortable. All in all it is a very well thought out design.

Comments about Lowepro Lowepro Fastpack 350 Digital SLR & Widescreen Notebook Backpack, Water Resistant & 180-Degree Access Panel, Red:

Easy to carry, holds all my camera equipment in an organized method.

Comments about Lowepro Lowepro Fastpack 350 Digital SLR & Widescreen Notebook Backpack, Water Resistant & 180-Degree Access Panel, Red:

Love this pack. It fits my 17 inch Dell laptop and all my gear. I like the fact that I can fit my digital SLR with a 8" lens attached into the bag. Lots of room for other lenses and accessories.

Comfortable fit.

Comments about Lowepro Lowepro Fastpack 350 Digital SLR & Widescreen Notebook Backpack, Water Resistant & 180-Degree Access Panel, Red:

Very comfortable to wear. Much more storage than I expected.