Lowepro Fastpack 250 Review + DIY Tripod Hack

[dryicerx]

Hello,

I am new here, thought I'd introduce my self with sharing something.

A few weeks ago, I was looking for a backpack, and if you know me, I am super picky. My requirements

• Backpack with Easy Camera Access and Lens Compartments
• Fit a Fullsize 15.4" Laptop And Space for Accessories
• Can Attach a Tripod on it
• Doesn't attract attention as a Camera Bag
• Wouldn't break my Bank (sub $150)

I had 5 needs, reality said pick 4. Lowepro Fastpack 250 came close... except it didn't have a way to attach a tripod. Fine.

Just like I wanted, Looks like a plain backpack and not a attention grabber. Got a few lens compartments, and fits a 15.4" Laptop with a extended battery easily. The padding is really nice. There is a large pocket area for other crap on the top as well.


This is what I love about this, ability to hold a lengthwise long lens + camera. This is a Sigma 70-300mm with the Hood on as well. And easily accessible on the side with this door. Great to quickly taking it out.



It doesn't come with a tripod mount, so this is the hack. The side directly opposite to the Laptop Zipper was unused (next to the water bottle holder net).

Ran to Walmart and picked a Nylon strap, some Nylon threads, Needles, and some Interlocking things (I forgot their name, you find them in backpacks etc). I bought the usual ones which you squeeze from the side, but they were too inefficient to quickly release, instead found these (you press on them to release the strap).

1. Cut Nylon Strap in to two 2ft Straps. Heat the edges over a flame so they seal them selves.
2. Attach the female end to a strap and sew. The other end is the adjustable one, so just run the strap through the male end.
3. I heated a long 5" nail and made two holes through the backpack padding/cloth on the side for the screws. (it makes a clean hole through nylon and padding) where you want to attach the straps with screws.
4. Used some machine screws and washers (on outside and inside) to hold the straps in place because there was no way to sew in that area.

To hold the tripod, I just wrap the strap once around and hook top male end to the bottom female end, and wise versa. It holds very tight, and has no interference when I am walking with my hands or anything. And to release - it's instantaneous... just press on the two tabs and it comes off immediately.

The backpack was off Fry's for ~$90, and the walmart stuff was ~$10.


Hope this helps anyone looking for a Backpack that can do SLR+Lenses+Laptop+Tripod+more Space for less than $100.

[Cajungaltx]

I like the customized tripod holder. I have a Lowepro 200 and I have to hand carry my tripod as well. I've ready you can sort of 'slide it in' a couple of the loops - but I haven't attempted it yet. I like the security of how yours is attached.

[Cheermom]

Same here. I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 and have considered simply going to an upholstery shop and having some velcro straps sewn onto the side to carry my tri/mono.

[yaterag]

I have the same bag. I had my wife sew on two straps on the side to hold my tripod and it works great. I used to carry it sideways under the flap that covers the camera pocket but it was just too wide and I kept hitting stuff.

[Pointandshoot]

umm great idea , might do the same

[Scott...yer crazy]

Call me "crazy" but requirement bullet 4 "Doesn't attract attention as a Camera Bag" is kinda blown by hanging a tripod of off the bag isn't it? LOL :)

I own the Fastpack 300. It does fit a laptop, but actualy holds less gear than my Slingshot 300. Because of the full backpack shoulder strapps, it does carry the load more comfortably.