Lowepro - Fastpack 350 or caselogic slrc-206

I am trying to decide between these 2 backpacks, I plan on adding a 70-200 f4L or 2.8L in the future and want my bag to handle it all my gear. opinions?

anyone?

I had the fastpack back in the day, I liked it, but the camera section was tight and the bag was HUGE.

The Fastpack 350 should be able to hold the gear you want. You'll probably have to put the 75-300 or 70-200 in the upper compartment if you're carrying everything.

I use the Fastpack 350 as my "walking-around" bag. I like it for the side access but still having regular backpack straps. The large upper compartment is great for non-camera items like gloves, lightweight jacket, snacks, etc.

There are some things to consider:

- laptop compartment: I don't bring a laptop along so this compartment is of marginal use for me. I do use it for some additional storage but it's not ideal. If Lowepro had a version without the laptop compartment I would have purchased that.

- The Fastpack doesn't have a built-in rain cover. I bought a separate one from REI. I can't think of the last time I've needed a rain cover but I had a credit from REI burning a hole in my wallet. I don't know how necessary it is to have a rain cover.

- There isn't a way to attach a tripod. I've jury-rigged a way to carry a tripod on the Fastpack and it works well enough. I'm playing around with some other ideas for a better solution.

The Fastpack 350 like most Lowepro bags is well made and a good value for the money. The bag works well for me as a combination day-pack and quick access camera bag.

I use the fastpack 350 as my travel bag. It fits all the gear in my sig, + a laptop and misc. items.

I am considering the Tamrac Evolution 8 now. Anyone used this bag?

70-200 2.8 is a tight squeeze in the Evolution 8, especially with a gripped body, it fits but you might not be comfortable with the slight bulge. I tried the Evo 8 out at B&H against the Fastpack & Evo 9 and ended up ordering the Evo 9 which is a tad larger than the Fastpack 350 and alot better looking IMO. I have no experience with the caselogic.

Stone 13 wrote in post #13017403
the Evo 9 which is a tad larger than the Fastpack 350 and alot better looking.

That is a matter of personal opinion, not a fact personally I hate the look of the evo series.

And the 9 also costs about 2x the price of the fastpack.

Sirrith wrote in post #13017468
That is a matter of personal opinion, not a fact personally I hate the look of the evo series.

And the 9 also costs about 2x the price of the fastpack.

added an IMO for clarity..lol

I love the looks because it matches my luggage, and yeah the 9 was pricey, but since I bought it with amex points, I considered it a bargain

I love my 350 since you have the upper section for those non camera bits

the one thing about the 350 I don't like is you cant mount a tri-pod, I like the easy accesss the 350 and the evo 8. I like the case logic bag but am unsure if I can keep a 70-200 mounted on the body. If any one has any other suggestions I'd love to hear them, I don't want to spend more than $150 max. I have been researching like crazy.