Camera Backpack

[Sheiky]

Hmm...I haven't read the entire story yet and I see that you've bought a new backpack already, but I just have to say that I've had a Fastpack 350 for about 10 years now and it worked really well for me. However the fact that I can't carry a tripod properly made me look at other bags constantly. I normally put the tripod in the side-netting(had to stitch it up several times) and attached a rubber band thingy around the top of the tripod and secured at the top strap of the bag. Where you can hand carry it.

So just a month ago my camera store had a 50% price reduction of the Lowepro Whistler BP 350 AW and I couldn't resist. Glad I ordered it, because frankly I will never want to use the Fastpack 350 again. The Whistler is pretty much the same size, however due to it's internal structure it's practical over the entire size, where the Fastpack slopes towards the top.
My Whistler 350 is not the type II, so it has a ICU. I couldn't really care about it though. I've compared it to the version II and I saw no reason for me to pay more. It's a real sturdy backpack and the ICU gives it even more sturdiness.
My Fastpack is easily folded, the Whistler doesn't fold at all. It gives me lots more confidence.

I never had issues with rain with my Fastpack(I did add a cheap cover for my Iceland tour though), but the Whistler feels and looks way more robust and waterproof. It also is supplied with a rain cover, but I doubt you will really need it if you're not heaving heavy rainfall.

I also like the back access. Instead of only at the bottom of the backpack I now carry my gear directly against my back. It feels lighter doing so, even though the backpack itself is substantially heavier.
The storage compartment is a lot more useful now it covers the entire back area of the backpack. It's also possible to add a little more storage space by opening the zipper that keeps the back smaller when you don;t need the extra space. The storage is also "waterproof" and has a hole at the bottom to let water out. So ideal for hikes and activities in mountainous and wet environments where you might have to pack wet stuff in the backpack. Your gear will stay dry.
Add the ability to attach pretty much anything to the bag with all the attachment straps and loops and you end up with a much more capable backpack.

I like it a lot. In the next few weeks I'll be trying it out in Italy and hopefully I'm still as positive as I am now when I get back

[Kayaker72]

Hmm...I haven't read the entire story yet and I see that you've bought a new backpack already, but I just have to say that I've had a Fastpack 350 for about 10 years now and it worked really well for me. However the fact that I can't carry a tripod properly made me look at other bags constantly. I normally put the tripod in the side-netting(had to stitch it up several times)

Ha! I borrowed surgery suture from my wife to stitch that netting on my Fastpack 350. And, of course, if you have the tripod on that one side, there is not room for water.

I also like the back access. Instead of only at the bottom of the backpack I now carry my gear directly against my back. It feels lighter doing so, even though the backpack itself is substantially heavier.
The storage compartment is a lot more useful now it covers the entire back area of the backpack. It's also possible to add a little more storage space by opening the zipper that keeps the back smaller when you don;t need the extra space. The storage is also "waterproof" and has a hole at the bottom to let water out. So ideal for hikes and activities in mountainous and wet environments where you might have to pack wet stuff in the backpack. Your gear will stay dry.
Add the ability to attach pretty much anything to the bag with all the attachment straps and loops and you end up with a much more capable backpack.

I like it a lot. In the next few weeks I'll be trying it out in Italy and hopefully I'm still as positive as I am now when I get back

Congrats! Especially with the 50% off. I am sure you'll still like it. I did look at the Whistlers. As you just described, they have a lot of good features and seemed to be great bags. Its funny you mention V1 vs V2 having and not having an ICU. If I recall correctly, that is why I stopped looking at the Whistler, that I wanted an ICU system. Looking at Lowepro's website, it does look like V2 you can remove the camera insert, but I do not see other smaller ICUs that would be interchangeable ...just the one that comes with the bag.

Anyway, looks like a great bag, hope you enjoy!

[Kayaker72]

So just a month ago my camera store had a 50% price reduction of the Lowepro Whistler BP 350 AW and I couldn't resist. Glad I ordered it, because frankly I will never want to use the Fastpack 350 again. The Whistler is pretty much the same size, however due to it's internal structure it's practical over the entire size, where the Fastpack slopes towards the top.

BTW...I was thinking about this more after my first post....I think I like the process you just went through much better than what I just did. Not that it was too onerous, mostly reading/watching reviews here or there and keeping track of what I came across. But, to a very large extent, perfect doesn't exist, so when you find something that is really good and is 50% off....maybe that is perfect

[Sheiky]

Ha! I borrowed surgery suture from my wife to stitch that netting on my Fastpack 350. And, of course, if you have the tripod on that one side, there is not room for water.

Haha awesome! I stitched mine with Zip ties and later added a rubber insert. The fact is though that it worked just fine for the smaller periods of use. When on holidays and hiking in the Alps last year, the overhanging weight on one side gets quite annoying after some time. Especially if the weather is bad at the top and you carried the tripod up the mountain for nothing up

BTW...I was thinking about this more after my first post....I think I like the process you just went through much better than what I just did. Not that it was too onerous, mostly reading/watching reviews here or there and keeping track of what I came across. But, to a very large extent, perfect doesn't exist, so when you find something that is really good and is 50% off....maybe that is perfect

I guess I could call myself lucky that I ran into this deal. I've watched enough of Youtube videos about camerabags and hiking bags with ICU's to know what your search was like.

I guess the second fact is that I bought the Fastpack 350 about 10 years ago for I believe 80-90€. If I look in the same price category nowadays I'm really disappointed.
The same for lenses. I saw a second hand 100mm L Macro in the shop last time I went there. They ask the same price I have paid for it new when it came out