On Dec. 10, I posted an article titled Your Dream Lowepro Bag and solicited responses from our Lowepro Facebook page and our Twitter site. I also received some helpful notes via email. One photographer, Derrick Birdsall, even pointed us to his blog for a post on the topic.
I promised to sift through the comments and share some of them here (there are many, many more terrific ones). So, here’s a sampling of the major themes expressed by the Lowepro community.
Fastpack Series
An ongoing request is that our popular Fastpack bags include AW covers. Some respondents also want a tripod mount for this bag. One shooter, Michael, suggested an addition to the series too, “Lowepro needs to make a Fastpack 150. The 100 is a bit to small for grown men and the 250 is too big when going into museums and such. A size right between the two would be fantastic.” One of my favorite Fastpack comments came from Pamela, “..or at least some tiny ‘feet’ so the bottom would stay up off the ground.”
The SlingShot Series
One of our more creative bags, the SlingShot, prompted some creative enhancements too. Craig writes, “Could you ever create a Lowepro Slingshot convertible? A second shoulder strap that hides away (completely!) when used in a sling fashion, but for extended walking, pulls out so as to balance the load across both shoulders?”
The Student Bag
Joris writes, “What I have in mind is a backpack with:”
- plenty of space for school books (minimal, if any, padding necessary)
- a nicely padded laptop compartment – like on the Pro Runner 350/450 AW, that kind of padding. For laptops up to 13″ or 15”
- space up front for a wallet, pens, cell phone and some other small items (like the Pro Runner 450 AW’s front pocket, but a bit deeper)
- a small outer front pocket (again, like on the Pro Runner series)
- an All-Weather cover to protect the bag and its contents from rain, snow,…
- a mesh pocket on one of the sides to carry a bottle of water in it (for bottles containing up to 1 liter/33.81 ounces)
- decent quality (i.e. metal) zippers
- rainflap lids
- sturdy grab handle like on top of the Pro Runner series
- compression straps
- SlipLock attachment loops: it would be a good idea in my opinion to put SlipLock attachment loops on the sides, the (padded) waist belt and the (padded) shoulder straps. Consequently, you could use, say, the Utility Bag 100 AW or the ILC Classic 50 to carry a little bit of camera gear (like an ILC with one lens or so).
- the usual Lowepro build quality on the outside
- Also, a comfortable harness would be really nice as students tend to carry quite a bit of weight from time to time! I’d suggest something like the Pro Runner 450 AW’s harness system (5 points), so with a padded waist belt that can be put away when not in use and comfortable shoulder straps.
It’s up to Lowepro’s designers to figure out what size it should be…I’m sure they will do a great job, as always.”
Less Bag is OK Sometimes
Joanne writes, “I’m a frequent Disney park hopper who prefers to have all my stuff in one place for the day and preferably not hung over my shoulder or having to be put on a belt. I prefer to have my hands free for touring the parks and enjoying the rides…. I’d prefer a fanny-pack style solution that can accommodate a G12 or smaller P&S cam with separate storage for a phone, money and/or park tickets & credit cards, etc. Also, room for small incidentals like a lip balm. A clip or mesh bag for attaching a water bottle would be cool too. This could be a very lightweight solution; heavy padding not necessary.”
Amy adds, “I’d like to see a backpack similar to the Computrekker, but slightly more streamlined (maybe more round than square) to help cut down the bulk.”
Thanks to All
I’ll make sure our design team reads all of your input. I appreciate everyone taking time to write.
Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.
Lowepro Toploader 40? I want something smaller than Lowepro Toploader Zoom 45 AW. When I am using my lightweight setup (Nikon D3200/Nikkor 35 DX) I want the smallest/lightest bag possible and Toploader 45 is too big and too bulky.
My dream about a lowepro bag is a trolley for my travel, with space for:
– 1-2 pro DSLRs with grip plus 4-6 lenses (up to 300mm f/2.8);
– accessories;
– up to a 15″ notebook
– external dimension modified to meet the follow dimension
56 x 45 x 25 cm
to meet the limit for the most lowcost airlines company.
It’s impossible? I hope it doesn’t!!! 🙂
Sorry for my English!
I think there is one more thing you shold make about fastpack series – make wastebelt detachable (removable).
hey, thanks for the mention!
My pleasure, Derrick ;). Can’t wait to see what the design team will be coming up with in the (near ?) future!
i just think of what goes in ( value ) and then decide on the proper bag . so weather proof and storage, but #1 is i dont want water in . lowepro is the best because you have a hard time decideing what you need , that isnt a bad thing .. its great i have options . maybe a duffle bag from lowpro for light stands and other stuff that is like 50′ long on wheels and a handle , but thats me lol ..portable photography that i dont need to keep useing my hockey bag looks unprofessional without cost of the trunks