In theory, we’re clear on how a bag is to preform under adverse conditions. But to actually experience its virtues takes appreciation to a new level. That’s what happened to me on Saturday, Oct. 29 in New York City with the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW.
By now, you’ve probably already heard about the record-setting storm that hit New York City. Those *never* happen in October. But after teaching my class Saturday morning at PhotoPlus Expo, here’s what I was greeted with when I walked at the door of the conference center.
Anyone who has been to NYC in a storm knows there are no available cabs when this happens. I had walk back to the hotel, retrieve my suitcase, and get to the airport as soon as possible. I wanted to get home.
The latest version of our popular Fastpack series includes an AW cover. I pulled it out to protect my camera and computer gear for the slushy trek back to the hotel. Not only did the AW cover do its job, it wiped off quickly once inside and was neatly stowed in the bottom of the bag. The location of the AW cover is very important. Here’s why.
After many hours or wrangling at JFK airport (flight cancellations, terminal changes, etc.), I got a window seat near an exit door on a Delta nonstop to San Francisco. The plane had to be de-iced before we departed. My Fastpack was sitting upright at my feet during the process. Afterward, I noticed that the carpet around me was soaked. The Fastpack was sitting in these sponge-like conditions. Because the AW cover is on the bottom of the bag, it served as a barrier and protected the valuable contents.
And last, but not least, all of this is after wearing a fully packed bag for 4 days without any shoulder or back fatigue. For longer walks, such as back to the hotel, I would pull out the waist best from its hiding place and use it to stabilize the bag as I maneuvered the busy NY streets.
The DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW was my trusty companion in the Big Apple. And it lived up to every bit of theory the designers conceived on paper when they dreamed up this amazing backpack.
Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.
