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Lowepro Fastpack or Lowepro Flipside?

I ran out of space in my Lowepro camera bag so I am upgrading to a full backpack. Additionally, my bag has become uncomfortable to carry on hikes (even very short hikes). I don't know if I want a Fastpack or a Flipside. The Fastpack has greater storage which is the reason I am upgrading overall. The issues is that the Flipside can carry a tripod as well. I carry my tripod with my constantly.

Public Comments

1. Both a great packs but it kinda depends on how you want/need to carry your gear. I wanted to be able to quickly access my camera without having to stop and take the bag off my back. The FastPack 350 has a side access door that lets me easily and quitely access my 40D or 7D with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens mounted (hood reversed). It also accomodates my laptop so it works well for me as a travel bag and for hikes. The one thing it does not do natively is allow you to secure a tripod to the bag. I typically hike with a monopod that I also use as a walking stick so this isn't a problem for me. If securing the tripod to your pack is a priority, you obviously know the Flipside has a tripod holder built into the bag. So this may be the deciding factor for you. My issue with packs like the Flipside is that you've got to stop to dismount the bag, set it down, and then open what amounts to a large clamshell. If you are headed from point A to point B and have no desire or plans to shoot anything in betweem this is not a problem. But typically, while hiking, I may just happen to see something that catches my eye and it may only be there for a moment. This is where the Flipside falls down for me. Your priorities and decisions may be different.