Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW III

A day that starts at a station, runs along a line by bus or train and ends at a yard viewpoint needs more than a camera and a lens: a rain layer, food, a tablet with the timetable, a spare lens. The maker designed this pack for a mirrorless or DSLR body, two or three extra lenses, a 13-inch laptop, a tablet and personal gear, with a camera zone, a device zone and an open zone. It weighs 1.2 kg empty and carries a waist belt, which helps on a long walk to a viewpoint. The maker also lists a folding drone kit among the things the camera zone is meant to hold, though flying near a railway is a separate matter that depends on local rules and the operator's permission. The point of this size is a single pack for a whole day of platforms, buses and waiting rooms rather than a bag for one lens.

The QuickDoor gives two stages of access to the camera zone, so you can reach the camera without opening the whole pack. The maker lists an All Weather AW Cover and PU-coated fabrics for protection against dirt, abrasion and moisture, plus adjustable EVA dividers and a padded, suspended CradleFit compartment for devices. Lowepro gives the camera compartment as 29 x 12.5 x 22 cm and states that it fits a DSLR with an attached lens; measure your own body and longest lens against those figures before buying. Use the pack where you are allowed to be, and keep a bag on a crowded platform off the floor and out of the way.

It suits a railfan who treats the day as a trip and needs camera gear, a laptop or tablet, and clothing in one pack. Look elsewhere if you carry one body and a lens and want something lighter, or if you need a 15-inch laptop sleeve.

The Peak Design Everyday Sling in the 6L or 10L size is a lighter one-shoulder choice for a smaller kit. Lowepro also lists a larger Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III with 25 L volume and room for a 15-inch laptop for a bigger load.