Think Tank Airport Essentials Backpack for Standard DSLR System, 300mm f/2.8/iPad/13" Laptop, Small

I was looking for a backpack that could accommodate a DSLR, a couple of lenses (including a long zoom), a video cam and associated gear (batteries, chargers, etc.). After some research, I found the Think Tank backpacks are highly recommended. I ordered this one for several reasons:1. Very lightweight.2. Fits under the seat on most aircraft3. Has room for my gear4. Allows attaching a tripod or monopod on one side5. Can carry a small laptop AND a tablet6. Has waist and sternum belts7. Has a top AND side handle for carryingI recently "test drove" the bag on a short trip and am very pleased. All my gear fit securely--camera, 2 lenses, video cam, batteries, monopod swivel head, chargers, laptop, Kindle, binoculars, papers, a magazine. The laptop and tablet are a somewhat snug fit--it helps to fully unzip the top section into which they fit (which also covers the camera section) and then slide these items into the designated pockets. I opted to carry the monopod in my other carry on so as not to tempt TSA to see the monopod as a "weapon" ;-). If one double loops the pod-carrying straps, they are snug enough to easily hold a monopod.The pack has smaller compartments in the top section but don't plan on storing other than fairly flat items in the two zippered compartments on the camera side--for example, storage cards, lens caps, small cables, etc. Some compartments on the laptop side are closed by velcro but most are open, with places for pens, and perhaps a pad of post-its, small notepad and the like.The camera storage area comes with several small pads that allow configuring the space for your gear. The pads are secured in place by velcro and it is STRONG--no worries about the pads shifting once you locate them.The backpack shoulder straps each have a small metal ring to which you could clip small items, and all the straps all have a clever "flap" that serves as a stop after you adjust the length. I also like that the straps can be fairly easily "dressed" out of the way to minimize dragging on the floor and through grunge, or the chance the excess will form an inadvertent snare catching one's foot.Once I packed the bag, it was rather heavy--it is easy to load it up! I think if I had used the waist belt more it would have been more comfortable on my back.I left at home the weather cover; as others have noted, it takes up space in the main storage comportment instead of being stuffed into a bottom zippered compartment the way other Think Tank bags handle it. That's about the only "drawback" I can think of to an otherwise excellent backpack to safely and securely carry a reasonable amount of camera gear on a trip. One of my brothers was so impressed he decided to buy one, though I believe he chose a somewhat larger model (he's also much bigger than me!).

Like many photographers its not the search for that perfect lens or camera its the Bag. We all want that "perfect" bag to handle all situations.I have tried several types and brands some excellent some good and some that should have never been considered.I've tried the one with the fancy straps and tie downs and separate compartments for camera gear, personal stuff and laptop, those work great.Anyhow let me get into the pros,cons and some of my views.Pros:Simple design one big compartment for camera gear and smaller front area for laptop and other personal items,I find it very easy to work with and out of, place it down, open it up and there are your lenses and everything else, when Im at a Restaurant or Coffee Shop working on photos and articles I can lay it on the seat next to me and get to my laptop, notebook and other gear, I use this time to charge up the batteries for my mirrorless cameras.The side handle, now at first I thought it was not needed since it has thet the top handle, I find that I use it quite often especially when putting it in a vehicle. (I have not tried using this bag on a flight but will soon)Water bottle-tripod pocket, I use mine for a water bottle, since I use my mirrorless cameras more than my DSLR, I find if you adjust the dividers that are meant for a Body with lens attached,a travel size tripod fits perfectly inside the main compartment no tripod sticking out and telling people you have camera gear.(I have a MeFoto Roadtrip)The shoulder straps, not bad so far I have not found them to be uncomfortable, I do like the loops at the end of the adjuster straps and the elastic keepers to keep the straps in place and from flopping around, I ride a motorcycle with the pack on and its nice not have straps hitting you and flapping about.The waist belt, not padded but it works, and being able to tuck it away a big plus.The lock was a big feature for me, I know if someone really wants my bag they can get it, but this slows them down I do lock it to my motorcycle.Cons:Not many, the top zipper compartment I wish was bigger, but it works,I wish there was a way to lock both the laptop and camera compartment together with one lock, I did buy an extra lock.In all I find it easy to wear and use. I did end getting a few Think Tank Photo Accesories and they work well too,I got the SD Pixel Pocket RocketThe small Credential HolderThe Power House Air, charger and accessory pouch..

I purchased this backpack - not exactly for traveling - but rather because I was attending a workshop that was going to alternate between inside locations and outside, non-paved, wooded locations and I wanted a small profile backpack. My Think Tank wheeled Airport Navigator wasn't going to cut it because I wouldn't be able to wheel it along non-paved roads or do so only with difficulty. The Airport Essentials backpack is perfect. It fits my camera (Hasselblad X2D, my 7 lenses, 14" laptop, 12.9" iPad, and plenty of ancillary equipment (mouse, cords, plugs, etc.). My only disappointment is that it does not fit a tripod (contrary to statements in the video) - not in the outer pocket, which is very, very small and narrow, nor inside the backpack (I have a foldable travel Benro). So I have the low profile backpack I wanted but will have to carry the tripod separately or rig something up to attach it to the backpack.