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!).