wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Again, put in some initial dimensions as filters in one of the sellers search engines. As someone has suggested in one of their replies to your inquiry, check the size requirements for all the forms of transportation. There was a size difference between United Airlines and Lufthansa for carry-on for me. I used the smallest dimensions for my first "filtering" of backpacks to look at. And although my first "fitting" did not result in a successful backpack "pick", my second filter search, with additional search filters, did result in my newest backpack that fit perfectly on my back and under the seat (if and when there was no overhead space) in the plane or bus. The backpack size even made it easy to fit in the small cars of Europe. Please try this technique. I am sure that it will result in your newest backpack no matter what the brand.

twb930s Loc: Aldie, Virginia

I'm sure you will receive 200 replies with 199 different bags recommended, with sound reasoning for each. This is a very personal decision. I have several bags and use different ones at different times in different circumstances. Good luck with your decision.

dick ranez

Two good pieces of advice filtered through three pages of replies.
1: try before you buy
2: consider additional/alternative shorter lens.

Additional asides:
Backpack/rolling bag debate - there are offerings that have both wheels and pack straps. Check out Think Tank. Wheels aren’t fun an Scottish cobblestones.

Consider a small collapsable shoulder bag for daytrips. Backpacks and rollers are not flexible enough for some venues - unless you don’t mind losing control and checking them.

Personally I’d add a 50mm to the stash.

Scotland’s great for photographers regardless of which genre you prefer - and the beer and whisky are a added treat.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I had a backpack perfectly organized and because the xray couldn't see everything clear I had to unpack the entire bag on the conversation belt. Took forever to repack

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I had a guy totally unpack my carry-on just because he liked cameras and wanted to see what I had!

jhgribble Loc: Michigan

Ok I just order this bag recently, I have not tried it on a trip yet, but it is holding drone, 3 batteries and charger, my canon M50, 18 to 70 zoom, 18 to 22 zoom, 50mm macro, a pancake 24 and a kit 18 to 45, plu two batter chargers and 4 batteries and various SD card holders. Plus it comes with wheels that attach and you can pull it. Plus it has a 3 inch expansion section. Cwatcun Camera Backpack Trolley Case Bag with Tripod Holder Anti-Theft Waterproof Camera Bag fits 15.6' Laptop for Canon Nikon Sony DSLR SLR Camera for Women Men Photographer https://a.co/d/4yprg2H can't hurt to look!!!

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I'll have to check the brand of my latest photo backpack. I'd been using an Amazon Basics which was only $30 and held ALL of my gear: two bodies (each with a lens attached), two additional lenses, including a 50mm and 180mm, and a flash. BUT, when I switched out the Sigma 17-50 for the Nikon 17-55, it made for much tighter fit. TOO tight, actually. So, I had to look for a larger backpack. Found a really nice one at a local camera shop that was marked down because it was discontinued. Think it's a LowePro model. Nothing about it says "camera gear inside". Looks like a normal backpack. I kept my smaller Amazon backpack in case of traveling where I won't be taking everything.

ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA

Here’s another vote for Shimoda. Lots of sizes, most comfortable because it’s adjustable, at least my 50L is. Excellent construction.

lightyear

Advice from 40 years of backpacking in the Sierra Nevada , and more recently with photography. Your selection of a backpack should be like buying a pair of shoes: try it on to see how well it fits you, best with some weights ( you can use some heavy books to simulate the camera/lens weight). Each backpack maker has a different model shape utilized to design the bag shape, back straps, waist belt location and design. I personally have several backpacks: one for a heavy load, one for a light load, one for fairly rapid access to the camera without removing the pack. I discovered it is easiest to do this in a large camera store that stocks several different brands and styles of pack. In return for the opportunity to make the right selection for my shape, I bought the bags in the store where I found it, instead of ordering it at a lower discounted price on line. When in cities (USA, Europe) I use small ,light carabiners ( sold in the numerous Chinese origin "dollar" stores), usually 3/$1 to lock the compartment zippers toget her so no one can sneak up behind me (on subway or bus, in crowds)and unzip the compartment. No thefts yet. In ?risky?? areas ( Naples, Italy; some areas of NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisc, etc.,) I leave the backpack in the car trunk or hotel, and use a cheap, used nondescript shoulder diaper bag which does not scream "expensive camera." Hope this helps.

FrankN Loc: Maryland, USA

I have the Think Tank Airport Accelerator and regularly pack the following:
Nikon D500 with Vertical grip and 24-70 DX zoom
Nikon Z6ii with 24-70 FX zoom
FTZ adaptor
70-200 f/2.8 Nikkor
200-500 f/5.6 Nikkor
Nikon SB900 flash
assorted accessories (Batteries, chargers, memory cards flash bracket, etc.)

I am very pleased with this bag and recommend it, although it is somewhat higher than $250

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Wow 3 pages of replies and not a peep from NP Hound (OP). I think OP has left the building.

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

Bags…so many…I have a bad back and neck so any weight on my neck causes me great pain. I have moved to mirrorless to reduce weight, use new RF lens which are lighter and still a problem. I was a backpacker and climber for years and the backpacks that had a good waist belt which took the weight off your shoulders and moved it to your hips was great. But I have yet to see a photographic backpack that is really designed that way (just having a belt doesn’t shift the weight. So I have about 5 bags, hate them all. I am heading down to REI to look at really backpacks to see if I can find a solution. Any thoughts would be helpful. Also I am wondering if anyone has used the Harbor Freight hard case with wheels. It is on sale right now for $70 which is about half the price of the lowest cost wheeled bag.

lightyear

Some photo backpacks have wide well-padded waist belts which greatly diminish the shoulder pull and weight. Try ing them all on with some weight (books?) in the bag will help.