Tenba P263 Large 35mm Photo Backpack

My main criteria was to get the largest backpack that was DEFINITELY SMALL ENOUGH to carry-on an American Airlines flight to England this fall. I originally got a closeout deal ($210) on the previous model P265: PBA (See my P265: Review). But, I thought it was too big to fit through the airline x-ray machine "mask". So, I called Tenba's customer service to verify the size of their next smaller pack, the P263: PBL35. Then I checked with Keith (salesman at Lens & Repro) and exchanged the P265: for a current P263:. It's long enough to carry a 4-section (20") mono-pod inside, so, if I don't need my tripod, it looks like a regular luggage pack rather than a camera pack.

Size is Just Right.
Large enough to hold 2 Nikon FE2's with lenses & motor drives mounted, flashes, other lenses, and accessories. Even after adding the pack harness & padding thickness to the inside dimensions (12 X 21 X 6"), I think it will fit through the airline x-ray machine "mask".

Very comfortable pack harness. The harness zips behind a cover to keep it safe and out of the way when you're not carrying it on your back. Rain Fly that pulls out from under the cover and over the pack to protect it. Carry handle on the Top.

Tripod Pouch that attaches to the front of the pack. Multiple exterior lash-on points. Two large pockets on the front.

Very strong construction.

Doesn't have the dual access into the pack that the P265: PBA has. (See my P265: Review)

It comes with only 2 sizes of interior partitions (long & short). Would like a variety. (Tenba sells an optional kit of partitions, but not sure if they will fit this pack)

Only 1 carry handle (Top), instead of 2 (Top & Side)

Doesn't have the cool multicolor logo label. ;^)

P265: PBA (Too Big)
Other small 35mm bags (Too Small)

Courteous answers to questions between purchases. (See Summary)