The model boasts a large number of small details, which repeatedly show that the developers have made Lowepro a lot of thought in the design of the backpack:
- The top pocket is removable and can be used as separate hip bag.
- The compression straps, which then actually hang useless, can be clipped into specially prachte "sockets"
- The rain cover can be pulled with little effort on your backpack and provides its own compression straps to be adjusted to optimal
- Even without rain cover is the backpack of a hydrophobic material and zippers on the main subjects are specially rubberized
On the subject of carry-on luggage:
On the outbound flight (Airline: Continental) I had lost both the waist belt and the top pocket and pulled the rain cover over the backpack.
Neither at the baggage drop even when boarding the plane there were any complaints. The backpack fits well in both compartments larger and smaller planes.
On the return flight I had only degraded the rain cover over it and no parts. Again, there were no complaints from the staff.
All in all, I recommend this model only most warmly. It is definitely worthwhile to take at this point some extra cash in hand!
Update 09/2012:
After my wife and I spent two weeks recently in Iceland, I can now tell my experiences with the airline "Icelandair":
There was neither on the way even on the return flight to the satisfaction of the airline and the backpack was excellently stowed in the luggage compartments of the Boeing 757-200.
Even after a year of frequent use can I continue to recommend the backpack without restrictions.
Especially for people with slightly larger equipment, a strong buy recommendation :-)