My go-to travel backpack (not designed for photography) died on a trip to India earlier this year. I had used it for 1,000,000 air miles over the last 15 years. Looking for a replacement I found the ***** Shape Shifter 17 v2. I've used it now for multiple international trips over the last 3 months, often with 2 lens and 2 DSLRs, 2 laptops, noise cancellation headphones, snacks ... and it has worked great. I've also used it with no cameras, with the camera area zipped closed. Innovation and flexibility. A great combo! I can't understand why anyone would want a bulky overstuffed single purpose camera backpack when they discover this backpack exists! Suggested enhancement - in the very bottom add a large horizontal zipped pocket. My last backpack had this and it was a great place to store a light layer or light windbreaker with easy access.

I’ve been building up a variety of Speedbelt pouches that work great on the belt. But the ones I use the most are a tight fit for the intent of the ***** shape shifter, and no room for the belt inside That’s just my situation, others might find it works great for the intended purpose. By itself it is a very spacious, rather large backpack, fits well, comfortable, lots of pockets, holds a tripod ok in front, might be nice to have a way to side mount a tripod. Overall a great product, but not sure how much I’ll be using it as intended with Speedbelt pouches inside.

I am extremely impressed with the ***** Shape Shifter backpack and the versatility provided. Highly recommended backpack. Thinking of a second purchase too

If you have a large gaming/media laptop, this is the ONLY bag for you - as in the ***** Shape Shifter 17 v2. I fit an Alienware 15r4 in with a perfect fit, along with an iPad and second USB Asus monitor inside without any bulge! Absolute perfection! The laptop sleeve coupled with the ability to use the modular system make this the ultimate bag for traveling around the world. Having a bag that has an uninterrupted space under the modular system (you have to see inside to see what I am talking about) makes for a truly unique backpack. I put large placards inside, that no other backpack can do. Lots of pockets and zippers make for tons of places to put your stuff. The bag fits perfectly under the Airplane seats, even with stuff inside. The one complaint I have, is the zipper that is used for the main compartment is a smaller and less robust zipper than is used in the shape shifter expansion zipper. Since you're using this bag mostly in the expanded mode, it's weird that they put the smaller zipper on the inside. I've rarely used the bag in "thin mode", so the large zipper on the outside is almost useless...but its nice to be able to collapse the bag - hence - ***** Shape Shifter. However, because this bad is so awesome in every other way, I will still give it a 5 star. This bag travels the world with me everyday.