I would still make sure that you talk to the screeners when you are checking the non-carry-on luggage. I tried to bring my aluminum monopod a few months ago and was denied despite it not being on any forbidden lists. Since I had time, I was able to stick it in the checked luggage, otherwise I'm not sure what would have happened with it.
Well, my monopod was too big to fit into any carry-on bag that we had (though still within the requirements so I was carrying it loose, and did ask about it fairly early on in case I wasn't allowed. The head of airport security even happened to be nearby and wasn't impressed when I mentioned that it wasn't on any ban lists. By this time, my wife was getting embarrassed (I really wasn't making a scene, honest!) and there was no one higher to appeal to and it really wasn't worth it, so I put it in our checked luggage was which in line for the quick checks that they get. I actually had considered tricks like tie-wrapping it to the stroller we had with us (which we don't have access to during the flight), but figured that I'd just see if I could carry it. A tripod may or may not be less scrutinized than a monopod which is basically a very solid aluminum pipe that'd be good for bopping people on the head with.Did the airline personel say you couldn't carry it on before you got to security?
I was thinking of having a carry on size that I could go back and check. I was hoping to avoid baggage claim and letting ME handle all my checked luggage but I will go pick up that one bag as I really want the tripod my first night.
I've been researching (camera) bags for Mrs. YEKCIM and have seen several similar backpack style bags at B&H's site, for less money than $275, although I don't recall if they have wheels or not. Have you nosed around B&H's site and/or maybe the Tamrac or Lowepro websites?
How about the Tamrac 5258? No wheels, but looks a little bigger, and is about $100 less.
~YEKCIM
Hey YEKCIM....that shot in your avator...wheres that from?