I use my bag constantly (work commuting, gym, grocery runs (walking or on my bike), carry-on for 30-40 plane trips a year), and have tried several the past few years, and then researched heavily, including wirecutter, and then ordered and tried out several finalists and returned all but one. And man, it was close. I was torn between this and the LL Bean Quad, and alternated them for a few weeks. Broke my heart to return this, because I love so much about it, and for many it would be the right choice, but I decided I loved the Quad more. (Incidentally, wirecutter recommended a similar LL Bean model as best, but I upgraded, for more size and more pockets.) I usually start with pros, but since I returned this product, I'll go right to the reasons why: 1. Heavy: At 3.5 pounds, this is the heaviest of my finalists by far, more than a pound heavier than similar bags, including the Quad. (I tried some ultra-light bags 2 pounds less.) I pack a lot, and often have the bag all day, and want to keep as light as possible, and an extra pound starting weight is a big minus. 2. Size: this is a hearty size, but about 5 liters less than the 35L Quad. That's about 15% less capacity--not massive, but enough to tip the scale for me. 3. No waist strap! This was really the dealbreaker for me, and seems insane. It was the only highly-rated bag I even considered without one. What were they thinking? It DOES have chest strap, which is great in some situations (especially on a bike), but that's nearly always the add-on AFTER the waist strap. This is mostly an issue if you're loading up heavy, and/or for long. The waist strap makes a huge difference in shifting much of the weight from your shoulders to hips. When the shoulder straps start digging into your muscles up there, you will really curse it not being loaded onto your waist. (Also: this bag was about 50% more expensive than the Quad (LL Bean constantly has it reduced from the list price, and then another 20% to join their email list). This was not a huge factor for me, because I decided I've wasted so much on getting inferior bags, and use it so much, I'd pay to get the best solution. It may be a big factor for others. If those are not big concerns, this might be the bag for you. Pros (SO many) 1. Spacious (compared to most) 2. Great materials, feels solid, and good reviews all around on lasting. 3. Soooooo many pockets and great organization! This is a big deal for me, especially on plane travel, where I like to pack all sorts of things that I can get to quickly when I get there, and also which I can pull out quickly while boarding the plane to keep what I need in my seat (book, laptop, water bottle, pen, sometimes notes, snacks, sometimes pills), while stashing the bag in the overhead. This bag actually slightly exceed the Quad. They have a similar number of external zippable compartments (around 10!) but so many I have found it hard to keep track of which is which--(amazing problem to have)--and this one has them in a more systematic layout. 4. Great fit, great feel, smart ventilation system, etc. Stands up by itself, at least to start. (Not flopping over makes a big difference in loading it up. Note that many bags stand up at first, but that doesn't last. Some don't stand up day 1.) 5. So many extras. There is a hardened small area where you can stash your glasses, sunglasses, phone etc, without them getting crushed or scratched. (Not really necessary for phone--huge for glasses.) The separate laptop zipped area in back is incredible. (This was nearly a deciding factor over the Quad, which also has this feature, but it's has a slightly smaller opening, which doesn't quite fit my 15" Macbook Air. This one zips from above, so it CAN slide in to the same sized space.) I also liked a unique feature: nearly all top bags have water holders on both sides, which is great, because I always need one, but never two, so one is wasted. This bag offers that, but zippable top, so it can easily work as a bottle holder, or another compartment for keys, pills, various small things. Very versatile! In terms of design features, this bag and the Quad were really evenly matched. The Quad has two fleece-lined smallish compartments for phones and whatnot, that are REALLY nice--way nicer than this--but doesn't have the hardened area. There are lots of little design features where this and the Quad rival each other, each a little better on one than the next, but both superb. I would limit the finalists to these 2 bags, and then depending on your priorities, pick one. (Or try both.)
