This is an incredibly durable bag. I've hiked with it in the rain and it sheds water well. I can go backpacking and the bag holds enough stuff for two nights in the woods. The bag would even survive several years as a high schoolers' bookbag. The side pockets are too short to hold full-sized naglene bottles and strap then closed. They do hold .7L klean kanteen's though.
It has a great old-world look. Not like the cheesy synthetics that are really loud when scraping against a branch.
You will need to touch up the water proofing every once and a while if you use it hard. I've used spray-on boot waterproofing carried by the grocery store and the stuff sold in hiking shops. Both work well and don't cost much.
WENT TO ISRAEL FOR 2 WEEKS, GREAT AS A CARRY ON, LOT OF ROOM INSIDE AND GREAT SECURITY, (BUCKLES.) CONFORTABLE TO WEAR AND ROOM FOR WATER BOTTLES. IN MY BOOK A SUPER PRODUCT.
This is the finest pack I have ever owned. Highest quality, looks and is rough and tough, lots of room. I am using it primarily for daily commutes on my motorcycle.
I've had this backpack for about 2 years and I love it. The styling is classic and people often ask me where I got it. However, it's more of a take to school or work pack than something I would go hiking with. I've had mine long enough that the canvas has broken in and there's no real waterproofing effect left. In addition, while the lambswool is comfortable, it wouldn't look quite so nice if I wore this thing wet. My only complaint with the pack is the leather straps seem to shed these strings from the sides of each strap. No degradation in strap quality but every six months or so I get tired of the strings and take a pair of scissors and trim them off.
