Excellent pack, very well made. Fell in love with it. Sturdy and holds up well to severe use of both university and field research. Looks good at start and better with wear; I often get nice comments from colleagues. Statement accessory in my gear; seems to demonstrate my commitment to quality in all my work.
Heavier than nylon but appropriate for heavyweight canvas/leather; weight of pack won't matter when carrying loads of gear or books. Nicely water resistant (haven't submerged it to know if truly waterproof). Extra touches really appreciated, especially quality of leather trim, shape of front pockets, utility of drawstring closure, neatness of inner cloth lining, and strength of shoulder straps.
I use this pack every day to carry books, a computer, files, electronics and cold weather gear, moving from classroom to field research site. Utility and security of this pack is excellent. Dropping it down on a stream bank or beneath a bridge, I have no worries about the pack withstanding the moisture or being cleanable afterwards. Mud easy to remove. The pack may seem pricy, but it has outlasted the equivalent of three ordinary bookbag/packs.
One note: to be sure of laptop protection, I use a neoprene sleeve over my computer when in the backpack - much more useful a combination than a dedicated computer backpack that is ugly and doesn't withstand outdoor conditions.
Not a great pack for 3 inch ring binders, but then what pack is? Very common for me to have a 6-inch stack of files/books plus my laptop plus a couple of ziplocks with small electronics, all in the main compartment.
Shoulder straps very strong but narrow - shape fits the look, but could perhaps become bothersome if hauling a long distance in warm (no coat) conditions.
Bought this pack as a classy alternative to a Camel pack to take on a fast paced walking tour of Washington DC and Virginia for 9 days. I was skeptical because it was reported as heavy and causing sweaty backs but bought it anyway, even though my husband advised against it due to ergonomics. I LOVE this pack! And would buy it again in a heart beat! It fit perfectly under airplane seats. I could pack heavy or light and never had back pain (I hike and walk a lot so am in shape somewhat); the ergonomics were great adjusted so the bottom hit the small of my lower back. I seriously thought I was going to feel this but didn't. I could swing it over just one shoulder easily for quick on and offs if I needed to or hold it easily by the loop on top in tight situations. Both back pockets were very secure in crowded areas, and the main compartment is spacious and easily secured too. I was able to shove a rain jacket, umbrella, first aide kit, lots of snacks, water, wallet, magazine and later a very large hardbound book, large camera and personal items in it and still had room/wasn't over packed. The waxed cotton held up AMAZINGLY to rain storms. One storm I was unable to use an umbrella in the torrential downpour (flooded streets in seconds) and my pack was wet in areas. The water mostly sat on top. I thought I could expect things to be wet inside, but they weren't. It did not go through and dried out very quickly. I'm sold.
Got my bag as a gift 5 years ago. Love the bag but the old fashioned clips kept coming loose and nearly cost me a Canon zoom lens of $3000 that fell out due to the clips. Had it modified at a leather shop that took the clips out and I am just using the tie down straps that work so much better. My bag has travelled all over the world since with out further problems. Nice bag with minor problems.
