Useful for both serious activities and daily use
Having been impressed with the first one I own, I purchased another one for my wife. As I noticed versatile functionality of the backpack for any activities imaginable, the pack serves for anybody who needs to carry something comfortably and efficiently. I use the pack for fishing trip and have learned the usefulness of the area for wet clothes or items with some water such as waders, rain jacket etc. As ventilation works, the area does not hold any odor with something wet.

great in city and on mountain
I had to sacrifice cool colors so that I can bring the Atacama to business dinners; otherwise I love this pack. Perfect for my very light laptop,and heavy manuals; and the compartment being suspended off the bottom of the pack has already saved the computer from bumps. Solidly built, I don't worry about slinging it around (I'm a little rough on my gear). I can't vouch for durability yet because I haven't had it very long. It survived a couple of very hot days in the city, with laptop, and a couple of hikes without laptop. It's comfortable, though to make it really work on my shoulders I need to use the chest strap (narrow shoulders, short torso 5'3"). I didn't use that strap in the city, and it was fine; but it was better with it when I was hiking. Due to warnings about no sealable change pocket, I throw my own in and leave it there. Haven't tried the wet pouch yet, but I'm about to, and am confident it's going to be a better solution than just having wet things stuffed inside my old pack and having to leave the pack open to air dry!

I would Purchase this item again
I bought this pack to use as a travel pack for my work related travel and as a day pack for hiking. The pack is of durable construction. The computer compartment is easy to put a laptop in and out and provides padding for protection. The other compartments are easy to access. This pack will synch down when you have a smaller load and expand to carry more if needed. This minimizes excess bulk when carrying a smaller load. I am happy with this purchase and would buy it again.

Solid Pack
I use this bag for riding my bike onto campus and also for day hikes on the weekends. The bag has a great feel to it and the mesh backing definitely allows for airflow, making it perfect for even the hottest Hawaiian days. The pack easily fits my 17" HP laptop with a thick finance book and a thick marketing book. The waterproof pocket on the outside is perfect for not only wet board shorts and a towel but I also use it to throw in my hiking shoes if they're a little muddy and I wanna wear my rainbows. The waist belt and sternum strap work comfortably and help when out on a long hike. Overall this is a great pack that has taken a lot of abuse and is still perfect.

Great campus bag
I use this bag every day on my college campus. The main compartment is nice. The laptop compartment has a clever design. The compartment is lifted off the bottom of the bag so that the laptop will not make contact when placed upright on the floor. However, I have a 15" dell studio laptop that fits very snugly. I doubt that a 17" would fit in to the compartment as advertised. Opposite the laptop compartment is a panel that that will hold various things pens, cash, calculator etc. I think it would have been more practical for a separate individually accessible compartment. The straps are well padded creating a very comfortable and well controlled carrying interface. I easily carry 2 large text books and notebooks. Calculus sized. Before you buy this bag however, decide whether or not you will be needing a waterproof compartment. It's an excellent feature but isn't very well suited for carrying much except for a swimsuit and a small towel.