I bought this bag after doing a lot of research to find a bag that would travel well in Europe and wasn't just a large backpack. I just used this bag for 2 weeks active travel in Switzerland (lots of trains/buses/walking up steep village stairs, etc). The bag is a bit awkward on top (the straps don't unsnap) and the top compartment could allow access to the main bag even when locked to a really agile thief. But these are really the only downsides. The bag is light but sturdy (it was flung on and off several trains and post-buses with no damage at all). It is easy to carry up those steep village stairways and over cobblestones. AND it fit my hiking boots and all of my clothes for two weeks. By far the best bag I've had for European travel.