no annoying brand patches, uses real leather, snaps are secure but not obtrusive, same goes for the clasps. a judicious number of inside pockets and a handy zipper pocket on the back side to keep your wallet and keys in for access that's easy for you but not for the pickpocket standing next to you on the subway. i really, really like this backpack. if there was a leather-bottomed one, i would even pay a little more for that.