This is a good, minimalist backpack for under $20. I use it as a carry-all when I go out instead of a purse. I live in a city and use public transit or walk everywhere, and I find backpacks more versatile as well as better for my back. It's perfect for my needs, but wouldn't be suitable for a student who has to carry multiple hardback books.

The backpack is made of some sort of woven polyester fabric, and it is lined with thin, stiff plastic--the kind that creases and then flakes and leaves increasingly large holes. This makes it less water-repellent but it doesn't affect the bag's sturdiness/ability to hold stuff. This isn't marketed as a waterproof backpack, but I've already been using a $3 waterproof backpack shell for years. Even waterproof backpacks eventually get soggy.

Besides the front pocket, it's just one big compartment. This can be seen as a drawback but I prefer it. I can use a purse organizer, an elastic grid organizer, and/or bags to organize my things, or I can remove all of that and have one big compartment if I need it.