I got this bag for a 2-3 day trip, either in the car or plane. I have a gym bag, and it would suit that purpose just as well. It has the pockets as advertised: 1) large main compartment where most everything goes, 2) a front pocket big enough for a few, small (and thin) items, 3) the little, felt lined pocket that goes into the larger main compartment which can be accessed from the outside of the bag, (good for a phone, iPod, etc, not much more,) 4) a regular side pocket for a variety of items,that is the size it looks to be,  and, 5)another side pocket discussed in other reiviews.
I like the bag, good construction, strap and all that (it's a duffle bag with some good pockets.) The only problem is that last side pocket. I am not sure you can fit a pair of shoes into it without the shoes going a good bit (3 to 4 inches) into the main compartment. It would be nice if a side pocket was of sufficient size to hold a pair of sneakers or dress shoes. The one pocket will allow that, it just depends on how much of the main compartment it takes up, or how you feel about using a portion of the main compartment for you shoes.