I am an engineering student, so my backpacks see a lot of hard use. The problem I have had with my previous backpacks has been the shoulder straps ripping off, but so far this one has not shown any signs of that. The suspension system built into the straps makes it seem a little less heavy, and the padding on the back is really nice. You really appreciate it when you are in a hurry because it keeps the weight from impacting your shoulders and back every time you take a step.

This backpack is fairly water resistant, a 10 minute walk in light rain did not soak all the way through to my belongings. It also has a waterproof cover, but I have not had cause to use it yet. The cover is a standard, bright yellow waterproof fabric cover in a velcro pouch on the bottom of the backpack.

The back compartment has a laptop sleeve in the back, with some padding, a second non-padded sleeve (I'm not sure why), and some extra space. The second large compartment for books is in front of that. The rest of the smaller pockets are nice, but nothing really special. I can fit my laptop, 6 notebooks, some folders, and 3 or 4 textbooks, and assorted other stuff easily in this backpack (any more and it gets too heavy to carry).

The biggest problem I have had with this backpack is it does not have the side pockets that most other backpacks have. I like to keep my keys and phone in the side pockets because I can reach them without taking the backpack off, so I was disappointed that this backpack does not have at least one. The other this about this backpack it that it is quite large and a bit bulky when unloaded, so if you don't carry very much stuff, or you need to get it in a small locker, this is not the backpack for you. This backpack is mostly for college students who have a lot of walking to do while carrying heavy loads.

Altogether this is the best backpack I have owned while at school, it is almost perfect for what I need. I would recommend this for other college students, as it is large, durable, comfortable, and water resistant. Other users may find that it is bigger than they need, and it is a little pricey, but still an excellent backpack.