this is a large bag but is not exactly like the description says.  the front pocket is 8x5x1.  the main compartment is suppose to be 13x7x5.  it is 13 wide and 5 inches deep at the opening but it tapers down to only 3 inches at the bottom.  I still can get a lot of stuff in here but just wanted you to know exaclty the dimensions.

in the main compartment i can get my large zipper wallet (7x4x2) and a small ziploc bag with snacks, tissues, and still more room.

in the front pocket i keep a small note pad with pen, my flip cell phone, chap stick, and my ashthma inhaler.

In the back pocket i keep bus schedules, spare keys, mp3 player, toothbrush and small toothpaste.

even with everything i mentioned above there is more room since it is 7 inches high.

the buckle is near the left edge to make it easy to snap.  I always hate trying to close in the back.  the strap is very long and easily adjusts.

this seems to be very durable and i hope it lasts me many years.

as of oct 2013.  still going strong.  I added the rei bottle holder and a small (3x4x2)hiking pouch for my phone (the side buttons on the phone kept being pressed by accident so I wanted a separate area.  More of a phone issue than bag issue) so i'm set for everything now.