I was trying to replace a worn out Nike bag made of nylon I had used to carry everything back and forth to work for years. I bought many bags only to return or donate. This bag is great. It is lightweight as I have arhtritis. I walk many blocks sometimes connecting to metro buses. I can carry everything I want in this bag - even stuff a sweater in if too hot to wear it after all day. It is also very comfortable to carry hanging on my shoulder.