I bought this as a gym bag.  Being retired I go dressed already for my workouts, so I don't have to bring a change of clothing or shoes or towels to my health club. All the other gym bags were just too big.  I just needed something to hold my iPod, headset, workout notebook, pens, wrist straps, and water and this works well for that.  It also doubles as a great messenger bag when I need one.  So, for me it is very versitile.  Ample compartments for what I need,  Nothing fancy, just very practical.