I'm actually very pleased with this bag, thus far. I carry a messenger bag with me every single day, and the old one wore out finally...so the verdict is still out on longevity. But I would say that, overall, I've been very pleased. Seems durable, good strap-my one complaint, and it isn't a complaint as much as a testament to my bag pack-rat-iness, is that the bag isn't quite deep or wide enough for my liking. But then again, I probably don't need some of the things I put in my bag anyway, so don't use that statement as a measuring stick. Unless you find a real leather bag that is comparable, I'd say give this one a try.