I bought this for my husband for travel so he would have something to carry his things in when we were our touring.  This bag held a lot for a small bag since it is soft and flexible.  The bag is sturdy and even though other reviewers were referring to it as a "purse" it was definitely not too "girly" for my husband to carry.  He could even put a water bottle in it as long as it wasn't too stuffed with other things.  I have the larger version of this and take it along when we travel.  I really like mine, so I thought this would be perfect.  I also prefer bags that are "cross body" when traveling so it is secure and close to my body (safer from pickpockets).