I debated spending the extra money on a backpack that my daughter would only use a couple of times, but I'm so glad I did!  This pack really completed her costume and made a big hit everywhere she went.  She ended up winning 2 costume contests, which was a huge deal for a 6 year old and mom).  The quality of the pack was much better than I expected.  I used a standard size bed pillow to fill it out without making it heavy.  I did have to steam the wrinkles out since it was shipped folded flat, but no big deal.  And while we were trick-or-treating, we used the pack to carry extra candy that made her pail too heavy.  One note, the pack does have a divider toward the top so there are two compartments.  The bottom section is larger and where I put the pillow.  The divider is not attached on all four sides so small items, like candy will fall to the bottom of the pack.  We didn't mind and still loved it!