I've been traveling in some of the lesser developed regions and the hooks on zippers are great at avoiding pick pockets. I often combine my backpack with 2 Master Lock's TSA cable locks to safely secure the zippers since certain places require bag checked at entry and pilferage could be a problem.

My iPad fit nicely into the compartment and there is an additional area that is RFId safe for passport, with an additional small pocket big enough for a mobile phone. As for the 2 side pockets, I usually put 1 Nalgene 32oz bottle in one side and a foldable umbrella in another.

While I would prefer the bag to be slightly bigger, overall I am very satisfied with this backpack.