The Real Deal
This bag was the favorite of the WireCutter staff for weatherproof commuter bags, and I have to agree with them. It may be a premium bag, but it will protect (keep dry) everything you put in it through all sorts of weather--and you can put a lot in it!
The layout of the bag is one of the most ingenuous I have used--the roll-top flap looks good, and functions well--with the side zippers allowing easy access and quick stowage of, say, an extra shirt or sunglasses or [reading] glasses case.
It functions perfectly for daily carry on the metro, being small enough to carry in front (or sideways with the side-handle like an awkward briefcase).
The chest strap isn't the best, however, so if you value that or need a hip-strap, look for a different bag.
I modified mine a few days after--for now just a proof-of-concept mod, which I will make permanent later--to carry a CamelBak water pouch inside the laptop sleeve. (See photo of the inside with the poorly sewn grey band.) It worked well enough on the weekend trip, but I would be wary about using it all the time.
I used to have an Osprey 25L day bag, and when that one vanished a while back, I got one of those cheapy Amazon off-brand bags, which promptly disintegrated over a month.
The durability remains to be tested (it's been two weeks) but the bag seems sturdy, and it survived the weekend-camping stress test, so that's a good sign!
For being waterproof, ease of access, and good design, I'd give the bag five stars overall.
Plus, the red is such a great color--especially in autumn.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New