Since I've grown up and lived in a large city most of my life, and travel by train, bus and walking, backpacks are truly part of my everyday life. I've researched and tried several brands. Day Owl is not only a great looking backpack, it really is functional. When it's not too full, it holds it's structure well. When it's packed to the max, it doesn't sag like other bags, and the straps are still comfortable on the shoulders (more comfortable than my more expensive backpacks). The pockets are well thought out, zippers are very smooth, and the material is nice quality. I highly respect the company for making a pack out of recycled materials, providing jobs for those in other countries, and keeping as many backpacks as possible out of landfills through their repairs and Take Back program. Buy a Day Owl! It's worth the price.