I'd like to start off by saying this backpack is very well thought out and while I do think it's high quality and very durable, it just isn't quite the backpack for me. The rugged material is great, the organization is excellent, but it ends up seeming huge even with only a few items in it. This isn't unique to this backpack, and is in fact a trend over the past few years that I'm trying to avoid and just can't seem to. I thought the compression straps would help this, but they didn't do much at all since the pockets aren't included in that and even a package of wet wipes seem to make the pockets bulge.I used this as my pack for under the seat on an airplane and to travel for two weeks around Japan. It technically fit under the seat, but it wasn't very flexible and stuck out a few inches even when mostly empty, eating up all of my leg room for a 13-hour flight. (I'm 5'6" and ANA has a little more leg room than other airlines, so I couldn't imagine this on a US domestic flight.) It would be better used as an overhead item if brought onboard, especially because if it's very full I don't know if it would be able to fit under a seat at all. I do feel like it can withstand pretty much anything, so it still looks brand new after being dragged all over different trains and planes. It was also comfortable to wear. The thick back padding that makes it inflexible DOES make it very comfortable, so I would consider that as a plus for most people.Many of the comments said the zippers were difficult. Mine were totally fine and took no breaking in to open easily. Perhaps they've updated the zippers on more recent backpacks, or only people who got unusually difficult zippers have noticed enough to comment. I wouldn't have given it a second thought.