Heavier than expected, but it's a sturdy backpack.Since I'm the first review, I will try to cover all the points.Construction: The Thule Enroute 18L is nicely built, it is quite compact but still maintains the same nice touches and the Thule feeling. The materials seem to be the same as the other Thule bags. it is quite light. I can compare it with the Thule Crossover 25L and it is truly its smaller brother.Safe Zone: this is the place to put your sunglasses, it is hard on the exterior side but soft on the inside, it is quite big and you can put your wallet and cellphone there.Exterior zipper: the compartment can fit and ipad mini (i did but don't recommend it because of there is no cushion on this part). the space is quite flat so you can only put small objects or flat ones. also in one of the photos from the inside you can see some light entering from the exterior compartment that I left open, so the inside fabric for that part is not that thick.Main Compartment: the first time I open it I felt the zipper opening a little bit constrained, now that I open the zipper all the way it opens quite nice.The laptop sleeve: doesn't finish at the bottom of the bagpack, it leaves about two inches of space, you can feel a little bit of padding below the sleeve which protects the laptop. the bottom of the bagpack by itself is not padded. I put my laptop (Dell E6330 13.3 inches with extended battery) and you can see it barely fits. the elastic band is struggling, but I think an slimmer laptop will fit better. This is the only thing I don't like, with the Thule Crossover 25L I put the same laptop and it there is some free space. since it's too tight I don't see myself using the laptop sleeve and just throwing the laptop on the main compartment.The main compartment has enough space for a book and then some (maybe some on ear headphones?). The bottom has the form of a trapezoid so you can fill it a little bit without making it look that bulky.There is also a second sleeve big enough for an ipad mini. The interior zipper is even flatter than the one on the outside and the same width as the second sleeve.The straps are a little bit padded but not that wide. you should not expect to load this bag heavily.Overall is a nice little backpack, it has the professional slim look I was looking for, it's well made, and the only compromise of the laptop sleeve. some people will feel a little bit constrained when you open it, but at least I got used to it.I added some photos so you can judge yourself! Enjoy!I purchased this backpack for commuting to my office by bike. I wanted a well-designed backpack that had more structure than the one I have been using, that was convenient to access, and that looked good (i.e., not like a big sack on my back). I did a considerable amount of online research as to both Thule and other brands' backpacks.This backpack meets all of my criteria and more. It is as comfortable as a backpack can be, the padded back (the part that is against my back when I wear it) has enough stiffness so that it doesn't feel like the aforesaid sack and is less sweaty, it will hold a reasonable amount of files, books, etc., together with an extra shirt or two, AND, notwithstanding what the specs say, it will hold my 15" HP laptop in its padded case. That is, a 15" laptop, not just 13". It is true that the laptop will not fit into the side access, but it does fit into the internal pocket through the top of the pack.In addition, the "L-shaped" zipper plus the zipper at the top of the pack are ingenious and work beautifully to give full access to the pack without having to reach down from the top of the pack, as in many other packs.I can recommend this pack wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a medium-size backpack. Even if you have a 15" laptop!Excelente producto, muy compacta para llevar lo esencial al trabajoThis is the most durable backpack I have used. Transitioning back and forth between messenger bags, single shoulder back packs, and traditional backpacks, The Thule EnRoute is the perfect size and well balanced for carrying your daily work essentials. The backpack is slim and compact which is super helpful if you're someone who commute via public transit and operate in busy areas - you won't have to worry about bumping in to people and/or knocking things over in a store. The outer shell is also easy to clean should it get dirty during your daily travels.I can carry a 13in and 15in laptop (one in and another outside of the laptop slot compartment), my eyeglass case, a tuppleware for lunch, laptop charger(s) with additional room to spare should I need to pack more for a long day. The top outer compartment offers a great hard shell pocket that can be used to store items that may be more fragile. The side sleeve offer ample space to carry a water bottle. I can comfortably fit my 27oz Klean Kanteen (non-wide dimension) in the sleeve.The Thule EnRoute has proven its waterproofing abilities. I had to run from the office to my car during an extremely heavy monsoon storm and had to use the backpack to shield me from the rain so I can see where I was going due to the how heavy and dense the rain was coming down. The backpack took a beating for several minutes before getting to my car. I examined the back pack and was pleasantly surprised most of the rain water had simply rolled off the backpack. While the exterior shell was damp, all interior storage pockets, including the laptop compartment and my laptop, was completely dry!Had the bag 2 years but with about 4 months of proper commuter usage, bottom of the bag has frayed and worn as per the picture, I can only assume from rubbing against my back whilst carrying.Expected more to be honest given the short amount of time it has actually be used. Wouldn’t recommend unless it is never going to be used as described. 80)Having opposite views to two other reviewers about the useless crushproof compartment and the weight. I find the compartment perfect to keep my spec safe esp during night flights (main reason for purchase) as it also has a net divider but I find the weight is on the high side (undoubtedly because of the aforementioned rigid compartment). I like the modern look which is minimalist yet high on function. Laptop goes in and out easily and the two front pockets are useful for phones and passports. Can't comment on durability yet as my previous back pack lasted me over 10 years. Another reason for docking a star is the tight top handle.Perfect size for being out and about for the day. Plenty of size internally to do a small shop, carry an extra jumper, etc. Side pockets are handy and there's an extra top pocket. I like the design because it's neat and the straps can be tucked away using the elasticated band.Great quality and style. Could use 2-3 lt more but that’s just personal preferencea bit small but is great anyway