I just bought this to replace a similar pack that I've used both as a daysack for hiking and as all purpose kit and shopping bag when cycling round town. I see the main advantages of this pack being it's light weight and simple practical design. The back pads help assist ventilation. The main pack closure independent of zips, thus less prone to critical impact of zip failure. Top pocket is where I keep 1st aid kit, side pockets take my water bottles, or you could use interior pouch - there's an exit for pouch tube on RHS which is covered by top closure, so hopefully avoids rain ingress. Back pouch would also be handy for storing a sit mat or laptop in soft sleeve. The build quality seems reasonable, but it'll take time to see if it compares with my last which had maybe 15 or 20 years of brutal use, the last few patched with duct tape. Only downside is not supplied with chest strap, but you can buy separately - or transfer from your old bag as I have ;)