The Bandit is a great day pack! The build quality is nice and it seems to be rugged material. I wanted a small pack with good organization that was somewhat discrete. I love the back flap to carry a jacket once the day heats up. The main opening is nice and well designed in that you can just open the top and fold it back without spilling the contents but if you need to quickly get to something in the bottom you can unzip it the whole way,(if you also unstrap the back flap. ) It took a few days of use to not unzip the small top pouch when you wanted to open the main compartment. Even though this is a small pack there is a ton of storage areas and the harness is substantial enough to carry as much weight as you can stuff into it. My first use of the pack was on our recent trip to New Hampshire White Mts. and Acadia National Park Maine. We hiked between 3-8 miles each of the 8 days and the pack held everything I thought I needed. I take way to much gear but am always prepared. My 3l. hydrapack just fit, but was too tall to hang from the hydration strap. didn't create a problem though. I ordered the add on waist belt but it is big.(think hiking pack) and I decided not to take it along on the trip. I felt it would be more of a pain and in the way while holding it on the island bus in Acadia. It would be nice if there was a small waist strap to keep the pack from bouncing if you had to run. I was concerned that it might flop around as we were climbing up the precipice cliffs but It wasn't a problem. I don't have any complaints about the pack. I will be using it a lot for day hikes and travel. If you want a small pack that can carry a lot of crap stop debating and just get the Bandit.