Update: I've been using this for about a year now for carrying my stuff to and from work, mostly, and I still like it a lot. I'm a bit unusual in that I really like the waist strap even for a backpack for commuting to work (I guess I carry enough stuff that it matters).I originally rated this 5 stars. I'm taking off a star because the stitch that connects the waist belt to the waist belt pockets started to unravel on both sides, and the way the thing is constructed, that would eventually cause the waist belt to rip. I was thinking of sending it back to the manufacturer, but a local luggage repair place fixed it for $12 (and probably made it significantly better than it was), which is less than the shipping cost for returning the thing. It was distressing, though, that a supposedly rugged pack would come apart right there. That seems like a design flaw. But the stitching the luggage repair place did has shown no sign of weakness after months, so I guess it's a design problem that could have been solved with more rugged stitching.Other than this problem, which I was able to solve for a basically insignificant amount of money, I still really like this pack.Here's my original review shortly after I bought this (all of which I still agree with):I wanted an upgrade from the Very well constructed pack, better than my initial expectations. The pack material is well comparable to "Cordura" and is durable and rugged. Took the pack to the Grand Canyon for a 10 mile (raining) hike. The pack did a decent job of holding off the rain without performance issues. I would say, this pack is BY NO MEANS meant for any weight past 45 lbs. The pack could handle the weight, but the comfort will not sustain it. The color is the CORRECT coyote color that I have been looking for, and is not the off brand tan color.Bottom line:+Rugged+Good Matierials+Correct color Coyote+Large+Good price-Not comfortable at high weightIt is a good strong pack but the buckles are inferior. Had 2 of the plastic pieces break off with very little use.Item seems to be origanal, stitching and zippers straight and in working order but pack came with scuff marks as if it might have been used. inside of right side pocket stained. Would have givin a one star but at least I received it.I don’t see all the hate for these bags. I’ve had mine since I was 18. So for 4 years mine has went from closet to range, from range to HMMWV’s, thrown all over barracks and highways, packed so full I have to clamp it between my thighs to get the zipper shut, and guess what? It still works great. No stitching rips or holes blown or scraped through from overpacking. It has hydration slots for CamelBak systems if you want to put them in your bag. Waist belt and shoulder pads are comfy, not as comfy as a RuckSack, but definitely great for a lightweight bag. The sheet of plastic in the backing helps structural integrity as well as back support and evens out a load. I’ve put this bag through everything the Army has thrown at it. (Also it fits on planes as carry on.) Color in my picture attached to the review is a little inaccurate because mine is sun-faded HEAVILY from use. Expect a true rich coyote color.