When a backpack comes from a company like Marmot, it's a safe bet that it will be well-made, durable, and practical. Marmot makes reliable gear that does what it's meant to do, and does it for years. This backpack is styled like it is intended to be waterproof, but clearly that's not Marmot't intention, otherwise it would be. This backpack is no exception to the Marmot norm in terms of durability, but it may still not be the right choice for you. If you need quick access to your stuff, or if you need to carry a lot of things, the "All Day Travel Bag" isn't the best choice. At only 17L, it doesn't have enough room for me to put a light jacket, shoes, and a change of clothes if I'm also planning to carry my laptop, charger, and other travel gear. In addition, the price for its attempt at a waterproof design (more on that later) is a roll-top. That means that it takes a few moments to get inside, although the side zipper - which is exposed at all times, but only accessible once you unroll the top - makes working inside the bag a little easier. Once you're in there, the organization is decent. Often "waterproof" - or waterproof-styled - backpacks are just empty sacks, and you have to use packing cubes or external organizers to keep things sorted. This Marmot bag partially corrects that with some organization. It has a lightly-padded laptop sleeve with a separate tablet slot, as well as an interior zippered pocket, a lined pocket that can hold a pair of glasses but not a phone, two pen slots, and some miscellaneous pockets that seem useless to me, but might be good for holding credit cards. Frankly, I think they missed the mark here in terms of versatility, but it's better than many "dry" bags have. The exterior has an outer, open pocket (with magnetic closure) that could hold an object that's about the size of a paperback book. Behind it is a larger, zippered pocket. On the side is a water-bottle pocket that snaps closed when not in use. With some effort, I was able to (barely) get it to hold my 1L Hydro Flask. Straps, padding, and comfort are all excellent, and consistent with customary Marmot quality. I wish all backpacks dealt with slack on the shoulder straps the way Marmot does. As for the key reason for buying this bag - waterproofing - the Marmot All Day Travel Bag is the first roll-top backpack to ever fail my shower test. Admittedly, a shower test is a little more demanding than carrying a backpack on a typical rainy day, but I've bicycled through plenty of storms that hammered my pack with as much force, or more, than a household shower - so I always give bags I review a thorough dousing. The Marmot bag failed - spectacularly - with a small puddle of water forming in the inside of the bag. I think the side zipper was the culprit. Whatever the reason, I wouldn't trust my laptop to this bag in the rain. Those of us who love backpacks know, there's no perfect bag (although Tom Bihn comes close). This is a comfortable, well-made, water-resistant backpack that will likely keep your gear dry in a light drizzle. Unfortunately, you won't be able to carry that much gear, it will take you a minute to get to it, and your organization options will be limited. Depending on your priorities, it's either a good choice or a terrible one. Most importantly, it will not survive a true deluge. So, if the reason you're compromising on convenience and organization is you want to be certain to keep everything dry - look elsewhere. If you want an inexpensive backpack that will shed a little bit of moisture, be comfortable, and hold up to other forms of wear-and-tear, this might be the right bag.
