Short version: I love everything about this bag except for the water bottle holders on the sides, which I wish were taller.Longer version:Use model and context:I got this pack to haul my school stuff to, from, and around campus. My usual load is a laptop, charging cables, 4-5 notebooks, a textbook or two, lunch, snacks, an extra layer, a large water bottle, and other small school items. Most name-brand schoolbags of sufficient size seem to skimp on quality or water bottle sleeves, so I've recently turned to military-style bags. I first tried a relatively inexpensive bag from Mardingtop, which was high quality but not deep enough to comfortably fit all my stuff. I bought the DA Ghost and 5.11 Rush 72 to try in parallel and see which one worked out better.Noteworthy features on the Ghost:I use one of the hydration bladder pockets (the one just in front of the back panel) to hold my laptop. This creates extra usable depth in the roomy main compartment, while giving my laptop some extra padding. I also love the "stuff-it" area between the main compartment and the removable organizer pouch. This is a great spot to put lunch, layers, or anything else that doesn't pack well. My only small gripe with this feature is the fact that it's open at the bottom, with only two alligator clips on the bottom to hold stuff in. This restricts that area for use with bulkier items. (The Rush 72 wins here because its "marsupial-style" pouch is closed on the bottom.)The zippered interior mesh pockets keep wires and smaller devices out of the way, and the dedicated sunglasses pocket on top provides easy access without need for a bulky case. While I don't see myself ever fully detaching the organizer pocket, it provides ample space and separation for pencils, erasers, snacks, and the like. It has replaced the separate pencil pouch that used to float around in the main compartment of my old bag.One unique feature that I really appreciate is the “combat vent” padding system on the back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt. Most bags tout some sort of air-flow technology, but the Ghost is the first pack that has actually created a lot of separation between the back panel and my back, which significantly reduces back sweat when biking.The YKK zippers feel very sturdy. They don’t pull very smoothly, but this minor annoyance is only due to the zipper covers that help keep rain out.Areas for improvement:The only significant issue I have with the Ghost is the water bottle holders. While they are technically big enough to hold a 40-oz. insulated water bottle, they are a bit too short for comfort. Secure enough for biking and walking, but not running or jumping. Also, it’s a good thing that the hip belt is removable, because it’s too long for me even when fully shortened. (I’m a short guy with a small waist.) I wouldn’t use the belt for school anyway.Verdict:Although I'd take the 5.11 for wilderness survival due to its higher capacity, huge zippered side pockets for water bottles, and superior "marsupial" pouch, the Ghost ultimately seems more practical for an everyday bag. The Ghost is more than big enough to fit all my gear, but compact enough to look like a normal-sized backpack. (The Rush 72, while not uncomfortable, is enormous even when empty.) The short side pockets on the Ghost are a bit annoying, but the "combat vent" back panel is a truly helpful special feature. I'm hoping this bag will last me for many years of abuse, and I'll update the review over time.