Maxpedition Operator Tactical Attache

I recently purchased a second one of these because I like them so much. The first one is my grab-bag for photography and PR writing, essentially a portable office. I use a Timbuk2 Snoop camera sleeve in the main compartment that holds a DSLR, two lenses, my backup point-and-shoot, a ZOOM H1 voice recorder/external mic for video and podcasting work, various cables, etc. It works really well for a camera bag. FYI: you know those Velcro loops on the top of the bag that are made for a Mag Lite? They also carry a full-size tripod with ease while allowing awkward, yet still functional, access to the main compartment. One tiny detail I LOVE? The keyper snap prevents the main compartment zipper from working open on accident. I REALLY like that since I can sling the bag and feel secure that nobody will be able to get into the main compartment of my kit without alerting me. Definite bonus when riding the bus or metro. Since the Snoop sleeve eats up the main compartment, I house a small laptop in the back padded case. Maxpedition states that it will fit a 15" laptop, but that's in the main compartment. The rear compartment will barely fit my 14.1" Asus laptop, but there is no padding on the bottom or sides of that compartment. Unless I need to do a lot of multi-media editing on the run, I carry a netbook, which easily fits in the secured notepad sleeve. There is enough room to carry the power brick, too, though I usually use the radio pocket for that and the case for my glasses. In the front pockets I carry my e-reader/notepad, camera batteries, SD cards, my phone's charging cable, earphones, and a head lamp (they always come in handy when the workday gets a little longer than the sun's). In the main compartment with elasticized shotgun loops, I carry things that come in handy when the day goes sideways: fingernail clippers to address a hang-nail when working outdoors, pocket knife, lighter, a couple of thumb drives, and a wine/bottle opener. Also stored are a few energy bars. The concealed-carry compartment houses a solar-charger for my batteries, a full-tang knife, and about 1/8 roll of toilet paper (smashed down tube offeres a great way to keep my knife stashed upright). Across the top, I have a number of pens clipped into the pocket. The Nalgene pocket houses... a Nalgene bottle, and if I'm expecting a long day, I can fit a 2L hydration bag (Osprey) in the main compartment with the rest of my gear. Besides the limited padding in the laptop/admin poocket, one slight negative I can find is that waterproofing doesn't last the life of the product. That's like complaining that the sun won't survive the life of the universe: I'm sure I'll be long dead before Maxpedition's fabric tears, and I'd put even money on the bag outliving the sun. I solved this problem with an application of a PTEF waterproofing spray called Star Brite. It's total overkill, but I carry a lot of precious, expensive, and mandatory equipment. Also: I would like the design to be more messenger-bag than briefcase. A strap sewn around the main compartment would feel a lot more secure than the clip-on strap similar to my gym bag's. I've had one of these break in the field, but nothing was damaged in the ensuing fall (the Snoop is very good at protecting gear). Maxpedition replaced the strap free of charge: they really stand behind their lifetime warranty. Excellent product that is incredibly adaptable to any use made by an outstanding company that takes pride in their product as much as they honor the expectations of their customers. Buy one.