1. The bag fits to whatever you are wearing so it feels great. I have used it with a plate carrier on while in Afghanistan for extended patrols, and it still felt good.

2. Honestly it has been soaked in the Helmand River and sunk into 3 feet of mud in Colombia and it still has no signs of wear. The only piece that is showing any signs of age are the metal loops that hold the straps to the bag. There is nothing wrong with them, but they are all scuffed up from the abuse I've put them through...

I traveled for a month with this bag and nothing else... I had two sets of cammies, three sets of undergarments, and extra pair of boots, a laptop, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (attached at the bottom), a large water bottle, several books, and other misc. items.

This bag can grow large if you need it to or fit only a few small items if that is the case. I know this sounds like an advertisement for Red Oxx, but I just absolutely love this piece of gear.