eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Carry-On

This is the second of these exact same bags that I am purchasing, so that alone should tell you I love it! There are many alternative bags in this class and not one suits me as well. I have read many of the other reviews and I won't repeat all the good things they say, except to say they are all true! So ironically, in this 5 star review, I will talk about the things I don't like, and yes, there are a few. Note though that despite these things, I still think it is the best bag going FOR ITS PURPOSE and that is why I am getting another one. So here goes: 1) The bottom plastic clips where the shoulder straps clip onto the bag are too flimsy for the weight this bag can carry, and broke early in the life of the bag. Cheap to replace, but should have been heavier gauge to start with. 2) The carry handle of the bag started to tear out from carrying. Again, too light weight for a fully laden bag. Sorted it out before it went to far by having it stitched, but I should not have to do that. I see another reviewer had this problem too. 3) One of the tie down straps inside the main compartment pulled out, so now I cannot tie down half the load. Annoying but not critical. 4) The bag is soft (i.e. not rigid). That is one of the things I like about it as it fits in well in all shapes and sizes of airline lockers and can compress and expand as the need arises and the contents change. HOWEVER, there is NO protection for your laptop, and you could easily bend and damage your laptop if the bag is packed in tight with other bags. However the flexibility benefit I have named is worth it for me, so I solved the problem by using the Case Logic QNS-113 13.3-Inch EVA Molded Laptop case that I slip into the Mother Lode. Perfect! I mentioned above about 'FOR ITS PURPOSE'. I want to say some more about that because some if the reviews indicate to me that some people have bought this bag for what I think is the wrong purpose. 1) People complain that the waist strap is inadequate. Well, it is! As I see it this is a bag for airline travelers, not serious hikers. There are many better bags if hiking is to be its main purpose. It works for me, flying on business, as I can keep ALL my office paraphernalia together AND have a spare set of clothes in case my checked bag goes missing (as though it ever would !). On days off / weekends during my trips, though, it doubles as a day pack on excursions. But it is NOT a full time hiking bag in my view. 2) I see some people say it should have wheels. First off E-Bags do have the same thing with wheels if you want. I choose not to have wheels. My reasons are: a) I sometimes travel on small planes with severe weight restrictions (25 lbs including carry on!) so I don't want to waste an ounce on wheels. b) Wheels and the collapsible handle actually waste a lot of space in a bag. c) In many places I go the terrain is too rough for pulling a case on wheels - I need to hump it on my back. d) Wheels and handle mean a more rigid bag and therefore a loss of the flexibility that I need / want for fitting into those awkward places. So, if you want wheels, get the other E-Bags Mother Lode, and if you share my needs, get this one. In summary, an EXCELLENT bag. I just wish E-Bags would look at those quality/strength issues.