I have an elementary school-age kid at home and I was tired of buying the other brand's packs every 3 months or so. I bought one of these Tilami for a lot more than what it's listed now. 2 years later, w/everyday wear & tear, running through school hallways, using that roller wheel through the school stairwell, banging it in the process, sometimes using the bag as a chair (kids!), it looks like we may have to finally replace the first one . Of course we are going to replace that one with another Tilami product! This one fits the bill - we know it's going to last us awhile again! It can carry about 3-4 heavy books & some notebooks with a large, thick pencil case. I've set a Merriam dictionary next to it in the pictures so you have an idea how wide inside it can be. Absolutely excellent backpack in our opinion!