I was looking for a hydration pack that would allow me to carry an extra jacket, gloves, etc. over the winter, but had a hard time finding a pack that fit me properly and I didn't want one of the larger packs. Hydration packs seem to come in 2 sizes: really small and really big. This is that in between sized pack. I have found that most packs are not made to fit women and this one does. It's narrower than many other packs and I was able to adjust the straps to fit so that it doesn't bother me to wear the pack all day. The compression straps on the bottom are great for storing that extra jacket and there's just enough cargo space for first aid supplies, food, and those other necessities. The only complaint I have about the hydration bladder is that if you don't tighten it enough, it will leak slightly in the bottom of your pack (the lid goes at the bottom of the pack). The tube itself works great. I haven't had any trouble with it leaking as happened with a friend of mine with her hydration pack (another brand). I've been using the pack while cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and most recently, hiking and overall, I am very pleased with it.