This backpack is simply great! I bought the Grove 4 years ago in an Office Depot, not knowing what I was buying really. Let me list the places I've gone and the things I've done with this bag:
1) To school every single day for 2 whole years.
2) I've taken this bag on intense, 3 day hikes through rain, mud, and sand.
3) Carry-on for multiple trips.
4) As a night sack when I'm invited to sleep as a guest.
To be honest, this bag has been through almost everything with me.
Pros:
1) Holds well against water.
I've only had one time when the contents were soaked and that was when I left it in the pouring rain for approximately 2.5-3 hours. Other than that, I've gone through pouring (Florida) rain for up to 5-6 minutes; I'm soaked, but my notebook is safe and dry.
2) Plenty of space for your average job.
The Grove can hold a laptop, 3 textbooks, 2 notebooks (paper), all your laptop needs (charger, mouse, usb drive), a small reading book, an iPod, a water bottle, anything. At that point, it does get bulky, but it'll hold strong.
3) The water bottle holders on the left and right pockets actually hold a 16.9 fl oz water bottle pretty well, even if running to class.
4) VERY durable exterior.
Even with four years of heavy use, the bottom of the bag is only beginning to lose it's tough plastic shell, meaning the inner material is still going strong.
5) Zippers are dependable.
I've never had a problem with the zippers. I have a colorful strap that I use to identify my bag - when zipping in a hurry, I've zipped over it by accident so many times and with enough force got it unstuck - the zipper is still just as smooth and dependable as when I first bought it.
6) Wide opening.
When fully unzipped, it allows for a very wide opening to place all of your belongings inside.
7) Good padding.
Even after 4 years, I can still feel the soft padding. It does not go flat like other bags.
Cons
1) The front strap buckle is cheap plastic. It broke about a year in, carrying a very heavy bag. While not such a major big deal, it does make carrying 35-45 pounds of gear less comfortable and lets the bag swing from side to side when running. I have to hold the bag with my arm when I'm running so I don't get tossed around.
2) Inside material tough, but not indestructible. As with most bags, the inside individual compartments eventually give away. I only have a tiny whole between the 1st and 2nd compartments, so it's not so major.
All in all, a great and VERY dependable bag.