I didn't like the way the pack fit. It was fairly stiff and felt burdensome with a heavy load. In addition, it's difficult to put a lot of supplies in this pack and I couldn't get used to the side opening concept. Getting gear in and out of the pack was very cumbersome. I also wasn't diggin' the square shape. Don't get me wrong, I love Arcteryx, but this just wasn't for me. I was looking for something a little more versatile. I give 3 stars because of its superb construction quality.

this bag has been working really well for me at school so far. I'm in my first year of University and have quite a load of books to cart back and forth each day. Usually 2-3 1.5" binders and a textbook or two. It fits it all well but takes a little getting used to to know how to pack it. The 2 carrying handles on it are very handy and the shoulder straps are super comfortable. I haven't had to bring my laptop with me yet but it does fit the HP dv9858ca which is a 17" entertainment notebook. So with that in I would be minus one textbook or binder. If you need more than that which admittedly wouldn't be bad some days then the blade 30 would be a great option assuming it is made to the same quality standards.

Arc'teryx makes excellent equipment and the Blade 24 is no exception. However, it was not what I was looking for. The pack and straps seemed overly stiff, not comfortable to carry and the side access zips opened to compartments that were not workable for the files and items I needed to carry. I was hoping that this pack would replace my much loved Patagonia Half Mass messenger bag. All the materials and features were there, but it just didn't work for me. The pack is a great idea, but the execution was not what I expected from Arc'teryx. Sadly, I opted to return the pack. Hopefully will have better luck next time.

This is the 1st Arc'teryx item that I cannot recommend to anyone. Although the pack is constructed well and can take a beating, it's hard to get a laptop out of the back and the openings to get files, books, or "gear" becomes annoying. I've already started looking for a replacement. :(

Well made like all Arc'teryx stuff. I have 2 of their jackets and they are the bomb. But this back pack was a little disappointing because of size/function. The construction was awesome as usual. The reason I returned it is because of the compartment access. The two main compartments were big enough, but the zippers did not go far enough around to really open up the compartments. I could not get files in and out of the compartments well and for my use, this was unacceptable.
It may be great for some people who don't need wide access to the compartments but for me I will have to stick to a messenger type bag.