I am usually a bit skeptical with stuff like this - super specific gear that may be borderline unnecessary, which also sometimes comes at a premium. However, this thing is a real life saver. Over the years, I have been using generic carry-on style backpacks for all my gigs; the backpacks with a few pockets, but then one large, central compartment. Inside that large central compartment, I had different colored packing cubes that I'd use to separate all my types of cables; speaker, instrument, XLR, etc. Also have a 15' extension cable in there, along with a power strip. I basically have had enough gigs where I'd show up and experience unexpected issues and was then expected to adapt with no assistance from the venue, so I bring what many would consider a lot of redundant or unnecessary gear, and I bring it to every gig. This backpack's cable storage system is brilliant, in my opinion. I can get exactly what cables I need for the situation, without having to open up the whole backpack and take out all the junk, and then sift through the bags of cables. Everything else stays nice and organized. The mid-level pockets could stand to be a bit larger, and I could use MORE pockets, personally. These pockets are basically a catch-all for all the misc stuff. Strings, repair tools like screwdrivers, flashlights, etc. Slide and mic stand pick holder, etc etc. All this misc. stuff is just kind of tossed in these pockets and it can be a little difficult to really organize these pockets but… read more you can grab what you need when you need it and I don't end up accessing these as much as I do the others so it's really a small nitpick. I don't sing so I don't use the internal slots for mics or anything. In the upper area, the pocket you access from the top, I have a power strip and stuff that I use a ton and like to have separated so that it's easy to find and access - my mic stand tablet mount, my LR Baggs Venue DI and it's respective power adaptor and the cable that I always use with it. The side pockets house my in-ears and my iPad charging cord and outlet brick. One other gripe I have involves the slim storage panel just behind the backpack straps. The straps are sewn onto the backpack RIGHT above the zipper so it can be a hassle to get that compartment unzipped. You have to completely push the straps out of the way and the zipper pulls don't have much clearance. I keep my iPad in there and I use the iPad for church music every Sunday, and for my lead charts for a function band and a country/western band I'm in, so I'm accessing this pocket a lot. If you don't use this pocket much, probably won't be a big deal. Quality is 10/10. Everything about this looks and feels really durable. Never needed manufacturer support but it's D'addario so you know they'll take care of you so I'm giving them 5/5.All-in-all, this thing is now one of my favorite pieces of gear. I figured it would add some organization, but added this on to one of my larger pay-as-you-play orders from zZounds, figuring that the extra expense wouldn't make a big difference each month, but this has actually now become one of my favorite pieces of gear I own and I plan on using it till it's falling apart, which it doesn't look like it will any time soon. 20 years from now, if I have to replace it, I'll just look to repurchase this exact backpack.

Musical Background:
Ex-pro, now part time musician

Musical Style:
Praise & Worship; country/western; top 40 function band read less