I've searched high and low for a bag like this! I bought a backpack ages ago with a zip that goes front to back rather than side to side and at the time had no idea how good it would be. For security purposes it's an absolute no brainer - no one standing behind you can undo that zip unnoticed. When my beloved bag fell apart I didn't realise how hard it would be to replace but here it is! And what's more, better than the original -the central zipped pockets, much more spacious than might appear, the essential front to back zips,not side to side, loads of room. My only problem is remembering which pocket I've put what in! Obviously someone could open the front flap pocket, but that's a smaller pocket and they can have my tissues! I absolutely love it, and am about to buy another as a gift.