You can't tell, but isn't it great to know that the outside of this lovely little backpack is made of recycled squash bottles? Which means it's environmentally friendly too. The bag has a polyester lining, and both the main compartment and outer pocket close with a zip. The bag can be carried as a backpack but also has hand straps. There is a name label on the inside bearing the stitched text: travel with me around the world. This backpack is really handy as you can take it with you shopping, to school, to the gym or to music lessons. An A4 fits in easily.