If you want compartments, but less volume, go for the MOTHERLODE....It's a medium sized pack. Inside the MAIN comparment is one mesh zippered pocket. Then the next-to-outside front compartment has 2 slots ( can hold thin notebooks), and several smaller slots (ie, for radio, pens, folding knife.....), then one outside front pocket that is one big compartment. .......In the Main compartment, there are 3 small tabs (one in the top, and 2 in the sides), where I attached a small zippered mesh bag for yet another pocket to put stuff!

......hope that helps!!!.....