but the top was tall enough that if it got wet, it didn't touch the books inside. and the sides had enough exterior pockets that if they got wet, they only got my pens wet.

and since it was always against my back or side in the rain, there was the long side that didn't get exposure to much rain either. The material also was helpful...but hard to explain. the bag exterior would get soaking wet, but inside perhaps just damp.

just be prepared for dry and hot, and tons of rain during half the year. I went through several umbrellas in Bogota...