I LOVE my Vandal backpack. I use it on my commute to work in all types of weather. I use it to run errands. I take it with me when I go out to drilling rigs for work (it's done quite a bit of international travel as a carry-on also). I generally beat the snot out of it and it's held up remarkably well.
The quick-loosening cams on the expansion buckles don't seem to last very long. I've broken 2 already, warrantied without question both times. The straps and buckles work just fine even when the cam is broken, so it's just a minor inconvenience waiting for the replacement in the mail. I'll probably replace them with normal-style industrial strength buckles soon though.
Getting the bag with employee-pricing discount was an added bonus (at the time I got the bag, I was part-timing at a bike shop).