I've carried mine in light drizzly rain, and it wiped right off. I do carry a folded plastic bag to protect it in case of a sudden downpour, but for now, I avoid carrying it on rainy days. Maybe when I've had it a while, I will, but not just yet. I used it on a short urban vacation and it was great. Hands free, fun, easy to get into when needed, but secure enough that I didn't worry about someone reaching in to grab something.
The glazing seems durable - it seems more flexible than some other more rigid glazing. I've heard of it cracking on the straps, but I don't see it on my fairly new one.
I had to justify spending so much on a bag as well. It cost double most of my other bags, so it was a significant jump up. But I had not made a major bag purchase for a few years, and noticed that most of my existing bags now cost 30-40% more, so the 50% jump was reasonable (!!) for an H bag, than e.g. to get a C flap etc.
I also reasoned whether I would be able to get a B or K within the next 5 years, and the opportunity cost of the J as a stopgap. My window is 5 years, because in 10 years I may have different priorities, and B/K may not work at that time. I will get good use out of the J in the next 5 years.
