my mom has the popincourt haut and i have the horizontals, so i've tried lugging around both of them. by far, i prefer the horizontals because it's roomier and the shape is much nicer (and, i might add, not so extensively copied as the hauts). but noriko's right. if you wouldn't feel secure without a zipper, then you'd better go for the haut. seriously though, both LOVELY bags with versatility - can be taken anywhere!