no prob, i had the same anxieties, so i understand. i check the weather before i go out and in the winter it rains less, so i havent really been caught in the rain with it aside from a light drizzle. i do keep a folded baggu bag inside for weather emergencies, which is nice for peace of mind! i haven't noticed any fluff falling off/out, nor have i noticed any pilling whatsoever, or any clumping, but i do expect anything wooly to eventually pill and to trim pills as needed. i don't have experience with it in the summer yet but i don't think of shearling as a warm-weather style so i don't think i will reach for it as much then. (i bought this bag to go with my winter outfits and i wanted something light and hands free as a counterpoint to bulky outerwear/sweaters.) i'm really happy with my purchase - it fits a lot for its tiny visual footprint. if you PM me i'm happy to send you pictures - i am a PF lurker and am too "new" to PM you.