I like the style of the Tharpe. Also, the Mercer is not very functional, from what I have read. The compartments are quite shallow, especially the side one which can't hold much at all. When you put the bag down, the magnets holding the side pockets together are quite weak and open up, spilling anything in them. Thus, you are only able to use the middle compartment. Try doing a search on the Mercer. I had considered it at one point but after chatting with many tpfers decided to go with something else.