I purchased this case during Sharís 20% off case sale so the price of the case was reduced. It is still an expensive case, but it is very well-made and I expect it to be the last case I ever buy (my prior case lasted me for 20 years). It is an investment for your instrument. The fabric on the outside of the case is water-resistant. The case has a secure latch and comes with a key for extra security, and the cover of the case has a flap that protects the zipped area from any cold/wind. It is very protective of the instrument. The top of the case has a pocket that can fit 8x12 inch sheet music, pencils, and other light accessories. The shape of the case, however, means that you cannot pack tons of music or oversized music in the pocket. The case will fit a Kuhn-style shoulder rest as well as smaller accessories in the end compartment. The case comes with a nice thick blanket in the same color as the interior of the case (one side of the blanket is velvet and the other side is a satin fabric), as well as two well-made shoulder straps (not the padded Musafia straps; those are sold separately by Shar and I ended up buying those as well). The straps can be attached on the back of the case so itís a backpack style or you can use just one strap and attach it to the side of the case to carry it over one shoulder. The case is light-weight and easy to carry as a backpack. It has a slim design and fits easily in an airplane overhead compartment. The case also comes with a statement of authenticity and warranty from Musafia (the case is made in Italy). I chose this case instead of comparably priced carbon cases because I like the additional features such as the music pocket, the humidity reader and humidifier, the string tube, the insulation (since I live in a cold climate), the security and quality of the case, and the attractive look of the case. I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend this case to others who are looking to invest in a high quality lightweight dart-shape case that can be carried as a backpack.