This is the question we get asked the most, and we want to be completely honest with you. When the lunch compartment is in use, it does take up a portion of the bag's interior. That said, there is still plenty of room for your laptop, daily essentials, and personal items. The key is smart packing, and most of our customers find the dedicated pockets and compartments mean everything has its own place anyway. No more digging around in a bottomless bag.