They might tell you that you can put 20 odd records in the back compartment, but its a squeeze and I dont like to fuck up the corners of my record sleeves. For carrying a mixer and leads, pedals etc its fine. The seperate bag for your mixer is a good idea, I carry my mixer about twice a week and its been pretty safe so far. You might fit a small laptop in the back compartment. Padding wise, it might be ok, if your just carrying your stuff to and from gigs etc, you shouldnt have any problems. If your travelling about on public transport etc, I dunno man, I wouldnt want to risk it. If that is the case, go for something with a hard shell (flight case etc)