While I don't put a lot of weight in either of my shell bags (L and M), the buckskin shoulder pad does make wearing the shell bags more comfortable by distributing the weight. It is easy to adjust and easy on the neck area when rotating the bag from side to front. On its first fly fishing outing, it went for an un-intended swim in our local creek. Emptied the water, wiped it down, re-packed it, and continued fishing. Like all leather items, I will inspect it to determine if I need to apply leather treatment.