Incredibly lightweight but the build quality is noticeably good. A uniqueness in the knots and finish of the box is a nice wee visual treat, too. Bought on the suggestion another reviewer stated it worked well both as a desktop easel and a pochade box outdoors - and it definitely does both. I invested in the glass, grey, palette too and would definitely recommend -- it adds some weight, which is a downside for sure -- but the upsides are well worth. Strong hinges, have had no issues with magnet strength -- probably my only complaint, but not enough to knock off a star, is that painting with a palette knife conflicts with the magnets in the middle of the canvas (but does a great job holding my palette knife on the sides where the additional shelves would be installed).