I got this to put my guinea pigs in for laptime or to hang out on my bed. I needed something with a soft bottom that's waterproof. The bottom of this is watertight fabric, and the walls are sturdy. It is a lot smaller than I expected. I tested it by pouring in a gallon of water, and it does indeed hold a whole gallon (filled to the brim). It had a smell when it first arrived, but smells a lot less after washing it. When I bought it, the price was $9 which I think was definitely worth it. But I wouldn't pay more than $16 or so for it.