Herschel Little America Backpack Review

I’m not really a backpack person. Since my college days, I’ve been carrying only messenger bags and satchels. I find backpacks to be quite inconvenient for a couple of things.

• They make your back sweat like crazy.
• In the Philippines, all public places require you to open your bags at the entrances for guards to inspect for bombs or whatever. Carrying backpacks requires a few more steps as compared to a bag you have at your side.
• It’s harder to reach for the things inside your bag as compared to messenger bags too.
• It’s easier to get pickpocketed (pickbagged?) since you’re not exactly aware whats happening behind you.
• If you bring a large backpack, an awareness of your surroundings is much more required as you may hit things or topple them over when turning around.

These are just a few reasons why I’ve stayed away from backpacks for a couple of years now. However, since I’ve started to carry heavier things in my bag like my laptop, gym shoes and gym clothes, etc, it started to get heavier. If you have a bag that only slings on one shoulder, that one shoulder will get sore and hurt after a while. I find that backpacks solve this problem as the weight is more evenly distributed.

Herschel Supply Co. is a brand of bags that has been blowing up in popularity the past few years. Their line of trendy hipster bags have been all the rage even in the Philippines. I’ve been carrying their “Little America” [shopping link here] bag for a few weeks now and here are some observations.

The bag looks really nice. The (faux) leather detailing gives it a vintage rucksack look, and as you know, vintage is one of the most popular trends for the past few years. The belt buckle is not functional, by the way. The bag opens and closes with a magnet clasp. I chose the color navy, but there are a few other color choices as well, such as grey, olive, camo, and even denim. Navy is a very versatile color that can go with pretty much any other color.

The bag’s inside lining is made with this good-looking and contrasting red paisley patterned cloth. The bag I have has a built-in sleeve to fit a 17-inch laptop (or so it says on the tag) but my 14-inch laptop is already a bit of a squeeze. Perhaps they were meaning to say it only fits a 17-inch MacBook Air – which doesn’t exist yet AFAIK. The bag’s main compartment opens and closes with a drawstring.

The inside is very roomy. I am able to fit in my laptop, gym shoes and gym clothes with room to spare. What I don’t like, however, is the sparseness of pockets and compartments. Aside from the laptop compartment and the one pocket outside, that is pretty much it. Say goodbye to organization if you are meaning to use this bag.

Contrary to the vintage look of the front, the back is all high-tech looking. The padding makes carrying the bag very comfortable (but still sweaty), and its just really nice to carry around since its so soft. The mesh fabric also prevents it from getting wet (with sweat) quickly.

I like this bag –  a lot. Aside from a few major annoyances like a huge lack of pockets and an inconvenient way of opening and closing the bag itself with the cumbersome flap and hard to find magnetic clasps, I feel that this is a bag that fits me and my lifestyle. Of course, it’s something that I can use as my daily bag, but for more formal or business events, don’t even attempt to use this one. Nothing can make you look more juvenile or immature than a backpack – better play it safe and don’t retire your briefcase/messenger bag yet.

This bag is sold in the Philippines at all Bratpack branches and costs Php 5400.