If you follow my videos, you know I love the original Backpack. It was a great purse backpack, and it held a little more than an actual purse backpack (see Leighton and Hadley Backpacks). It was great for amusement parks, with the kids, etc. Vera Bradley apparently heard our complaints when they retired the Backpack. It's been a few years since it retired, but they now have the Small Backpack. Don't let the name fool you, this Small Backpack actually holds quite a bit. It's a great replacement for the Backpack. Here's why:
- Good or bad, the Small Backpack holds more than the Backpack. It's larger. While that may be a bit of a turn off when you use it as a purse backpack, I personally prefer it because I can take more toys and snacks for my kids. I can load it up and throw in small purse (Little Crossbody or All in One), so when I go into a store, I can leave the Small Backpack in the car.
- The Small Backpack is made of the Lighten Up material. Going forward, after my experiences with the Slim Crossbody and Grand Backpack, I will be buying more items Lighten Up material. This material, while rougher than the cotton, is waterproof, light weight, and more flexible than the cotton. I love that Vera Bradley has expanded the Lighten Up line. My Slim Crossbody is in Cuban Stamps, and you know that I tend to avoid white-based patterns because of dinginess. My Slim Crossbody looks as crisp and bright as the day I bought it 2 months ago.
- The Small Backpack has a more finished look, more tailored, than the Backpack. I didn't realize that until I had the two side by side. The Small Backpack features small faux leather detail around the zippers. In small quantities, I don't mind the faux leather. The zipper pulls on the Small Backpack are cords, not the traditional ribbons. I like that. I know many disagree with moving away from the ribbon zipper pulls, but this is a change I like. The ribbons can fray and become dingy over time.
- Pockets, pockets, pockets! The Small Backpack allows for more organization with its two front zippered pockets. The Backpack only has the large front flap pocket. Also, the Small Backpack has two larger side pockets than the Backpack, so now you can put water bottles in the side pockets.
- Speaking of pockets, the interior of the Small Backpack has a slip in tablet pocket. It has a little cushion. I love to take my e-reader with me, and the Small Backpack gives me greater piece of mind that it's protected.
- The $98 price tag may be a little steep, but the old Backpack retailed for $89, so not much of a jump in price considering the added features of the Small Backpack. Of course, you can always wait until patterns in the Small Backpack go into retirement to pay less.
While I don't care for some changes Vera Bradley has made, I think the Small Backpack is a home run. If my daughter wants to take it to school when she's older, she can. It's a great size for younger students not yet laden down with books or a laptop. You can see how much it holds in my School Bag review on YouTube. This is definitely a Vera Bradley piece you don't want to overlook.
