Herschel
Little America Varsity-Patch Backpack
This Herschel Little America Varsity-Patch Backpack is a 30-liter unisex daypack constructed from recycled polyester, featuring a drawstring main compartment with a metallic button flap, a padded internal laptop sleeve, a front zip pocket, two side water bottle pockets, and padded adjustable straps. Measuring 48 cm high by 28 cm long by 18 cm deep, it is suitable for commuting, school, and travel. According to user reviews, newer models have reduced back padding and laptop protection, and some durability issues with the drawstring and stitching have been reported.
- Material
- Recycled polyester
- Gender
- unisex
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, streetwear
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Handbags, Wallets & Cases
Color
Size
Specifications
A versatile recycled polyester backpack with varsity-style patch, featuring multiple pockets and a padded laptop compartment.
Padded laptop compartment, drawstring and button flap closure, front zip pocket, side water bottle pockets, adjustable padded straps.
- Material
- Recycled polyester
- Style
- casual, utilitarian, streetwear
- Occasion
- everyday, travel
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 11 x 7 x 19 in
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Handbags, Wallets & Cases
Additional Attributes
- recycled polyester outer membrane and lining
- main compartment with drawstring and metallic button flap
- front zip pocket
- padded inner zip compartment for laptop
- two slit side water bottle pockets
- practical inner pockets
- grab handle and padded adjustable straps
- 30L volume
Product Insights
The Little America Varsity-Patch Backpack by Herschel (160 CAD) blends a classic mountaineering aesthetic with a heritage varsity patch and a hidden magnetic snap that secures the flap and resists opening under load, while using 100% recycled polyester that reduces environmental impact. However, compared to earlier versions, the current model has eliminated the striped liner, ascot-cap flap, long leather straps, and single-panel construction; buyers report thinner back padding, a laptop sleeve with reduced padding and no fleece lining (leading to protection failures), and stitching at seams and buckles that fails within months. The drawstring closure ring detaches and the pull-tab frays the string, the non-expandable side pockets steal interior volume when carrying wide bottles, and the side zipper for laptop access is awkwardly placed. At this price point, the combination of removed features and quality compromises makes the backpack widely regarded as poor value, despite its magnetic flap and sustainable materials.
- Padding
Buyers report back padding is thinner and laptop padding is so weak the laptop audibly hits the floor.
Why this is supported
Community reports note that the back padding has been thinned and the laptop sleeve padding has been cut roughly in half.
Now I find myself setting my bag down slowly because I often feel the "thud" of my laptop hitting the floor
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksAnother user calls
the anaemic padding for the laptop sleeve are deal breakers
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacks.
- Access
Buyers report the drawstring is hard to use, bottle pockets don't expand, and side laptop zip is awkwardly placed.
Why this is supported
The drawstring closure change is widely criticized.
The previous drawstring was smooth and the fastener was easy to use. Now the fastener is a "pull tab" which intends to make opening the bag easier, but it does the opposite.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksMany also find it
impossible to open the bag with one hand. The string itself also started becoming frizzy
u/plingalingaling in r/backpacks. The side bottle pockets are also a point of contention:
The bottle holders are also deceptive. They dont expand out, so you're still giving up space inside the bag.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksAdditionally, the side-zip laptop compartment suffers from poor placement:
While the side zipper seems beneficial, I don't find it useful because the shoulder strap location makes it awkward and more difficult than opening the bag normally.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacks- Design
Buyers report loss of the striped liner, ascot-cap flap, long leather straps, and single-panel construction.
Why this is supported
Multiple design changes are noted. A buyer reports the
Removed the red and white striped interior
u/slytherin-hawthorn in r/BuyItForLife. Others describe the flap change:
The older flap was shaped like an ascot cap and would go over the sides, so even if you didn't cinch your bag tight, it wouldn't gape open at the top.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacks— the current flap does not extend as far. The bag now uses multiple panels instead of a single continuous fabric piece, increasing the number of seams. Leather straps have also been shortened:
Reduced the length of the leather straps at the top where the long line is
u/slytherin-hawthorn in r/BuyItForLife.
- Value
Buyers widely regard the current model as poor value due to removed features.
Why this is supported
There is a strong consensus that the new Little America does not offer the same value as older versions.
The new redesigned Little America is not worth the money imo.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksThis sentiment is echoed in multiple discussions citing the cumulative effect of feature removals.
- Durability
Stitching at seams and buckles fails within months of daily use.
Why this is supported
Shoulder strap seam separation is reported after a few weeks. Stitching around the buckles is prone to failure:
Where there is stitching (around the fake buckles), the bag will eventually develop holes where the cheap stitching is.
u/[deleted] in r/malefashionadviceThe redesign has introduced additional seams:
The newer design uses smaller panels of fabric, which means you have more seams.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksThis increases potential failure points.
- Drawstring closure
Drawstring ring detaches and pull-tab abrades the string, causing fraying.
Why this is supported
The drawstring closure has two failure modes. The metal ring detaches:
See that metal ring where the drawstring goes into the bag? It falls off and frays after a small amount of use.
u/[deleted] in r/malefashionadviceThe pull-tab also abrades the string:
The string itself also started becoming frizzy (but didn’t fray or break) after about 2 weeks of the closure knob dragging up and down it.
u/plingalingaling in r/backpacksThis compromises the closure's integrity.
- Laptop sleeve protection
Buyers report current laptop sleeve has less padding and no fleece lining vs older models, reducing protection.
Why this is supported
Reddit users report that the current laptop sleeve has substantially less padding and lacks the fleece lining of older models. For instance, one user says,
The removal of the back padding and the anaemic padding for the laptop sleeve are deal breakers for me.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksAnother adds,
Herschel removed their infamous soft microfibre laptop sleeve, arguably the most favoured component of their product/brand.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksA third notes,
Now, with less exterior padding to begin with and now the removal of 1/2 the protective lining, my laptop is that much more exposed.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksThese accounts contradict some retailer listings that still cite a
padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve
thecoolhour.com. The official description says it is a
The padded laptop compartment fits most 15" to 16" laptops
What size laptop does the padded compartment fit?, but the reduced padding may not offer sufficient protection for larger, heavier devices.
- Side zipper
Buyers find the side zipper for laptop access awkward due to shoulder strap placement.
Why this is supported
A Reddit user explains:
While the side zipper seems beneficial, I don't find it useful because the shoulder strap location makes it awkward and more difficult than opening the bag normally.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksThis suggests that the side-access zipper, intended for quick laptop retrieval, is placed inconveniently and does not deliver its intended convenience.
- Closure security
Flap's magnetic snap auto-secures, resists opening under load, and deters theft.
Why this is supported
When the flap is dropped, the magnetic snaps automatically align and secure without manual threading:
When the flap is lowered, the magnetic snaps self-align and click into place without manual threading, making it harder to accidentally leave the bag unsecured compared to traditional buckles.
Magnetic strap closure convenience and security — auto_secure_flapAdditionally, because the drawstring cinches the main compartment, the magnets are not load‑bearing and remain engaged even when the pack is full:
The drawstring cinches the main compartment shut first, then the flap covers the gathered opening; this means the magnetic snaps aren't the primary load‑bearing element, so they remain secure even when the 30L bag is packed to capacity.
Magnetic strap closure convenience and security — load_distributionThis secure closure also provides theft deterrence during commutes, as one owner noted:
Since my bag is big and deep with a magnetic front flap, I feel it would be difficult for people to snoop into it while I am in commute anyway.
u/plingalingaling in r/backpacks- Aesthetic integration
Magnetic snap hidden under decorative metal button maintains classic mountaineering look.
Why this is supported
The magnetic snap is concealed beneath a decorative metal button that mimics a traditional buckle, allowing the bag to retain its heritage mountaineering appearance while offering modern convenience:
The 'metallic button flap' is a magnetic snap hidden beneath a decorative metal button — pull up to open, drop to close, no pin‑buckle threading required.
Magnetic strap closure convenience and security — metallic_button_flap- Heritage
Patch design originates from early 1900s varsity athletic tradition.
Why this is supported
The patch design has deep historical roots. As sourced from detailed research:
Originating as a tangible symbol of athletic achievement and school spirit in the early 20th century, these embroidered emblems were once the exclusive honor of student-athletes who earned their place on varsity teams.
insightdaily.hkThis origin gives the backpack narrative depth. The specific patches—pennant, tree, shield—are classic varsity iconography.
A varsity patch is a physical artifact of personal history, triggering a sense of authenticity and earned experience.
insightdaily.hkThe backpack makes this symbol available beyond its exclusive origins.
- Trend
Patches align with high-fashion runway trend and style with denim and outerwear.
Why this is supported
Research confirms the patches are part of an ongoing trend:
Luxury fashion houses and premium streetwear brands have consistently featured varsity jackets and patch-laden garments on runways and in collections.
insightdaily.hkStyling guides note they are
easy to pair with denim, outerwear, or athleisure for city days or weekend escapes.
thecoolhour.comCompared to minimalist packs, this backpack offers retro-inspired flair. The patches are physically sewn on, providing an authentic tactile finish.
Varsity-style patches for a sporty look
thecoolhour.com- Bottle pocket fit
Non-expandable side pockets; bottles wider than ~2.6 encroach on the 30L interior.
Why this is supported
The side pockets are non-expandable slits. A slim 500ml bottle fits cleanly, but
a 1L Nalgene (3.5 inches) can be forced in but will carve out a permanent cylinder of dead space within the bag's 30L cargo volume
What bottles actually fit in the side pockets — slit_pocket_geometryA user confirms the tradeoff:
The bottle holders are also deceptive. They dont expand out, so you're still giving up space inside the bag.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksThus, the 30L capacity is only fully available with narrow bottles.
- Sustainability
100% recycled polyester from post-consumer bottles reduces energy 59% and CO2 32%.
Why this is supported
The shell and lining are
100% recycled polyester
thecoolhour.commade from
post-consumer PET bottles
Recycled polyester fabric and EcoSystem story — post_consumer_bottle_feedstock, chemically identical to virgin polyester. This process
consumes roughly 59% less energy and generates about 32% fewer CO2 emissions than virgin polyester
Recycled polyester fabric and EcoSystem story — energy_and_carbon_reduction.
The bag features
Varsity-style patches for a sporty look
thecoolhour.com, contrasting with
Fjällräven leans minimalist and timeless, with clean lines that pair well with anything. Herschel brings retro inspired flair, leather like straps, and bold branding that pops in city settings.
we3travel.com. Its shell is made from
, placing it on par with sustainable competitors, though the bold patches limit versatility in formal settings.
- Closure system
Drawstring expands for loads but one-hand hard; flap gapes when loose.
Why this is supported
The drawstring collar lets the 30L bag expand vertically for weekend loads, but many buyers find the mechanism difficult to use one-handed. One user reports,
My new bag won't open/close properly unless I pull quickly and with significant force.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksAnother says,
it was impossible to open the bag with one hand.
u/plingalingaling in r/backpacksThe magnetic flap snap is convenient, as the manufacturer describes:
The 'metallic button flap' is a magnetic snap hidden beneath a decorative metal button — pull up to open, drop to close, no pin-buckle threading required.
Magnetic strap closure convenience and security — metallic_button_flapHowever, when the bag is not cinched, the flap does not cover the sides, causing gape. A reviewer notes,
The older flap was shaped like an ascot cap and would go over the sides, so even if you didn't cinch your bag tight, it wouldn't gape open at the top.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksThe current design thus requires cinching to avoid exposure.
- Side pockets
Side pockets steal internal volume when carrying wide bottles.
Why this is supported
The side slit pockets are non-gusseted, so a slim bottle fits but a wider one reduces internal volume. As one buyer puts it,
The bottle holders are also deceptive. They dont expand out, so you're still giving up space inside the bag.
u/VntgeGrl in r/backpacksThis means a 1L Nalgene forces the pocket to bulge inward, permanently stealing from the main compartment.
- Laptop compartment
Fleece-lined sleeve; padding halved; side zipper awkward.
Why this is supported
The laptop sleeve has conflicting features: it is fleece-lined for scratch protection, one source describes it as
padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve
thecoolhour.comHowever, the padding thickness has been cut roughly in half, as a buyer reports:
Laptop padding reduced by 50%
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacksThe sleeve is integrated flat against the back panel, which one resource explains
so when left empty it does not intrude into the 30L main area—unlike suspended sleeves that can steal depth
Real-world capacity: what 30L packs for travel and commute — padded_laptop_sleeveAdditionally, a side zipper offers alternative access, but users find it awkward:
While the side zipper seems beneficial, I don't find it useful because the shoulder strap location makes it awkward and more difficult than opening the bag normally.
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacks- Pocket layout
Front pocket lacks organization; top lid has key clip; dark lining; multiple seams.
Why this is supported
The front zip pocket is a simple open compartment without internal organization; a manufacturer Q&A states,
The front zip pocket is a simple open pocket without built-in organization like pen slots.
Does the front zip pocket have internal organization, such as pen slots or key clips?A separate top lid pocket includes a built-in key clip for valuables; the same Q&A indicates
there is a separate top lid pocket with a built-in key clip
Does the front zip pocket have internal organization, such as pen slots or key clips?but it requires opening the main flap. The interior lining is a dark solid color, which one buyer notes as
Removed the red and white striped interior
u/slytherin-hawthorn in r/BuyItForLifemaking small items harder to spot. Additionally, the construction uses multiple smaller panels joined by seams, increasing potential failure points under load.
- Build quality
Fleece-lined laptop sleeve, but laptop padding halved and stitching failures reported.
Why this is supported
The bag has a
padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve
thecoolhour.com, but the current model has
Laptop padding reduced by 50%
u/dailysciencefacts in r/backpacks. Stitching issues are reported:
Where there is stitching (around the fake buckles), the bag will eventually develop holes where the cheap stitching is.
u/[deleted] in r/malefashionadviceand the metal ring on the drawstring
falls off and frays after a small amount of use
u/[deleted] in r/malefashionadvice. Overall build quality has declined, with thinner fabric and omitted features compared to older models.
- Practicality
At $160 CAD, magnetic flap offers one-handed access, but drawstring frays and side pockets limit use; price is premium over alternatives.
Why this is supported
The main closure uses
, allowing one-handed opening. However, the internal drawstring is difficult:
impossible to open the bag with one hand
u/plingalingaling in r/backpacksand frays quickly. The side pockets are
simple slit openings with no elastic or gusset, so a bottle's diameter directly dictates comfort and intrusion
What bottles actually fit in the side pockets — slit_pocket_geometry, so bottles intrude on internal space. While the magnetic flap is quick, it may be less secure. Price-wise, reviews commonly steer buyers toward Hex or Everlane for better padding and construction at similar or lower prices, positioning this bag as a style premium.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a top-flap backpack with twin vertical webbing stripes, twin faux-leather buckle straps on the flap and front pocket, two side slip pockets, sewn-on varsity-style patches, and a contrasting brown base.
- Overall silhouetteTall rectangular backpack with a rounded top flap that covers the main compartment and a front flap-over pocket; sides are straight with visible side slip pockets.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.04 · w 0.88 · h 0.92 (high) - Top flapSingle large curved top flap with two vertical webbing straps running over it and stitched top seam near the flap edge.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.04 · w 0.72 · h 0.28 (high) - Front buckle strapsTwo brown faux-leather strap assemblies descend from the flap across the front, each with a rectangular antiqued brass-tone buckle and stitched strap ends that continue past the buckles.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.54 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.54 (high) - Twin webbing stripesA pair of vertical woven stripes (yellow with a narrow white edge) run from the top of the flap down over the front, positioned immediately inside each faux-leather strap.
2 regions
x 0.35 · y 0.06 · w 0.08 · h 0.76 (high); x 0.57 · y 0.06 · w 0.08 · h 0.76 (high) - Front pocketSquare front flap pocket located below the main flap, with its own flap and two faux-leather strap accents and a sewn rectangular fabric brand label centered on the pocket flap.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.50 · w 0.64 · h 0.34 (high) - Side pocketsOpen vertical slip pockets on both left and right sides integrated into the body, finishing near the bottom seam.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.44 · w 0.14 · h 0.44 (high); x 0.84 · y 0.44 · w 0.14 · h 0.44 (high) - Bottom/baseContrasting brown base panel with a slightly textured finish stitched to the main body along a horizontal seam.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.84 · w 0.88 · h 0.12 (high) - Varsity-style patchesThree sewn patches on the flap and upper front: a triangular pennant with script text on the upper left flap, a tree-shaped patch with an 'H' on the upper right flap, and a small shield-shaped patch with '09' beneath the flap; stitching outlines are visible around each patch.
3 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.12 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.42 · y 0.40 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high) - Top carry loopSmall woven top carry loop centered at the backpack crown in a yellow color matching the stripes.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.02 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high) - Fabric textureTightly woven textile fabric for the main body with a matte finish and visible weave at close inspection.
- Front label text“Herschel”
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high) - Shield patch text“09”
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.38 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot centered on a light neutral background with even lighting and soft shadowing beneath; no props or human models visible.
- Background and lightingEven soft studio lighting on a very light gray background producing minimal shadows and clear even exposure across the backpack.
- Shot compositionBackpack centered in frame, photographed straight-on with the full front visible and a small margin of background around all sides.
- ShadowingSoft diffuse shadow directly beneath the backpack indicating overhead lighting; no harsh highlights or glare.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.88 · w 0.44 · h 0.08 (medium)
Colors
deep forest green· main body fabric#1D3B3Bmedium saddle brown· faux-leather straps and accents#8C4B34dark brown· bottom base panel#6B3D2Dgolden yellow· vertical stripesoff-white· stripe edgenavy blue· left pennant patch#1B3C3Ccream· shield/number patchmaroon· number on shield patch- Overall silhouetteTall rectangular backpack with a rounded top flap that covers the main compartment and a front flap-over pocket; sides are straight with visible side slip pockets.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a backpack showing padded shoulder straps, padded black back panel, green main fabric, brown base, side pocket, top carry loop with yellow and white stripe, and external vertical zipper pocket on the rear side.
- View orientationRear-facing view of the backpack showing the back panel and shoulder straps.
- Shoulder strapsTwo wide, padded shoulder straps in dark green fabric with visible stitched channeling and sewn strap ends with adjustable green plastic tri-glide buckles.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.12 · w 0.50 · h 0.72 (high) - Top carry loopFabric carry loop at the top with yellow and white horizontal stripes, forming a short handle above the straps.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.03 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Back panel paddingBlack padded back panel with visible rounded ergonomic padding contours in a matte fabric.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.20 · w 0.36 · h 0.68 (high) - Main fabric color and materialDeep green woven fabric forms the main body and straps, with a slightly textured matte finish.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.06 · w 0.70 · h 0.86 (high) - Base panelBrown fabric base panel wrapping the bottom edge, contrasting with the green body.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.84 · w 0.62 · h 0.16 (high) - Side pocketOpen side slip pocket on the left side in matching green fabric, positioned above the brown base.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.46 · w 0.22 · h 0.38 (high) - Vertical zipper pocketA vertical zipper runs along the right edge of the back panel with a visible black zipper tape and a black zipper pull tab.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.20 · w 0.10 · h 0.60 (high) - Top flap and metal zipperTop flap visible folding over the rear with a short exposed metal zipper pull in a muted gold finish on the top edge.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.00 · w 0.50 · h 0.16 (medium) - Loose strap tailOne shoulder strap tail is extended and lies on the floor surface in front of the backpack, showing the strap webbing end.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.86 · w 0.36 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a light gray background with soft directional lighting producing a faint shadow beneath the backpack. Image is cropped to show nearly the full rear and right side of the bag.
- Background and lightingSmooth light gray background with even soft lighting and subtle shadow under the backpack toward the bottom right.
- Shot compositionThree-quarter rear angle, slightly elevated viewpoint showing right rear and strap details; product centered vertically and shifted slightly left.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution studio image with clear detail and no visible noise or motion blur.
Colors
deep forest green· main body and straps#2C4A45matte black· back panel#131313warm brown· base panel#7B4C3Byellow with white stripe· top carry loop#FCCB6Cmuted gold· zipper pull- 03
Product
Top interior view of a green backpack showing gathered drawstring opening, green pinstripe lining, an internal sleeve, a diamond white interior label, leather-and-metal strap detail, and a front exterior pocket edge.
- Top openingCircular gathered drawstring opening with fabric ruffle formed by the cord channel at the pack rim; the channel is the same green fabric as the exterior and interior lining.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.00 · w 0.90 · h 0.28 (high) - Interior liningInterior is lined in a darker green fabric with subtle vertical pinstripe texture visible across the main compartment and sleeve back panel.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.64 · h 0.52 (high) - Internal sleevePadded internal sleeve/pocket visible against the rear interior wall, with a stitched top edge and a darker binding along the sleeve opening.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.20 · w 0.48 · h 0.42 (medium) - Interior labelDiamond-shaped white woven label stitched to the interior back panel.
1 region
x 0.61 · y 0.34 · w 0.16 · h 0.15 (high) - Front exterior hardwareTan leather strap loop and metal buckle hardware visible at the lower left of the frame, attached to a dark green exterior pocket.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.60 · w 0.30 · h 0.30 (high) - Small black webbing pullShort length of black webbing loop attached near the tan leather strap, likely used as a pull or fastener tab.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.58 · w 0.08 · h 0.16 (high) - Front pocket upper edgeUpper edge of an exterior front pocket visible below the opening, made from the same dark green woven fabric as the body.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.58 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (high) - Interior stitching and seam tapeVisible horizontal seam and seam-binding along the interior back panel near the top of the sleeve, in a contrasting lighter stitch/tape.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.12 · w 0.55 · h 0.08 (medium) - Interior label text“Put Yourself Out There”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.36 · w 0.12 · h 0.09 (high) - Small brand script on label“Herschel”Partial
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.42 · w 0.10 · h 0.06 (medium)
Other
Studio-style top-down product detail shot on a neutral light background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows; image crops the lower right of the pack.
- Shot compositionTop-down angled close-up focusing on the pack opening and interior; lower right of the backpack is cropped out of frame.
- Background and lightingEven, diffuse lighting on a light neutral background producing soft shadows and a clear view of textures.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution detail with visible fabric texture and stitching; no motion blur.
Colors
forest green· exterior fabric#2C433Ddark pinstripe green· interior lining#234A3Dwhite· labeltan leather· leather strapblack· webbing pull- Top openingCircular gathered drawstring opening with fabric ruffle formed by the cord channel at the pack rim; the channel is the same green fabric as the exterior and interior lining.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
5 threads · r/malefashionadvice, r/backpacks, r/BuyItForLifeReddit users broadly criticize the newer Herschel Little America backpack for its quality decline and missing features, while older models are praised for durability.
While older models receive strong praise for longevity, the newer version faces persistent criticism over reduced padding, missing iconic features, and questionable durability, leading to a generally negative leaning but with some positive notes on added features like bottle holders and side laptop access.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily commuting and school
- Travel
- Hiking and outdoor activities
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Hex
Seen as a better quality alternative to Herschel, especially in similar price range.
vs Everlane
Recommended as a better value with higher quality.
vs JanSport
Mentioned as a cheaper, more durable alternative, though some find JanSport bags too small.
vs Fjallraven
Suggested as a similar style alternative; some users find Fjallraven bags too small.
vs Old Herschel Little America
The older model is widely considered superior—with better padding, iconic striped liner, and sturdier build—while the new version is seen as a cost-cut downgrade.
Source Threads
Durability issues with Herschel Little America
I would never, ever buy another Herschel bag. The one I own fell apart very, very fast. Way too fast for an $80 bag. I know 80 bucks isn't exactly high-end but it isn't low end either. See that metal ring where the drawstring goes into the bag? It falls off and frays after a small amount of use. Where there is stitching (around the fake buckles), the bag will eventually develop holes where the cheap stitching is. All of this happened to mine within ~3 months of regular use.
u/[deleted]r/malefashionadviceView thread →
Detailed comparison of old vs new Little America: shrinkflation and quality decline
It seems you're the only person on the internet who shares my concerns! I too had a beloved circa 2016 bag (little America) that finally wore out. I bought a replacement directly from Herschel because I know their quality is worth the cost. When I received the bag, I didn't notice any "improvements", but rather some **downsides attributed to shrinkflation:** **1.** **No red/white striped liner.** Instead, the interior matches the exterior. Herschel's entire design philosophy and brand image revolves around this unique feature that is rooted in history. Now their bags look like cheaper imitations of their past selves. **2. No padding on the backside.** Herschel little America bags always had comfortable aerated padding on the shoulder straps AND the back. The new bags only keep the shoulder padding, meaning the backpack slides and sways from side to side as you walk. I find myself adjusting the bag and the straps every time I wear it like I can never get it "just right". **3. Laptop padding reduced by 50%.** The strangest of the changes IMO, Herschel removed their infamous soft microfibre laptop sleeve, arguably the most favoured component of their product/brand. This was done under the pretence of adding a side entry zipper for easy access. Now, with less exterior padding to begin with and now the removal of 1/2 the protective lining, my laptop is that much more exposed. With the old bag, I feel like I could toss it across the room with my laptop inside and everything would be fine. Now I find myself setting my bag down slowly because I often feel the "thud" of my laptop hitting the floor as only one layer of fabric separates the two. While the side zipper seems beneficial, I don't find it useful because the shoulder strap location makes it awkward and more difficult than opening the bag normally. **4. Worse drawstring material + new pull tab.** Once a pleasurable experience, opening the bag's main compartment is now a drag (literally). The previous drawstring was smooth and the fastener was easy to use. Now the fastener is a "pull tab" which intends to make opening the bag easier, but it does the opposite. My new bag won't open/close properly unless I pull quickly and with significant force. They overcomplicated the experience. I leave permanently open because it's so unpleasant and pulls the drawstring fabric leaving it mangled and ragged. I really want to like the bag because Herschel has always been my brand of choice. The added water bottle holders and new upper compartment are great, but the entire bag feels like the "lite" version of their previous bags. After a few months of owning the new bag, I bought the original version new from someone on Marketplace for $40 and I'm actually amazed at how much better the bag was previously. It felt like a Herschel bag the was it used to be. Comparing the two versions of the bag made me aware of these differences I may not have noticed otherwise. The marketplace bag is my new daily and I'm throwing the other piece of trash in the bin. I don't know if these quality reductions are to increase profit or keep the price from increasing due to rising production costs. Either way, I'm still a Herschel enjoyer but I will stick with their original high-quality products.
u/dailysciencefactsr/backpacksView thread →
New drawstring mechanism is frustrating and frays quickly
Hi, I have had my new one for < 9 months. Personally I found the new drawstring closure mechanism pretty irritating for me because it was impossible to open the bag with one hand. The string itself also started becoming frizzy (but didn’t fray or break) after about 2 weeks of the closure knob dragging up and down it. So now I just open and close the bag without using the knob, just like how I use a normal drawstring bag/pouch. Since my bag is big and deep with a magnetic front flap, I feel it would be difficult for people to snoop into it while I am in commute anyway.
u/plingalingalingr/backpacksView thread →
Pros and cons of the new Little America vs older versions
I have 2 original/older versions of Little America. One is regular size and one is mid-volume. Both black. I got them this year. Not sure what year they were literally made in. The newer version isn't bad. But it could've been better. Imo. Personally, I can't see myself getting it (as of now). Below are some pros and cons. PROS: -- Expandable side bottle holders -- Long horizontal pocket on the back of the backpack -- Long vertical side pocket for laptop. Cool design, keeps the laptops more secure and doesn't fall on other items in the main compartment. (Pro is that people might not notice it or not think something valuable is in there. Con is that it might be easier for other people to access) CONS: -- Added that long horizontal line on the opening flap -- Reduced the length of the leather straps at the top where the long line is -- Removed the red and white striped interior -- Added another 2 long horizontal line next to the exterior lower pocket (towards the bottom of the backpack) -- New phrase/slogan. "Put Yourself Out There". Boring, lame, and a bit annoying. Something about the brand or backpack series would've been better -- Looks more like a basic backpack I think they strayed a bit too far from the original. Overall, its not a bad backpack. Better than some others that are of a similar price. Let me know what you think based on your experience
u/slytherin-hawthornr/BuyItForLifeView thread →
New Little America is a downgrade: lack of padding, poor design changes
The new redesigned Little America is not worth the money imo. My first LA bought in 2017 is still perfect and is now being used as my hiking backpack. But I went out and bought a bunch of the OGs as soon as I heard about the redesign. Thankfully, the local sports store had them steeply discounted because they wanted to be rid of the last of their old stock. The removal of the back padding and the anaemic padding for the laptop sleeve are deal breakers for me. The bottle holders are also deceptive. They dont expand out, so you're still giving up space inside the bag. The pocket on the top flap is a security risk, so you can't carry anything of value in there. The new shape of the flap is also not ideal and looks awful from the sides. The older flap was shaped like an ascot cap and would go over the sides, so even if you didn't cinch your bag tight, it wouldn't gape open at the top. Also, the OG bag is made of a single panel that wraps around to the back panel/padding . The newer design uses smaller panels of fabric, which means you have more seams. Apart from looking uglier with all the stitching, the extra seams add potential points of failure. A few of the reviews also mention that the fabric feels flimsier but I haven't handled the new stuff myself...I recommend hunting down new old stock of the original version in brick and mortar stores or buying them off eBay.
u/VntgeGrlr/backpacksView thread →