{"product":{"catalog_id":"7a56f459-7598-43ca-ae08-af4af1bf68aa","is_eligible_search":true,"is_eligible_checkout":false,"item_id":"dc252dfd-23be-4bd4-8b62-607d44c31161","title":"Little America Varsity-Patch Backpack","description":"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.","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/little-america-varsity-patch-backpack--9087-113901?colourId=0","brand":"Herschel","condition":"new","product_category":"men accessories > bags > backpacks","material":"Shell: Recycled polyester with TPE coating; Lining: Recycled polyester with PU coating","dimensions":"11 x 7 x 19 in","age_group":"adult","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A1_2.jpg","additional_image_urls":["https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A2_2.jpg","https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A3_2.jpg"],"images":[{"id":"img-1784702938413-0","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Little America varsity-patch backpack product image (primary)","position":1,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio product shot centered on a light neutral background with even lighting and soft shadowing beneath; no props or human models visible.","observations":[{"key":"Background and lighting","kind":"feature","value":"Even soft studio lighting on a very light gray background producing minimal shadows and clear even exposure across the backpack.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Backpack centered in frame, photographed straight-on with the full front visible and a small margin of background around all sides.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shadowing","kind":"feature","value":"Soft diffuse shadow directly beneath the backpack indicating overhead lighting; no harsh highlights or glare.","regions":[{"x":0.28,"y":0.88,"width":0.44,"height":0.08,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"deep forest green","part":"main body fabric","regions":[{"x":0.1,"y":0.06,"width":0.8,"height":0.78,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Matte tightly woven fabric covering the backpack body and flap.","sampled_hex":"#1D3B3B","estimated_hex":"#0F3F36"},{"name":"medium saddle brown","part":"faux-leather straps and accents","regions":[{"x":0.28,"y":0.16,"width":0.16,"height":0.56,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.56,"y":0.16,"width":0.16,"height":0.56,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Matte brown faux-leather strap assemblies and small trim tabs with visible stitching.","sampled_hex":"#8C4B34","estimated_hex":"#8A4F2B"},{"name":"dark brown","part":"bottom base panel","regions":[{"x":0.06,"y":0.84,"width":0.88,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Contrasting brown base panel stitched to the lower edge of the bag with a slightly textured finish.","sampled_hex":"#6B3D2D","estimated_hex":"#6B3E2A"},{"name":"golden yellow","part":"vertical stripes","regions":[{"x":0.34,"y":0.06,"width":0.06,"height":0.76,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.6,"y":0.06,"width":0.06,"height":0.76,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Woven vertical stripe consisting of a wider yellow band edged by a narrow white line.","estimated_hex":"#E3B41A"},{"name":"off-white","part":"stripe edge","regions":[{"x":0.345,"y":0.06,"width":0.02,"height":0.76,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.615,"y":0.06,"width":0.02,"height":0.76,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Narrow white edge that borders the yellow stripe on each side.","estimated_hex":"#F5F6F5"},{"name":"navy blue","part":"left pennant patch","regions":[{"x":0.18,"y":0.12,"width":0.18,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Triangular navy pennant patch with contrasting yellow script embroidery.","sampled_hex":"#1B3C3C","estimated_hex":"#16314D"},{"name":"cream","part":"shield/number patch","regions":[{"x":0.4,"y":0.36,"width":0.18,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Cream-colored shield patch with dark red numeric characters centered below the flap.","estimated_hex":"#EFE7DB"},{"name":"maroon","part":"number on shield patch","regions":[{"x":0.44,"y":0.42,"width":0.1,"height":0.06,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Solid dark red numerals printed on the shield patch.","estimated_hex":"#7A1820"}],"product":{"summary":"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.","observations":[{"key":"Overall silhouette","kind":"feature","value":"Tall rectangular backpack with a rounded top flap that covers the main compartment and a front flap-over pocket; 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stitching outlines are visible around each patch.","regions":[{"x":0.2,"y":0.12,"width":0.18,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.53,"y":0.12,"width":0.12,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.42,"y":0.4,"width":0.16,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Top carry loop","kind":"feature","value":"Small woven top carry loop centered at the backpack crown in a yellow color matching the stripes.","regions":[{"x":0.47,"y":0.02,"width":0.06,"height":0.06,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Fabric texture","kind":"feature","value":"Tightly woven textile fabric for the main body with a matte finish and visible weave at close inspection.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Front label text","kind":"text","value":"Herschel","regions":[{"x":0.44,"y":0.72,"width":0.12,"height":0.06,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shield patch text","kind":"text","value":"09","regions":[{"x":0.42,"y":0.38,"width":0.16,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["4603406"]},{"id":"img-1784702938413-1","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A2_2.jpg","alt_text":"Little America varsity-patch backpack product image 2","position":2,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"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.","observations":[{"key":"Background and lighting","kind":"feature","value":"Smooth light gray background with even soft lighting and subtle shadow under the backpack toward the bottom right.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Three-quarter rear angle, slightly elevated viewpoint showing right rear and strap details; product centered vertically and shifted slightly left.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Image quality","kind":"feature","value":"High-resolution studio image with clear detail and no visible noise or motion blur.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"deep forest green","part":"main body and straps","regions":[{"x":0.08,"y":0.08,"width":0.6,"height":0.84,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Solid deep forest green woven fabric with a matte finish visible on the body and shoulder straps.","sampled_hex":"#2C4A45","estimated_hex":"#0F4D45"},{"name":"matte black","part":"back panel","regions":[{"x":0.34,"y":0.18,"width":0.36,"height":0.7,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Matte black padded back panel with rounded padding contours.","sampled_hex":"#131313","estimated_hex":"#111214"},{"name":"warm brown","part":"base panel","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0.84,"width":0.62,"height":0.16,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Flat brown fabric covering the bottom edge and base of the bag.","sampled_hex":"#7B4C3B","estimated_hex":"#8A5130"},{"name":"yellow with white stripe","part":"top carry loop","regions":[{"x":0.48,"y":0.03,"width":0.12,"height":0.1,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Striped fabric loop with a yellow field and a central white stripe used as a carrying handle.","sampled_hex":"#FCCB6C","estimated_hex":"#F2C24A"},{"name":"muted gold","part":"zipper 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body.","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0.84,"width":0.62,"height":0.16,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Side pocket","kind":"feature","value":"Open side slip pocket on the left side in matching green fabric, positioned above the brown base.","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0.46,"width":0.22,"height":0.38,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Vertical zipper pocket","kind":"feature","value":"A vertical zipper runs along the right edge of the back panel with a visible black zipper tape and a black zipper pull tab.","regions":[{"x":0.3,"y":0.2,"width":0.1,"height":0.6,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Top flap and metal zipper","kind":"feature","value":"Top flap visible folding over the rear with a short exposed metal zipper pull in a muted gold finish on the top edge.","regions":[{"x":0.2,"y":0,"width":0.5,"height":0.16,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Loose strap tail","kind":"feature","value":"One shoulder strap tail is extended and lies on the floor surface in front of the backpack, showing the strap webbing end.","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0.86,"width":0.36,"height":0.1,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["4603406"]},{"id":"img-1784702938413-2","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A3_2.jpg","alt_text":"Little America varsity-patch backpack product image 3","position":3,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"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.","observations":[{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Top-down angled close-up focusing on the pack opening and interior; lower right of the backpack is cropped out of frame.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Background and lighting","kind":"feature","value":"Even, diffuse lighting on a light neutral background producing soft shadows and a clear view of textures.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Image quality","kind":"feature","value":"High-resolution detail with visible fabric texture and stitching; no motion blur.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"forest green","part":"exterior fabric","regions":[{"x":0.1,"y":0.4,"width":0.7,"height":0.5,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Deep forest green woven fabric with a matte finish covering the main body and exterior pocket.","sampled_hex":"#2C433D","estimated_hex":"#0F4D3A"},{"name":"dark pinstripe green","part":"interior lining","regions":[{"x":0.28,"y":0.12,"width":0.48,"height":0.46,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Darker green lining with subtle vertical pinstripe pattern and a slightly smoother finish than the exterior.","sampled_hex":"#234A3D","estimated_hex":"#114E3F"},{"name":"white","part":"label","regions":[{"x":0.61,"y":0.34,"width":0.16,"height":0.15,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"White diamond-shaped woven label with printed black text stitched to the interior panel.","estimated_hex":"#FFFFFF"},{"name":"tan leather","part":"leather strap","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.62,"width":0.12,"height":0.18,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Smooth tan leather strap loop used with the front buckle, visible at the lower left.","estimated_hex":"#D19A58"},{"name":"black","part":"webbing pull","regions":[{"x":0.07,"y":0.58,"width":0.06,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Short black webbing loop attached near the leather strap, matte finish.","estimated_hex":"#1A1A1A"}],"product":{"summary":"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.","observations":[{"key":"Top opening","kind":"feature","value":"Circular 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.","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0,"width":0.9,"height":0.28,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Interior lining","kind":"feature","value":"Interior is lined in a darker green fabric with subtle vertical pinstripe texture visible across the main compartment and sleeve back panel.","regions":[{"x":0.18,"y":0.12,"width":0.64,"height":0.52,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Internal sleeve","kind":"feature","value":"Padded internal sleeve/pocket visible against the rear interior wall, with a stitched top edge and a darker binding along the sleeve opening.","regions":[{"x":0.4,"y":0.2,"width":0.48,"height":0.42,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Interior label","kind":"feature","value":"Diamond-shaped white woven label stitched to the interior back panel.","regions":[{"x":0.61,"y":0.34,"width":0.16,"height":0.15,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Front exterior hardware","kind":"feature","value":"Tan leather strap loop and metal buckle hardware visible at the lower left of the frame, attached to a dark green exterior pocket.","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.6,"width":0.3,"height":0.3,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Small black webbing pull","kind":"feature","value":"Short length of black webbing loop attached near the tan leather strap, likely used as a pull or fastener tab.","regions":[{"x":0.08,"y":0.58,"width":0.08,"height":0.16,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Front pocket upper edge","kind":"feature","value":"Upper edge of an exterior front pocket visible below the opening, made from the same dark green woven fabric as the body.","regions":[{"x":0.12,"y":0.58,"width":0.6,"height":0.28,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Interior stitching and seam tape","kind":"feature","value":"Visible horizontal seam and seam-binding along the interior back panel near the top of the sleeve, in a contrasting lighter stitch/tape.","regions":[{"x":0.34,"y":0.12,"width":0.55,"height":0.08,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Interior label text","kind":"text","value":"Put Yourself Out There","regions":[{"x":0.62,"y":0.36,"width":0.12,"height":0.09,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Small brand script on label","kind":"text","value":"Herschel","regions":[{"x":0.64,"y":0.42,"width":0.1,"height":0.06,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"partial"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["4603406"]}],"price":"160 CAD","sale_price":"160 CAD","availability":"in_stock","listing_has_variations":"false","variants":[{"sku":"4603406","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/little-america-varsity-patch-backpack--9087-113901?colourId=30","image":{"id":"img-variant-4603406","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Little America varsity-patch backpack - Green - ONE SIZE variant image","position":1,"variant_ids":["4603406"]},"price":{"value":160,"currency":"CAD"},"title":"Little America Varsity-Patch Backpack - Green - One Size","option1":"Green","option2":"ONE SIZE","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/9087/113901/30/A1_2.jpg","variant_id":"4603406","availability":"in_stock"}],"item_group_title":"Little America Varsity-Patch Backpack","size_system":"US","gender":"male","is_digital":"false","q_and_a":[{"a":"No, the current model does not have padded back panel. The padding is limited to the laptop compartment and adjustable shoulder straps, while the back panel itself is unpadded, which can cause the bag to sway and require constant strap adjustment.","q":"Is the back panel of the current model padded?"},{"a":"The padded laptop compartment fits most 15\" to 16\" laptops, as confirmed by the product specs from multiple retailers and the official Herschel site.","q":"What size laptop does the padded compartment fit?"},{"a":"There is no evidence from the manufacturer or recent reviews that the strap seam issues have been fixed. Community discussions and multiple reviews still report seam separation after a few weeks of use, and quality decline in newer models continues to be a common complaint.","q":"Have the strap seam issues reported in reviews been fixed in the current production models?"},{"a":"Community reports indicate the metal rings on the drawstring are not securely attached and can fall off, causing the drawstring to fray. There is no indication the latest version has addressed this issue.","q":"Are the metal rings on the drawstring securely attached in the latest version?"},{"a":"The front zip pocket is a simple open pocket without built-in organization like pen slots. However, there is a separate top lid pocket with a built-in key clip, as noted in product descriptions and reviews.","q":"Does the front zip pocket have internal organization, such as pen slots or key clips?"},{"a":"Yes, numerous users report thinner materials, removal of key features like back padding and striped liner, and overall lower durability in newer models compared to pre-2020 bags.","q":"Has Herschel Supply Co’s quality gone down?"},{"a":"Most Redditors say no; many recommend hunting for new old stock of the original version or considering other brands.","q":"Is the new Little America worth the money?"},{"a":"Hex, Everlane, JanSport, and Fjallraven are frequently suggested, though size may be a factor.","q":"What are good alternatives to the Herschel Little America?"}],"target_countries":"US","canonical_url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/little-america-varsity-patch-backpack--9087-113901?colourId=0","reddit_insights":{"match":{"notes":"All threads discuss the Herschel Little America backpack line; the specific 'Varsity-Patch' variant is not explicitly named but is part of the same product family.","confidence":0.9,"matched_terms":["Herschel Little America","Little America","Herschel"]},"status":"ok","coverage":{"subreddits":["malefashionadvice","backpacks","BuyItForLife"],"threads_used":5},"evidence":{"items":[{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/1cptyg/review_of_the_herschel_little_america_backpack/c9j59cc/","type":"comment","title":"Durability issues with Herschel Little America","author":"[deleted]","ref_id":"r_e_1","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/1cptyg/review_of_the_herschel_little_america_backpack/","title":"review of the herschel little america backpack","subreddit":"malefashionadvice"},"excerpt":"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.\n\nSee 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.\n\nAll of this happened to mine within ~3 months of regular use.","subreddit":"malefashionadvice"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/1gduyxu/has_herschel_supply_co_gone_down_in_quality/mfmrc3h/","type":"comment","title":"Detailed comparison of old vs new Little America: shrinkflation and quality decline","author":"dailysciencefacts","ref_id":"r_e_2","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/1gduyxu/has_herschel_supply_co_gone_down_in_quality/","title":"has herschel supply co gone down in quality","subreddit":"backpacks"},"excerpt":"It seems you're the only person on the internet who shares my concerns! \n\nI 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:**\n\n**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. \n\n**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\". \n\n**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.\n\n**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. \n\nI 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.","subreddit":"backpacks"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/1re18y7/herschel_little_america_old_vs_new/p0fopwn/","type":"comment","title":"New drawstring mechanism is frustrating and frays quickly","author":"plingalingaling","ref_id":"r_e_3","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/1re18y7/herschel_little_america_old_vs_new/","title":"herschel little america old vs new","subreddit":"backpacks"},"excerpt":"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.","subreddit":"backpacks"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/166gw4e/herschel_little_america_backpack_2016_vs_2023/kj81iyr/","type":"comment","title":"Pros and cons of the new Little America vs older versions","author":"slytherin-hawthorn","ref_id":"r_e_4","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/166gw4e/herschel_little_america_backpack_2016_vs_2023/","title":"herschel little america backpack 2016 vs 2023","subreddit":"BuyItForLife"},"excerpt":"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.  \n\nThe 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.\n\n                                                                                                     \nPROS:\n\n--  Expandable side bottle holders\n\n--  Long horizontal pocket on the back of the backpack\n\n--  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)\n\n                                                                                                     \nCONS: \n\n--  Added that long horizontal line on the opening flap\n\n--  Reduced the length of the leather straps at the top where the long line is\n\n--  Removed the red and white striped interior\n\n--  Added another 2 long horizontal line next to the exterior lower pocket (towards the bottom of the backpack)\n\n--  New phrase/slogan. \"Put Yourself Out There\".  Boring, lame, and a bit annoying.  Something about the brand or backpack series would've been better\n\n--  Looks more like a basic backpack\n\n\nI 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.\n\nLet me know what you think based on your experience","subreddit":"BuyItForLife"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/1mntwfp/i_recently_got_a_new_herschel_little_america/n8l54bk/","type":"comment","title":"New Little America is a downgrade: lack of padding, poor design changes","author":"VntgeGrl","ref_id":"r_e_5","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/1mntwfp/i_recently_got_a_new_herschel_little_america/","title":"i recently got a new herschel little america","subreddit":"backpacks"},"excerpt":"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. \n\nThe 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.\n\n 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.\n\nA 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.","subreddit":"backpacks"}]},"generated_at":"2025-04-03T12:00:00Z","conversation_summary":{"gotchas":[{"gotcha":"The straps may begin to separate at the seams after a few weeks of use.","severity":"high"},{"gotcha":"The metal ring where the drawstring goes into the bag can fall off and fray the drawstring.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"Laptop padding is reduced by half; you can feel the laptop hit the floor when setting the bag down.","severity":"high"},{"gotcha":"No padding on the back panel, causing the bag to sway and requiring constant strap adjustment.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"The new drawstring closure is difficult to open one-handed and quickly frays the string.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"The new design uses more seams, adding potential failure points, and the fabric may be flimsier.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"Deceptive bottle holders that don’t expand outward, reducing internal space.","severity":"low"}],"one_liner":"Reddit users broadly criticize the newer Herschel Little America backpack for its quality decline and missing features, while older models are praised for durability.","sentiment":{"label":"mixed","score":-0.5,"explanation":"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."},"use_cases":[{"evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_2","r_e_4","r_e_5"],"use_case":"Daily commuting and school"},{"evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_4"],"use_case":"Travel"},{"evidence":["r_e_5"],"use_case":"Hiking and outdoor activities"}],"top_themes":[{"theme":"Quality decline in newer models","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_2","r_e_4","r_e_5"]},{"theme":"Durability of older vs newer models","stance":"mixed","evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_2","r_e_4"]},{"theme":"Design changes (removal of back padding, striped liner, laptop sleeve)","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_2","r_e_4","r_e_5"]},{"theme":"Alternatives to Herschel (Hex, Everlane, JanSport, Fjallraven)","stance":"neutral","evidence":["r_e_1"]}],"comparisons":[{"summary":"Seen as a better quality alternative to Herschel, especially in similar price range.","evidence":["r_e_1"],"compared_to":"Hex"},{"summary":"Recommended as a better value with higher quality.","evidence":["r_e_1"],"compared_to":"Everlane"},{"summary":"Mentioned as a cheaper, more durable alternative, though some find JanSport bags too small.","evidence":["r_e_1"],"compared_to":"JanSport"},{"summary":"Suggested as a similar style alternative; some users find Fjallraven bags too small.","evidence":["r_e_1"],"compared_to":"Fjallraven"},{"summary":"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.","evidence":["r_e_2","r_e_4","r_e_5"],"compared_to":"Old Herschel Little America"}]}},"deep_research":{"dimensions":{"30l_packing_capacity":{"title":"Real-world capacity: what 30L packs for travel and commute","entries":{"padded_laptop_sleeve":"The laptop compartment is integrated flat against the back panel and padded, so when left empty it does not intrude into the 30L main area—unlike suspended sleeves that can steal depth from the primary packing space.","side_water_bottle_pockets":"Two external sleeves keep water bottles outside the main 30-liter compartment, so even with two 1L bottles the interior remains fully available for clothes and gear instead of losing space to liquid storage.","drawstring_compression_and_expansion":"The drawstring collar under the flap extends the pack’s vertical capacity when needed, enabling the 30L volume to swallow a bulging weekend load, while cinching down for daily carry keeps the silhouette sleek and prevents contents from shifting."}},"varsity_patch_styling":{"title":"Varsity patch aesthetic and streetwear context","entries":{"high_fashion_patch_moment":"Major fashion houses and premium streetwear labels have recently sent patch-laden looks down the runway, so this backpack’s varsity patches read as a current fashion choice, not a throwback costume piece.","earned_achievement_origins":"The varsity patch originated as an earned mark of athletic achievement in early 1900s American universities — wearing it invokes a tradition of earned identity that gives the backpack narrative depth and distinguishes it from a blank-pack.","nostalgia_as_a_design_tool":"The 2025 varsity patch revival feeds on a cultural craving for tactile, nostalgic objects; this backpack delivers that sentiment without requiring the wearer to have actually earned a letter, democratizing a symbol of achievement.","style_pairing_denim_outerwear_athleisure":"Fashion retailers specifically call out denim, outerwear, and athleisure as the bag’s natural companions, signaling it is calibrated to slot into casual, street-leaning wardrobes rather than formal office settings."},"entry_quotes":{"high_fashion_patch_moment":[{"url":"https://www.insightdaily.hk/en/made-in-China/787937.html","quote":"Luxury fashion houses and premium streetwear brands have consistently featured varsity jackets and patch-laden garments on runways and in collections."}],"earned_achievement_origins":[{"url":"https://www.insightdaily.hk/en/made-in-China/787937.html","quote":"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."}],"nostalgia_as_a_design_tool":[{"url":"https://www.insightdaily.hk/en/made-in-China/787937.html","quote":"A varsity patch is a physical artifact of personal history, triggering a sense of authenticity and earned experience. This nostalgia is not limited to former athletes; it taps into a collective memory of youth culture and Americana."}],"style_pairing_denim_outerwear_athleisure":[{"url":"https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","quote":"easy to pair with denim, outerwear, or athleisure for city days or weekend escapes."}]},"entry_sources":{"high_fashion_patch_moment":["https://www.insightdaily.hk/en/made-in-China/787937.html"],"earned_achievement_origins":["https://www.insightdaily.hk/en/made-in-China/787937.html"],"nostalgia_as_a_design_tool":["https://www.insightdaily.hk/en/made-in-China/787937.html"],"style_pairing_denim_outerwear_athleisure":["https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/"]}},"competitive_positioning":{"title":"How it stacks up against top rivals in this price range","entries":{"fleece_lined_laptop_sleeve":"Behind the back panel’s padded zip compartment, the laptop sleeve is lined with fleece — a softer, scratch-resistant cradle than the bare nylon sleeves in budget alternatives like the Mountain Warehouse Peregrine 30L, and a comfort-oriented detail for daily device users.","100_recycled_polyester_shell":"The outer and lining are made entirely from recycled polyester, matching the eco-credentials of like-priced packs — the Osprey Archeon 30 uses bluesign-approved materials, and the Fjällräven Re-Kanken is built from recycled bottles — giving sustainability-minded shoppers a fashion-forward option without a green premium.","patch_adorned_mountaineering_silhouette":"At $160 CAD, the Varsity-Patch’s jersey-patch appliqués and faux-leather buckles deliver a heritage-streetwear aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the minimalist, clean lines of Fjällräven’s Skule 28 and similar Scandinavian designs — making this pack more of a style statement than a purely utilitarian gear purchase."},"entry_quotes":{"fleece_lined_laptop_sleeve":[{"url":"https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","quote":"padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve"},{"url":"https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ca/p/022431/mw/peregrine-laptop-bag-30l/","quote":"Laptop Pocket - A padded compartment to keep your laptop/tablet safe in transit"}],"100_recycled_polyester_shell":[{"url":"https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","quote":"100% recycled polyester"},{"url":"https://www.ospreycanada.com/p/archeon-30/","quote":"Ultra-strong bluesign® approved carbonate coating blends style, sustainability and weather protection."},{"url":"https://we3travel.com/fjallraven-vs-herschel-backpacks-which-worked-better-for-travel-days/","quote":"including Re-Kanken made from recycled bottles"}],"patch_adorned_mountaineering_silhouette":[{"url":"https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","quote":"Varsity-style patches for a sporty look"},{"url":"https://we3travel.com/fjallraven-vs-herschel-backpacks-which-worked-better-for-travel-days/","quote":"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."}]},"entry_sources":{"fleece_lined_laptop_sleeve":["https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ca/p/022431/mw/peregrine-laptop-bag-30l/"],"100_recycled_polyester_shell":["https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","https://www.ospreycanada.com/p/archeon-30/","https://we3travel.com/fjallraven-vs-herschel-backpacks-which-worked-better-for-travel-days/"],"patch_adorned_mountaineering_silhouette":["https://www.thecoolhour.com/products/herschel-supply-co-little-america-patches-backpack/","https://we3travel.com/fjallraven-vs-herschel-backpacks-which-worked-better-for-travel-days/"]}},"water_bottle_pocket_fit":{"title":"What bottles actually fit in the side pockets","entries":{"slit_pocket_geometry":"The side pockets are simple slit openings with no elastic or gusset, so a bottle's diameter directly dictates comfort and intrusion: a slender 500ml disposable bottle (about 2.6 inches) inserts and withdraws smoothly with negligible interior impact, while 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."}},"recycled_polyester_fabric":{"title":"Recycled polyester fabric and EcoSystem story","entries":{"durability_equivalence":"Recycled polyester fibers match the tensile strength and abrasion resistance of virgin polyester, meaning the textile itself is not the weak link — any variability in long-term durability is a product of the fabric thickness and construction Herschel specifies.","energy_and_carbon_reduction":"Manufacturing recycled polyester consumes roughly 59% less energy and generates about 32% fewer CO2 emissions than virgin polyester, giving the pack a measurably smaller materials-stage footprint.","low_moisture_quick_dry_surface":"Polyester has a near-zero moisture regain, so the outer recycled polyester sheds light precipitation and dries rapidly, helping protect contents and preventing the bag from becoming heavy with absorbed water.","post_consumer_bottle_feedstock":"The outer membrane and lining are spun from post-consumer PET bottles, diverting single-use plastics from landfills and oceans while creating a fabric chemically identical to virgin polyester."}},"magnetic_closure_usability":{"title":"Magnetic strap closure convenience and security","entries":{"auto_secure_flap":"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.","load_distribution":"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.","one_handed_opening":"Lifting the fabric edge disengages the magnetic snap immediately, so you can access the main compartment with one hand while holding a coffee or transit card in the other — a speed advantage over buckle-and-strap closures.","metallic_button_flap":"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."}}}},"handle":"little-america-varsity-patch-backpack-9087-113901","storefront_path":"/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/little-america-varsity-patch-backpack--9087-113901","storefront_url":"https://ai.simons.ca/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/little-america-varsity-patch-backpack--9087-113901"}}