I'm continually impressed with Vera Bradley bags, and this backpack is no exception. They've paid attention to the little details that make a backpack excellent or terrible -- in this case, excellent. The fabric on this bag, as always with Vera Bradley, is quality. The quilting is beautiful and really elevates the feel of the bag from just an average backpack to something worth the price tag. The whole bag has a padded feel, and I love that about it. The lining fabric in the black bag is a lovely black and white print -- a perfect compliment to the black exterior. But, onto the design... I love the large, flat pocket at the very front of this bag that zips up sideways. It'll be a fantastic place to stash small or flat-ish items that you need quick access to (in the past, this might be an airline ticket, but today, maybe a passport or other important things of that nature). It's got a little pouch in there, too, so if you want to stash a phone, it won't fall out when you unzip the pocket. The next compartment is more of a typical front backpack compartment. It's got a few different kinds of pockets in there for stashing different sized items and organizing. As a nice bonus, it's got a little hanging ring for you to clip your keys onto for easy access. I'm used to features like this in a purse, but in a backpack, it's unusual -- and wonderful! Kids aren't the only ones using backpacks anymore. The main compartment is very spacious, and even has straps (kinda reminds me of a suitcase) for you to secure something to the back area of the compartment. This would be great for stuffing a change of clothes into a separate bag and securing that out of the way with the straps. There's plenty of room in this compartment for just about anything! At the very rear of the bag is a separate, zippered, padded laptop compartment -- At first, I thought hey, those straps inside the main compartment could keep a laptop stored safely behind your other items, but it's not needed! Just secure that laptop or tablet into the back pocket of the bag and you have easy access. Huzzah! No more digging behind my other stuff to get to my tablet or laptop. On the exterior sides of the bag are two water bottle holders, one on each side - another "must" in my book for any backpack. I'm so glad to see they didn't leave them out. The shoulder straps are padded and shaped nicely -- they also include a chest strap if you're into that sort of thing (I usually don't use them, but it's nice that it's there). Also included on the bag is a strap to secure it to the handle of your other luggage. All in all, this is a fantastically designed bag that looks sharp and classy for a traveling adult. It will make for a wonderful carry-on bag. Hats off, Vera Bradley, this is definitely a worthwhile purchase.
