This is an update to my last review. Venture Pal responded immediately with concern about the poor quality of the fuchsia pack. Customer Service is excellent. They stand behind their product. My pack was replaced within a few days. I took the new pack with me for two weeks to Europe. It was used everyday as a day bag and packed full as my carrry on for the plane. This bag holds a lot of stuff. The zippers are easy open easy close. Lots of pockets. My husband took his Venture Pal pack and it continues to hold up without problems. Anyone looking for a light weight pack should give this pack a try. They stand behind their product with great customer service. My original review - The bad: After I packed the pack for the first time, I lifted it with the lift tab at the top and it came detatched from the pack. It must have been barely stitched, because the stitches appeared to be intact. I decided I can live without the little lift thingy. However, when we got to our destination, I noticed the right shoulder was beginning to come loose from the seam. It's an inexpensive bag, but I thought it should last more that a weekend. The good: this little bag holds lots of stuff. The pack is perfect to carry everything I need for a casual 3 day weekend. The zippers work well. It folds up into its own pouch which makes it convent to carry in a suitcase or other bag. Except for the minor defects in mine, it's exactly as described in other reviews. I purchased a black one for my husband and he is very happy. 5 stars for his pack!!! He was also able to pack everything he needed for a casual 3day weekend in his pack. I have returned mine, but am reordering with the hopes the defects in mine were just a fluke. Read more
I do not leave many reviews, and I am very picky about my backpacks. There are too many bags that clearly have been designed by someone who does not actually use backpacks to carry books, papers, or whatever . . . I find that unforgivable. I suspect that this product was designed by someone who shares my frustration since this backpack has details and features that many absurdly expensive backpacks somehow lack. (Double zippers, for example,) Convenience, unexpected details that enhance this product's usefulness, and durable construction all make this a product that does not disappoint. Frankly, even as an ultra-light backpack, I prefer this to some of the heavier - and far more expensive - bags I routinely use. When folded up, this isn't really much of a tote bag. That's really not the point, however: the bag is so compact that throwing this into a piece of luggage to bring on vacation a no brainer. On my last vacation, this bag proved itself to be invaluable as an extra backpack each to take along as a precaution for excursions, for shopping, for short hikes, or for the beach. Because it's so light and compact, bringing it is easy and no big deal if it did not get used. From the first time I used the bag, I was impressed by its solid construction and thoughtful design. Its versatility allowed it to essentially outperform substantially more expensive daypacks I had also brought. The low cost of this bag makes this an outrageously good deal. I am pleased to be able to recommend this product without hesitation. Usually, deals that seem too good to be true ARE. I gambled on bought this bag, and I am very very glad I did so. I look forward to giving this out as stocking-stuffer gifts in December. Read more
I have a bigger version of this backpack that I use more, but I like this one as well. It’s a strong, well-made backpack that really comes in handy for trips. Sometimes I travel with a tote bag or a regular backpack. I like to take the foldable backpack as well because sometimes I get tired holding up my tote bag on one shoulder when this backpack easily uses two shoulders and is waterproof for those unexpected European showers. Many pockets inside. Two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella. Straps that tighten and buckle them in securely. This is wonderfully lightweight and a good deal. Read more
I bought this backpack to take on a cruise in 2022. Since then, I've started using it for hiking as well as it holds everything I need for a day hike and it's water resistant and not nearly as heavy as my daypack. I'm not sure it holds 35L, but it holds what I need. I've been taking it on flights as well as my "under the seat" personal item. It fits under the seat nicely, although I never have it stuffed full - usually my purse and camera. I've carried my DSLR and a zoom lens in there, which are kind of heavy, and I've never had any issues with straps tearing. I do agree that it would nice if the straps were a bit padded because it's not comfortable with a heavy load, however, I doubt that it would be foldable and that is a nice feature to have. It started out as my travel backpack and now it's my for everything backpack. I've used it a lot over the last three years and I highly recommend it. FYI...I don't do reviews as soon as I receive an item - I try them out first. This is a keeper. Read more
