Cora Backpack - Blue Steel

I loved the bag when I saw it online and decided to purchase it for college. When I first got it I was absolutely in love and still really do like the idea of the Cora backpack. However, it has now been one year and I am already in need of a new backpack. The outside and structure is very sturdy, but the pocket meant to hold my laptop is now full of holes. The seam where the lining of that pocket meets the rest of the backpack is pulling off, plus there are two holes on the bottom corners of the pocket. Even though the backpack is a little smaller than expected, I was perfectly fine with that. My main disappointment is that I can no longer use it to carry my laptop (which I need daily) without fear of damaging the bag further.

This back pack was super cute but faded on the 4th day of using it

I bought this bag and it has like broke almost

The bag is a bit heavier than I expected, but it feels sturdy and I like that it retains its shape. I got it in black, so it does pick up a bit of lint, but not too noticeable. My main complaint is that some of the threads sticks out…. You’d think for the price the stitching would be more seamless.. especially on the logo.. so that was a bit disappointing.
Overall nice looking bag, but not sure if it’s worth the full price. Hopefully it is sturdy and lasts me a long time

Bought this bag right before starting school last fall (2023), and in less than 6 months it looks like it’s gone through the ringer.

The magic flash material, is peeling/rubbing off from the top portion of my bag, from the shoulder/back straps, and the top portion of the side pockets to name a few. The zippers are not quality as the paint is chipping off and they do NOT keep the compartments shut; it’s constantly unzipping itself for both the main and shoe compartment (I’ve never used the shoe compartment because putting any items there will take up room from the main compartment of the backpack).

I can’t say enough how disappointed I am with this purchase. I don’t know if it’s just MY backpack in particular that is just an outlier or if the Magic Flash material and hardware used is of inferior quality period, but for the amount of money spent, I would have expected it to last years, not months.

The design of this bag is cute and has a lot of potential, and I can’t speak for the other cora backpacks that seem to be made of a different material, but if it’s regarding the magic flash material and hardware, it is terrible to say the least. I would steer clear from it.

I bought this bag to be more visible at night while riding a bicycle and I love the color in the light. Also love the pattern and color of the inner lining. The attached photos show the bag in natural light in a lit room vs a LED flashlight shining on the bag in the dark. I got caught in the rain riding home and the bag kept the contents dry.

However, there are a few quirks that may just be my issues. I prefer to keep my water bottle in the outside pocket, but the drawstring side pockets don't feel deep enough to secure my water bottle. It falls out if the bag tips over and a larger water bottle will make the backpack tip over. The circular key clip is a little difficult to use because it's hard to find the clip piece. Personally, I'd prefer to have the key clip and leash in the front pocket because I use a FOB and if it's in the front pocket then I don't need to take it out to scan. The adjustable straps are on the long side and fly around when I'm riding a bicycle. I'm also only 5'-2" and wear my backpacks higher so a taller person may not have the same issue.

Overall, this bag is functional and fulfills the purpose I purchased it for. I also get a lot of complements on this backpack at the gym. If there were a mini and a full size backpack in Magic Flash I'd buy them all. If there were also a sling in this material, I'd buy one too.