Cora Backpack - Black

Just got the Cora this week and I ADORE this bag! Going to be using it for work and me being in the reserves, I wanted a more convenient bag than my big backpack that I usually bring on my drill weekends. Might get a second bag just because 😉

I have been waiting for a good and thoughtful backpack. I use this backpack for travel, the gym, and camping. I am pleasantly surprised how well made this backpack is. The weather proof lining is easy to clean. I love the key ring and the shoe compartment. I will be buying the mini version soon. I forgot to mention, there is a slot for your water bottle inside the backpack. My water bottle will stay in place. Side note: I know the straps are for the yoga mats but when I travel I put blanket there. It is worth every penny.

I was so excited for this backpack because I love the quality of the fabric, the versatile use possibilities of the bottom compartment, and the internal bottle feature (it's SO hard to find cute backpacks that can secure a 32 oz. Hydroflask inside the backpack without being $200+). However, the 13.5" laptop capacity can be misleading if you don't think of it in terms of actual laptop size (as opposed to the common advertised sizing for most laptops, which go by screen size). Unfortunately, I didn't even stop to think about that sizing discrepancy, so I was disappointed. I have a 2015 13.3" MacBook Air, and it just barely fits; the corners jut out a bit at the top of the backpack when it's closed, which I'm not a big fan of in a backpack at this price point. However, I wanted to use this primarily as an EDC work backpack to fit my slightly thicker HP Elitebook work laptop. It's roughly the same size in terms of length and width compared with my MacBook, but of course, it didn't fit at all (I couldn't zip up the backpack). Overall, I really wanted to love this, but it just didn't work out for my purposes, so it's going back. But to be completely honest, as far as laptop sleeves go, I'm also not a huge fan of the mesh front panel because it's not very protective, so using a laptop case would be necessary in my opinion.

Overall, if you have a laptop that's closer to 13" or smaller in terms of actual physical size AND you have a case for it, then this backpack would be perfect. I personally think that size capacity is too small as a standard though if only one size is going to be for sale. But if Popflex ever releases a bigger size, I'd probably buy it!

I love this bag but wish that for the yoga mat straps they were clips - it is NO fun to have to try and squeeeze my bag in-between the straps when a clip would allow for a much easier time/access. The bag overall is great, comfortable straps, the size is perfect and the compartments are so multifunctional!

I was so excited to receive this backpack. I bought it because of the yoga mat straps on the bottom. However, the straps are hard to deal with on a regular basis. They don’t have a release clip so you spend a lot of time adjusting the straps and forcing the mat through. They have already stretched out after a single weeks use. The rest of the backpack is beautiful and well made so if you don’t plan on using it for yoga, I highly recommend.