Vera Bradley Featherweight Sling Backpack, Black

I have been very happy with this sling bag. I've been using it for a few months. It replaces a Patagonia ultra light sling bag I've carried for a few years. I loved the Patagonia, but there were some weak spots developing where the strap attached to the bag and it was finally in need of replacing.This VB sling is a bit larger than the Patagonia Ultralight (if anyone is making a comparison like I would). It fits a 1L camelbak water bottle more easily and has some room to spare. The way the straps attach to the bag is a little more secure and reinforced, as well. The inside of the bag is roomy and has a large interior zipper pocket on the interior back of the bag which is fairly deep. Another divider or pocket inside could be nice, but not necessary. The keychain attachment inside is handy and also very smooth and easy to use.One of the ways I love to switch the bag around is to split the straps when it's getting a little heavier (like when carrying that full 1L bottle and some souvenirs or other supplies). The backpack carry splits the weight and takes the bag a little more evenly out of the way. The claw ring connectors attach and detach smoothly to make the transition quick.The exterior fabric is nice and smooth, cool to the touch nylon. It is lightweight and lightly "puffy." I appreciate that it isn't attracting pet hair or other lint the way other VB fabrics might. I haven't experienced any snagging and after a few months being tossed around in my life it still looks like new. I have not needed to wash it, though I believe it is supposed to be spot cleaned - a downside when considering that a lot of VB bags say they can be tossed in the washer (I could probably still toss this one in the washer when that day comes).The side pocket is almost useless to me, and I don't love the flopping of the cinch strap, but I've found a few things I can put in it (sunglasses, hair clips, or an ultra packable air jacket). I would say the side pocket might fit a narrow 16oz plastic water bottle, but even that might be a stretch.Probably the only downside on this bag is that the sliders that adjust the straps are too loose and don't hold their position. Because they are easy to slide, it's also easy to readjust where I want them. I'm fairly short, so I always want them at the tightest setting. Even then, I could stand for them to be shorter, especially in the backpack orientation. I have considered removing some length on the straps or at least tacking them in place so the adjusters won't move for me. One feature I used a lot on the Patagonia bag was the strap clip to remove the bag without taking overhead - this VB bag doesn't have that and I really thought I would miss it, but I honestly don't. I don't have complaints about going overhead every time I remove the bag.Overall I'm very happy with the switch to this sling. It's a well made bag and should hold up for quite some time.

3 CONS: 1. Only one pocket inside. 2. Water bottle outside pocket not roomy enough. 3. I chose the black bag which is very plain on the outside.3 CORRESPONDING PROS:1. Very roomy, big enough to carry everything I need on a daily basis. 2. I use the water bottle pocket for my sunglasses & can stow a water bottle inside the bag. 3. I bought a cute purse charm to jazz up the outside. Also, the interior is a very pretty foral print, not granny looking, just pretty. LAST BUT NOT LEAST: It's VERY light. They ain't lyin' about the "Featherweight" moniker. So overall, this bag more than meets my needs and is a keeper. I wear it in the front as a sling bag, but it's so versatile that it can be worn in the front, or the back, or even as a backpack just by adjusting the straps.

The fabric on this bag is great, lightweight and puffy. I do not intend to use as backpack so in order for it to lie flat on my front as a sling bag, I cut off a strap at the ring station and top, lies very flat now, the zipper looks more like decoration rather than function this way. This is a great bag for travel with the drink holder.

Very light weight and a good size

Awesome as a backpack and as a sling. There are 2 round carabiner clips at the end of the 2 straps at the that are detachable. So whenever you want it as a sling you detach one of the round carabiner clips and join it with other loop that has the other round carabiner clip. Has a lobster claw inside of bag to attach to your keys, an interior zip pouch and a water bottle holder on the outside of bag. This is awesome!

Wanted to love this bag, but it was not functional for me because it would not stay on my should when using it as a sling. I did not want to solely use it as a backpack, and it was very annoying to have it sliding off my shoulder constantly. The interior pocket also doesn’t make sense. It needs as least one or two other pockets/dividers inside to make it more functional.

Light weight , good quality

I use this bag when I go out to the grocery store and wear it in the front. It is lightweight. It doesn’t hold a lot, but holds what I need and o don’t have the anxiety about my bag and it doesn’t get in the way at all when I am shopping! I actually bought another one for my mom because when I told her about it she was saying she would like something like that. She loves hers too!