I spent an unreasonable amount of time researching work bag options that would perfectly straddle the line between professional and chic while being comfortable to carry on work trips. I had a work trip where I would be commuting by train in a foreign country, and I desperately wanted something that I could wear as a backpack, but then be able to walk into my meetings looking polished. I almost gave up when I saw a targeted ad on instagram for this bag, and never in my life have I been so appreciative for the algorithm.
I just tested her out on a weekend trip in Chicago and this tote fit my computer, chargers, planner, book, wallet, keys, water bottle, makeup, and smaller purse PERFECTLY with room to spare. Slides easily under a seat on a plane. It definitely looks like a tote bag on your back when you go backpack mode, but it's still pretty cute- and, blessedly, comfortable! I love, love, love this bag. I looked at the leather version, but the suitcase handle passthrough tilted me in the direction of this version, and ultimately, I like the fabric more- I have a sense it'll weather travel better. Also, the shipping is ridiculously fast- I got my bag in two days.
A few tweaks would make this bag perfection: the adjusters on the straps do slide pretty easily, so when you're putting it on you have to readjust each time. Once you're on, though, they stay! It would also be great to have a little loop or latch to button the outward-facing tote handle when you're in backpack mode, just so it isn't flopping around. And I've seen a few similar totes from other companies feature an attached key fob on the large interior pocket- I'm always losing my keys at the bottoms of bags, so this would be great :)
Really and truly, though, I haven't been this impressed with a product in a long time- and it was technically an impulse purchase from instagram! Pond, you have my heart and a few hundred of my dollars, can't wait to spend more.