Overall rating: 4.2636814 / 5 from 201 reviews.
The Herschel Retreat Backpack is praised for its vibrant color, great fit, and durable material. Customers appreciate its multiple pockets and size, though opinions on the design and straps are mixed. The quality and waterproof material are highlighted, but the zipper functionality has varied feedback.
Review topics: ["color","quality","pockets","problem","size","looks","material","feels","straps","design","fit","backpack","zipper","style","customer service","bag","fabric","choice","compartments","pack","space","features","rucksack","access","service","returns","gift","price","cords","usage"].
"This is my second Herschel bag after the first's top handle broke. The quality of this bag is nice but I wish it had any storage besides the main backpack space. The front pocket is not very practical for holding much since it's never closed. Otherwise you only have the division between the laptop section and main area inside the bag. Quality feels very good though and backpack is comfortable to wear."
"The strap that has the magnet to close that is mostly decorative has cracked due to poor quality material unfortunately."
"I purchased two bags in different colours to see which I preferred. When they arrived I found them to be of a poorer quality than I’d anticipated, being rather thin and flimsy. Having decided to return both bags, I used the “easy returns” which is confusing at best as the reference numbers requested on the online form are not referred to in the same way on the paperwork supplied with the bags. After all this, you have to pay to return the items which is the final insult in this whole sorry saga. I wouldn’t care if this were made clear when they describe the “easy returns,” but it isn’t. Never again."
"While I am content with the quality of the bag in general, it did not feel good as I found out that the same bag was being sold with 30% discount at the outlet shop near Vancouver airport just a few days after my purchase at the shop at Toronoto. Is it possible for you to refund the difference ?"
"Would love to review the $90 backpack we purchased for school on 7/20/26 with 3-5 day shipping but it is 8/2/26 and it has not arrived. One sad kiddo and one Mama that is out $90 who now has to rush to try to find another backpack before school starts."
"The pink color is beautiful. Great quality."
"As a former Herschel user the historical knowledge of durability appealed to me however I wished it had more pockets - I was disappointed in the 3 measly pockets with my bag - other than that love it"
"I bought this bag for my boyfriend's birthday. I personally thought it's a bit big for a daily backpack but my boyfriend loved it!."
"I've had the bag for over two weeks and it seems like the best bag I have ever owned. Its perfect for the office and carries everything I need in style. The comfort level in carrying it is beyond belief. Even with weights such as two laptops, a remarkable, lunch, a paperback book to read and god knows what else, it feels easy and lightweight to carry."
"I have been using the old version (purchased on 2018) till yesterday, and I replaced it with this newly purchased version not even because the old one is broken or has any quality issues. The old version is made of so high quality that I truly believe it can still be used for another ten years without any issue. However, this new version seems: 1. The fabrics are all much thinner than the old version, especially side and bottom, thus I doubt its protection of any items inside; 2. The laptop separator/protector is much much thinner than the old version, and not compatible with larger laptops such as 15'' one; 3. The bag lid is too narrow and I doubt it can keep my items safe from rain, while the old version's lid has a 3D cutting with side panels so it can at least protect the interior from water splashing from above. I am not sure if it is me being too harsh about the new design, but at least so far, I think the carrying experience is a little better than the old version (but I haven't started to carry heavy items yet)."
