Sherpani  Sojourn Tote Pack - Women's

Just bought it after spending way to long at REI to find the perfect travel/urban (not hike) laptop backpack and this seemed like the one. I think it stil is, but one funny thing. In going through the features I see the tag says, "feel safe and secure knowing no one can access the main opening of you bag with simple to use locking system." There is none. The Q&A says this is not a feature of this bag. Yet, if they only located the chair lock clip on the right side of the backpack (when viewed from the back) instead of the left, it could have been used to lock the main compartment zipper closed. Unfortunately, now it is just available to lock the main compartment zipper while open. Either a serious missed opportunity or else a manufacturing flaw. Maybe that's why it is an exclusive REI product? See photo of locking the main compartment zipper in the open position. Really?

This seems to be one of several Sherpani bags that are offered through REI. It is similar to the Soleil, but somewhat cheaper and lacking in some features of the Soleil (e.g., no shoulder strap or sleeve in which to stash the backpack straps. Also lacking inner side slip pockets, which I use a lot. I compared it with my vintage Soleil, and although the Sojourn looks boxier, the size is almost identical; unlike my vintage Soleil, however, the material for the Sojourn is quite stiff. Compared to some of the recent Sherpani bags, this has the advantage that the tote straps are made of webbing, so that when the icky plastic part deteriorates, the webbing should still be useable - and probably nicer than when covered with the plastic. When the magnetic closures are flipped open, this bag, unlike some of the others in this year’s lineup, does open wide enough that the user can see inside. A major disadvantage is the skinny side pockets. Although the pockets were deep enough, my water bottle (3” diameter at bottom) did not fit. (By comparison, the Sherpani Dispatch, which is more of a purse, has side pockets that are accommodating with nice pleats, but too shallow.) The skinny side pockets were a deal breaker for me. I also found the straps needlessly bulky, and the bag as a whole is pretty heavy. I tried three of Sherpani bags that REI offered this year hoping to replace my old Soleil and my old old old REI backpack purse, which is still my favorite backpack purse ever, though it would need to be updated with a padded tablet sleeve (see photo, if the attachment works). The Cabo was a contender for the purse, but I decided that I needed at least one water bottle pocket. I loved the simplicity and webbing straps of the Sloan convertible tote, but the tablet “sleeve” is an unpadded, unanchored zipper pocket that was too small for my iPad. So waiting to see what next year’s models are like…

I actually really like this tote. It is just the right size I need for travel, super lightweight, comfortable for airport distances, and a reasonable amount of interior and exterior pockets. Not all features advertised on the bag tag were part of this product which caused some initial confusion.The bag sat snugly on top of my luggage until the strap ripped during my first trip. I like it enough to get it replaced and am crossing my fingers this is just a defect though it seems their return policy is not as ironclad as they claim.

Purchased this as a replacement computer bag. Love it. Has lots of compartments, perfect size. Took it on a few weekend trips as a replacment for my purse. 2 dual pockets for water. Comfortable. Will see how it holds up in the Oregon rain this fall and winter.

Very happy with this beautiful backpack! Love that my laptop fits securely, with plenty of room for an external keyboard and mouse, notebooks, wallet, water bottle and snacks. Nicely converts to a tote bag when I enter my clinic, has a nice design that lets me sit it upright when I get to my office, and the top zipper widens the opening for ease of access. Lovely color. Cool zippered compartments. Lightweight and comfy to wear. Is it square-ish? Yes. Do I care? No. Some laptop backpacks try to pretend or disguise what's inside. This one is clearly designed to carry my computer, no apologies, no corners cut, still lightweight, cool, functional, almost makes me wish I had to do in person sessions at my clinic daily instead of twice weekly. Makes my treks there a little happier!

I use this pack for travel and shopping. It's roomy and comfortably carries a load. The laptop pocket keeps the laptop well protected. The outside pockets are enough for travel documents and water. I appreciate the simplicity of the design. It doesn't expand like other packs do, but at this point I don't even want to be tempted to carry too much--so not having extra space is just fine for me. It stands up well on its own when loaded, which is a nice feature, as many packs fall over.

I purchased this to replace a more traditional travel backpack that was badly worn. I loved using it. Attached easily to my rolling bag, held my iPad, kindle, change of clothes, small jewelry case, chargers, headphones, quart bag of liquids, passport, travel wallet, and knitting with room to spare. The square-ish shape fit well under the plane seat and was easy to carry as a day pack.

I bought this backpack to use for traveling because it looks good in either cities or in the country. It's very spacious with good side/outside pockets, comfortable on my back and fits well with a slender profile. You can walk down a plane aisle without bumping into anyone. I just came back from 3 weeks in Italy and it was a perfect carry-on along with a small suitcase. I had 3 or 4 books, snacks and travel stuff and it all fit well and was easy to find and pull out. I don’t know how long it will last but for now I really like it.

Needed a sleeker looking backpack for work, got the gray color, perfect size for my laptop and docs. I can also fit my 32oz hydro flask. Fits more than it appears and very sturdy. Works very well, would definitely recommend!

This is an ok backpack overall except for the travel strap. It should be much thicker and sturdier to avoid breakage. I travel lightly .. maybe twice a year. I have owned it just over a year and the strap broke while moving through the airport on a trip. I do not fill the backpack at all. I travel with an iPad, water bottle, and maybe a book. I am very disappointed that the strap has broken and am unable to exchange it at this point. I would not recommend this backpack for this reason. The strap needs to be thicker and more sturdy.