My search for the perfect backpack was much more difficult than I anticipated, but it finally came to an end with this bag! I tried a number of backpacks from Amazon, and this is the final winner.

I would like the backpack to be roomy enough to hold items I normally take on a day trip, but compact enough to not bump into things or people too easily. Ideally, it would have side pockets for easy access to water bottle, umbrella, or sunglasses. I also need a bag that can be easily carried on one side like a shoulder bag, because some museums don’t allow backpacks.

My 22-oz water bottle does not fit into the side pockets of this bag, but I can live with that. The bag fits the bill for everything else. And the pom pom is such a cute touch to liven up an already-stylish bag.

As the photo shows, the bag easily accommodates my usual necessities: 9.7” iPad, Kindle, notebook, a physical book, water bottle, sunglasses, wallet, and umbrella.

Lastly, I love that the seller put a green tea sachet in one of the interior pockets, so the bag arrived smelling refreshing!