Overall rating: 4.2331605 / 5 from 193 reviews.
The Herschel Retreat Backpack is praised for its stylish appearance, great size, and high-quality material. Customers appreciate its fit and comfort, though opinions on pockets and zippers are mixed. The color is also a highlight.
Review topics: ["color","quality","pockets","problem","size","straps","material","feels","looks","design","fit","backpack","zipper","style","customer service","bag","fabric","choice","pack","compartment","service","features","access","rucksack","space","returns","cords","model","carry","gift"].
"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."
"Same case as another purchaser, purchased the backpack in what should have been enough time to get here before school started, but it wasn’t. The shipping method chosen by Herschel is not reliable. I cannot comment on the quality yet, but if I had it to do over again I would not have purchased."
"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."
