LoungeFly Mini Backpack Review! [After 3 Years of Ownership]
**I am not affiliated with Loungefly in any way. This is just an honest review from a consumer and an owner of this product.**
Do I Recommend Them?: Yes, absolutely.
Visit Loungefly: Here!
Intro:
I remember being in Jr. High and looking around one day to discover that seemingly overnight, all of my female peers were suddenly carrying purses. (Alongside their bookbags mind you, but I digress.) Suddenly concerned with appearing as though my maturity level was falling behind, I began carrying with me a purse, too. When I was in Jr. High, my aesthetic remained primarily girly – with denim skirts, pink sweaters, and sparkles placed wherever I could find a spot, but as I entered high school, I found I wanted to explore style and accessories far further, and as a result, high school was when I discovered I prefer carrying a small backpack far more than I enjoy carrying a purse.
When exploring the Scene trend in grade ten, I started carrying a small, purple Tinkerbell backpack that honestly, was intended to be used by a child. When that choice began to feel too youthful for the acceptance of my peers, I swapped it out for a black, faux leather one instead.
The years went on and I cycled through other backpacks and bags, hanging onto each ‘daily driver’ until it was far too worn to be practical any longer, still with every year and every new bag, my first two tiny backpack choices remained my favorite. After growing into an adult, (or as much of an adult as you can be at 25,) I realized I wanted the best of both worlds for my next daily use backpack – I wanted the leather-like material, and I wanted a colorful bag with images that captured my nostalgia.
I had chosen Tinkerbell at 14 because she has always been my favorite Disney character, but this time around – for whatever reason, I was dead-set on finding something classically Mickey Mouse.
So… I started searching combinations of “Mickey Mouse,” “leather” and “tiny backpack” on Google – and that’s how I discovered Loungefly.
What Is Loungefly?
Characters Featured
Established in 1998, Loungefly is a company that offers wallets, bags, backpacks, keychains, and pins that feature beloved characters and idols from your favorite films, music, and sports. Aside from Disney, I’ve seen their products feature Star Wars, Marvel, Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, Pokémon, Charlie Brown, Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Hello Kitty, and Tim Burton characters. I have seen purses that feature bands like The Beetles, and sports teams on wallets – like the Yankees or the SeaHawks.
Who Are their Products For?
Loungefly’s selection of products is vast and seemingly ever-changing – it feels as though every time I fall in love with a new item, I find it is no longer available and replaced by something new for me to fall in love with. They have bags in every size and an option for any purpose, and with their range of designs, they carry products that can be suitable for any age. *More on that later.
Getting My Mini Backpack
Perusing Their Catalog
Once I was set on Loungefly being the company I wanted to buy my new mini backpack from, I was confronted by a new problem – the options available were making me second-guess my desire for Mickey Mouse! I fell in love with about eight different backpacks and kept sending photos of each to my sister for her opinion on the best first mini backpack to choose. I fell particularly in love with a Disney Villains option they had at the time, and the only thing that prevented that from being my first backpack instead was that they were out of stock. In the end, I did end up ordering a Mickey Mouse backpack after all, but even then, there were two at the time I was debating between – the one that didn’t make the cut was white and had tiny prints of Mickey Mouse polka dotted over the entire bag.
I realized quickly that I desired many and began dreaming of a wall that held many Loungefly mini backpacks of many different colors and characters that I could swap out day-to-day according to which I wished to wear that morning. I decided that before I pursued that dream, I would first try the one I had ordered to ensure it was a dream worth hanging onto.
Ordering from BoxLunchGifts
I ordered my first Loungefly mini backpack from Box Lunch on July 24th, 2019. I chose to order from Box Lunch for two reasons – they had a slightly different selection of Loungefly’s mini backpacks than Loungefly’s website did (which seems to be a common thread,) and at the time – Box Lunch had Loungefly’s backpacks priced just a tiny bit cheaper, though that tends to fluctuate. I spent about $60 on my Mickey Mouse bag.
Ordering from a site that you’re not already intimately familiar with – like Amazon – is always a test of the nerves, so it was relieving and respectable when I received my new backpack only a week later, on August 1st, after receiving timely and effective emails from Box Lunch outlining my order and providing detailed and user-friendly tracking information.
Price of the Backpack
The price of the backpacks regularly, I’ve seen sit between $50 and $90, depending on the site, and the bag itself.
About The Bag
Materials
The outer material of the bag is polyurethane with metal zippers and adjustable slides. While I can’t find what material the lining is made from on their website, it feels almost like an umbrella in texture, so my best guess would be that it is polyester.
How big is it?
Well, lucky for you, I have a measuring tape nearby and I did some measuring. Please note: I did a lot of rounding and guessing when I took these measurements, and I wouldn’t count on them being 100% accurate, but I would count on them being close enough.
Measurements In Inches & Centimeters
Height measured from the center and along the back of the bag:
Approximately 10 – 11” or 27 cm.
Depth measured from seam to seam just above the side pocket, excluding the front pocket from depth:
Approximately 4” or 11cm.
Depth measured from the seam at the back of the backpack to where the front pocket stops naturally protruding:
Approximately 7” or 18cm.
Width measured at the back of the bag, going from seam to seam.
Bottom measured at the seam that connects the base of the backpack.
Approximately 8” or 20cm.
Middle measured at the top of the side pockets.
Approximately 7” or 18cm.
Top measured just below where the straps connect to the backpack.
Approximately 6” or 16cm.
Circumference measured with a completely filled bag
Approximately 27” or 69cm.
Side Pockets measured from seem to seem
Approximately 4” H x 4.5” W or 10cm H x 12 cm W
When stretched from the center, the top of the pocket allows approximately 2” or 6cm of space.
Front Pocket measured full and wrapped from seam to seam
Approximately 7” H x 9” W or 19 cm H x 22 cm W.
When stretched from the center, the top of the pocket allows approximately 3” or 7cm of space.
Straps
Width – Approximately 1” or 3.5 cm
Length – The non-adjustable portion of the strap is approximately 15.5” or 39cm. At its shortest, the adjustable portion of the strap is 9” or 23 cm and can lengthen to be 15.5” or 39cm at its longest – making the shortest the total strap length can be is 24.5” or 62cm, and the longest is 31” or 78cm.
Measurements Compared to Common Household Items
Or, if you’re anything like me and units of measurement don’t resonate well with you, here are some other fun ways to determine its size:
It stands a little taller than a standard beer bottle, and you could fit at least a quarter in the space that remains. At its base, it is wider by two notes than an octave on a piano and tapers down to match the length of a pen at its top. Its depth from seam to seam is approximately the length of a standard computer mouse. The side pockets could snuggly hold a computer mouse (placed palm-rest side down) with room for ChapStick or a lighter on either side. When carrying a Polaroid Instax camera standing upright, the front pocket meets capacity in-depth, exceeds it by a hair in height, but allows for an extra ChapStick (or two) at either end of its width.
The straps are comfortable on my shoulders regardless of the weight or containments of the bag and can be adjusted to be as snug against your back or as slouched as you may desire, regardless of your body type, age, or height.
Capacity
I thought you might want to have an idea of how much this backpack can carry, so I put together a video to demonstrate the capacity of the bag. I broke the video into three separate parts; the first being what I think a moderate amount – or a typical number of things to carry would be, the second is where I would consider the bag to be full, and the third at absolute max capacity before closing the zipper is no longer possible. I weighed the bag in at each step to give you an idea of the weight of the load you may carry could look like.
Note: The cellphone I put in the front pocket is a Samsung Galaxy S9. It does not have a case, but it does have two PopSockets on the back. I had to push to fit the phone in the pocket, so the front pocket may not be able to fit your cellphone, but you’re more likely to use the side pockets or the main pocket for that purpose anyway.
Though – obviously – I don’t recommend continually filling the bag to its absolute brink, as someone who is scatterbrained and forgetful, and often leaves too many things in my bag at any one time, I will say that you can and the backpack will be able to handle it – you’re just probably likely to get more life out of the bag if you pack it lighter. But this brings me to…
Quality & Durability
This is something that I have zero issues or worries about vouching for. My backpack has honestly exceeded my expectations with its longevity. As I said, I got this backpack in August of 2019 – it is now nearly a quarter of the way into 2022, and I have been using this backpack daily since I received it. It is slung over my shoulder everywhere I go and when I’m not out and about, it is typically carelessly stored in a corner of our living room. It has been tossed, kicked, and dropped, seen the inner city and deep into the countryside, been under the blazing sun and carried through electric nightlife, and the boundaries of its zippers have been fiercely tested on hundreds of occasions. It has been bathed in the dirt, carried rocks and flowers, and has intimately experienced every kind of weather. Its zippers have opened and closed countless times daily, and its side pockets, I use more reliably and often than the pockets in my jeans or my jackets. It has challenged the curiosity of children and pets and has been used as a knocker to grab my attention, or a handle for my friends to hold onto while we carve our way through a crowd. Yet through nearly three years of daily abuse, its zipper slides as buttery as it did when brand new. There is not a stitch frayed, or thread unraveled. The lining shows now holes, let alone signs of distress, and no part of the bag seems over-stretched or saggy – even the side pockets and those have often carried far more than they should. The straps have remained exactly where I adjusted them to on the day I bought it, and I don’t think I’ve ever changed it since – except to measure them for this review. The faux leather is showing some wear along the edges, but it is hardly an eyesore as it is undetectable from a distance, and the bits that are disheveled still disallow dirt or water to seep through, and I still don’t expect to see any wavering in its integrity or ability to carry whatever I decide to stuff inside. Honestly, at this point, it could still nearly pass as gently used, and I have carried good backpacks that have totally fallen apart and have become unusable by now – but hey, maybe I should be less reckless!
Also, quick shout out to the side pockets, because during my time with this bag, I still have never lost anything by having it slip out of the side pockets, and I utilize them often – probably more often than any other part of the backpack entirely.
Fake Loungefly Websites?!
Two Days of Waiting…
Of course, writing this review now inspired me to look at what’s available on Loungefly’s site for mini backpacks, and while visiting a site I believed to be Loungefly’s, I discovered what appeared to be an enormous sale – mini backpacks were going for sub $20. I had never seen that before, and of course, I got very excited! At the time of writing this, I am currently between jobs, so at their regular price point, I can’t justify buying a second bag right now – but for under $20… well, that’s a different story.
***Note: Under regular circumstances, I find the normal price point of their bags to be very reasonable. The sale and timing of it were just too good to pass up.
I found a Disney Villains backpack that I like, (unfortunately, not the one I originally fell in love with,) and decided to treat myself – but I came across a hiccup. I couldn’t pay. I kept getting an error message saying that payments “can’t be processed at this time.” This error message appeared before I even got to a point where I could enter my payment information, mind you.
I went to the contact page on the website and left a message about the payment issue. I waited two days and never heard back. I tried again to purchase the backpack and received the same error message again.
Two More Days of Waiting…
Again, I visited the contact page – the tiny backpack lingering in my cart. I realized this time around that there wasn’t a field to enter my contact information for them to follow up – so I included my email address in the complaint.
After another two days of radio silence and the continued inability to purchase the backpack, I decided to message them on Twitter instead – because I follow their account. Within 24 hours, they replied on Twitter, and they asked me to verify that the address of the website I was visiting matched the link they sent me. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. The fake was very clever though – the design of the website was nearly identical to Loungefly’s actual site, and the address of the fake just added the word “bags” after Loungefly. It was one of the first to pop up when I typed Loungefly into my search engine. The bags on the fake site were the same as the ones being sold legitimately by Loungefly – just marked at a far cheaper price.
The payment error wound up being a blessing. I’m grateful further that the message appeared before I entered my payment information at all.
These #loungefly mini backpacks are so cute!!
[Quick update: I visited the website again while creating this post, and the Disney Villians backpack I fell in love with is no longer there. Also, I found two others that I am absolutely in love with – one Snow White, and one Sleeping Beauty. They really pull me in!]
What I Wish Was Different
Designs Tend to be Frequently Youthful
Earlier, I said that they have products for every age, and I said I would get more into that later. Well, here that is! I have noticed recently that their designs are far more often catered to a younger audience – which does make sense considering the characters featured on the bags, but it did seem before that it was easier to find more mature designs with those characters incorporated. I hope that the more subtle and tasteful designs don’t phase out completely, because I don’t care to own one of the backpacks that has ears or bows sewed onto the backpack or the backpacks that look especially youthful, but I do want to continue buying and carrying their backpacks for years to come.
Inside Pocket
If I could add or change anything to make this backpack perfect, all I would want additionally is an inside pocket along the backside of the inner bag. I wouldn’t want it to have a zipper*, as I would want it for easy access or items I wish to stand upright. Maybe two pockets – separated by a stitch to carry, say, a passport and a small bottle of sunscreen, or a wallet and a comb, or a notebook and a pen. I think an inside pocket of that sort could be beneficial for my more frequently used items – so I could reach in and grab them without having to look or uncover, or for items I need to stand upright, so I could prevent things such as leakages from happening in my bag.
*There are some bags that do contain inside zipper pockets. Mine happens to be one of the backpacks that does not. I would be happy enough with an inside pocket like those I’ve seen on their website with a zipper, although, I would still prefer one that had a slip as I am a person that is far more likely to utilize something when it has elements of extreme convenience.
Pros
• Fairly Priced
• Excellent Quality
• Satisfactory Capacity
• Enchanting Designs
• Statement-maker
• Long Lasting
• Durable
• Handy
Cons
• Could Use Inside Pocket
• Designs Becoming More Frequently Targeted for Younger Audience
Final Thoughts
In short; I would be proud to recommend these little backpacks to anyone considering one. There are far more reasons to have one than there are not, and I don’t believe there is any reason you would be unhappy to own one. I will say – after growing used to having a backpack with a front pocket, I don’t think I would order one from their selection that does not have it. I have found that I like the ability to separate and organize my belongings by utilizing that pocket – so consider your needs in that regard. If [the idea of] having a tiny backpack that features nostalgic characters is something that delights you, then without question, I would recommend to you one of Loungefly’s many options. Honestly – even if it’s something you wouldn’t normally consider, if you can find one that suits you, I would still recommend it to you. Regardless of your age or your purpose for the bag, if you have a reason for buying one, I have no doubts that you will be happy if you do.
Personally, I can’t see myself without a Loungefly mini backpack ever again. The idea of having many to switch between daily still excites me, and even if I don’t get to fulfill that dream, I suspect I will continue to purchase their mini backpacks as I find myself needing replacements for the rest of my life. In general, I prefer a backpack to a purse, and in general, I prefer the leathery material. With Loungefly’s selection, in particular, I get the bonus of the magical feeling I have while carrying a little backpack that has a nostalgic character printed on it – and I don’t think I will ever care to void myself of that feeling.
I haven’t tried the other products Loungefly has to offer, but perhaps one day, I will find myself with one or two of their wallets – at least. For now, I can only speak to their polyurethane mini backpacks, and I am confident in speaking of them in high regard.
Table of Contents
Do you want a Loungefly mini backpack? Do you have one? Do you love yours as much as I love mine? Let me know in the comments!
Did you know this website offers more than just reviews? Explore and find all kinds of content! Check out my most popular post this month here!
anglophonic
It seems like a loved backpack! I don’t like purses as well, I always prefer carrying a backpack with me as I can fit soo many things to it. Great review!
Danika
Well, as you know, I’m 100% with you on that! Backpacks just are so much better.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!
Monika
I was a total purse person, then my baby was born and when she started running (mostly at full speed away from me) I became a full on backpack nerd. If you want to have at least a drop of dignity left, you can’t chase a toddler with a purse on your shoulder… 😂 thank you for your review, I will check them out, maybe I’ll buy myself a sooner birthday present 😉
Danika
Hahaha! The visual of chasing a toddler with a purse really got me…
I’m glad you enjoyed the review! I think you deserve an early birthday present 😉
Dana
I enjoyed reading your review of the Loungefly mini backpack. It’s adorable and a perfect size for a little purse. My daughter would love one, too! I have to check these out!
Danika
Thank you so much! I think it would be adorable if you and your daughter each got one!
Mayra
The bags look so cute!
Your review is thorough and complete. Thank God you were able to dodge the fake website.
Hopefully they will bring back the bags targeting a more grown-up audience as I would love to get one soon.
Danika
Thank you very much!
Yeah, I love them so much. You still may be able to find one you love, it’s worth a peek!
Ashley
These bags are so cute! I am not a purse person either. I prefer a wristlet usually, but with 3 kids a mini backpack would be perfect! Thanks for sharing your review.
Danika
Thank you!! I’ve found mini backpacks to be the best for convenience personally. I hope that if you get one, you find as much value in it as I do!
Tammi Kaeberlein
It’s adorable! What a fabulous gift for friends too. Thanks for the review!
Danika
Thank you so much! I absolutely agree 🙂
Charlie-Elizabeth Nadeau
What cute backpacks/purses! I like carrying a mini backpack too and it adds another dimension to a look, super cute. Thank you for this review, I did not know about the brand before and love that they add favourite Disney and popular characters to backpacks in a way that features childhood memories but is also practical!
Danika
Oh, well I’m glad I could bring this brand to your attention! I think their products are absolutely fantastic. If you wind up getting one, I hope you love yours as much as I do mine!!
Meghan
Super cute! I’ve never heard of LoungeFly, so I’ll definitely have to check them out 🙂 Indulging my inner child with a cute disney themed backpack would be lovely. Thanks for sharing your review!
Danika
Thank you so much! & you have no idea… I bet you find at least three things you fall in love with when you look at their catalog!
Greg Johnson
I loved your units of measurement! Ha ha!!
Thorough, entertaining review
Danika
Hahaha!! Thank you! I know that item comparison registers much better for me, so I thought I’d include it for others like me 😀
leena
These are so cute! who doesn’t love a good backpack
Danika
Right?! They’re the best!
kalena
can someone tell me how to bring back that extreme shine to the backpack Trued baby oil
kalena
can someone tell me how to bring back that extreme shine to the backpack Tried baby oil
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