During our last tour (read all about it here) I took a small cross body bag. It was good for small things like my phone and keys and whatnot. However my husband was always stuck carrying our water and cameras and all the heavier stuff. I felt like I had to upgrade my backpack so that I could share my weight. But I also wanted a backpack that could double as a purse and wouldn’t look odd with a stylish travel outfit. A convertible backpack seemed to be the best of both worlds. Keep reading for the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack Review.
Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack Review
The first thing I notice with this bag is the classic looking shape. This is a style of bag that is never really going to go out of style. It has a very structured look and comes in a number of different colours. I chose the cashmere shade so that I had a beige neutral bag that would go with absolutely everything.
The Henri Bendel Jetsetter is a three way convertible bag. There is the backpack, the cross body and top handle bag options.
This convertible backpack comes in two sizes. I have the larger size, but it also comes in a mini size as well.
The straps shown on the backpack above can be un-clipped and re-clipped to the hardware near the top zip. The two straps convert to one when snapped together.
I used my Clare V strap so that I didn’t have to go through the hassle of unhooking the backpack to get the cross body function. Yes there are extra straps but I like using this option to quickly switch without have to stop and convert on the go. Also the Clare V. strap added some fun colour which I think is a bit lacking with the Henri Bendel Jetsetter. They do offer fun versions of the back like a graffiti version and a plaid version. Henri Bendel does sell novelty straps if you wanted to have a fun leather strap for your cross body strap but no additional options for the convertible straps.
The inside of the Henri Bendel Jetsetter is a beautiful purple. I love when the details like the lining of a bag aren’t forgotten and given something fun like a bold colour or print.
The top opening of the convertible bag does zip which is a must when looking for a travel bag. There are a few different pockets inside the Henri Bendel Jetsetter. One for your phone which will fit a standard iphone but not the plus versions. There is a zippered pocket and non zippered pocket which allow you to keep your keys separated. There are also zippered pockets on the outside of the bag. Unlike the flap and lock which are there purely for aesthetics the zippered side pockets do work.
I think what surprised me most was how spacious the Henri Bendel Jetsetter was for my everyday life. I loved carrying this bag for work because I didn’t need to carry an extra tote to lug my packed lunch to the office. Even with my lunch in there I felt like there was so much room.
Travel wise when we were packing for our Dominican trip I was able to get all our documents, snacks, e-readers and a cashmere throw packed in there. I ended up deciding against using this bag as my personal item. It seemed like over kill to pack two bags when I wasn’t going to need a backpack sight seeing.
The convertible backpack is a must for me when touring European cities hands free (or even touring Disney). Not so much when going on an all inclusive vacation where at most I would carry a clutch. Had it of been just my husband and I going on the all inclusive I know I would have carried this bag hands down as I wouldn’t have had to carry extra activities and other kid stuff. I find this bag generous when I am packing for myself but not when I am packing for multiple people.
What do you think of the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack Review? Is this a bag you want for travel? If you are looking for a versatile bag that can be carried for the office just as easily as it can for travel (hey business travel ladies!) this is a fantastic option. It is big enough for an IPad or small laptop and all your important bits. It easily converts to a backpack or get an extra strap so that you have all functionality all the time. The structured form of the bag means you always look professional and put together unlike when you carry a traditional backpack.
Henri Bendel does carry a few different styles of convertible bags. The Jetsetter is my favourite but this is a close second.