Customer Reviews The Sak Ventura Backpack

I love this bag! It is true black in color, and it has a lot of storage...I went through a lot of purse/backpacks (thank you Zappos) before choosing this one. I am very happy with everything about it.

Adorable bag and fantastic material, but it was kind of heavy.

I liked it even more in person than in the picture! The convertible strap is nice, though I'll definitely use it as a backpack more than a purse. One thing I like about it: I can wear the strap on one shoulder (to get into the bag for something) and the strap stays in place--I was worried about it sliding through and ending up with all of the strap to one side. The color is great, it smells yummy and leathery, and I can't wait for it to start softening up and wearing in a little bit. I got it on sale for $90, and that seems perfect.

I love the size, shape, color, and Tylenol this bag. It is high quality and well fashioned. The only frustration I have is that the canvas straps always expand to their longest length when I use it as a messenger bag. The straps slip through the buckles and the bag falls way low - to my knees. I wish they would stay at the length I set them. If i figure out a solution I will post it.

This is a nice backpack. The style is functional, although a little larger than I pictured. The leather wss not what I hoped for.

I love the shape of this bag and it is very comfortable. It has plenty of room and is secure my old backpack would scatter my belongings from time to time. My only disappointment was the color, it looks a rich chestnut on my screen and it is a much paler brown. It wasn't enough of a problem that I would send it back! Overall it's a great backpack

Beautiful bag, very nice quality leather. The straps are very long (I'm 5'3) so I had to shorten them all the way to convert to a messenger/cross body. Unfortunately this causes the large metal rings to dig into my shoulder. It is more comfy as a backpack but almost impossible to wear on one shoulder in backpack configuration because the straps move around. There needs to be one stationary strap that you can just pick the bag up by. All in all I do love this bag but there are a few design flaws that make it a bit hard to get used to.

This is a really cute and functional bag. I was looking for something to bring on vacation; this bag is great because all of the pockets have zipper closures so it's secure, and it's very roomy compared to other cross body bags. I can fit everything in it easily, including my mini iPad, sunglasses, regular glasses, makeup, wallet, etc. The strap can be adjusted to be very long if you like to wear it cross body style low on your hip. The only thing I don't love is it doesn't retain its full shape if the bag is not completely full; it tends to bunch up slightly at the bottom. Overall I really like it and would recommend for a casual, versatile leather bag!

I bought this in the camel color and love it! I love the convertible style as I went back and forth between getting a messenger style or a backpack purse. This bag helped my indecision! I have 3 kids 5 and under so no matter what, I need my hands free. Plus I wanted something big enough to hold all my regular stuff plus my iPad and this bag works. Another reviewer said the strap is not long enough to wear as a messenger bag, but the strap is adjustable and if you loosen it all the way, the strap is very long, even on me and I am 5'10". The only thing I don't like is the style/quality of leather. It is not supple, kind of feels like it will crack. I haven't decided whether to keep it because of this one issue. Otherwise, it is the perfect bag for me!

I love the look of this bag but the straps are driving me crazy. I think it’s fine as a backpack but if you want to wear it as a crossbody or shoulder bag, the straps do not stay in place and it falls down to my knees.

I ordered this bag along with two back pack bags from Sherpani. It's a cute bag, but it needs to have better internal structure - it folds over onto itself when you pull the strap up to wear as a cross body bag. And the straps aren't the most comfortable when in back pack mode. I did like the pockets and the flap for security, but ultimately I decided to go with the Sherpani Dispatch. This bag isn't terribly large - it will hold the basics - wallet, make up bag, phone, sunglasses.

This is a cute bag, but I'm with the other reviewers that said that it lacked structure, so it slumped and buckled, especially when worn as a cross body bag. I ultimately sent it back.

Really nice as a backpack, but does not work as a cross-body bag. When you try to carry cross body, the rings slip through and the bag ends up folding itself in half. If you're looking for only a backpack so go for it. It's really attractive and functional. If you're looking for a convertible bag, keep looking as this is where it falls down.

The material is not as soft or supple as I'd hope for. The most bothersome part to me is the magnetic snap closure. It's a light snap and it doesn't feel secure in the least bit. I just am not as 'wowed' as I expected to be with this piece. I'm going to return it.

Do not buy this Ventura version of the Sak convertible backpack; get the Mariposa instead. Reason #1: The M. has proper buckles and grommeted holes in the strap. The V. does not have the same type of locking buckle, so the bag just slowly slips down your body no matter how you wear it, or how often you adjust the length of the strap(s). Reason #2: The leather used to make the Ventura (I bought it in camel) is surprisingly low quality. Mine developed wear marks in odd places, and dirty patches that wouldn't come clean.

Great idea, but poor design with the buckles on the straps. These buckles continue to slip through the loop, and allow the shoulder bag to slump into a slouchy mess. What's more, when turning the shoulder bag into a backpack, the leather handle at the top is intended to stabilize the shoulder strap of bag so that you can take a second and put your other arm through the other shoulder strap, sorta like you would with any other backpack. Only problem: the leather handle slips through it's loop, and then you stand there, looking like a clown, struggling to put your backpack on, while everyone else is shaking their head. Function trumps form in my book, and this bag, while cute, doesn't pass the test.

Cute bag, but very dysfunctional! Such a great idea to have the backpack + shoulder bags. However, the O-rings do not work. When you take the backpack off your shoulders, the bag completely collapses. Bummer! Returning.

A horrible purse. The straps are awkward. If you want to carry it as a shoulder or cross-body, the adjustment buckle slides. It does not stay in place so it come to my knees as I walk. And if you carry it as a backpack, again it slides and smacks ya in the bum. The magnet that holds the purse close is not powerful enough to keep it closed. It is always flapping with each stride. Very annoying to say the least. It never came with a handle.

This is a very cute bag but unfortunately it arrived used! There were lots of scratches on the outside (and some obvious discoloration) but to top it all off, a restaurant receipt was inside (breakfast for three in Washington, DC - even had the previous customer's name on the credit card receipt - yipes!). It came complete with crumbs and even a kernel of dried corn. Shame on you, Zappos! So much for your inspection of returned items. If you are going to sell used items, identify them as such and discount them accordingly. Needless to say - this is going back. I love the bag, but how can I be sure that I would get a new one?

I loved everything about this backpack. Until I tried to fill it. I really don't put much in; just a wallet, cosmetic case and double glasses case. It refuses to stay closed; the snap pops open. Maybe because its so narrow, but it is a major disappointment.