Is $27.60 a good price for this backpack?

Yes. It is well below the $40 to $60 this bag typically sells for, and only 2 stores price it new as of November 5, 2026. At $27.60 at Target, it is close to the lowest price seen.

What can the 12-liter size hold?

A tablet, phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses and a small water bottle fit comfortably. It will not hold a laptop or gym clothes.

Is it water-resistant?

The Lighten Up fabric is water-repellent and wipes clean, so light rain and spills are fine. It is not waterproof for heavy downpours.

How does it compare to the larger Lighten Up backpacks?

The Essential Small is the compact version. Larger Lighten Up styles hold more and add pockets, but weigh more and cost more.

What colors does it come in?

It is offered in several prints and solids, including Capri Pink. Availability varies by store.

Vera Bradley bags drop most during clearance and back-to-school sales. The current $27.60 at Target is already near the low end of its range.

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This hour's deals

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack

−63%

Clothes · Target

A little backpack that carries the essentials

Name: Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack
Brand: Vera Bradley
Rating: 4.7 (143 reviews)

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack

The Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential small backpack, for anyone who wants a lightweight everyday bag.

Deal score 6.5 · Great deal

$27.60$75.00 typical at other stores

You save $47.40 at Target

This deal was in an earlier drop. The store may have changed its price since.

Why it's a great deal

Elsewhere right now: Vera Bradley Online Outlet $27.60, Vera Bradley $31.50, QVC $75.00, and 2 more (typical $75.00 across 5 stores)
Target lists its regular price at $115.00: 76% off by its own figures
Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 143 buyers

Visit Target

Every store we checked

TargetNew
In stock
$27.60Observed at 6:07 AM
Visit store
Vera Bradley Online OutletNew
In stock
$42.50Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
NordstromNew
In stock
$105.00Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
PoshmarkNew
Availability unknown
$59.00Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
eBayNew
Availability unknown
$75.00Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
WalmartNew
Availability unknownSold by Hollywood Ornaments Inc
$89.99Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store

Price history and every store's price →

From Target

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack
Women's outlet style in Capri Pink
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34 reviews

Specs

Size: Small
Closure Type: Zipper
Option: Capri Pink
Capacity: 12 liters capacity

About the Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack

The Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack is a 12-liter zip-top daypack in the brand's lightweight, water-repellent Lighten Up fabric. It is built for errands, commuting and travel where a full-size backpack is too much. At $27.60 at Target as of November 5, 2026, it sits well below the $40 to $60 this bag usually sells for, making it one of the cheapest ways into the Lighten Up line.

Best forEveryday errands and short commutesTravel as a personal item or day bagShoppers who want a light bag that wipes cleanVera Bradley fans on a budget

Pros

Lightweight quilted fabric that resists water
12 liters holds a tablet, wallet, keys and a water bottle
Zip closure keeps contents secure
Wipe-clean exterior suits travel and daily use
Small enough to carry all day without shoulder strain

Cons

More deals like this

All Vera Bradley deals and products

More from Vera Bradley

All Travel Tech Clothes Shoes Jewelry Home Beauty Outdoors Toys

This hour's deals

−63%

Clothes · Target

A little backpack that carries the essentials

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack

The Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential small backpack, for anyone who wants a lightweight everyday bag.

Deal score 6.5 · Great deal

$27.60$75.00 typical at other stores

You save $47.40 at Target

This deal was in an earlier drop. The store may have changed its price since.

Why it's a great deal

Elsewhere right now: Vera Bradley Online Outlet $27.60, Vera Bradley $31.50, QVC $75.00, and 2 more (typical $75.00 across 5 stores)
Target lists its regular price at $115.00: 76% off by its own figures
Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 143 buyers

Visit Target

Every store we checked

TargetNew
In stock
$27.60Observed at 6:07 AM
Visit store
Vera Bradley Online OutletNew
In stock
$42.50Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
NordstromNew
In stock
$105.00Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
PoshmarkNew
Availability unknown
$59.00Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
eBayNew
Availability unknown
$75.00Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store
WalmartNew
Availability unknownSold by Hollywood Ornaments Inc
$89.99Observed at 7:06 AM
Visit store

Price history and every store's price →

From Target

Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack
Women's outlet style in Capri Pink
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34 reviews

Specs

Size: Small
Closure Type: Zipper
Option: Capri Pink
Capacity: 12 liters capacity

About the Vera Bradley Lighten Up Essential Small Backpack

Best forEveryday errands and short commutesTravel as a personal item or day bagShoppers who want a light bag that wipes cleanVera Bradley fans on a budget

Pros

Lightweight quilted fabric that resists water
12 liters holds a tablet, wallet, keys and a water bottle
Zip closure keeps contents secure
Wipe-clean exterior suits travel and daily use
Small enough to carry all day without shoulder strain

Cons

More deals like this

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Ask our agent about this deal

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What reviewers say

Owners rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 143 ratings, with most praising how light and roomy it feels for its size. Complaints center on limited organization and thin straps.

Pros

Very light to carry
Holds more than expected for 12 liters
Easy to wipe clean
Cute quilted look

Cons

Not enough pockets
Straps dig in when loaded
Smaller than expected

Questions and answers

Is $27.60 a good price for this backpack?: Yes. It is well below the $40 to $60 this bag typically sells for, and only 2 stores price it new as of November 5, 2026. At $27.60 at Target, it is close to the lowest price seen.
What can the 12-liter size hold?: A tablet, phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses and a small water bottle fit comfortably. It will not hold a laptop or gym clothes.
Is it water-resistant?: The Lighten Up fabric is water-repellent and wipes clean, so light rain and spills are fine. It is not waterproof for heavy downpours.
How does it compare to the larger Lighten Up backpacks?: The Essential Small is the compact version. Larger Lighten Up styles hold more and add pockets, but weigh more and cost more.
What colors does it come in?: It is offered in several prints and solids, including Capri Pink. Availability varies by store.
When is it cheapest?: Vera Bradley bags drop most during clearance and back-to-school sales. The current $27.60 at Target is already near the low end of its range.