Is the Little America good for a 16-inch laptop?

Yes. The padded sleeve is sized for 15 and 16-inch laptops. Very thick gaming laptops may fit tightly.

Is it actually waterproof?

Herschel rates the fabric waterproof, and the drawstring top closes over the opening. Heavy rain can still get in through the zipper and seams over time.

How much can it carry?

The main compartment is 30 L, enough for a laptop, a few books and a jacket. It is a daypack, not an overnight or travel pack.

Does it have a water bottle pocket?

No. There are no side bottle pockets, so plan on carrying a bottle inside or clipping one on.

Is it good for hiking?

It works for light day hikes and is hydration reservoir compatible. The heavy weight and top-loading access make it less ideal for long or technical trails.

What is the difference from the Herschel Retreat?

The Retreat is a flap-and-buckle pack with a more compact shape. The Little America is larger, top-loading with a drawstring, and more mountaineering in style.

Where is the Herschel Little America Backpack cheapest?

At Herschel Supply Co., for $97.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Herschel Little America Backpack?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,000 ratings.

Where can I buy the Herschel Little America Backpack?

14 stores we checked sell it, including Herschel Supply Co., 6pm.com, BananaFingers, Charles Clinkard, EpicTV.

Herschel Little America Backpack

Best price now

$97.99at Herschel Supply Co.Checked 39 min ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Little America Backpack

Best price now

$97.99at Herschel Supply Co.Checked 39 min ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Herschel Supply Co.

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $97.99 at Herschel Supply Co. (checked Nov 11, 2026).

Our take on the Herschel Little America Backpack

The Little America is Herschel's signature mountaineering-style backpack: a 30 L top-loader with a drawstring and magnetic strap closure, a padded 15/16-inch laptop sleeve, and a striped liner. It is waterproof and abrasion-reinforced, so it handles commutes, campus and day hikes. Reviewers like the looks and roominess but call it heavy and awkward to open quickly. Against lighter nylon daypacks it trades convenience for a distinctive retro look and sturdy build.

Best forCommuting with a laptopCollege and campus carryDay hikes and city weekendsShoppers who want a retro mountaineering look

Pros

30 L holds a laptop, books and a jacket
Padded sleeve fits most 15 and 16-inch laptops
Waterproof fabric and abrasion-resistant reinforcements
Magnetic strap and drawstring top keep gear secure
Hydration reservoir compatible
Distinctive striped liner and Herschel styling

Cons

Heavy at about 2.4 kg even when empty
Magnetic strap and buckle closure is slow to open
Top-loading design makes digging for small items awkward
Few external pockets and no side water bottle pocket
Bulky profile on smaller frames

Herschel Little America Backpack prices at every store

Herschel Supply Co.New
In stock
$97.99Checked 39 min ago
Visit Herschel Supply Co.

Also available at

6pm.comCheck price at 6pm.com
BananaFingersCheck price at BananaFingers
Charles ClinkardCheck price at Charles Clinkard
EpicTVCheck price at EpicTV
farfetch.comCheck price at farfetch.com
Herschel Supply CompanyCheck price at Herschel Supply Company
JomashopCheck price at Jomashop
Jomashop.comCheck price at Jomashop.com
NordstromCheck price at Nordstrom
REICheck price at REI
SelfridgesCheck price at Selfridges
YOOXCheck price at YOOX
ZapposCheck price at Zappos

Herschel Little America Backpack price history

Lowest price we've seen: $42.00 on Nov 11 at 6pm.com. Tracked across 14 stores since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

4.4 / 51,000 ratings

Owners rate it well for looks, capacity and durability. The recurring complaints are weight and the fiddly strap closure.

What people mention

WeightCriticisedOwners say it feels heavy even when empty, which wears on long walks.
ClosureCriticisedThe magnetic straps and metal pin buckles look good but slow down access.
CapacityPraisedReviewers find the 30 L main compartment fits a laptop, books and a change of clothes.
Build qualityPraisedOwners report the fabric and reinforcements hold up well over months of daily use.
OrganizationMixedSome like the simple layout; others want more pockets and a bottle holder.
StylePraisedBuyers pick it for the retro mountaineering look and striped liner.

About the Herschel Little America Backpack

The Herschel Little America is a 30 L mountain-style backpack for everyday use. It is made of polyester with abrasion-resistant reinforcements, and the material is waterproof. The bag does not have a hard shell.

It closes with a zipper. The front straps fasten with magnets and metal pin buckles.

Other storage includes an inner pocket, a back pocket and a bottle holder. The lining has a tonal stripe pattern and an internal Herschel Supply stripe DNA tab. The pattern is Graphic Daisy.

Capacity: 30 L
Dimensions: 19.00 in high x 11.25 in wide x 7.00 in deep
Material: Polyester
Colors: Black, Navy
Closure: Zipper; magnet-fastened straps with metal pin buckles
Laptop fit: Sleeve and compartment for a 15"/16" laptop
Hydration: Compatible with hydration reservoirs
Pockets: Inner pocket, back pocket, bottle holder
Water resistance: Waterproof
Gender: Unisex, adult

Specifications

Capacity: 30 L
Depth: 7.00 in
Height: 19.00 in
Width: 11.25 in
Weight: 2425 g
Closure Type: Magnet fastened straps with metal pin buckles
Laptop Compatible: Yes, Yes (fits a 15"/16" laptop)

Questions and answers

Is the Little America good for a 16-inch laptop?: Yes. The padded sleeve is sized for 15 and 16-inch laptops. Very thick gaming laptops may fit tightly.
Is it actually waterproof?: Herschel rates the fabric waterproof, and the drawstring top closes over the opening. Heavy rain can still get in through the zipper and seams over time.
How much can it carry?: The main compartment is 30 L, enough for a laptop, a few books and a jacket. It is a daypack, not an overnight or travel pack.
Does it have a water bottle pocket?: No. There are no side bottle pockets, so plan on carrying a bottle inside or clipping one on.
Is it good for hiking?: It works for light day hikes and is hydration reservoir compatible. The heavy weight and top-loading access make it less ideal for long or technical trails.
What is the difference from the Herschel Retreat?: The Retreat is a flap-and-buckle pack with a more compact shape. The Little America is larger, top-loading with a drawstring, and more mountaineering in style.
Where is the Herschel Little America Backpack cheapest?: At Herschel Supply Co., for $97.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Herschel Little America Backpack?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,000 ratings.
Where can I buy the Herschel Little America Backpack?: 14 stores we checked sell it, including Herschel Supply Co., 6pm.com, BananaFingers, Charles Clinkard, EpicTV.