It's an excellent Vera Bradley bag (five stars), it's just an average travel bag (three stars), so I'm rating it four stars.The Vera Bradley materials, branding, and patterns are lovely, luxe, pretty, and beautiful. Any VB fan will be happy with the materials and patterns of this pack.But as a travel backpack - from the POV of an actual frequent longhaul backpack traveler - this pack leaves A LOT to be desired. If not for the VB brand, I don't think anyone would actually buy this as a travel backpack, especially at nearly $150. Here's some of the reasons why:- First, when you travel with a pack, you intend to carry it a lot - with all your stuff in it - so the straps matter, and the straps on this are the worst part!! There is almost no padding at all in the shoulder straps and the chest strap is even worse and it's terribly placed. I'm petite, so on me, the chest strap cuts basically right across my neck. Completely unusable. And if they were going to bother putting one chest strap, they needed to put a bottom (hip) one too! Note: The saving grace is that this strap can be used to secure the bag to my rolling luggage.- The front pocket only opens halfway to slide things in and out the entire bottom half, and that's a pretty decent depth. This is so inconvenient. It should open on the sides too, or at least "pop out."- There's no pocket facing my back to hide my most important documents while keeping it handy, like my passport. Almost all travel bags have this!- There's not even a small waterproof pocket on the interior.- It doesn't have compartments to hold a cell phone charger.- It doesn't lock.- I do like that it opens flat. That makes it convenient to use like luggage.- I love the two drink bottle pockets.- I love the water-repellent material used.All in all, if you love VB or the print of the bag, go for it - it's a nice, beautiful bag that can work for travel! But if you are actually looking for a travel bag, maybe keep browsing before settling on this one.