Arden Cove Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack Review
Product Review Summary
The Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack from Arden Cove is a unique and high-quality option for a travel backpack. It has stylish and secure features, including a slash-resistant lining and hidden side pockets. If you're looking for a backpack that combines fashion and security and are willing to invest in a high-end product, I would highly recommend this backpack.
Ratings
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★★★★☆
This backpack has a unique shape with a padded laptop sleeve in the main compartment. It has a comfortable, breathable mesh padded back and straps, however, the padded laptop sleeve did not fit a slightly larger laptop (it only fits 13 inches).
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★★★★★
The Dolores Backpack is made of durable microfiber faux leather and water-resistant nylon, and has a slash-resistant lining for added security. It has a magnetic front pocket and two hidden side pockets, one with a D-ring for keys and the other with RFID-blocking technology. The materials used are high quality and the backpack is expected to last a long time.
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★★★★★
This backpack has a well-organized main compartment and several pockets for storing and organizing items. It also has elastic bands for holding a water bottle or umbrella, a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 13 inches in size, and a luggage or trolley sleeve.
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★★★★★
The Dolores Backpack has a distinctive design and useful features including hidden pockets, elastic bands, and a trolley sleeve. It also has excellent anti-theft features and is made with high-quality materials.
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★★★★☆
The Dolores Backpack is priced at $439 and has exceptional anti-theft features. It may be worth the cost, but it is recommended to wait for a sale to get a discount on the high-quality product.
Pros:
Made with water-resistant nylon and durable microfiber faux leather
Secured with waterproof zippers and slash-resistant materials
Ample storage compartments with RFID-blocking
Two hidden side pockets
Trolley sleeve to consolidate luggage
Cons:
Steep price tag of $439
Padded laptop sleeve only fits 13-inch laptops
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Arden Cove: What To Know About the Brand
Two sisters, Karin and Carmen, started Arden Cove after becoming frustrated with the lack of reliable anti-theft purses. Karin was studying in Paris when she saw several of her classmates get pickpocketed and noticed her own travel purse was falling apart. Carmen was on her honeymoon in Bali when a rainstorm left all of her belongings in her anti-theft crossbody wet. Determined to find a better solution, they founded Arden Cove in 2016, offering travel purses and bags that are both fashionable and functional, made with high-quality materials, and water-resistant.
Arden Cove Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack Review
I used my Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack mainly for commuting to and from my local coworking center last year, but I wanted something new for the new year. That's when I discovered the Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack from Arden Cove and spoiler alert: I’m so glad I did.
The following is a review of Arden Cove’s Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack in Black with Gold Hardware.
First Impressions
As soon as I unwrapped my Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack, I was struck by its size. It's clearly spacious enough to hold all of my work essentials but doesn't appear bulky or unflattering. I was also drawn to the breathable mesh padded back, which felt comfortable as soon as I put it on. The hardware also caught my attention; it's clear that they didn't skimp on clasps and zippers, and they feel very sturdy from the start.
Sizing and Fit
I was immediately drawn to the unique shape of this backpack, which has a height of 10 inches and a length of 13.5 inches. It's wider than some other backpacks but still has a sophisticated feel. The main compartment has a padded laptop sleeve, but unfortunately, it didn't quite fit my laptop (which is slightly larger than 15 inches), similar to what I experienced with their Victoria Tote bag. Despite this, the breathable mesh padded back and straps are extremely comfortable and conform to your body as soon as you put it on.
Quality of Materials
The Dolores Backpack is made with durable microfiber faux leather and water-resistant nylon, and it has a slash-resistant lining for added security. I appreciate this feature because it gives me peace of mind knowing that my belongings are safe inside the bag. The front of the backpack has a magnetic pocket for quick access to items like your phone, and there are two hidden side pockets: one with a D-ring for your keys and the other with RFID-blocking technology to protect your credit cards. It's clear that the materials used in this backpack are high quality and I have confidence that it will last for many years to come.
Organizational Compartments
The Dolores Backpack has a main compartment that is well-organized and has everything you need to keep your belongings secure and easy to access. In addition to the front pocket and two hidden side pockets, it has a zipper pocket, two wall pockets, a D-ring, and pen slots. One of my favorite features of this backpack is the two elastic bands that can hold a water bottle or umbrella upright. The main compartment also has a padded laptop sleeve that can hold a laptop (but remember that’s up to 13 inches in size). There's also a luggage or trolley sleeve on the back of the backpack, which is perfect for attaching it to your luggage when you're at the airport and want to consolidate your bags.
Overall Design
I really enjoy the distinctive design of this backpack and all of the practical features it has to offer. The two hidden pockets, interior elastic bands, and trolley sleeve are all thoughtful additions that make the bag more useful. As with all Arden Cove designs, the anti-theft features of this backpack are top-notch and the materials used are of the highest quality.
Value for Money
At a price of $439, this backpack may seem a bit pricey compared to other options on the market. However, its anti-theft features are truly exceptional and help to justify the cost. If you're interested in purchasing this backpack, I recommend waiting for a sale (which happens a few times a year) to take advantage of a discount on this high-quality product.
The Bottom Line
The Dolores Commuter & Weekend Backpack from Arden Cove stands out from other backpacks on the market with its unique design and top-notch anti-theft features, such as the slash-resistant lining and hidden side pockets. If you're looking for a travel backpack that is both stylish and secure, and you're willing to invest in a high-end product, then I would highly recommend this travel backpack.