KiplingDefea Shoulder Bag Black Tonal

Very nice looking and functional bag, but it’s missing the inside key strap that all the other Kipling bags have.

My husband always accuses me of looking for the unicorn, and he's right. I tried 8 bags before settling on this one to take to Europe. (Thanks Amazon!) I wanted a bag that:1. I could wear cross-body (on my 5'3" plus size frame) that would reach to my lower hip. Check.2. Had a good size zipper pocket on the back side (next to my body) where I could put my wallet. Check.3. Had another outside zipper pocket for my IPhone Xr with case. Check.4. Had a large center opening where I could place my stainless water bottle, guide books, maps, and sunglass case. Check. (I plan to keep this open so I won't be carrying anything valuable here--just the stuff I will be reaching for often.)5. When empty, would collapse so I could put it in my 38L backpack--the only piece of luggage I will take on my 3 week trip. Check.6. Was light weight. Check.7. Didn't look like a travel bag. Check.8. I could carry as a handbag at home, too. Check.And now you know why the unicorn compliant. But the Defea bag checked all the boxes, plus has additional features that will be useful: The side velcro pockets will be perfect for tissues or hand sanitizer, and the second outside front zipper pocket will be good place for a few Euro coins.I've now carried it for a few days to get used to its functionality, and I've found that it's even more useful than I had expected. Yes, you need to remember where you've placed things since there are so many pockets, and I've been fumbling with that. I was concerned about the removable shoulder strap in terms of pickpockets, but I've just decided to not worry about it and be mindful of my surroundings while sight-seeing. Even though I bought this for a cross-body bag, it turns out that I can wear this as a shoulder bag which I can never do thanks to sloped shoulders. And, although I didn't see myself carrying it by the handles, I've done that, too. I'm happy with it.So maybe it is the Goldilocks or Unicorn bag--for the moment.

Friends bought me one of these in my signature color years ago. I didn’t want to take that one on a remote film shoot, so I got this one so I could stay organized and not possibly ruin my favorite one. These are VERY sturdy and washable…but if I spilled on the trip there was no guarantee I could wash it until I got home.

It took me a while to finally decide on which Kipling style bag to purchase as my travel companion. And I am so glad that I purchased the Defea Handbag. When I first opened the package, my initial thoughts on this bag was that it was cute - the style was what I was looking for - a little more edgy and trendy with the zippered pockets - but smaller than I expected. However looks can be deceiving. I just returned from a two-week excursion from Asia and this was the only handbag that I took with me and it was the only one that I ended up needing. The quality of the fabric is lightweight but very durable and easy to clean. It's nice that when the bag is not totally full, the fabric allows the bag to "shrink". And unlike leather bags, the weight of the bag doesn't make it heavier. It is very roomy for its "small" looking size. I was able to fit my wallet, cell phone, keys, cosmetic bag, Nook e-reader, guidebook, maps, camera and even when I was in a colder location, my scarf, gloves and a knitted hat along with a few small souvenirs. Both the short and longer straps were very comfortable. But my favorite features were the pockets. It made organization and finding items so much easier. The most useful and most convenient pocket was the external slot on the backside which safely held my passport and boarding pass. It was easy access and I didn't have to worry about hunting through the inside of my bag. Having other more expensive and couture brand leather handbags, I can totally see how this Kipling can easily replace all those other ones and make this as a daily commuter bag. I may have to get this style in another color! However I see that Kipling just came out with other styles and I am excited to check those out! I am now officially a Kipling believer!

FINALLY! I found the perfect bag. I travel a lot and have been searching for the ideal bag with enough pockets to keep everything well organized. The four front compartments are awesome. Both of the bigger outside zipper compartments are large enough for my iPhone 6s Plus! And the Velcro flap compartment in the front is a perfect place to keep my hand sanitizer. The other two compartments in front I use for my work ID or during travel, that's where I put my headphones. The smaller one is where I put my favorite lipstick or lipgloss, and the diagonal zipper opens easily with one hand. The end compartments are a huge bonus, which I didn't even know were there until I looked closely. Even full, they don't bulge or make the bag look huge or bulky. The front one is where I put my phone charger-- Velcro keeps it safe. Inside is roomy with another zipper compartment, two pockets and a pen slot. Plenty of room for big sunglasses case, wallet, etc and an iPad fits with room to spare. The back zipper is perfect for passport and boarding passes. My house keys get clipped on the key holder and away I go!It doesn't look huge but holds a ton. It's also amazingly light even with an iPad in it and the straps are wide enough to feel comfortable. I have it in many colors and will carry these for years to come. Thank you Kipling. Fantastic quality keeps me coming back.