
Herschel
Little America Ecosystem™ Backpack
The Herschel Little America Ecosystem™ Backpack is a large-format rucksack made from recycled polyester (EcoSystem™), derived from post-consumer plastic bottles. It features a drawstring flap closure with magnetic straps, adjustable padded shoulder straps, side slip pockets, and front flap pockets, with dimensions of 19 x 11 x 7 inches (48 x 28 x 18 cm) and a 17-liter capacity. Suitable for daily commuting, travel, and school use, it includes a padded back panel and interior zip pocket; note that some user reviews mention reduced back padding in the redesigned model compared to earlier versions.
- Material
- recycled polyester
- Style
- casual, sporty
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Color
Size
Specifications
Large-format recycled polyester backpack inspired by mountain bags, with drawstring flap closure and adjustable padded straps.
Drawstring flap closure with magnetic buttons, adjustable padded straps with breathable mesh backing, small side pockets, front flap zip pocket, zip pocket on flap.
- Material
- recycled polyester
- Style
- casual, sporty
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 11x7x19 in
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Additional Attributes
- large-format design
- inspired by mountain bags
- recycled polyester
- drawstring flap closure
- decorative rubber straps
- magnetic buttons
- grab handle
- adjustable padded straps
- breathable mesh backing
- small side pockets
- flap zip pocket with magnetic straps
- zip pocket on flap
Product Insights
The Herschel Little America Ecosystem™ Backpack (160 CAD) retains the iconic silhouette and street-style heritage of the original, evoking national park exploration, but makes significant compromises in durability and functionality. It uses thinner recycled polyester, removes back padding and the signature striped lining, and replaces the reliable drawstring with one that frays quickly and cannot be opened one-handed. Magnetic buttons under the flap may release when fully packed, the fabric is not water-resistant, and the bag collapses under its own weight. Side pockets do not expand, reducing main volume, and the top flap pocket is insecure. The community recommends seeking a used pre-2018 Little America for better durability.
Verified claims
- Padding
- Buyers report the Ecosystem removes back padding and reduces laptop sleeve padding.
- Closures
- Buyers report the drawstring frays quickly and magnetic buttons may release under full load.
- Materials
- Buyers report the 100% recycled polyester is thinner than classic canvas and the striped interior is removed.
- Value
- Community recommends seeking a used pre-2018 Little America over the new Ecosystem for better durability.
- One-handed use
- Buyers report the drawstring cannot be opened with one hand.
- Durability
- Buyers report the drawstring cord becomes frizzy within two weeks of use.
- Closure
- Magnetic buttons can release when the bag is fully packed, causing the flap to open.
- Decorative straps
- The rubber straps on the flap are decorative; magnets alone hold the closure.
- Water resistance
- Rain soaks the untreated fabric and can enter through the flap closure when packed full.
- Heritage narrative
- The 'Little America' name evokes exploration; silhouette is iconic design refined over a decade.
- Shape retention
- Buyers report the bag collapses under its own weight.
- Price context
- At $160 CAD, the Ecosystem matches the standard model price, not the higher canvas version price.
- Side pockets
- Buyers report side pockets do not expand outward, reducing main compartment volume.
- Top flap pocket
- Buyers report the top flap pocket is a security risk and avoid storing valuables there.
- Interior lining
- The iconic red striped lining is replaced by a gray pinstripe in the Ecosystem edition.
- Silhouette
- The overall silhouette is unchanged from the original, a street style staple for over a decade.
- Brand narrative
- The 'Little America' name and branding evoke national park exploration and road-trip culture.
- Storage
- Buyers note that bottle holders reduce space and flap pocket is insecure.
Product record
- Title
- Little America Ecosystem™ Backpack
- Brand
- Herschel
- Price
- 160 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
Front view of a black top-flap rucksack with two vertical strap closures, a small front pocket with flap, side slip pockets, a top carry loop, and a small rectangular brand patch centered on the front pocket.
- Overall shapeTall rectangular body with a slightly rounded top flap that extends over the front and covers the main compartment opening.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.04 · w 0.84 · h 0.92 (high) - Top carry loopSmall fabric loop handle centered at the top edge, visible above the top flap seam.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.03 · w 0.06 · h 0.04 (high) - Top flapSingle-piece top flap with visible outer edge stitching and rounded lower corners that rests over the front of the bag.
1 region
x 0.11 · y 0.06 · w 0.78 · h 0.38 (high) - Vertical strap closuresTwo parallel vertical straps running from the top flap down past the front pocket, each with a rectangular metal buckle near the pocket and multiple adjustment holes on the lower strap section.
2 regions
x 0.29 · y 0.12 · w 0.14 · h 0.72 (high); x 0.57 · y 0.12 · w 0.14 · h 0.72 (high) - Front pocket with flapRectangular front pocket located near the lower front of the bag with its own small flap; pocket is centered and integrated into the main body.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.56 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high) - Side slip pocketsLow-profile open slip pockets on each side seam, sewn into the side panels and visible from the front angle.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.56 · w 0.12 · h 0.36 (medium); x 0.82 · y 0.56 · w 0.12 · h 0.36 (medium) - Fabric textureCoarse woven textile with visible diagonal weave texture across the bag surface.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.76 · h 0.80 (high) - Buckle hardware finishMatte dark metal rectangular buckles attached to the straps, with a slightly flattened profile.
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high) - Brand patchSmall rectangular stitched fabric patch centered on the front pocket with script brand text.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Brand name text“Herschel”
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio-style product photograph on a neutral light gray background with soft shadow beneath the bag; image framed front-on and centered.
- Background and surfaceEven light gray seamless background with a soft drop shadow under the bag indicating studio lighting from above and slightly left.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionFront-facing centered crop showing the full front of the backpack with slight space above and below; no props or models present.
- Lighting qualitySoft, even studio lighting with minimal specular highlights and gentle shadows that preserve surface texture detail.
Colors
matte black· main body#120E0Bmatte black trim· strap and buckle trim#1C1915off-white text· brand patch text- Overall shapeTall rectangular body with a slightly rounded top flap that extends over the front and covers the main compartment opening.
- 02

Product
Rear view of a black fabric backpack showing padded back panel, two padded adjustable shoulder straps, top carry handle, side pocket and vertical zippered compartment.
- View and orientationBack of the backpack shown at a slight three-quarter angle revealing left side and rear surface details.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.05 · w 0.90 · h 0.90 (high) - Back panel paddingPadded rear panel with visible stitched contour lines forming large curved vertical panels for lumbar support.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.15 · w 0.55 · h 0.70 (high) - Shoulder strapsTwo wide padded shoulder straps with stitched perimeter, central webbing trim running down each strap, and seam lines creating three padded segments.
2 regions
x 0.42 · y 0.12 · w 0.26 · h 0.78 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.12 · w 0.24 · h 0.78 (high) - Top carry handleShort fabric loop handle at the top between the strap anchors, made from the same black textile.
1 region
x 0.49 · y 0.06 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Vertical zippered compartmentVisible vertical zipper on the left rear side with a black metal or plastic pull tab positioned near the shoulder area.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.18 · h 0.50 (high) - Side elastic pocketLeft-side open pocket with elastic top band integrated into the side panel, suitable for a water bottle or slim item.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.55 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high) - Lower strap adjuster hardwareBlack plastic tri-glide strap adjusters attached to the bottom of each shoulder strap and short tail webbing visible.
2 regions
x 0.60 · y 0.84 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.84 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Zipper pulls detailTwo visible zipper pulls with a matte finish; one along the top spine and one on the left vertical pocket, both tonal black.
2 regions
x 0.39 · y 0.02 · w 0.22 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.16 · y 0.12 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high) - Fabric textureTightly woven textile fabric with a matte finish and slight visible weave texture in close view.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (high)
Other
Studio shot on a light neutral background with soft shadow underneath; image is well lit and centered with slight rightward orientation.
- Background and surfaceUniform light gray background with a soft drop shadow beneath the backpack that grounds it to a flat surface.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionProduct centered and occupying most of the frame, photographed at a slight angle showing left side and rear; no props or people.
- Lighting and reflectionsEven, diffuse lighting with minimal specular highlights and soft shadows, allowing textile texture to be visible.
Colors
matte black· main body#0E0D0Bmatte black· shoulder straps#0E0D0Adark matte black· hardware and zipper pulls#1C1A16- View and orientationBack of the backpack shown at a slight three-quarter angle revealing left side and rear surface details.
- 03

Product
Top-open view of a fabric backpack showing the interior striped lining, a diamond-shaped woven label sewn to the inner back panel, a cord drawstring closure with plastic hardware, and the exterior black textured fabric at the front.
- Interior liningInner compartment lined with a fine horizontal pinstripe fabric in dark gray and lighter gray; lining continues across the top cuff and inner back panel.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.04 · w 0.82 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.10 · y 0.28 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (high) - Woven diamond labelWhite diamond-shaped sewn label centered on the inner back panel with printed text and a thin dark border.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.30 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high) - Label text“Put Yourself Out There”
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.33 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (high) - Small brand text under label“Herschel”Partial
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.38 · w 0.10 · h 0.06 (medium) - Drawstring and cord lockBlack cord drawstring threaded through the top cuff with a black plastic cord lock visible at the front right interior edge.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.50 · w 0.32 · h 0.30 (high) - Exterior fabricExterior shows a coarse-woven black textile with pronounced texture at the front lower area of the image.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.45 · w 0.66 · h 0.52 (high) - Front strap and snapPortion of a vertical strap with a rounded black snap or button visible at the lower right front exterior.
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.80 · w 0.26 · h 0.18 (high) - Interior zip pocket (partial)Edge of an interior zip pocket visible along the right inner wall, zipper pull partly visible; pocket interior is dark and recessed.Partial
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.32 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot cropped tight on the open top of the backpack against a light neutral background with soft directional lighting from upper left producing mild shadows and a highlight on the cord lock.
- Shot compositionClose-up top perspective showing the bag interior and upper exterior front; image is cropped so only part of the front and top opening are visible.
- BackgroundUniform light gray background with no visible props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse lighting from upper left producing subtle highlights on the fabric texture and a small specular highlight on the plastic cord lock.
- Image cropLower left and lower center of the backpack extend out of frame; top edge of the opening is fully visible.
Colors
black· exterior fabric#0E0D0Bdark gray with light gray pinstripes· interior lining#6C6B6Cwhite· diamond label#C5C5CAblack· cord and plastic hardware#0E0D0B- Interior liningInner compartment lined with a fine horizontal pinstripe fabric in dark gray and lighter gray; lining continues across the top cuff and inner back panel.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
2 total2 reviews · out of 5
Super beau sac
Bonne qualité, grand, belle couleur. Très pratique, j’aime beaucoup
tres bon produit
n'hésitez pas a magasiner chez Simons , livraison tres rapide , Je vous le conseil vraiment
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/BuyItForLife, r/backpacks, r/malefashionadviceReddit loves the old Herschel Little America but warns that the new Ecosystem redesign has cut corners on padding and materials, making it a shadow of its former self.
Long-time users extol the durability of pre-2018 Little America bags, but the redesigned Ecosystem version is widely criticized for removing padding and using cheaper materials, leading to overall disappointment.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily commuting and work
- Travel (domestic and international)
- School / heavy book carrying
- Outdoor / hiking
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Osprey
Osprey is considered more durable and offers a lifetime warranty, whereas the Herschel starts fraying after heavy use.
Source Threads
Durability after 6 years heavy use, but compares unfavorably to Osprey
I beat this bag up a lot, and I think under more normal use conditions (i.e., not heavy textbooks) it would have lasted a lot longer. I think in terms of looks and versatility it was a very good choice. Something more sporty is probably more durable and those companies often have a lifetime warranty (i.e., osprey).
u/anon_3056r/BuyItForLifeView thread →
New model lacks back padding causing swaying
**2. No padding on the backside.** Herschel little America bags always had comfortable aerated padding on the shoulder straps AND the back. The new bags only keep the shoulder padding, meaning the backpack slides and sways from side to side as you walk.
u/dailysciencefactsr/backpacksView thread →
New drawstring is frustrating and frays quickly
Personally I found the new drawstring closure mechanism pretty irritating for me because it was impossible to open the bag with one hand. The string itself also started becoming frizzy (but didn’t fray or break) after about 2 weeks
u/plingalingalingr/backpacksView thread →
2016 model still pristine after heavy travel and daily use
My 2016 Little America Mid-Volume has been on 5 international trips, ~50 domestic trips, and was my daily commuter bag on a Chicago bus for ~1 year. I only bought a new one because I wanted the larger size. All zippers, magnet closures, straps, and the drawstring work as well as the day I bought it.
u/Literal_Geniusr/BuyItForLifeView thread →
Canvas Little America holds shape but collects lint
It's way thicker than a regular one, and it has kept its shape and stayed stiff, unlike my other one that just collapsed on itself. It is a thicker, higher quality material. Only drawbacks are that it's way more expensive, and it gets full of lint.
u/bigcatjesser/malefashionadviceView thread →
New Little America's back padding removal, bottle holders, and top pocket are deal breakers
The removal of the back padding and the anaemic padding for the laptop sleeve are deal breakers for me. The bottle holders are also deceptive. They dont expand out, so you're still giving up space inside the bag. The pocket on the top flap is a security risk, so you can't carry anything of value in there. The new shape of the flap is also not ideal and looks awful from the sides.
u/VntgeGrlr/backpacksView thread →