A Review Of The Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L
The real question however, was whether this bag is as useful and enjoyable in use as it is attractive.
Decaf Journal is reader-supported. When you buy links through our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Recently, I've been travelling to another city on weekends and have been increasingly loathing the thought of bringing a rolling luggage on the train. Struggling to find a secure and safe place for it on the busy rail car isn't a recurring battle I look forward to. I'm only gone for a couple of days at a time, but I do need to bring a change of clothes, face & body care, jump rope, and other essentials.
I already own several bags for various purposes, but I've been specifically searching for one that holds everything I need, yet doesn't feel like a burden to carry. And yes, I do already own the ubiquitous Fjällräven Kånken backpack, but after using it for years I find it lacking in both protection and comfort.
Shortly after I began my search, I took notice of the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L which unexpectedly piqued my interest. As a Canadian, I'm acutely aware of the Vancouver, BC based brand but have never been particularly drawn to their workout wear philosophy. Well that all changed when I laid my eyes on this compact and uniquely stylish bag.
The real question however, was whether it's as useful and enjoyable in use as it is attractive.
Construction, Features & Materials
The Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L features some fairly standard specifications including a 100% nylon water resistant exterior, while the interior liner is 100% recycled polyester. The bag's dimensions are 25.5cm x 14cm x 35.5cm (10" x 5.5" x 14") for a total volume of 14L. The bag alone is incredibly lightweight, and although the shoulder straps lack the added padding of the 25L version, it still feels highly supportive and comfortable to wear.
Nylon in general is an excellent material for long term use (speaking from experience), and overall I've noted that this bag is comprised of a nice use of materials that amounts to exceptional quality throughout. It's also worth mentioning that this bag can stand up straight on its own without falling over when placed on a flat surface, which is always a good sign.
Taking a closer look at the details of the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L, the main compartment is deep and open which allows for easy access to stow whatever you need to bring with you such as clothing, toiletries, books, etc. There's an interior mesh pocket will fit an average sized water bottle, as well as a small zippered pocket on the exterior hood of the bag which is a handy place to include small items such as lipstick, pens, or a toothbrush.
One of the standout features on the bag are the zippered side pockets which are incredibly useful and very much appreciated. They are deep and wide enough to hold a variety of small items like a phone or sunglasses. You'll also find two straps on the top front and rear of the bag, allowing you to hang it as needed.
Lastly, the adjustable drawstring in combination with the front buckles ensures water and moisture won't leak into the bag, giving you peace of mind regardless of the weather.
Downsides
The Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L has a lot going for it, so is there anything not to like? There indeed are a couple of shortcomings that I think could be improved upon. The main issue that I found with this bag is that it isn't a great choice for carrying a laptop. For example, the bag will just barely fit my Apple MacBook Air 13.6 inch laptop (see picture below), as the top of the computer is left exposed with little protection.
The padding for the front and back of the computer looks and feels sufficient, but unfortunately the top protection leaves much to be desired. I might use it for a laptop in a pinch, but I would be nervous about it. This bag is much better suited for a tablet which will fit comfortably, and in fairness Lululemon has only stated that it's intended to hold a tablet sized device.
The second criticism that I have for the Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L has to do with the metal buckles. While the metal buckles are a nice visual addition to the bag, they are heavy and I worry about them damaging any valuables if they accidentally come into contact. I could easily see a laptop or camera getting inadvertently getting hit by one of the metal buckles when opening or closing the bag and causing some unwanted scratches in the process. I certainly love the look of them, but plastic buckles would've been the more practical choice here.
© Nicklaus Walter
Pros
- A rugged bag that can withstand the elements
- A small footprint that holds a lot thanks to an intelligent layout
- Unisex design
- Bag is easy on the eyes. Beautiful details throughout including the zippers, belt buckles, interior, and logo
- Shoulder straps are quite comfortable
Cons
- A 13.6 inch laptop barely fits, and the bag lacks the necessary top protection for laptops in general
- Metal buckles are too heavy for an otherwise lightweight bag and could potentially damage a laptop or other valuables
- Limited colors available
Verdict
The Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack Mini 14L is the perfect weekend getaway bag in part because it's intrinsically useful and holds all of the essentials. While not perfect, overall its functionality is nothing short of superb. It fits just the right amount for short trips such as visiting another city, your daily commute to work, light camping, or vacations. The 14L size is as unassuming as it is convenient, and you can expect years of use from it as a result of its nylon construction.
Perhaps it isn't the most stunning bag out there, but it does have its own aesthetic appeal and its utility is what makes me happy to pick it up again and again. It's a backpack that simply begs to be used, traveled with, and packed full of everything you need in your daily life. For that reason, the aptly named Wunderlust bag couldn't be more fitting.
