MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe Review: A Stylish And Well-Organized Bag For Daily Use
The last backpack I owned was a light purple Jansport that I used throughout grammar school and middle school—it was perfect for toting books and notebooks to and from class. In college, I transitioned to a large tote bag that was a bit more stylish, and I honestly haven’t owned another backpack since then. I wrote off backpacks as a functional carrier rather than something stylish that could complement an outfit. However, this changed when I discovered MZ Wallace, a female-founded brand specializing in high-quality bags and accessories.
The MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe is durable and spacious, with an impressive number of pockets.
Throughout the summer, I took this backpack on countless trips and used it as a work bag to see how it performed in real-world conditions. In particular, I wanted to evaluate the versatility and durability, as many aesthetically pleasing backpacks are less sturdy than they appear. After extensive testing, I was incredibly impressed with this bag and only noted one significant downside. Keep reading for my full review of the MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe.
The Design
MZ Wallace bags are crafted from Rec Oxford fabric with a padded, almost quilted appearance. The material has a smooth hand feel, and the bag doesn’t look overly bulky, even when filled to the brim. As far as backpacks go, I found this design sleek and attractive, and it functioned well as both a work and travel backpack. I wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear this into a corporate office, and it elevated my normal travel ensemble.
The main compartment has a zip-around closure and a top handle that’s easy to grab. There’s a total of three exterior pockets, six interior pockets and a luggage sleeve that makes this excellent for travel. What’s more, the two padded straps are easily adjustable, so I was able to find the ideal length for my body.
The fabrication has a bit of give, so if you need to squeeze in a few extra items for travel, it’s easy enough to do so. I also appreciated that the material is waterproof, so I didn’t worry about getting caught in the rain, which happened several times throughout the last month. This style comes in four colors (Black, Dawn, Magnet and Cornflower Blue), which are all darker shades and will prevent the bag from showing stains and other signs of wear.
The Organization
As mentioned earlier, there are three exterior and six interior pockets. On the outside, there’s one large zippered pocket and two smaller side pockets for an umbrella and water bottle. The front pocket is deceptively spacious, and I could stash essentials like my wallet, phone charger, lip balm, gum and much more. The interior was equally spacious, with enough room to pack my MacBook Air, toiletry bag, everyday makeup bag, mini hair straightener, sunglasses, full-size hair brush, backup charger and several days’ worth of clothing. Despite how much I could pack, the abundance of smaller pockets kept smaller items well-organized and easy to grab. The interior laptop sleeve also kept my laptop secure (and scuff-free), and there’s a key ring strap, so you never have to worry about them dropping to the bottom of the bag.
The Durability
The brand’s signature material, Rec Oxford, uses pre-consumer materials to lower the brand’s environmental impact. The trim and zipper pulls are crafted from Italian leather, which adds a luxurious touch to the bag. During testing, I filled this bag to the brim, and it effortlessly toted my belongings from one location to the next. I frequently packed and unpacked it, noting how the zippers felt, if the pockets sagged, and if the fabric showed signs of wear, and to my surprise, the backpack held up beautifully. The zippers slide smoothly in both directions without catching or snagging, and the backpack retains its shape and color—no fading, stretching, rips or tears.
Final Thoughts
After using this backpack for several months, I was impressed with its interior and exterior organization, attractive design, and durability. From a wedding in the Adirondacks to crowded cáfes in Brooklyn, the MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe securely transported my belongings and looked great while doing so. I wore this backpack with both workout clothes and dressier outfits, and it didn’t look out of place. Additionally, the Rec Oxford is waterproof and highly durable, and I expect it to hold up well over time.
However, this backpack is admittedly a splurge at $275, so if you’re looking for an affordable pick that you won’t mind getting dirty or beat up, this may not be the best option. Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack ($98) and Away’s The Everywhere Zip Backpack ($195), which our fashion team highlighted in our review of the best laptop backpacks, have a modern, uncluttered design but are more affordable. Quince also has a strikingly similar style—The Transit Quilted Commuter Backpack ($89.90)—with a quilted exterior, but it only has three interior pockets and a few color options. I also wish the MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe came in a wider range of colors, as the selection is a bit limited, but I tend to gravitate towards dark, neutral hues, so this wasn’t a problem for me.
My Expertise
I’m a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted, covering a wide variety of topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. I have over a decade of firsthand experience testing bags, shoes and other accessories. I’m constantly on the go, scrutinizing bags and accessories to see how they hold up to the rigors of city life and frequent traveling. I’ve tried top products from various brands throughout my career, including favorites like Paravel, Away, Madewell, Everlane, L.L.Bean, Lands’ End, Rains and more.