Memorial Day Event: 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY26. Excludes collaborations.
Memorial Day Event: 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY26. Excludes collaborations.
SUSTAINABLE BAGS MADE FOR DAILY LIFE, TRAVEL, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
USE CODE: MEMDAY26
Welcome to MAIKA. Stylish, functional bags with perfect everyday details. Featuring original artwork hand-painted or illustrated in Oakland, California. From sketch to stitch, we create each piece with love and delight.
As someone who attended FIT for Pattern Making Technology & a former bag designer moons ago, I probably notice construction details and usability quirks more than the average person. So while this review may sound nitpicky at times, it’s actually coming from a place of genuinely loving this bag and wishing the designers would push it just a little further because it’s soooo close to being perfect.
First off… this yellow floral print is cheerful enough to be visible from low Earth orbit. As someone with ADHD who is constantly misplacing her purse somewhere in the house under a pile of knitting, books, yarn, Amazon boxes, or general life mishigos, this thing practically glows at me from across the room. I adore it.
I apparently own an older version because mine has a zippered expandable side pocket instead of the newer open water bottle pocket. Honestly? I prefer mine. The zipper pocket is PERFECT for knitting needles and crochet hooks. The newer open version probably holds water bottles better though, so I understand the design change. The zipper makes it look upscale though.
The outer magazine pocket is sleek looking and flush, but I personally would’ve preferred matching pockets on both sides for higher function.
Now for the honest stuff…
This bag gets heavy FAST. Even empty, the bag itself already has some weight to it because of the sturdy canvas construction. Add a laptop, water bottle, planner, yarn project, etc and the narrow pleather shoulder strap starts digging into your shoulder almost immediately. And yes, I said pleather. We really need to stop pretending “vegan leather” sounds luxurious. It’s plastic and that can’t be good for the environment. A wider padded shoulder section would improve comfort tremendously.
Also, for a commuter laptop tote, I agree with reviewers saying the laptop compartment runs snug for some 13” laptops depending on the protective case/sleeve.
That said… despite my complaints… I absolutely LOVE this bag.
In fact, I loved it enough that I customized it into what might actually be my dream knitting commuter tote. I bought a grommet tool and added multiple sized yarn-feed holes into the zipper panel area so I can feed yarn directly through the top while knitting on the go. The zippered side pocket stores my needles beautifully, the outside pocket temporarily stashes my project when I arrive at my destination, and the interior padded laptop wall keeps my yarn protected from the general chaos happening inside my purse (half used snot rags & empty gum wrappers) while also preventing the yarn ball from rolling across the floor like it’s trying to escape me.
The double riveted handles look great, the matching zipper pull pleather details are nicely coordinated, and the overall structure feels thoughtfully designed even when some parts could absolutely be improved.
So yes… I sound critical. But it’s because I can see how close this bag already is to brilliance.
PS: I also wish this review section had the capability of accepting images.
Great backpack! SO cute and seems very well made with great zippers!
I purchased this bag a few years ago as a gift to myself as I started a new job. This became an essential item in my daily life! I can put everything I need to go to work! A computer, chargers (yes, multiple), a drink bottle, an ID (for work), keys, books, dry-erase markers (lots of them), breakfast, a wallet, a cellphone, etc. Everything is in the right place and more! It provides a huge amount of space inside and is very well organized. I received many compliments from colleagues and students. Last year, I traveled overseas. This bag came with me. What a blessing to have this bag. Thank you for creating such an amazing bag.
It's all in the details - style down to small accessory bag is an added boost to fun travel! Well made and great design!!
Love my bag. Leather is soft.
This little crossbody tote is a great size for all my purse things, as well as whatever book that I'm currently toting around! The windowpane check fabric is like a quirky neutral, which is perfect.
Love it for work! All the pockets, the size, and style! Perfect, indeed.
I love everything that I have ordered everything from you. They are great totes for all my beads and goods needed for jewelry making 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I love this print (cherries) - it's super cute! Makes traveling to do work and study so much more fun! Fits laptop, school notebooks and several journals comfortably.
I love the colorful and witty print. The canvas is really nice and sturdy while being flexible. Nice little bag for lip gloss and other small necessities. Always love my Maika bags--I have six or so of various sizes and purposes.
I absolutely love my tote and use for knitting . The fabric and design is beautiful! Makes me happy just to looks at it!!!
Perfect large and stylish tote - we got it as a graduation gift for our daughter to carry her laptop and other paperwork and personal items to her new job. Love, love, love the design.
I loved the previous version of this bag, and so bought another as a gift. This one is smaller than the previous one, but has many more features, so it feels like an upgrade. Love the material and also love the padded shoulder strap, which is a nice improvement. Construction is as good as ever! The trolley sleeve is a little on the small side, at least for the bag we're using it with, but that is a small quibble. It's probably better to pack better and carry less. Love that there is now a key strap and the open front pocket! This bag will be ideal for overnights and as a personal item for air travel. Finally, I appreciate a small, capacious bag that is also light. This is it.
Absolutely love this purse! It is the perfect size and weight. I have been using it all the time and receive so many compliments. People say the colors make them happy! Service was efficient and prompt. Looking forward to ordering more items from this company.
Small purse however holds everything I need and even things I don't need. I love the bright spring color- Beautiful. Quality is superior.
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …

