CLUCI Genuine Leather Backpack Purse for Women - Large Convertible Anti-Theft Fashion Handbag & Travel Backpack - Perfect for Work, Commuting, College and Weekend Getaways

I am obsessed with these backpack purses! I now have one for every season. My first one of a different design was the dark grey and since I already posted a more detailed review about that bag in general, I thought I would take the opportunity to compare the UTO backpack and the Cluci backpack.I had bought the UTO in red because this same version of the backpack with a flap was not available in a red or purple by Cluci. I had wanted to switch up the design and color for the holidays, so I took a chance and ordered the UTO bag since I was curious how it would compare anyway.Let me just say that both brands offer nice bags for the price point, though Cluci is now the more expensive bag at anywhere from $5 to $10, give or take. It will come down to little preferences as to which brand or bag you prefer. I will admit that I haven’t used the UTO bag for very long so I cannot comment as to the durability, but each one of the Cluci bags I have used for about three months and I haven’t had any problems with the bags at all. Zippers, seams, vegan leather, and interior lining have all held up very well.Here is where my personal preference comes in, and you will ultimately have to decide what best fits your needs overall. The UTO bag is quite a bit smaller than the Cluci bag. I don’t know if the pictures accurately show it, but, the UTO is a lot more compact. In fact, I had to leave out a few items that I usually carry with me because they wouldn’t fit properly. For most of my outings, the more compact UTO would do just fine. However, I love the space in the Cluci bags. I can bring books or even a binder if needed. If I have papers or mail I need to carry, they will not be crammed into the space. If I stop at the pharmacy or a small shopping trip, I can put those into the Cluci bag too. I had tried to fit a book into the UTO, and really the only thing that will fit with my other stuff is a smaller mass market paperback. Anything bigger is going to get damaged or bent due to the tapering at the top of the UTO. I have included pictures for reference. Overall, I prefer the Cluci bag for the size.Upon first impression out of the box, I preferred the Cluci bags over the UTO. I think the Cluci brand has a higher end look and feel to the bags. There had been absolutely no odor upon opening the Cluci bags, but there was a slight odor/chemical smell with the UTO that has since dissipated. The hardware on the Cluci is nicer, and my favorite part of these bags, the front zipper pocket is larger on the Cluci and can hold more items. It is my go-to pocket! Also, the backpack straps are reinforced on the Cluci bag…something that is missing on the UTO.However, I think the interior is a little nicer on the UTO bags. The liner isn’t as loose, it is more fitted and it has good interior zippers. One of my gripes about the Cluci bags is the straps. I do like the UTO straps better. They are soft, comfortable, and I don’t struggle with them. Sometimes the Cluci straps get twisted up in the bottom loops which can be annoying. I also didn’t like how much they slipped in adjustment, until I discovered that if I moved the slider onto the vegan leather part of the strap, they no longer slipped! Now I never have to worry about it. They stay put. However, the seat-belt material portion tends to still get twisted up at times. I’m also not a big fan of the messenger/shoulder strap on the Cluci bags so I use different ones. Not a deal breaker for me though. Both UTO and Cluci have decent water bottle holders as well. Even though the UTO is packed more full and more compact, I had no problem fitting a water bottle in the side pocket.Overall, if I had to choose one bag or brand, I would go with the Cluci backpacks. They are nicer in quality and appearance, and the size is a better fit for my needs.