MCM Stark Small Backpack Review

MCM Stark Backpack Review

For the longest time I have admired the huge range of different backpacks from MCM, the subtle monogramming effect combined with a timeless design had always attracted my attention. Finally I managed to acquire one and add it to my collection. I got the MCM Stark Backpack with Studs in size small, which is unisex. For my latest post I felt it was my duty for me to share my opinion of it with my readers in a review. Check it out below. 

Click here to buy this MCM Backpack from MCM

Size And Shape

The shape of the MCM Stark Backpack is mostly typical of any backpack you are ever likely to see, either high street or premium. However, it is something that follows that classic proverb “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?”.

Despite this, MCM have included the unique option of choosing various sizes for the same style, giving a slight edge on the majority of the competition. Available in X-Mini, Mini, Small, Medium and Large. I personally opted for the small size to complement my more modest body size better. I did consider the medium (purely for practicality, to fit more stuff inside!) but after viewing the medium worn by others, I came to the conclusion that it mostly dwarfed the wearer. This was mostly evident if they were smaller framed, sometimes it gave the illusion they were a turtle wearing its shell! As it turns out, and you can see in the photos, the size small is ideal for me. I’m 5ft 9 and a size XS in men’s clothes.

Design

The design of the MCM Stark Back Pack is naturally what attracted me in the first place. I’m not usually a big fan of heavy branding, but the solid all over black colouring interspersed with subtle MCM monogramming in grey is very understated and easy on the eye (I still love the look of the iconic cognac brown model, and is something to consider if you want to make more of a bold statement with your bag!).

Despite opting for the black model, I still chose the studded version to keep some of the glitz! The material of the bag itself is a beautiful coated canvas material (rather than the more common leather or basic canvas you see on many rival bags) which has a feeling of quality when touched, the coating is certainly quite durable against general wear and tear and the many dangerous elements Mother Nature decides to attack you with that day!

The bag features 2 zippered areas, the obvious main one which opens completely for access to the main storage area, the secondary zip is positioned on the lower front of the bag, providing a small pocket area. The zippers are constructed from silver metal with each having an attachment of leather to enable something to easily pull on when opening.

The aforementioned studs are positioned on both left and right sides of the bag, 16 studs in a close knit formation, constructed from the same silver colour as the zips to create a uniformed look. Finally there is also a small unobtrusive metal badge in the top middle of the bag, simply stating the MCM logo and the serial number. It is also worth mentioning the bag comes with its own giant dust bag! Sleek white with the MCM name in black, it is sizeable enough to store the backpack inside when not in use.

Wearabillty And Usage

As a worn accessory you can’t really go wrong with a back pack, this style of luggage has been in use decades, it would be a catastrophic event if a premium brand didn’t knock it out of the park! Thankfully MCM have nailed the wearability and comfort factor. It slips onto the back with ease (if it doesn’t fit correctly, a quick adjustment of the straps will enable the perfect fit and position for the wearer) and once on you will barely notice you are wearing it, of course this will largely depend on how much weight you are carrying inside, but the fit and how it contours your back with padded straps is extremely comfortable!

Interior

The interior was a joy to behold, in fact was quite a surprise when I opened the bag for the first time and was greeted with their traditional and iconic brown colouring. The material inside the bag is a buttery soft leather, ensuring any of your delicate items placed inside the bag would be unharmed during your day trip out! There is also another MCM emblazoned metal tag placed within the interior. Because I chose the smaller model, there was far less available storage, yet it was still spacious enough for my general needs. I was able to store my DSLR camera, extra lens and a selection of other necessities with little adverse issues.

Conclusion

In summary for this review, I am 100% happy with my MCM Stark backpack! Easy on the eye with its stunning design, plenty of internal space for day to day use and very durable thanks to its material composition! If you are in the market for a premium backpack, I wholeheartedly recommend one from the MCM range, with or without studs as it depends on what you’re looking for. Are you a fan of designer luggage, is it something you would buy? Please let me know in the comments below!

Buy this MCM Backpack Online :  Selfridges | Shopbop

Here’s a YouTube video of a smaller guy wearing the medium in Cognac, so you can see the size comparison to mine.

Share:

8 Comments

  1. ladyzeta6
    January 25, 2018 / 7:20 pm

    I am a girl but I have this bag in small in denim, same hardware as yours and I love it. Suggestion: Use a bag charm that easily clips on and off and you can clip the two zippers together. Makes it harder for someone to rifle through your bag without you knowing.

    • Adam
      Author
      January 26, 2018 / 3:11 am

      Thank you for the tip! That’s good to know!

  2. Faiz
    March 10, 2018 / 3:15 pm

    Hey there. Just want to ask something, can a guy pull off using the X Mini Backpack? Both as a real backpack at the back, and using as a sling as well. I love the backpack design however I can’t seem to wear it as a backpack as it doesn’t suits me well. I am thinking of getting the X Mini and use it a sling like a messenger. What do you think?

    • Adam
      Author
      March 12, 2018 / 11:23 pm

      Hey Faiz, I think, depending on your body size the X Mini could work! As with me, the medium MCM was just too big for me. Maybe the mini could work for you also. Also, if you are happy with wearing this size, then you will be able to pull it no problem 🙂

  3. Daniel
    October 28, 2018 / 5:38 pm

    Hi! I love the bag. Im a guy only 5’8 with slim body. I wonder what size would fit me? And can you tell me where did you get that trex bag tag? 🙂

    • Adam
      Author
      November 8, 2018 / 2:26 am

      I’m about 5ft 9 myself and slim build as you can see, so I wear the size small. Depends what you want to carry around in it though. My t-rex is from Saint Laurent last year, it also came in silver, but they sold out long ago. The outlets had them a few months ago so you could perhaps check a Saint Laurent outlet if you live by one 🙂

  4. Daniel
    October 28, 2018 / 5:44 pm

    Hi there, km a guy with slim body, 5’8. What size should i get for that bag? And where did you get that pretty bag tag?:)

    • Adam
      Author
      October 28, 2018 / 10:39 pm

      Hi Daniel 🙂 Probably a similar build and height to me, personally I would get the small like me 🙂

      Also, it’s a Saint Laurent Dinosaur Keyring, unfortunately I believe it has long sold out!

Leave a Reply to Adam Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *