Caraa Sport is one of my favorite brands for athletically-minded, luxe bags and accessories. I totally fell in love with their dance 2 bag, then I lucked out and found a pre-owned studio bag for sale. The price was too good to pass up so I decided to give it a shot! My bag features gunmetal hardware, but there’s also a version with gold hardware that’s equally attractive.
I’ve been using my studio bag for about 3 months; it’s currently my main go-to bag both for work and general use around town. Some days my bag is jam-packed, and other days I just carry some essentials. I love that the bag looks great whether if it’s packed to the brim or mostly empty. Here are some more detailed thoughts and notes on Caraa’s studio bag.
Side note: my studio bag is an older generation and there have been a few tweaks to the design since then, like additional pockets.
Pockets
The studio bag is split into two main compartments: one that goes around the perimeter of the rectangular side of the bag via a double zip, and one that goes around the bag’s dome with a single zip. Depending on whether you’re carrying the bag as a crossbody/tote or as a backpack, one will be the top compartment and one will be the side. The double-zipped rectangular compartment is a bit larger.
Either compartment is large enough to fit a pair of shoes. The larger compartment zips open all the way down, but has “wings” on the sides that keep your things from falling out. Typically, I keep my lunch for work, wallet, and other small essentials in this compartment, and my water bottle and sunglasses in the other compartment. Note only the larger compartment has the clasps at the zipper for extra security.
Inside the main compartment, there are two pockets: one zip pocket and one open mesh pocket. Both are roomy enough for things like a small notebook or toiletries. The only downside of using the large pocket is that the zipper takes two hands to coax it around the corner of the rectangle. The zipper itself isn’t sticky, it’s just the fact that it’s going around a hard right angle that necessitates both hands.
The back of the bag has a zip pocket for a small tablet, documents, or other mostly flat goods. The back of the bag is also lightly padded, so if you’re wearing it as a backpack, it’s cushy against your back.
The pockets are tough to photograph in action, but Caraa’s website has fabulous photos showing where the pockets are and what they fit.
Design details
Like all Caraa bags, the studio bag has lots of thoughtful design elements. The body of the bag is made of a durable nylon material, with accents in leather. The leather does add a bit of weight to the bag, but it’s not unreasonably heavy. The metallic hardware accents add a nice bit of flair as well.
There are subtle mesh vents tucked at the top of the bag that provide some air flow to the main rectangular compartment if you’re hauling gym clothes with you.
One of the best details is that you can wear the studio bag in several different configurations. The bag comes with two backpack straps as well as a longer crossbody/tote strap. They’re quick to clip on and off when you’re in the mood for something different. There’s also tote handles (with a snap to connect them), and one short loop handle on top that I’m constantly reaching for. I prefer to wear mine as a backpack to keep the load light on my shoulder. Sometimes I clip on just one backpack strap since I often only sling it over one shoulder anyway.
My bag features an ivory liner, but the newer models of the studio bag have a pretty rose lining instead. Caraa bags also come with shoe bags to help keep your the inside of your bag clean.
The studio bag vs dance 2 bag
I reviewed Caraa’s dance 2 mesh backpack a few weeks ago as well and wanted to note some of the similarities and differences between them.
The studio bag offers a lot more storage options than the dance 2. The dance 2 only has a couple of pockets, while the studio has a few more. The dance 2 is much lighter, weighing in at around 1 lb versus the 2.2 lb weight of the studio bag. The weight difference is definitely noticeable.
The studio bag is a bit larger and roomier, but the bag is split into 2 medium-sized compartments, whereas the dance 2 has one main compartment that is slightly larger than either of the studio’s. On that note, the studio bag has more pockets overall than the dance 2.
I’m definitely a fan of both bags. Although they’re somewhat close in size, they’re definitely very different bags.
Last thoughts
The bag really suits my style since it’s polished enough to bring to work, but sporty enough for me to feel good about taking it to workouts too. In that sense, the style-meets-sport promise definitely delivers for me.
Besides being my daily work bag, the studio has served other purposes nicely, too. I used it as a travel bag for my trip home in May. The backpack configuration is great for hauling through the airport, and I love having all the pockets to keep my traveling goods organized. I’ve even worn the bag in the backpack configuration for a casual 3-mile hike after work, since it was an easy way to carry water and my camera without needing to bring a second bag.
Although the studio bag is on the expensive side for a sport bag, it has a ton of unique details and multifunctional capabilities you won’t find in other bags. I’m thrilled I got mine for a nice discount by buying it secondhand since I’ve been really happy with the bag.
Outfit details
Caraa Sport studio bag
Also available via Nordstrom
Alala liquid black captain tights
Heroine Sport performance tank
Nike metcon 2
P.S. Insider tip: if you’re planning to place an order from Caraa, send me an email and I’ll send you a little something to save $$.
ive been hemming and hawing about this bag. i love the look of it because it straddles the line between an athletic bag and a bag bag. maybe ill treat myself to this soon! :)
also – that tank! i love it! <3
It’s definitely well worth considering. :) If it’s your one main bag and meets all your needs, it’s money well spent!
i have been going to Austin most weekends (we are currently a dual city household as the hubs took a job there and i still work in Houston) — this is practical since i can go from my last yoga class on Friday and off to Austin w/ everything i need in just one bag. im going to see if i can find a gently used one like you did. :)
side note – the caraa x equinox bag is also super cute!
I love my studio bag – glad you are loving yours too.
I have used both the new and old iterations (my older one had a fluke zipper issue so they replaced it with the new version), and I do like the new one just a bit better. They added a phone pocket to the side, which is awesome. That was my biggest (only) complaint about the older one – no place to quickly stick your phone without unclasping and unzipping. That problem is now solved! The rose colored interior is also quite pretty (although I liked the gold interior on the older one too).
I totally want the dance bag 2 but will have to wait until I unexpectedly find $300 in one of my jacket pockets :-/
I’m still trying to fight the urge to get the black dance 2 in addition to my blue one…hah.
Edit to add: and if the white dance 2 ever comes back in stock… I’m done for.
You reminded me that I NEED the Studio Bag :). I bought and returned the Studio 2 Bag because I was looking for mostly a crossbody/tote bag. Its quality and design though almost convinced me to keep it. The Studio Bag was sold out at the time so I did not have the option to make an exchange. Lucky me, it is now available in the gold hardware option. Ordered!
Yes, I like the original studio a bit more than the design of the 2.0. I hope you love yours! :)
Love your bag!! It looks really good on you. Not overwhelming at all for your petite stature. I would love to purchase one but I should probably sell a few things first to help cover the price of this bag… I need backpack style gym bags so I can race after my children down the long underground hallway from the parking garage to the gym. Thank you for review and introducing us to new brands!!
Please let us know it they ever offer a discount or if see another for a good price!
I don’t think they ever offer site discounts but I did find 5% off through one of their ambassadors! Try CARAANICOLE
Thank you Jordan, I appreciate it! I found that one too. It helps take a little off… I just purchased the gold hardware studio bag. Now to sell my other bags!
I have that bag too! SO worth it. Enjoy :)
Yes, I agree it’s a great size for little ladies who still want to carry everything but the kitchen sink. :) They seem to virtually never have sales, but I’ll keep you all posted if I spot some deals!
My Studio bag arrived right before a long trip. It is perfect for traveling. It holds a lot and keeps everything organized. It also did well keeping everything dry during several rainy days. Love this bag!
I haven’t used mine in the rain yet, but that’s good to know that I won’t have to worry! :) Glad you love yours too.
OT but Alala’s new print they just dropped, Beach, is just gorgeous! Would love to see you do a review on their Beach captain ankle tights!
I want to see beach too! It looks really pretty!
Yes, I’m intrigued by the beach print too! I also noted that the beach captains don’t have the front seam, which sometimes can be a minor annoyance on my other full-length captains. Not sure yet if I’ll pull the trigger, but I’ll definitely post if I do. :)
Hi there! I was wondering if a 13in MacBook would fit in the laptop section?
Thanks so much! Love this bag!
Unfortunately no, it’s a bit too small for a 13″ laptop! I’d say the size is more tablet-friendly than laptop-friendly.
https://caraasport.com/collections/studio-bags/products/studio-bag-large?variant=1913277153289 – Looks like it will fit. The website says a 15″ will fit
The large version will fit a laptop, yes! This review is for the original size studio bag (this one: https://caraasport.com/collections/studio-bags/products/studio-bag-classic?variant=1912371445769 ) which is significantly smaller. The large wasn’t released yet when I wrote this post. :)
I heard that they are coming out with a larger Studio Bag option this month that can fit up to a 15! I have been holding out and can’t wait!
Yes, I’ve heard that too! I’m really curious to see what it looks like!
What bra are you wearing? I just got a halter style tank similar to the one you’re wearing & looking for a bra to go with it. Considering the Alala Crossback Bra–have you tried it? Thanks!
I’m wearing the Alala crusade bra, and yes, I have the Alala crossback as well. For both of them, I’d say the support is light, like a bralette, not sufficient for running/impact unless you’re very small-busted and don’t need much support. Let me know if you have other q’s about those! I usually just wear my energy bras under the halter tank. The straps do show a bit, but I just wear a coordinating color and it works just fine.
Ok, putting this on my Christmas list for the hubby. I like the size of the one in this post – is it the regular Studio bag or the large? THANK YOU!!!
It’s the regular sized studio bag. And if you didn’t already see, they’re running a 20% off deal this weekend if you want to drop a hint. ;)
After having them for a while, how are you feeling like your multiple Caraa and Persu bags stack up against each other? What do you find yourself using the most?
To me, my Caraa and Persu bags serve different purposes. My Persu bags are larger and better for traveling or days where I have lots of gear. My favorite out of those would be my Tom bag. My Caraa bags on the other hand are closer to handbag-sized. I still carry my Studio bag every day! The only downside I’ve found to it is that sometimes the D-rings come unscrewed and fall off. Not sure why that is, but I struggle with remembering to tighten them until they go clanging to the floor. :P Hope that helps! Feel free to ask if you have more specific q’s. :)
Hello! There’s a new version in blush that is really tempting me. I didn’t see any mention of how adjustable the backpack straps are? I’m fairly petite and like a more fitted look so the bag doesn’t bounce on my butt with every step, KWIM?
=)
The straps on the version I have don’t tighten so it’s all the way snug against my back. It’s definitely more of a slouchy backpack. I believe it’s at the tightest setting in these photos (which is usually how I keep the straps). That said, the strap style on the website looks different from the one I own, so I’m not sure how the current, updated style compares in terms adjustability. The blush style would suit you. :)
Hi, is this a small or a medium size ?
It’s the smallest size!
Would it fit the macbook 12 (which is really the length of 11)?
Hi Leena! Sorry for the delayed response–I missed this comment at first. No, I don’t think it would fit that size Macbook, but you can check the measurements on their website if you want to be 100% sure. It’s really only large enough for a tablet. That said, the one in my photos is the smallest Studio bag that is offered. The larger sizes should fit your laptop just fine. :)
Hi Suzanne,
Just wanted to thank you for your reviews on your Caraa Sport bags. I recently placed an order for the Studio Medium Bag (to fit my laptop) and Dance Bag… both in nylon with gold hardware. So excited to receive and start using both!
Also wanted to say a big thank you for your site! Your reviews are great and so helpful (especially for me since we’re very similar in size).
Cheers!
Aww thanks! That’s exactly why I write these. I hope you love your new bags. :)