I'm 30 years old and love this type of bag for vacations and weekend trips, I can throw it on my back and not have to carry a purse.  I bought 8 different colors so I would have one to match whatever I wore.  The straps are long to fit my arms through, and the bag (size small) is a great size to fit all I want to carry while we are out.  It does not have a pocket like some drawstring Backpacks but that is fine with me, and depending on which color you choose you may be able to see what is inside (just in case that may bother you) I think this bag would work for an adult or a child.