7 Factors To Consider Before Buying A Leather Backpack
The demand for leather bags is always increasing, forcing suppliers to step up their production to meet market demands. Thus, if you love leather backpacks, there is a variety of styles and designs you can choose, especially one that matches your personality.
However, not all backpacks that appear to be made of leather are actually made of pure leather as the market is also full of imitations and faux leather bags. You don’t have to be moved by the appearance of the bag—even if it looks magnificent and sleek.
There are different kinds of leather backpacks designed for men and women. If you’re a lady, a Bella backpack from Von Baer can be a great choice for you. This bag is medium in size and you can use it to carry your phone, notebook, wallet, and makeup, among other things. For gents, especially those who want a bag that can be used to carry files and a laptop, a leather briefcase might be the kind of bag you need.
To get the best leather backpack for your lifestyle and needs, you must do a thorough check on the following factors to make sure that you get your money’s worth:
1. Durability And Craft
Getting a leather backpack that’s made from highly durable leather is your best bet when it comes to quality. A durable bag can carry a significant weight of objects for a long time without sagging or deteriorating. A bag made from full-grain leather is the best as this is the most durable material. Top-grain leather is also durable and is affordable at the same time.
A leather backpack with good handwork ought to have straight stitching which is not easily noticeable. So, check to make sure that the threads are not loose. Remember to check the inside of the bag also for consistency.
A durable quality bag should have the handles attached to the body with reinforced stitching or by use of metal fixtures. If the handles are glued, avoid buying them as they can get loose with time and could come off.
2. Hardware Used
Turn the bag from side to side to make sure every detail is what you should be paying for. Check the standard and quality of the following features: handles, buckles, metallic rings, locks, zippers (metal zippers are of better quality than plastic zippers), and shoulder straps.
In case you’re shopping online, zoom the picture of the leather backpack so you can see the individual parts. Read the full description to know all the materials used for each part. You may request additional pictures to know how the bag looks like when the zipper is open or closed.
3. Functionality
The bag you need should be able to serve the purpose you want. If you need a good bag for carrying your books and laptop, get one that can accommodate the size of your laptop.
The size of the bag is not the only thing to check here, other aspects such as convenient side pockets, detachable shoulder straps, adjustable buckles (which can provide extra security), and inner hidden pockets must be considered as well.
Every one of these aspects is important when you’re looking for the best leather backpack. For example, if you want a quick way to reach out to your valuables, getting a backpack with side pockets may be best for you.
4. Price
Generally, leather backpacks are a bit more expensive than your regular new backpack. The handwork involved, the quality of the bag, its finish, and the size are different from a typical backpack. Hence, you might find the best leather backpacks to be more expensive.
However, the price doesn’t always reflect the quality of the bag. Some brands sell backpacks expensively just because of their name. You don’t need to fall for the trick of price in this case, rather go for a bag that is of better quality.
5. Color
Leather backpacks can come in different colors such as dark brown, black, light brown, and tan. It’s recommended that you use a dark brown or black backpack if you’re using it in professional environments. They are deemed to exude a sense of power and authority. For more relaxed and casual environments, you may buy a lighter brown or tan backpack.
A black backpack is believed to be the best leather backpack AND the most formal because it can complement virtually all colors of suits. These colors can last over a decade and still look elegant. If a bag has more than two colors, or if the stitching has different colors, it’s best to avoid it. A one-color backpack is the best since multi-colored leather would appear flamboyant.
6. Country Of Origin
Though not a top priority, sometimes the place of origin of the leather may affect the quality of the bag. You may expect countries like Italy, the U.S, England, and France to produce high-quality leather. These countries have maintained a good reputation for leather-made bags over the years.
7. Brand
Exercise caution and buy your backpack from a brand that is trusted. Go through reviews by other customers, especially if you’re buying online. Some established brands give their customers a trial period for the backpack, while some guarantee refunds if the bag is not to your liking. This means that you’re not risking your money in case something doesn’t please you. Your seller would be willing to give your money back since that was part of the bargain.
The price range can vary when looking for the best leather backpack and how you end up spending would highly depend on the brand you choose. Remember that high prices don’t necessarily guarantee good quality. Aside from that, you need to properly care for your leather bag to make sure it stays in good condition for years to come.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that when you are looking for the best leather backpack, the quality of the leather is very important. Your backpack will be your work or travel buddy. Hence, it is important that it is durable, portable, and stylish enough to be carried around constantly and withstand daily abuse.
If you aren’t aware of good leather brands, you can try to search online for trusted names that would also deliver to your area. Aside from that, you can try searching for outlet stores to find the best leather backpacks near you.