Leather backpacks are elegant, sleek, and unique accessories that make you stand out. A quality leather bag can quickly become one of your most favorite go-to accessories for an outing. An item that becomes so dear you can’t leave the house without, and the most meaningful thing you own.
Searching for a leather backpack to buy can be somehow confusing considering the market is filled with fake leathers that are made with poor craftsmanship. You would think you had landed a pretty good deal only to end up with hardware that gets damaged from time to time.
We all know that there are original leather bags so the question would be how can you identify quality from products that were poorly made? Some people have an eye for this kind of thing and people who just buy what they’re shown are always at the receiving end. Below are qualities you should consider when buying a leather backpack.
- Is It Hand Or Machine Made?
The leather market is saturated with machine-made bags because it doesn’t cost much for factories to produce and it’s easier for them to sell at a cheaper price. That ultimately means more people get to buy while the company spends less.
But if people understood the importance of a quality leather bag they’d prefer just one good backpack to have multiple low-quality ones. The point we’re trying to make is this; it’s better to get handmade leather bags.
Handmade leather gets more attention from its maker, that’s what makes it better quality than machine-made ones. They are made with premium leather so you can rest assured that whatever type you’re buying would be unique. How would you like a backpack that was custom-made for you meaning no one else in the world has it? It sure would make you feel good and special, right?
- What Type of Leather Was Used?
The outlook and how your bag would feel are largely dependent on the type of leather that was used or you choose. There are two major options to choose from; full-grain and bonded leather.
The full-grain is what you need if you want quality. It makes the bag still look good after several years of usage. Bonded leather, on the other hand, is one you shouldn’t consider at all. They were made from scraps that were chemically pieced together and the outcome isn’t palatable. The quality is reduced, can get worn out faster, and doesn’t just feel right. Be on the lookout for backpacks made with full-grain leather.
- Was Solid Brass Hardware Used?
Find out if solid brass hardware alongside an antique brass finish was used. Organizations that use real solid brass hardware are quite scarce nowadays so it would be great if your backpack is made of it.
Keep in mind that it is more expensive than the metal hardware used by other bags. Apart from that, it’s difficult to find and produce but it’s worth all the stress. You feel how substantial it is the moment you wear it. Solid Brass Hardware is very resistant to cracking and corrosion.
- Durability
No one wants to get a bag that falls apart after 2 or 3 months, right? You’d prefer a durable bag that would last for a long time. If you want that to happen, keep your eyes out for these things.
Stitching Quality
Examine how well the stitches are done on the bag and ensure there is no sloppy finishing. Once you notice a couple of those on the bag, move on to the next. Even if it looks flashy (because they do sometimes), it’s best that you just go for something else.
Interior Lining Quality
You can check this yourself in the store. How does the interior lining feel in your hands? Ensure everything is alright before buying.
Durable Straps and Handles
It wouldn’t be funny if the straps are not very strong. You’re at the risk of losing important items if the strap or handle gets ripped apart. If you don’t want that to happen, check how durable the straps are.
- Budget
This is also something you should look out for when buying a leather bag because they can be pretty expensive. When you get into a store, look for products you can afford. You just might have to do a little bit more research to get a quality bag at your level.
You don’t have to be confused about how to get quality leather products anymore. This guide has highlighted some important things you need to look out for. Ensure to consider them before making your choice