Leather Backpack Guide

Why the Womens Leather Backpack is Taking Over from the Handbag

grace — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:16:51 +0000

It was once we reached the end of the last century really, that the demise of the handbag as a girl’s most essential item began! As we’ve progressed into the 21^st century, more and more of us have been ditching our hand-held carry-alls in favor of more useful items, such as a womens leather backpack, laptop bag or messenger bag. So why is this exactly?

Handbags have sort of become more hassle than they are worth – a veritable pit in which you can never find the items that you are looking for because there are too many pockets in which to lose essentials, or items just sink to the black hole at the bottom of the bag, never to be seen again. With womens backpacks there is just as much space but it is not so easy to lose things: essential grab-quick items – keys, mobile, lippie are in the small pocket, whilst bigger, valuable or less-used items are safely stowed inside.
When find yourself accidentally shopping (as you do), with a handbag you still end up with a carrier or two in tow by the time you’ve visited a couple of shops, even if you are just buying DVDs or make-up. Carrying carriers as well as a handbag quickly makes you bogged down with baggage, whereas by using a backpack instead it’s easy to just pop purchases all into the big pouch and carry on your way – with still just the one bag and all hands-free!
When handbags were ‘invented’ women carried little more than cosmetic, sanitary or small domestic necessities. In contemporary society we have a much greater variety of necessary items, including social, entertainment and even business hardware such as mobile phones, ipods, MP3s, netbooks and laptop computers, most of which we carry with us either out of on-the-move necessity or to transport them between home and work. For the most part, a womens laptop backpack fits the bill for carrying such items safely and easily, much more than a handbag.
Women in cities have long since learned that handbags are not the best portable system for valuables. Inside pockets of a jacket are deemed to be the safest of all but, given the space needed for the other essential items for transportation, this is not always possible. A womens leather backpack fulfils space and safety criteria, particularly where the backpack can be worn across the front, limiting any interference or theft from behind (as it were)!
Part of the appeal that kept handbags in front in terms of lingering preference is the sheer range of styles, colors and sizes that make them so attractively versatile. However, since female backpacks have grown in popularity we now have options that mean we can have a pink leather backpack or chic Italian leather backpacks if we choose – we’re not limited to bri-nylon sports versions!

So, plenty of reasons why backpacks for babes are in and handbags are out, so be assured that your womens leather backpack not only keeps your items as safe as can be, but also keeps you right on-trend!

The Rising Popularity of Saddleback Leather

grace — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:13:41 +0000

Now, I always dismissed one batch of leather as being pretty much the same as another, until I had call to research saddleback leather on behalf of a friend. It’s interesting to note that it’s a fabric that actually does as it says, being very suited to saddle manufacture as it can withstand the rigors of horseback riding much more than some of its contemporaries, that is to say ‘other’ leathers. So, what do you need to look for to ensure you are closest to getting the genuine saddleback leather that you want?

Firstly, it’s possible to buy this genuine quality leather from specific manufacturers, for example it is easy enough to find a saddleback leather company on-line and then, on-line or on premises, genuine saddleback leather manufacturers will guide you to their own outlets or be able to signpost customers to retail outlets that they regularly supply.

Once you are in a leather store (recommended or not) and you are not sure if an item is manufactured from genuine saddleback leather, there are a few tell-tale signifiers that you can look out for. For instance:

Saddleback leather has a thicker, fuller ‘grain’ than other leathers. This means that as saddleback leather ages, it does not weaken, hence its durability in the saddle!

Saddleback leather prices tend to be higher because you are paying for the durability and the additional expenses incurred in the manufacture of genuine saddleback leather. For example, a lesser quality leather may be significantly cheaper because it is only partially tanned, whereas saddleback leather is fully tanned so that it will not be prone to cracking or drying out (which can be a problem with only partially tanned leather items). This is why even smaller items such as backpacks and satchels could be more expensive: because they are made to be long-lasting.

Look carefully at the seams and bindings of leather items. Items made from saddleback leather will include industrial-strength sewing (necessary because of the thicker quality of the leather) and will be completed with similarly industrial quality thread, which is should be fray, water and UV resistant. In this way, you can be sure that your saddleback leather satchel will not fall apart at the seams after the second use!

Similarly, look closely at finishing pieces or attachments to leather items. A genuinely handcrafted saddleback leather backpack, for example, should have hidden reinforcement to parts such as straps. This reinforcement should come from nylon straps which are sewn into the leather straps, because these will be the parts of the leather that are under the most stress. Nylon is particularly used because it does not stretch itself, so will support the leather, thus reducing its wear and tear through stretching – a common complaint of inferior leather backpacks.

Happily, as we have become more eco-conscious, there is more demand for durability rather than disposability of items and saddleback leather fits this bill entirely! So if you are shopping around for hardwearing and serviceable leather items, from furnishings to accessories, think about spending a little more to saddle up to a bit of quality!

Leather Messenger Bag

grace — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:45:12 +0000

The leather messenger bag is a unisex carrier that offers multifunctional usage to customers. Traditionally designed with an adjustable shoulder strap for ultimate comfort whilst carrying, these bags can carry a range of materials while boasting superb style aesthetics. There is a diversity of range to suit both men and women, and bag produced in different colors of leather to suit every possible visual requirement. The most interesting product type is the men’s messenger bag, which has to retain a masculine quality to ensure popularity amongst its customers.

Messenger Bags for Men

The men’s leather messenger bag has been careful designed to provide a sleek style accessory that is both functional and masculine. They achieve this balance through an often slim but square and rugged design, often using coarse and darker colored leather for the finished aesthetic. To compliment this, most models come with brushed metal hardware on the strap. Another feature of the mans messenger bag is its capacity for holding many gadgets, including a laptop with up to a 15 inch screen, cell phone and multiple pen and card holder pockets. Some messenger bags also offer space for a PDA and iPod, and also an expandable zip section to create even further compartments for storage. As well as boasting a durable and adjustable strap for maximum strength and comfort, many male messenger bags also have a grab handle for versatility.

The Kenneth Cole Leather Messenger Bag Range

Kenneth Cole is a popular and renowned producer of many male and female accessories. They are especially well known for their varied and stylish range of male jewelry, accessories and fragrances. Over recent years, they have produced for sale an increasing number of messenger bag designs, which meld a contemporary and minimalist concept with a deceptively large internal space with which to carry goods and gadgets. The Kenneth Cole leather messenger bag range is also relatively affordable, with typical products ranging from day bags to for more multifunctional carriers at a price range between $50 and $250.

The Wilson Leather Messenger Bag Range

Wilson Leather is one of the leading retailers on quality and stylish accessories and outside wear. They are renowned for producing leather goods of luxurious aesthetics, and have been trading under various forms since 1899. The company as it is recognized today was the result of a merger completed in 1988, since when the company has produced many products in the accessory and bag range. Wilson leather messenger bags sell through their stores and website, and are again designed in masculine brown and black leather shades. Exceptionally stylish and beautifully designed, the full sales price of their messenger bags is between $140 and $200, meaning their cheaper products are slightly more expensive than most of the Kenneth Cole range.

There is no doubt that the leather messenger bag sets the trend in modern outdoor accessorizing, particularly within the male product market. The leading brands manage to effectively gel style and purpose, without compromising the masculine qualities that most men require from their bags and accessories.

The Mens Leather Backpack

grace — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:56:06 +0000

The art of accessorizing is a delicate and finely balanced one, and involves a keen eye to accompany an outfit with the appropriate adornments. With the trend of accessorizing now featuring prominently in male fashion and style, a whole new range of accessories have been brought to market throughout recent years, aimed solely at male consumers. One of the most widely sold is a bag or carrier, and in particular the men’s leather backpack.

The men’s leather backpack (or leather rucksack) goes through a considered design process before being sold. This is required because the product needs to reflect contemporary trends but also remain durable, practical and also boast masculine qualities in order to achieve market penetration. This can be a delicate balancing act, but the successful result is a stylish and slim line model with a deceptively large holding capacity.

The Typical Leather Backpack for Men

The typical leather backpack for men is generally available in two main colors: black and brown. While there are variable shades, the product relies on the design and the finished sheen of the bag to appeal rather than on the diverse use of colors. This carefully selected range of colors is utilized to suit the male demographic, and maintain the products relevance is contemporary style and society.

The black leather backpack remains the most popular design, and no material is more synonymous with modern luxury than black leather. The most popular shade is known as night black, which not only boast a durable sheen and clinical visual effect, but also a well preserved surface that will resist stains or discoloring. A key selling point of all leather products is their lifespan, as these items are traditionally less affordable than other fabricated goods. This is an even more significant consideration in outdoor wear, but due to the quality and dark shades of the black leather, the backpack provide excellent value for money.

Brown leather is a lighter and more versatile color utilized in bag and rucksack design. The brown leather backpack is particularly favored in areas of Western Europe, including Italy and Spain. Italy itself is renowned for its design and production of brown leather accessories, evolving multiple shades and tones of the material to create different aesthetic visual effects. Always manufactured from particularly strong and robust leather, they can survive daily use and offer a surface that can be wiped clean of impurities after every trip outdoors. Though not as stain resistant as black leather, the brown leather backpack does offer an increased diversity in shades and finished looks.

Contemporary Applications

With the modern trend of portable technology (such as mini-laptops, computers and other electronic equipment) the design of leather backpacks has had to evolve to incorporate extra holding space. The leather laptop backpack is the end result of these advancements, and is a backpack that can contain a large array of electrical items in their space. Designers have managed to create a deceptively large space within an increasingly slim line design, with multiple small and zip pockets to compliment the large space created for computers and laptops.

Look Cool for School Why Choose a Leather Backpack

grace — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:20:33 +0000

There is such an overwhelming range of school bags available on the market, that it’s almost impossible at first glance to tell which would be the most suitable for the rough and tumble of school (or college) life. But help is at hand, for here we explain why a leather backpack more than fits the purpose intended!

Make no mistake; a humble backpack is usually the best choice for a school bag, no matter what, due to the way it’s carried. Backpacks allow even weight distribution across both shoulders, making a heavier bag easier on the shoulders and back – ideal for growing bones and joints!
By its nature, leather is a very durable material, so it can more easily bear the wear and tear, thrills and spills of school life. It is water resistant, easily wipeable and without ‘threads’ which can be susceptible to rips due to catching and snagging (a lot of fabric backpacks are prone to this). Additional sprays can be purchased to treat the leather with, to help it maintain its durable qualities and looks for longer.
Because it’s a hard material to sew, attachments such as straps and buckles demand a high level of ‘industrial’ sewing to firmly attach them. As a result, they tend to be very well sewn in and are less likely to spontaneously detach than those of their fabric counterparts.
The more it is used, the more supple leather can grow over time, so once the child has got used to wearing a leather backpack over a period of time, it can become incredibly comfortable, as it will not have a rigid shape that will dig into the child!
Despite the rise in vegetarianism, leather remains a popular material for clothing, shoes and accessories and these items are now freely available in mainstream, as well as specialist stores, so the cost of genuine leather items is now also far more reasonable than you might expect. A fashionable leather backpack can be just as readily bought and for a similar cost to a run of the mill school bag or sports logo backpack.
The color choice of leather backpacks is far more varied now than ever before! Kids love to have choice and with a girls leather backpack now being available in colors such as red, yellow and purple, so you should have no problem fitting in with any school color requirements or fashion demands from the kids – it is actually possible to find a pink leather backpack!
As well as standard pocket backpacks, popular leather ranges also include laptop backpacks. As above, with the resilient nature of the material, plus the sturdy nature of seams and straps, a leather laptop backpack offers many advantages for the safe-keeping and transportation of a laptop – a real bonus not just for college kids, but if you commute to work and want a stylish, back-friendly but reliable means of carrying your laptop with you.

Plenty of reasons, then, why a leather backpack could be the ideal choice as an alternative and fashionable school bag for your kids – and because it’s so hardwearing, it’s also one which could save you money in the long run!

The Popularity Of The Leather Backpack

grace — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 05:58:52 +0000

The leather backpack is a fairly new innovation in outdoor wear and backpacks. It has grown out of the continued growth of the fashion sector, and the need for diverse and modern products to suit consumer demand. Accessories have, in recent years, become as important as the clothes and wear that they accompany, and are required to incorporate style, convenience and durability all within a compact and lightweight package.

The leather backpack is one of the best products of this type. These backpacks contain all the multifarious properties of leather in neat, contemporary designs, and possess the durability required for outside use. Supple and lightweight, they are convenient to carry as they are not single strapped bags that place unnecessary strain on the shoulders or back, and of course they come with the aesthetic appeal unique to leather products.

Leather Backpacks For Laptops and Computer Accessories

The advent of laptops have meant that more and more people are able to work from home or on the move. The leather laptop backpack enables the laptop to be transported easily from one place to another, but with a certain level of style. There are designs to suit both professional and casual use, and can accessorize many different styles of clothing and appearance. The leather material allows heat to escape from the bearers back and reduce perspiration and discomfort, and its straps are generally padded to protect the shoulders from pain or skin irritation. Many designs are also equipped with a great deal of space and capacity built into a compact, lightweight space.

A leather computer backpack consists of many of the same design traits, but generally offer a little more space for computer and hard-drive accessories. The computer backpacks will traditionally incorporate a laptop compartment, and also include the addition of a top carry handle to enable it to be held in a similar manner to a briefcase or luggage. Again, they are produced in many different styles and colors, from black and dark brown to specialist full grain LeDonne leather. Leather laptop and computer backpacks are available for both male and female consumers, and also with different surface finishes. These vary from polished, smooth exteriors to more weather-beaten and distressed external surfaces. Considering the durability and long-lasting nature of leather, these models are also reasonably priced amongst suppliers and often marketed as bags for life.

Designer Leather Backpacks And Function

For the more discerning and fashion conscious of people, the designer leather backpack makes a statement in both functionality and style. These products are not only more luxurious in design and their look, but even more durable and longer lasting than the standard leather backpack range. In order to justify their inflated cost to the consumer (upwards of $400 in some instances), they offer the best combination of style, convenience and strength available on the market. The design of these backpacks are generally a little more diverse and trend driven, which makes them more suitable to accompany designer clothes and outfits.

How To Sew Up Torn Leather

C. Williams — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:52:08 +0000

Leather is a tough fabric that can take a lot of punishment. That does not mean it is invulnerable, however, and it will tear under the right circumstances. The easiest way to repair leather is to sew it. There are no super-special techniques to sewing leather, but there is a certain skill to it and you have to treat the leather with respect. It was once part of a living creature, after all, and therefore it is different from most fabrics. Also, there is no need to sew it by hand – you can use a sewing machine, which makes it a lot easier.

You will need to use a leather needle instead of a regular needle. Due to leather being so durable, it will snap a regular needle in two. Using a leather needle will prevent this problem. For the thread, use polyester in the dye of your choice. Cotton is too weak to hold leather together. You will also need two-sided leather tape, a rotary cutter, and a leather presser foot; again, for reasons of strength, ordinary materials just will not do.

Remember, you cannot rip out sections you didn’t sew well. This can make it hard to repair leather. It might be better to practice on a cotton sample of the area you want to repair. This way you will get a better idea of the manuevers to use when you repair the actual leather. When you sew up torn leather, take the cotton practice sample and lay it over the leather so you can get an even clearer idea of how to sew it. It is important to make it as clear as possible to yourself because you probably will not be able to undo any mistakes. You can even mark the pattern on the leather with chalk if you feel comfortable doing that.

When sewing, use a long stitch. Using a short stitch will create a perforating effect that will actually render the leather more vulnerable to tearing. If your machine skips a stitch, go back later and do the missing stitch by hand using your leather needle.

How To Sew Up A Torn Backpack

C. Williams — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:53:59 +0000

When a backpack has torn a hole, you have three options. You can sew the tear up, you can buy a new backpack, or you can keep using the backpack if the tear is not too bad. If it is, and buying a new backpack is not a viable option right now, sewing it up is your best bet. Sewing a backpack isn’t that different from sewing any other kind of clothing item, whether shirts, sweaters, pants, and so on. In fact, it can be easier to sew a backpack than to repair other types of fabric. The reason for this is that fabric threads can become loose more easily than backpack threads can. Even better, the time to sew up a tear can take mere minutes, depending on the size of the tear, of course. (If the tear is large, you might want to consider buying a new backpack anyway.)

Keep in mind that the technique you use depends on the size of the tear and how much the mend will show. Most backpacks are sewn at six to ten stitches per inch of fabric. Usually six to ten stitches is the standard to aim for because anything above ten stitches or below six begins to degrade the fabric’s strength. The fabric used for backpacks is called “denier”, although denier is a unit of measure rather than a true style of fabric. Denier is a unit of fineness of silk and artifical fibers like nylon, the most common fabric used in backpacks, which is equal to one gram per nine thousand meters of yarn. Here is an example: nine thousand meters of four hundred and fifty denier fabric would weigh four hundred and fifty grams. Denier is a way to measure the heaviness and the strength of fabric.

Another factor you should be aware of is the fabric’s tenacity. Tenacity is how long the fabric can resist additional tearing after the original tear has started.

For the basic technique for sewing a backpack, you’ll need:

Tools such as a steam iron and ironing board, sharp scissors, sewing needles in a variety of sizes, sewing machine, tailors’ chalk or pencil, and a sponge.

Materials such as iron-on mending tape, thread in appropriate colors, patching materials, heavy brown paper, and tissue paper.

Don’t forget you’ll also need around fifteen minutes or more, depending on the severity of the tear. You can sew the backpack either by hand or by machine. Sewing it by machine may be too difficult on the device you have at home, so it’s better to sew it by hand.

Here are the steps:

1) Since most tears follow the grain of the fabric they will generally be straight or in a L-shape. If the fabric is medium-weight or heavier, use the iron-on mending tape. Cut a piece of tape about an inch longer and wider than the tear. Round off the corners.

2) Lay the backpack on the ironing board in such a way so that the tear faces wrong side up. Another way of putting this is to have the backpack inside out and on the board so that the tear on the inside faces up towards you. If it is too hard to lay the item out so that the edges of the tear stay together, get a temporary large patch made of fabric or heavy brown paper and lightly baste it to the side of the fabric opposite of where the mending tape will go. Take care that the basting threads are far enough away so that they will not be caught by the mending tape.

3) Put the mending tape on the tear, adhesive side down. Carefully position it; then use the tailor’s chalk or pencil to mark the tape at several points around the tear. This is to guide your iron leater on. Remove the mending tape briefly and heat the area to be mended up using the iron.

4) Replace the mending tape on the tear inside your markings. Following the directions on the mending tape package, iron it down completely. Make sure the tape is fully bonded to the fabric. Let the tape cool before moving the mended item. If you used a basted patch, remove the patch after the mended area has cooled.

That’s all there is to it. You should have a mended backpack ready for use. Be sure to take better care of it so the tear doesn’t open again. If it does, constantly re-mending it will wear down the fabric.

How To Repair A Backpack

C. Williams — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:45:30 +0000

Backpacks, like everything else, aren’t invincible. They can be torn, ripped or even shredded with the proper force and equipment. When this happens, repairing it is easy (unless it was shredded, in which case you might want to think about buying a new leather backpack). Backpacks tend to get damaged in the same places: the zipper, the straps, or the corners of the backpack due to pressure from internal contents, such as books. Repairing damage like this is pretty easy. All it takes it suitable thread and a sturdy needle, since backpack fabric is thicker and tougher than other kinds of fabric. Backpacks can even be made from the ground up using old fabric such as old jeans, for example. But that is the subject of another post.

To sew up a tear or rip in a backpack it’s considered best to go with heavy duty nylon or polyester thread as this will support the thick fabric better. Another type of thread to use is thick string or even very thin rope if the damage is serious. Make sure your needle is built to handle both the thread and the fabric. A light needle with likely break under the strain (in which case you have another problem on your hands) and a too strong needle will not work due to the fact that the needle will not sew properly because of the thickness of the needle. Think about it, you do not need to use the equivalent of a miniature sword to repair a hole the size of a quarter.

The basic protocol to follow is not that different from regular sewing, except you probably should not use a machine to do it. Instead, do it by hand. You will get a better sense of repairing it that way and also learn some minor repair skills so you can repair other backpacks in the future. If you are fond of backpacking, this is a very valuable skill, especially if your backpack breaks when you are out on a trail and there is no chance of easily returning to your base camp. In mountainous terrain, your backpack is your best friend, and it’s ridiculous to presume that it will not break so it’s safe to leave your repair tools at home.

Safety cannot be ignored when you are a hiker or backpacker. Following proper safety constraints may alleviate you from the pain of ever having to repair a backpack in the first place. If not, simply sew the rip, tear, or hole using a piece of material similar to the material the backpack was made from. It’s the easiest and simplest way to repair a backpack.

A Short History Of The Backpack

C. Williams — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:34:58 +0000

Backpacking as a recreational activity actually dates back to the 1900s. The basic design of a backpack is a canvas bag with shoulder straps attached; a pack that is worn on the back. Simple and elegant, with one downside: if not properly packed, there is no way to prevent the contents from digging into the wearer’s back. Evidently there was a change from that design into what we now know as the modern backpack, but what was it, and who changed it?

The change was simply attaching the bag to a flat board that rested on the back of the wearer, thus separating the contents of the pack from the back. This flat board is called a pack board for obvious reasons. With this ingenious invention, the modern backpack was born. The inventor? Lloyd F. Nelson, an explorer who first came up with the idea for the pack board during a trip to Alaska in the spring of 1920.

The pack board also made it easier to carry the contents of the pack because it distributed weight more evenly, allowing for a more relaxed hiking experience. The design remains basically the same today, with a few variations introduced by users in different professions, such as the military.

Aside from this short little history, the truth is no really knows who first came up with the idea for the first backpack. Now, packs have been carried around on backs for thousands of years all over the world, but what got the backpack started? Obviously the modern backpack could not have been made with the invention of the zipper. Whitcomb Judson is credited with inventing the zipper in 1893. The only hitch is it was not called a zipper! The official name was the “Clasp Locker”, and it was a complicated hook-and-eye assembly.

A Swede designed the modern zipper named Gideon Sundback, who became head of the company founded by Judson to manufacturer Clasp Lockers. The zipper made its first appearance in 1913. So, we know the backpack could not have been put together before 1913 because the zipper had not been officially invented yet. But that doesn’t answer the question of when did the backpack first appear?

The answer is the backpack as we know it today started appearing in the 1920s, complete with zipper and all. Nelson’s invention of the pack board combined with Sundback’s invention with the zipper made an irresistible combination. Backpacks have been a staple of our society ever since, and they have gone on to enjoy wide popularity around the world.