Leather Backpack - YouLookFab Forum

Remember my Zara backpack? I showed it to you here: https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....a-backpack

It was a good size. It looked pretty good. But it went on precisely 2 trips before it died. At the time of purchasing it, I didn't notice that its magnetic closure was SO impractical (instead of a regular button, it was a tiny screw and the screw head kept coming lose with regular opening & closing, especially when the bag was full).

On my last trip to Maldives, the magnetic closure broke again. (I had it repaired once before). And it was the most inconvenient time for something like that to happen. It made me realize there's no place for something flimsy, unreliable and impractical in my life....no matter how good looking it may be......

So instead of trying to get the backpack fixed again, I found the closest garbage bin and just dumped the bag. (I had a chance to get into my luggage and transfer my things to my beach tote, which I then carried with me to the airport and back home).

I didn't feel any regret.

With all my lessons learnt, I decided to get another backpack.....but make no mistakes this time. I wanted something:
1. Very sturdy and durable. I don't end up using backpacks for regular life. I mostly use them on trips....hence I preferred the idea of pure leather to leatherette since it wouldn't start flaking/falling apart just lying in my closet!
2. Slightly unique. Not like every other back pack you see.
3. No magnetic closures! I wanted a zip
4. Inner compartments. The Zara backpack has nothing...was just a gaping hole and it was impossible to organize stuff in it. I usually carried things in pouches.

I went shopping a couple of times but didn't find something perfect in person. I also ordered a few options online....and I finally chose this one - Burgundy Backpack from Phive Rivers.

It's beautifully made with excellent quality leather. I like the design and the inner space. It's a touch smaller but looks pretty good. I'm happy with it....

I would only know how practical it turns out to be next time I travel though!

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7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Your new backpack is gorgeous! Happy travels.

Sal

Lovely Maneera, I think you will enjoy using this. I also like backpacks for day trips ie museums, festivals or similar.

I agree - function is the MOST important but in your case you have combined form and function!

Suz

(website)

It looks fantastic! Great purchase. And it's too bad the Zara one didn't work out. Mine is still -- amazingly -- going strong, but it is a different one than yours was and has a zipper. Also I wonder if heat and humidity does a number on leatherette? It might. Anyway, I think a leather one is a really smart purchase because they look to be a kind of classic item now vs. a trend piece.

Maneera

You're right Suz. I agree- maybe heat & humidity do cause my faux leather bags to wear out quickly. For bags I use frequently, I don't mind that at all. I use them, they die, and I get to update my bag....which works for me. But in case of bags I use only occasionally - like a backpack for traveling or a work tote that I only use for occasional meetings, I prefer leather that can last for years (such bags only get used few times in a year).

Sal - thanks! Definitely this bag is form & function combined! As for day trips, I don't require a backpack at all. I live in very hot weather (most of the year round) so I'm not at open markets a lot. I don't need a large bag for my everyday life coz I don't need to pack very much...I don't have kids (I've noticed people with young kids need to be able to pack more things like snacks, medicines, diapers & maybe a change of clothes). All I need to carry with me is my wallet, phone, sunglasses, some tissues and hand sanitizer....so a small cross body bag usually suffices. I also don't use public mode of transport EVER; I go everywhere by car, so don't have to carry much at all. Another important thing, my wallet & phone are NOT safe in a backpack when I'm in India. Things get stolen everywhere...even malls...and I've had my wallet stolen from a tote. I'm extra careful now.

Thanks a lot Joy! Glad you approve of the new backpack!!

karen13

Gorgeous! So sleek! I'm not a bag person, but posts like this make me want to be.

Such an important lesson that life is to short to deal with bad gear. I am slowly learning that for my outdoor stuff, but it definitely applies to items like this ( and shoes!).

Sisi

I am looking for the ideal bakcpack (practical but on the dressy side) since long time, and this seems the perfect backpack! It's beautiful and seems very well made. I totally approve your new purchase!

Thanks Sisi. Phive Rivers makes Italian leather bags, sourcing material from Italy and India both! The products are man-made and not machine made. I am blown away by the quality too. I do have high-end pure leather bags from luxury brands that manufacture in India but this bag is especially well-made and looks even better quality. You can check them out at: http://phiverivers.us/index

Beth Ann

Gorgeous backpack, Manny! I'm looking for one, too, but mine needs to be good looking "gear" that would work for hiking........ yours is so pretty, though!

Nicholas Juan

Member

I seem the bag awesome and sturdy. Generally, most of the leather bag is portent tous. But it is more weighty than other material's bag. Nylon and polyester composite backpacks are lightweight and low in price . also they are perfect for trekking and short tour.

But your experience makes you more conscious than previous. Thanks for sharing the experience.

6 years ago

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