Leather vs. Nylon Backpack

RainbowCanyons said:
How do you like it? Quality made? Anything wearing down too fast? I like the looks of a few of them, and much more affordable.
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I have both the Woodsman and the Timber Cruiser Jr. and really like both of them. If packed correctly, they carry just fine. In terms of quality, I'm sure I'll be handing these two down to the kids - bulletproof. I've owned many modern and tactical packs over the years and since I got these two, I haven't been interested in any others. Mostly due to the smooth, traditional look. The straps are heavy duty leather and very comfortable. Don't look at their websites volume or cubic inch measurements. Mine seem larger than advertised. If you are looking for a day to day pack, try the vintage pack or something similar from their line up. Either of the two mentioned above could carry enough for an overnighter as long as you leave the sink at home. They have higher volume packs though. When you call to order, the folks are awesome to deal with and they make each one by hand so if you have a mod idea, they'll do it for you for a nominal fee. If this style pack appeals to you go ahead and pick one up. You won't be disappointed. If there's any interest, I'll snap some photos after work..
 
I love leather. I'd take leather any day. The problem I've found, and unfortunately Saddleback is no exception, is that leather bags don't have the internal organization that nylon bags do. I'm not talking about webbing on the outside, which I rarely use anyway, but pockets and pouches inside. Most leather bags are just a big open hole inside. I'd love to see someone making Maxpedition/5.11 type designs in leather. I'm sure they'd be $1000 per bag and I wouldn't be able to afford them anyway, though. I know leather is heavy, but to me it's worth it.
 
I have more bags than I care to admit. Most are nylon but I recently acquired a leather satchel for daily use. For a serious hiking backpack I would definitely stick to nylon. Its lighter, will dry quicker and ideally will have an internal aluminium frame for greater comfort.

If you just want a bag for casual use it doesn't matter so much. Leather has its own appeal and is very stylish, if that's important to you. But nylon bags generally have more organisation and are cheaper. Another option is a canvas bag of the type made by Duluth Pack. These have an old school charm but also quite practical and durable. They have a combination of canvas and leather.
 
Nylon is the way to go. It is lighter weight, dries much quicker, extremely versatile, wouldn't stand out (depending on the bag) as worthy of robbing to your average thug as an expensive looking leather bag. Kelty makes a couple of great choices like the MAP 3500 or the Peregrine 29 (both found at www.amronintl.com). 5.11 Tactical has the Covert 18 backpack located at http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/COVRT/COVRT-18-Backpack.html. Depending on the size you need anyone of these would be a great nylon choice while not looking too tactical.
 
Nylon all the way.

Aside from being heavy, leather soaks up water like sponge, and even treated, it still will soak through eventually in a heavy rain. I like a nice lightweight nylon bag lined with plastic garbage bag for total water proofness. And a non script nylon will attract less attenion like said.

Carl.
 
I have the Leather Backpack for weekend trips to my Cabin and the Messenger Bag I use as my work Briefcase. Both have been Great for me. They get better every time I use them.


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Phil6019 said:
I have the Leather Backpack for weekend trips to my Cabin and the Messenger Bag I use as my work Briefcase. Both have been Great for me. They get better every time I use them.


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Beautiful. Nylon can't touch the classiness of that bag. Oh I wish $500 fell from the sky:(
 
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