TartuWolf
Call Me a Cab
- Messages
- 2,659
- Location
- Tartu, Estonia
In this thread I explored options of finding a nice waxed canvas + leather backpack that would not be made in China:
www.thefedoralounge.com
Eventually I ordered a backpack InnesBags. Here is a small review of the product and experience.
Platforms
They have their own website, which is quite well done and rather informative : https://www.innesbags.com/
Also an IG page (as usual), FB page and an Etsy store.
Communication
We did all initial communication via IG. I'd say they were fantastic in terms of communication and customer support.
Definitely a 10/10 here, that's exactly why we turn to small business - we expect a good customer experience.
And I definitely got one with InnesBags, they thoroughly answered all my questions even keeping the numeric order of questions intact.
They quickly sent me extra photos that they did on the spot related to my questions.
Couldn't wish for better communication.
Ordering process
We discussed everything and then I just ordered through their website writting all my custom requests in the notes section.
They quickly got back to me via email discussing and confirming all the requested modifications.
General specs and pricing
www.innesbags.com
Main requested modifications:
1 . Front pocket closure : leather tab + snap button. Remove the buckle as it is pointless in this case.
2 . For the chest/sternum strap please use hook + d-rings instead of the snaps as that will make it much more secure in my opinion as it will be under load. And please Add 3 d-rings in multiple heights for adjustability. I guess around 30, 35 and 40 cm from the top of the shoulder strap.
3 . Size : I’m assuming the mentioned width is without the side pockets.
In terms of height my current backpack is around 65cm completely unrolled, Max extended rolled and clipped around 55cm, compact rolled and clipped around 47cm.
In terms of width it’s ~35cm. In terms of depth it’s around 15cm at the bottom where it’s square up more and I can measure.
Seems like your L is quite similar, just maybe make it a tiny bit deeper?
4 . Can you add a small retainer below the main closure straps where the end of the strap could be tucked in so that it doesn’t flap around as much? Similar to the one that is above the stud where the strap is secured in the hole. Also maybe one for X criss crosss fastening above the stud.
5 . If possible make the handle above the backpack from the same latigo leather rather than canvas and id reinforce it with some rivets. The main shoulders straps could also be reinforce with some rivets or at least double stitching ( I think it’s already double stitched with the leather panel ).
6 . All matching brass hardware, all matching pull-up teak latigo leather everywhere.
7 . Make sure the laptop compartment does not reach the bottom of the backpack or add some padding below – that way it’s safer to put down the backpack on the ground without worrying about the laptop.
Absolutely all of these were adhered to and done to request. Nothing was missed. 10/10 listening to the customer.
Materials
Canvas - they use medium weight waxed cotton from Halley Stevensons, P270 405g/m² (~12 oz) to be more specific. So you're getting fabric with a clear origin from a reputable maker. That's a huge plus in my opinion.
Leather - this one is more vague and I didn't inquire further, but it I know it's a latigo style "teak" color pull-up leather (assuming combination on chrome tanned).
Quite from them and a few reference photos they sent me:
"We have two types of teak color - pull-up (the last link above), and vegetable tanned smooth leather."
Now that I have used it for ~10 days and traveled a bit with it I can also give some initial impressions.
Positive:
- Handmade product from a small family business. This goes really well with my values.
- Very nice leather and top quality waxed canvas with a clear origin.
- All requested modifications met, improving the product for my needs greatly. I especially appreciate the chest strap.
- Seems well constructed, riveted and double stitched on high stress areas.
- Absolutely beautiful, exactly what I imagined as far as the leather and canvas combo goes visually.
- Nice to have some internal pockets and a well done laptop sleeve inside.
Negative:
- Shoulder and chest strap length. My bad for not specifying, their bad for not asking. I wish the shoulder straps would be shorter, currently a bit too long for my taste even when on shortest setting. The chest strap was absurdly long, had to get my leather tailor completely remake it for it to be useful.
- The canvas is too thin and flimsy/soft for my taste. I would definitely go with a thicker canvas next time. They even mentioned that they can make it out of 20 oz canvas as well, but I didn't know if I need it so I skipped it. Should have picked the thicker canvas. Mostly for structure purposes, not durability.
- Leather too thin in the shoulder strap area (lower part) in my opinion. I don't think it will be an issue, but I would ask to double it next time.
- Lack of structure. It's more of a sack-backpack as it is. There's back padding, but no structure sheet sewn in. That + the lighter canvas results in a backpack that as a lot less structure than I would like.
- Main closure strating point near the shoulder straps too wide. The strating point should be sewn closer to the shoulder straps on top, because it's just too easy for them to slip off to the sides as is. I think this would be a valid design improvement. At least that I would request next time.
Overall impressions and rating:
Currently I'd rate it ~7/10. If I would order again with the current knowledge I would spec it differently and I'm sure it would turn out a 9/10. And 3rd time I might get it to 10/10 haha.
It's a beautiful backpack, which I will use and see how it develops, maybe post some updates throughout the years here.
I would 100% recommend Innes Bags, they did their part very well and I'm very glad to support small family business and handmade in EU durable stuff. I think it's priced very fairly and well from the buyers perspective.
Now for the photos.
Some with the empty backpack, some details, some with the main section completely filled (but still space in the front pocket and bottle pockets), some "fit" pics.
Comments, questions and discussions are very welcome, as always!
I might edit this a few times in the near future as I find mistakes or remember things to add.
Main shots:
Filled up:
Leather / Waxed canvas backpacks with a sternum strap / chest strap (for example treesizeverse)
As I like leather boots, leather jackets, heavy cargo pants and denim.. I've been looking for a nice waxed canvas / leather backpack for some time now. I don't want to deal with all the cheap knockoffs from China. And I have one very strict requirement - it needs to have a sternum strap...
Eventually I ordered a backpack InnesBags. Here is a small review of the product and experience.
Platforms
They have their own website, which is quite well done and rather informative : https://www.innesbags.com/
Also an IG page (as usual), FB page and an Etsy store.
Communication
We did all initial communication via IG. I'd say they were fantastic in terms of communication and customer support.
Definitely a 10/10 here, that's exactly why we turn to small business - we expect a good customer experience.
And I definitely got one with InnesBags, they thoroughly answered all my questions even keeping the numeric order of questions intact.
They quickly sent me extra photos that they did on the spot related to my questions.
Couldn't wish for better communication.
Ordering process
We discussed everything and then I just ordered through their website writting all my custom requests in the notes section.
They quickly got back to me via email discussing and confirming all the requested modifications.
General specs and pricing
Roll top backpack #2 - InnesBags
Lightweight but sturdy roll top backpack with canvas front pocket.
www.innesbags.com
Roll top backpack #2 - Custom, Large for 17" laptop (#BP16LL) Quantity: 1
| 225,00 € |
Subtotal: | 225,00 € |
|---|---|
Shipping: | 6,90 € via Venipak Box (7 days) |
Total: | 231,90 € |
Main requested modifications:
1 . Front pocket closure : leather tab + snap button. Remove the buckle as it is pointless in this case.
2 . For the chest/sternum strap please use hook + d-rings instead of the snaps as that will make it much more secure in my opinion as it will be under load. And please Add 3 d-rings in multiple heights for adjustability. I guess around 30, 35 and 40 cm from the top of the shoulder strap.
3 . Size : I’m assuming the mentioned width is without the side pockets.
In terms of height my current backpack is around 65cm completely unrolled, Max extended rolled and clipped around 55cm, compact rolled and clipped around 47cm.
In terms of width it’s ~35cm. In terms of depth it’s around 15cm at the bottom where it’s square up more and I can measure.
Seems like your L is quite similar, just maybe make it a tiny bit deeper?
4 . Can you add a small retainer below the main closure straps where the end of the strap could be tucked in so that it doesn’t flap around as much? Similar to the one that is above the stud where the strap is secured in the hole. Also maybe one for X criss crosss fastening above the stud.
5 . If possible make the handle above the backpack from the same latigo leather rather than canvas and id reinforce it with some rivets. The main shoulders straps could also be reinforce with some rivets or at least double stitching ( I think it’s already double stitched with the leather panel ).
6 . All matching brass hardware, all matching pull-up teak latigo leather everywhere.
7 . Make sure the laptop compartment does not reach the bottom of the backpack or add some padding below – that way it’s safer to put down the backpack on the ground without worrying about the laptop.
Absolutely all of these were adhered to and done to request. Nothing was missed. 10/10 listening to the customer.
Materials
Canvas - they use medium weight waxed cotton from Halley Stevensons, P270 405g/m² (~12 oz) to be more specific. So you're getting fabric with a clear origin from a reputable maker. That's a huge plus in my opinion.
Leather - this one is more vague and I didn't inquire further, but it I know it's a latigo style "teak" color pull-up leather (assuming combination on chrome tanned).
Quite from them and a few reference photos they sent me:
"We have two types of teak color - pull-up (the last link above), and vegetable tanned smooth leather."
Now that I have used it for ~10 days and traveled a bit with it I can also give some initial impressions.
Positive:
- Handmade product from a small family business. This goes really well with my values.
- Very nice leather and top quality waxed canvas with a clear origin.
- All requested modifications met, improving the product for my needs greatly. I especially appreciate the chest strap.
- Seems well constructed, riveted and double stitched on high stress areas.
- Absolutely beautiful, exactly what I imagined as far as the leather and canvas combo goes visually.
- Nice to have some internal pockets and a well done laptop sleeve inside.
Negative:
- Shoulder and chest strap length. My bad for not specifying, their bad for not asking. I wish the shoulder straps would be shorter, currently a bit too long for my taste even when on shortest setting. The chest strap was absurdly long, had to get my leather tailor completely remake it for it to be useful.
- The canvas is too thin and flimsy/soft for my taste. I would definitely go with a thicker canvas next time. They even mentioned that they can make it out of 20 oz canvas as well, but I didn't know if I need it so I skipped it. Should have picked the thicker canvas. Mostly for structure purposes, not durability.
- Leather too thin in the shoulder strap area (lower part) in my opinion. I don't think it will be an issue, but I would ask to double it next time.
- Lack of structure. It's more of a sack-backpack as it is. There's back padding, but no structure sheet sewn in. That + the lighter canvas results in a backpack that as a lot less structure than I would like.
- Main closure strating point near the shoulder straps too wide. The strating point should be sewn closer to the shoulder straps on top, because it's just too easy for them to slip off to the sides as is. I think this would be a valid design improvement. At least that I would request next time.
Overall impressions and rating:
Currently I'd rate it ~7/10. If I would order again with the current knowledge I would spec it differently and I'm sure it would turn out a 9/10. And 3rd time I might get it to 10/10 haha.
It's a beautiful backpack, which I will use and see how it develops, maybe post some updates throughout the years here.
I would 100% recommend Innes Bags, they did their part very well and I'm very glad to support small family business and handmade in EU durable stuff. I think it's priced very fairly and well from the buyers perspective.
Now for the photos.
Some with the empty backpack, some details, some with the main section completely filled (but still space in the front pocket and bottle pockets), some "fit" pics.
Comments, questions and discussions are very welcome, as always!
I might edit this a few times in the near future as I find mistakes or remember things to add.
Main shots:
Filled up:
