How to Buy the Best Leather Messenger Bags
Leather messenger bags have been around for ages, in fact, believe it or not, they were first carried by messengers. The best leather messenger bags combine form and function and of course quality construction. Let's go through the things to look for when purchasing a leather messenger bag. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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The most obvious thing to look for in leather messenger bags is the leather. Make sure the leather is a quality, thick leather, don't fall for split leather, go for full grain or at the very least top grain. Needless to say, stay away from vinyl.
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Construction, the the best leather messenger bags should double stitching around all stress points, If the strap is sewn on, it should also be double stitched and riveted. If not, there should be heavy duty clips. This is especially important if you carry a lot of stuff. Also, be sure the zipper are quality Y&K zippers, they're the best.
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Check for water resisting features. All leather messenger bags feature a large flap over the front, the best leather messenger bags also zip up inside to prevent water from getting in. Any exposed pockets under the flap should also zip, snap or velcro shut.
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Pockets and organization. Some leather messenger bags have no pockets or flaps, just one big cavernous storage area, others have extensive organization features. Now, if you don't use your current bags features, then you probably wont use the new bags features so don't pay more for it.
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There are some additional features to look for and they'll be important to you if they apply to your specific situation.
Expandable gussets: An expandable leather messenger bag has a zipper around the outside, unzipping this allows the bag to expand a few inches, great if you sometimes carry more. Now I should say that I have never had a use for this, most people, once they unzip it, never collapse it.
MP3 or iPod pocket, again, if you carry one, this may be important.
Laptop cushioning, some bags can be adapted to carry a laptop safely. If you sometimes carry one, look for this feature.
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Check for a liner. A liner prevents the leather from bleeding color onto the bags contents. The liner should be a good quality material.
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Finally, as with all fine leather products, be prepared to care for the leather with proper cleaning and conditioning.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a fine, full grain leather
Check stitching and zippers for strength
Confirm the warranty covers stitching and zippers
Make sure the leather messenger bag has a sturdy strap, in the end it's the strap that can and will break first
