Beautiful backpack from Portland Leather Goods
Let's say it upfront. I have been in love with the products from Portland Leather Goods. I wouldn't call myself a fanboy, as I like to believe I can be objective when reviewing a product. I don't blind myself when things don't go right. However, I do love them because of how great their products are. In this review, I will tell you about the first bag I bought from them, and what to expect as a new customer.
Portland Leather Goods Laptop Backpack (Front)
There are so many excellent leather bag companies, and I don't remember how I discovered Portland Leather Goods. Possibly from one of the Facebook/Instagram ads. Perhaps this is how I benefited from them tracking me daily, finding new brands and products I may like.
Portland Leather Goods Laptop Backpack (Back)
Technically, their full-size crossbody tote was my first purchase, but USPS delayed the shipping, so the laptop backpack was the first PLG bag I have! Looking at the pictures on their website, I had concerns about how small the backpack might be. Although I have been buying many smaller bags, I do still prefer big bags. The first impression holding it in my hands didn't feel too small, about right for this specific design. The leather smell was amazing, just like what other customers had mentioned.
Backpack front pocket
Let's talk about what's great about this backpack! In terms of material, it is excellent! The full-grain leather is thick and soft; nothing beats the touch of an authentic leather bag. After using this bag a few times, I thought the backpack is very huggable. Maybe because of the shape and size, it feels like a leather pillow that I want to keep on my lap. The brass hardware has beautiful tones, and they are built to last! Did anyone mention the zipper in their reviews somewhere? The zipper is buttery smooth when opened and closed, simply a joy to use! Most of my previous backpacks had thick straps, so I wasn't sure how I would like the thinner straps. Then I realized this is not a bag that I would pack week-long clothing, and weight would not be a problem on these straps. When I put the bag on, it felt surprisingly comfortable! Overall, the stitches on the backpack are straight and consistent, with no wonky stitches like I saw on my Doughnut Macaroon backpack.
Keeping my mask and disinfectant wipes in the front pocket
Should there be anything to be reminded of before buying this backpack? First of all, it's named the laptop backpack, but I genuinely think it's not built for a laptop. Yes, the bag is solid and durable, but the design isn't the best to accommodate laptops. The top zipper opening is too small if you have a big laptop or tablet. You can still stuff it in, but the zipper may scratch your laptop when you put it in and out of the bag. In addition to that, the backpack is only 3" in depth; I can't put too much other stuff after squeezing in my laptop. Ironically, it is named laptop backpack, but it doesn't have a separate compartment for a laptop. I think they will be able to avoid many customer complaints simply by renaming the backpack. Maybe consider calling it a tablet backpack? Since more people are using their iPads these days.
My laptop could barely fit through the top opening
Better fit for my iPad Pro 12.9"
Even though this is a US company, they do have a studio in Leon, Mexico. Therefore the bags you bought from PLG are likely made in Mexico if that's important for you to know. I have nothing against them moving their production to Mexico. All the bags I bought from them are lovely and have top-notch quality. If this is how they keep their price extremely reasonable, I am all for it!
Pebble texture could be a little uneven
The color of my laptop backpack was Nutmeg. It's a brownish color with pebble textures. I found their bags with pebble textures are less likely to show scuff and marks. With the pebbling pattern, minor marks are usually unnoticeable. However, because of how they processed the leather to get the pebbling textures, it is not an even texture throughout the bag. I bought mine from the premium listing, so the unevenness only shows up on the inside pocket. If you purchased from their "Almost Perfect" sales, the uneven pebbling might be more noticeable throughout the bag.
Inside the backpack
In conclusion, I love this backpack! I won't be using it to carry my laptop, as I rarely go out with my heavy laptop anyway. I may use it with my new iPad Pro 2021 when I receive it next month. It would be a perfect day out bag to the coffee shop! The front pocket is great for carrying some extra masks and sanitizing wipes. The birdies told me they are working on a 2.0 backpack; if the depth of their next laptop backpack is deeper, I will grab one without a second thought!
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