For many years I have utilized a regular laptop bag…but I was about to get upgraded when this beauty was delivered to my door, courtesy of Paddy McWade at McLeather. Embossed with my Travel & Things logo and all. I was not expecting a bag of this quality and in the months that it has shared on my travels (pre-Covid-19 lockdown, of course) it has made more of an impression than I have.
The McLeather bag is made from high quality, full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, making it extremely strong and long-lasting. The natural tanning process will over time develop a unique patina – a physical embodiment of my travels and life experiences.
I discovered this strap and hook inside the bag and I called the company for an explanation. It is to keep keys safe and easy to find without having to scrabble around looking for them. ‘Devil in the detail’ is what McLeather pride themselves on.
This leather and canvas strap, held together with velcro keeps my laptop firmly in place. The interior is lined in padded soft green canvas, which protects the laptop and looks elegant at the same time.
Looking into the belly of the beast…The spacious compartment for the laptop can also fit the charger and all the required cables. On my last trip, I was even able to fit a 5m extension lead. The front compartment is for paper or notes and where the company logo is on the side, can be utilized for pens etc.
My bag in the bush… It takes on a darker colour when in the open under cloudy skies.
A McLeather bag is over-engineered to make it so durable that it may well outlast me. The stitching for the leather panels is spaced wide, to keep the number of holes to a minimum. This is important if you don’t want your bag to tear when placed under stress.
BUT, THAT IS NOT ALL THAT McLEATHER MANUFACTURES…
Yes, there is more! Their current range is quite eclectic and includes bags like this to menu holders, leather aprons and even flat leather caps. With almost everything you can think of in between.
Belts in a variety of styles…
Colours…
And buckle designs…and you can have these customized in a variety of different ways.
The leather is locally sourced from vetted suppliers and manufacturing takes place in a boutique factory in Kyalami, Johannesburg. Products pass through Paddy McWade’s hands who exercises strict quality control over every item before allowing it to be shipped to customers. Give the fact that the company has a hands-on approach, custom work is welcomed.
To find out more about McLeather and what the company can offer, call 0710369041
