FAQs: Frequently asked questions about our Backpack »Bruce« CAN I TAKE THE "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN, ON AN AIRPLANE? This leather backpack meets the size requirements of common airlines and IATA. The backpack is the ideal carry-on luggage for almost any mode of transportation. IS THE "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN IN LEATHER RIGID OR RATHER SOFT? Our leather backpack falls into the soft luggage category. However, for this backpack, we use full-grain buffalo leather, which is naturally quite shape-retentive. Its form may alter slightly depending on how full it is. The advantage is that the leather backpack can be stored flat when not in use. We consciously avoid using plastic reinforcements that would be required for a rigid shape. IS THE LEATHER "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN WATERPROOF OR WATER-RESISTANT? The leather backpack is designed after the classic mountain and hunting backpacks of the 19th century. To be as authentic as possible, we only used materials - like 100 years ago – and avoided plastics and chemicals as much as possible. Unfortunately, our backpack is not waterproof or water-resistant in its standard version. However, a short rain shower should not harm our bags. Alternatively, the backpack can be impregnated to be more resistant to moisture. CAN THE "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN BE MADE WATERPROOF AFTERWARDS? The backpack can be very well impregnated with a commercially available and colorless impregnation spray (e.g., Imprägnol). It's best to test the impregnation on the backside before applying it over the entire surface. Please follow the instructions for use and only use the spray in the open air. Also, maintain the minimum distance from the backpack when spraying the impregnation to avoid stains. HOW CAN I CLEAN AND CARE FOR MY LEATHER "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN? We believe that a vintage-designed leather backpack should show how intensively it has been used. That's exactly how it should be. If you still feel the need to clean your bag, we recommend three steps: Remove dust and dirt particles from the backpack, e.g., with a brush or handheld vacuum cleaner. Gently dab and rub out stains with a clean, damp cloth. Try a mild soap solution if the stains are stubborn. Occasionally apply a light coat of leather care (e.g., leather conditioner with beeswax or carnauba wax). Be careful not to hit the canvas to avoid stains. WHAT KIND OF LEATHER IS USED FOR THE "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN? For the backpack, we exclusively use vegetable-tanned, full-grain buffalo leather. This particularly robust leather comes from India. During production, our leather is additionally hand-finished with a colored wax based on carnauba, giving it its special vintage patina. WHERE AND HOW IS THE "BRUCE" BACKPACK, HAVANA BROWN MANUFACTURED? Our products are made in India. Our workshop is a small family business whose long-standing employees manufacture our bags with a lot of heart and passion. Over time, a real friendship has grown from our long cooperation. The production conditions are socially responsible and comply with BSCI standards. We regularly assure this personally. Our leather and cotton fabrics come directly from local sources in India. In dyeing our cotton fabrics, we exclusively use dyes free from AZO compounds. Our leathers are generally vegetable-tanned, meaning they are based on plant substances and made without the use of harsh tanning agents. Our standards are socially and ecologically acceptable and above average. However, it is our claim to continue to improve and further enhance our ecological and social "footprint." OUR LEATHER PRODUCTION IS LWG CERTIFIED Our leather tannery is certified to the LWG standard and we use only vegetable tanning agents for tanning. The Leather Working Group (LWG) is an initiative to make conditions in tanneries and intermediaries more transparent and to bring about sustainable change. To implement its goals, the Leather Working Group has developed an audit protocol for sustainable and responsible leather production.