FAQs: Frequently asked questions about our Sling Backpack »Mateo« WHAT IS A SLING BACKPACK, LIKE »MATEO«, BLACK GOOD FOR? A Sling Backpack is particularly suitable for situations where flexibility and quick access to personal belongings are important. Carried across the abdomen or on the back, the backpack allows for ergonomic weight distribution. This makes it ideal for short trips, city tours, or leisure activities where you don't have much luggage but still want everything important at hand. The adjustable-length strap also offers the advantage of individual customization. With its various compartments, the Sling Backpack is not only practical but also thoughtfully organized. CAN I TAKE THE SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK, ON AN AIRPLANE? This backpack meets the dimensions of common airlines and the IATA. The backpack is the ideal carry-on for almost every mode of transport. IS THE SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK, RIGID OR RATHER SOFT? Our canvas backpack falls under the category of soft luggage and is partially made of soft cotton canvas in black. Therefore, the shape changes slightly depending on how full it is. The advantage is that the vintage backpack can be stored more easily when not in use. We deliberately avoid plastic coating in our bags, which is needed for a rigid shape. IS THE CANVAS SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK, WATERPROOF OR WATER-RESISTANT? The backpack made of canvas and leather has been designed based on the model of classic mountain or hunting backpacks from the 19th century. To be as authentic as possible, we only use materials that were available 100 years ago and avoid plastics and chemicals as much as possible. Unfortunately, our canvas backpack is not waterproof or water-resistant in its standard version. However, a brief rain shower will not harm our bags. Alternatively, the backpack can be impregnated against moisture. CAN THE SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK, BE MADE WATERPROOF AFTERWARD? The backpack can be easily impregnated afterward with a commercial and colorless impregnating spray (e.g., Imprägnol). Alternatively, you can also use impregnating wax (e.g., Dr. Gee's Impregnating Wax). Just be aware that this can change the color and texture of the bag. It is best to test the impregnation on the backside. HOW CAN I CLEAN AND CARE FOR MY SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK? We believe that a vintage-design backpack should show how intensively it has been used. That's how it should be. However, if you feel the need to clean your bag, we recommend three steps: Clean the backpack of dust and dirt particles, e.g., with a brush or a handheld vacuum cleaner. Gently dab and rub stains with a clean and wet cloth. Try a gentle soap solution if the stains are stubborn. Occasionally lightly grease the leather (e.g., leather care with beeswax or carnauba wax). Be careful not to hit the canvas to avoid stains. WHAT TYPE OF LEATHER IS USED FOR THE SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK? We exclusively use vegetable-tanned and full-grain buffalo leather for the backpack. This particularly robust leather comes from India. During production, our leather is additionally hand-waxed with a colored carnauba-based wax, giving it a unique vintage patina. A perfect combination with our cotton canvas. WHERE AND HOW IS THE SLING BACKPACK »MATEO«, BLACK, MADE? Our goods are manufactured in India. Our factory is a small family business whose long-standing employees produce our bags with much heart and passion. Over the years, a true friendship has grown from our long-term collaboration. The production conditions are socially acceptable and comply with BSCI standards. We regularly convince ourselves of this personally. Our leather and cotton fabrics come directly from local sources in India. For the dyeing of our cotton fabrics, we only use dyes that are free of AZO colors. Our leathers are generally vegetable-tanned, meaning plant-based and without the use of aggressive tanning agents. Our standards are socially and ecologically responsible and above average. However, it is our aspiration to continue working on ourselves and to further improve 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.