FAQs: Frequently asked questions about our Duffle bag »Steve« Umbra

CAN THE "STEVE" HOLDALL, UMBER/DARK BROWN BE CHECKED IN AS CHECKED BAGGAGE ON FLIGHTS?

We can answer this question with a clear "yes". Nevertheless, we would like to give you a few recommendations. You should only check in your travel bag for the flight if it is well filled. So that the bag can be easily transported via the conveyor belts at the airports. Therefore, you should definitely remove the carrying strap and stow it in your pocket. We would also advise against fragile or sensitive items if you want to check in the bag.

WHICH CLOSURE SYSTEM DO YOU USE TO CLOSE THE TWO PATCH POCKETS ON THE FRONT OF THE »STEVE«S TRAVEL BAG IN UMBRA/DARK BROWN?

We have attached so-called snap fasteners under the leather buckles. Initially, the bags could still be closed with a magnetic clasp. However, we received a lot of feedback, especially in the early days, that this closure system is practical, but it can also lead to the bags being able to open unintentionally. That's why we have revised the "Steve" travel bag and optimized it according to your wishes.

IS THE "STEVE" HOLDALL, UMBRA/DARK BROWN WATERPROOF OR WATER-REPELLENT?

The bag was designed based on the classic travel bags of the 19th century. In order to be as authentic as possible, we have only used materials - as they were 100 years ago - and avoid plastics and chemicals as much as possible. Unfortunately, the standard version of our travel bag is not waterproof or water-repellent. However, a short rain shower doesn't bother our bags.

CAN THE "STEVE" HOLDALL, UMBRA/DARK BROWN BE MADE WATERPROOF AFTERWARDS?

The “Steve” travel bag can be impregnated very well afterwards, with a commercially available, colorless impregnation spray (e.g. Impregnol). Alternatively, you can also use an impregnation wax (e.g. Dr. Gee's impregnation wax). You should only note that this can change the color and texture of the bag. It is best to test the impregnation on the underside.

HOW CAN I CLEAN AND CARE FOR MY "STEVE" TRAVEL BAG, UMBER/DARK BROWN?

We are of the opinion that a vintage travel bag can and should be seen to see how intensively it has been used. That's how it has to be. If you still feel the need to clean your bag, we recommend three steps:

• Remove dust and dirt particles from the bag, e.g. with a brush or hand-held vacuum cleaner
• Gently dab and rub away stains with a clean, wet cloth. Consider trying a mild detergent if the stains are stubborn.
• Slightly grease leather from time to time (e.g. leather care with beeswax or carnauba wax). It is best to be careful not to hit the canvas to avoid stains.

WHAT LEATHER IS THE "STEVE" TRAVEL BAG, UMBER/DARK BROWN MADE OF?

For our bags we only use vegetable tanned and full-grain buffalo leather. The particularly robust leather comes from India. During production, our leather is also finished by hand with a colored carnauba-based wax, giving it its special vintage patina.

WHERE AND HOW IS THE CANVAS TRAVEL BAG »STEVE«, UMBRA/DARK BROWN MADE?

Our goods are made in India. Our manufactory is a small family business whose long-standing employees manufacture our bags with a lot of heart and passion. In the meantime, a real friendship has grown from our long cooperation. The production conditions are socially acceptable and correspond to BSCI standards. We convince ourselves of this on a regular basis. Our leather and cotton fabrics are sourced directly locally from India. When dyeing our cotton fabrics, only dyes that are free of AZO dyes are used. Our leathers are basically vegetable tanned, i.e. plant-based and without the use of aggressive tanning agents. Our standards are socially and ecologically justifiable and above average.