FAQs: Frequently asked questions about our Sling Backpack »Mateo« Umbra

CAN I TAKE THE »MATEO« SHOULDER BACKPACK, UMBRA-BROWN, ON THE PLANE?

This backpack is sized for major airlines and IATA. The backpack is the ideal hand luggage for almost any means of transport.

IS THE »MATEO« SHOULDER BACKPACK, UMBRA-BROWN, DIMENSIONALLY STABLE OR IS IT RATHER SOFT?

Our canvas backpack belongs to the so-called soft luggage and consists partly of soft cotton canvas in umbra-brown. Therefore, the shape changes, somewhat depending on the filling quantity. The advantage is that the vintage backpack can be stowed away better if it is not needed. With our bags, we deliberately do without a plastic lamination, which is required for a firm shape.

IS THE »MATEO« CANVAS SHOULDER BACKPACK, UMBRA-BROWN, WATERPROOF OR WATER-REPELLENT?

The backpack made of canvas and leather was designed based on the classic mountain backpacks or hunting backpacks 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 canvas backpack is not waterproof or water-repellent. However, a short rain shower doesn't bother our bags. Alternatively, the backpack can be impregnated against moisture.

CAN THE »MATEO« SHOULDER BACKPACK, UMBRA-BROWN, BE MADE WATERPROOF AFTERWARDS?

The backpack can be impregnated very well afterwards, with a commercial and 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 back.

HOW CAN I CLEAN AND CARE FOR MY »MATEO« SHOULDER BACKPACK?

We believe that a backpack with a vintage design 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 backpack, 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.

WHICH LEATHER IS USED FOR THE »MATEO« SHOULDER BACKPACK, UMBRA-BROWN?

We only use vegetable-tanned, full-grain buffalo leather for the backpack. 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. A perfect interplay with our cotton canvas.

WHERE AND HOW IS THE »MATEO« SHOULDER BACKPACK, UMBER 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.