- Heavy-duty 520g/m² French cotton canvas (water-resistant) 100% cotton Warp & Weft RETORS, washed-out look, waterproof,excellent longevity over time
- Full interior lining(Composition: 100% BCI ( BetterCotton Initiative ) cotton 220g/m2(responsibly sourced cotton and lowimpact manufacturing.) Manufacturerof weatherproof fabrics in the UK,certified partners of the bluesign system)
- French vegetable-tanned leather straps and details(Aniline finish for vintage effect, protection from sea water.)
- Cobra buckle closure Austri Alpin COBRATM quick-release buckle, machined frompremium 7075 aluminum alloy andfeaturing solid brass and stainless steelcomponents. The patented Austri AlpinCOBRATM quick-release buckles are thesafest, most finely crafted, and mostrobust buckles available on the market.They are also the only "stab-lock" typebuckles that do not open when underload. In addition, the counter-intuitiveopening helps secure the contents of the bag against theft.)
- Zipped padded back pocket (fits laptops up to 13") (Aluminum color with recycled polyester ribbon (Global recycle standard certified) of very high quality. The zippers are produced in Hungary while the ribbons and galvanic as well as the teeth of the brush are producedin Italy.)
- Metal Hardware Special aluminum color finish, very good quality: weight, rigidity, resistance to torsion and compression, resistant to corrosion following galvanization. (Reputable Italian factory).
- Leather shoulder straps with padded comfort section
- Cord Closure Custom-made from recycled polyester chosen for its durability by a French company labeled " Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant".)
- Made in limited series
Built Like Old Gear (In the Best Way)
The backbone of the Alpage is 520g/m² French cotton canvas - heavy, dense, and treated for water resistance. This isn't flimsy fashion canvas. This is the kind of fabric that gets better the more you use it, developing character instead of falling apart.
Inside, the bag is fully lined, which might sound boring, but it matters. It gives the backpack structure, a cleaner interior finish, and helps it sit properly on your back instead of collapsing into a sack. Furthermore, cleanup is a breeze! you can easily turn the inner inside out to eject any loose pine cones, rocks, or other crumbs from your journey in the alps.
Then there's the leather. French vegetable-tanned leather, chosen specifically for how it ages. No chrome tanning, no plastic feel, just leather that darkens, softens, and picks up a patina over time. It's better for the environment, and honestly, it just looks right on a vintage alpine backpack.
Hardware and Comfort That Actually Make Sense
One of my favorite details is the Cobra buckle closure. If you know, you know. It's absurdly secure, easy to operate with one hand, and basically indestructible, and made by the Italians, who are legendary mountain climbers. It's the kind of hardware you usually see on serious gear, not fashion backpacks pretending to be rugged.
On the back, there's a zipped, padded pocket that fits a laptop up to 13 inches, which makes this bag genuinely usable for everyday carry, not just weekends in the mountains.
The shoulder straps are leather, but crucially, they're padded where it matters, so you're not digging stiff leather into your shoulders all day.
A Sustainable Backpack That Isn't Just Marketing Talk
The Alpage backpack isn't trying to win points with trendy sustainability buzzwords. It's sustainable because of how it's made:
- natural, locally sourced materials
- vegetable-tanned leather
- limited-series production
- designed to last decades, not seasons
Made in Morocco in small batches, this is a backpack for people who want to buy less, but buy better, and actually stick to it.
Final Thoughts: A Bag That Actually Makes Sense
The Alpage backpack nails what so many modern outdoor bags miss. It doesn't chase trends. It doesn't overcomplicate things. It respects traditional mountaineering design while being completely usable for everyday life.
If you're into heritage outdoor gear, vintage alpine aesthetics, or just want a canvas hiking backpack that you won't need to replace anytime soon, this is one of those rare pieces that feels genuinely considered.
Less consumption. Better gear. End of rant.