From strong, waxed cotton canvas (24 oz) Croots manufactures this backpack, which is just as suitable for day hikes as for city tours. Especially for us, Croots has not only issued the backpack in a larger version, but also provided it with some practical details. Thus, the mesh pocket in front takes rain jacket, map or water bottle. Side loops with dual adjustable cartridge pocket closure hold trekking and hiking poles, walking stick or umbrella. On the other side is a leather loop with D-ring to which, for example, a water bottle can be attached by means of an S-carabiner. The neatly leather piped edges, the straps made of 3 mm thick saddle leather and shoulder straps made of cotton canvas are just as durable and hard-wearing as the material of the backpack body, which is not impressed by mechanical stress or by moisture or wetness (in moderation).
Thanks to its satchel shape, the large main compartment offers plenty of storage space. A map or book are well protected and quickly accessible in the slip pocket, while the flat compartments on top of it hold a phone and pen. As with all Croots models in our range, the lining shines here in a bright red - not only a color gimmick, but exceedingly practical, because here the backpack contents can be overlooked much better than with a dark lining.

The British label Croots is among the leather goods manufacturers that have, in a short time, virtually earned the reputation of a traditional company. So it doesn’t always take centuries of experience—what matters most is, first and foremost, an understanding of one’s craft and the use of the right materials. John and Margaret Smith embodied this philosophy when, in 1978, they began producing their first bags and cases for hunting and fishing under the “Field Sports Products” label: crafted in the traditional manner and made from sturdy materials such as strong saddle leather and durable cotton canvas. Later, they added travel bags and small leather goods to their lineup. When their daughter Jackie and son-in-law Allistair Croot took over the business in 2004, they kept everything the same—except for the name. Since then, “Croots” has become a global byword for British craftsmanship and sturdy bags; even the royal family owns a few Croots bags.

The bags are designed and manufactured at the company’s facility in Malton, North Yorkshire. The materials also come from the UK: The fabric is woven in Keighley, West Yorkshire; Croots sources its waxed cotton canvas from the traditional Scottish manufacturer Halley Stevensons; and the hardware comes from foundries in Walsall, West Midlands, or Sheffield. Only the zippers are sourced from Riri in Switzerland. Finally, with a few exceptions, the leather is vegetable-tanned and processed in the classic saddlery style. Most of it is so-called English bridle leather, which is primarily used for saddles, bridles, and belts because, thanks to a special tanning process, it hardly stretches at all.