J.Panther Luggage Co. Aviator bag

This blog of mine is a very product centric affair. Along with new collections, there’s always a big chunk of nice stuff that’s been brought to my attention, or that I’ve happened across and decided to feature. The only problem is that sometime images can be very forgiving and when you finally get hold of something, disappointment isn’t far away.

So when the guys from J.Panther Luggage Co. got in touch and asked if I’d not only like them to send me a sample bag to give the once over but also to use it for a few weeks (throw it around was the exact term) and see how I got on with it, I jumped at the chance to check out one of these first hand.

First impressions when I opened the box was that it’s a compact bit of kit but one that’s elegant in its green canvas with black premium leather and brass fittings. Open it up and the interior is lined with a soft cream leather with a removable documents pouch in black, a zip pocket in the right side and a couple of pen holders and a pouch big enough for a mobile phone or iPod in the left.

Although a bit small to get a magazine in without folding it, the Aviator will accommodate a Kindle or iPad with no bother at all, or if you’d rather, it’ll also manage a book without any trouble. Indeed if you don’t unzip it fully it’s good to just quickly drop stuff in when on the move (which is how I’ve been using it) and then sling it over your shoulder or on the floor of the tube (they said chuck it about so I have been).

If you don’t have time to be using the main compartment though, there’s also a zip fastening pocket on the outside which is great for smaller items but again you can easily get a phone in there, plus pens, house keys, spare change, headphones and travel cards (I carry a lot of stuff about okay).

And as you might have guessed I’ve not been kind to the poor thing over the last few weeks, not that you’d know by looking at it though because it still looks brand new. The heavyweight 21oz cotton canvas is lightly waxed so a downpour doesn’t bother it and also seems to keep dirt off too, the leather’s sturdy as you like and the webbing strap is comfy even though it’s quite thin, and again it’ll take a hell of a beating before it fails on you.

It’s preformed really well so far and even though I’ll be sending it back soon, I’m hoping to get a bit more use out of it before I do – it’s making a nice change from my usual tote and is much easier to cart around due to its size and the fact I wear it on my back. If I have one criticism of the bag, it’s that the main zip is quite noisy when you’re walking along – and that’s the only thing I didn’t like about it, a noisy zip.

For a look at the other models in the range and to find out more information on the brand, or to buy online go to the website here: J.Panther Luggage Co.