Eko

A full day. The 18 L main compartment is organised the minimalist way: two slash pockets, a zippered pocket and a phone pocket, no maze of dividers. A jacket, a book, a water bottle and your daily kit go in without a fight.

With a sliding drawstring you open and close in seconds, covered by a leather flap that shields the opening from bad weather. No fiddling with buckles on a station platform: pull, reach, close.

In the two secret pockets on the back of the bag, flat against you where nobody else can reach. The three clipped exterior pockets take what you grab often: phone, keys, travel card.

The full-grain leather darkens and softens with use, building a patina that records where the bag has been: this is a hide that improves rather than wears out. Small traces and veins are part of the material, not defects.

The material is water-resistant, not waterproof. It can withstand light rain and splashes, but avoid heavy or prolonged rain and immersion. Protect electronics separately, wipe off moisture and let the bag dry naturally away from direct heat.

There is no padded laptop sleeve, and we would rather tell you now than let you find out. The Ekö is built for days out, not office commutes. If a computer rides with you daily, look at the Leather Lid Backpack by Sandqvist; another women's cut in the same leather spirit is our Ladies Leather Backpack AURORA.