Backpack For Schott Perfecto

[jackdc100]

Hi everyone. I am looking for either a backpack or some sort of bag with a shoulder strap that won’t scratch up the arms/shoulder of my 80s Scott Perfecto 618. Something leather $350 or under would be preferable. I’m willing to buy used. I’m not going to have time to spend a day shopping at a brick and mortar store anytime soon unfortunately. The jacket is a little beat already but I’m hoping to minimize damage. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Will Zach]

Bumping up this post even though I have no immediate solution for OP. I also have been always concerned about the abrasive shoulder straps of my Swiss Army backpack scratching the shoulders of my jackets. To the extent that I am carrying my backpack in hand when wearing my jackets. I am all for wear and patina, but selective and excessive wear in a small area (shoulder) is crap.

 

[Carlos840]

I had the same scare as you when i first started wearing my Schott 644, it was my first leather jacket and i was afraid a backpack was going to screw up my brand new jacket.
After a year, my Schott actually became my Gym jacket, meaning it was worn everyday as i took public transports going to and from the gym, having to put on and take off the backpack multiple times along the journey.
I have been doing this for close to 5 years wearing only that jacket and you can barely see anything.

The most notceable wear is on the sleeves at the inside of the elbows, when you slide your arm through the straps you will wear the top coat a little and after a while it is noticeable, but not super obvious.
It's worst on the right arm, because i usualy put that strap second.

There is no visible wear on the back or the shoulders, other than the very bottom hem of the jacket in the back where the backpack rubs as i walk.

Honestly it is barely noticeable and that was after 5 years of daily wear.
I got more enjoyment from just wearing my jacket carelessly during that time than i would from obsessing about it for 5 years and still having a brand new looking jacket now.

 

[Bfd70]

I can’t enjoy anything I worry about damaging while using it as intended.

 

[SinSir]

I personally don't consider normal usage wear and tear damage, especially whens it's my wear. That's a sign of good use and my money's worth.

 

[jackdc100]

Thanks for the replies. I think the fact that the leather is older/dry is making the scratches worse. I am going to condition it this weekend hopefully. I think that my nylon Jansport backpack is especially rough on the leather too. That’s why I’m looking for an alternative. I was thinking that something with leather straps might minimize the wear. The backpack added a lot of scratches just from one day. I have an hour train ride both ways to/from work with it on me. I’m ok doing that here and there but I would like to wear the jacket every day while the weather is colder.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Maybe this is worth a look - put actual leather on the leather of your jacket... https://saddlebackleather.com/canvas-backpack-simple

That said I wear a Swiss Army backpack in and out of work every day, and everyone of my leather jackets get this action as part of it's normal life. Helps a lot with the break-in process. Never had any issues, however I find staight or zip-up sleeves works better than buttoned cuffs overall. The straps tend to catch on the button cuffs, but with your Schott that should not be an issue.

 

[Peacoat]

You might look into a satchel bag. They are similar to a briefcase, but are soft sided with a strap, and some are made of leather.

 

[jackdc100]

Just to add: a backpack with bare leather straps or really soft padding where they would be ideal.

Maybe this is worth a look - put actual leather on the leather of your jacket... https://saddlebackleather.com/canvas-backpack-simple

That said I wear a Swiss Army backpack in and out of work every day, and everyone of my leather jackets get this action as part of it's normal life. Helps a lot with the break-in process. Never had any issues, however I find staight or zip-up sleeves works better than buttoned cuffs overall. The straps tend to catch on the button cuffs, but with your Schott that should not be an issue.

I like that bag a lot.....thanks! I'm thinking seriously about that one.

 

[mtrlr]

Maybe if you have a vintage jacket and the leather is a little brittle, that might be a concern, otherwise I don't think there's anything to worry about.

I have two leather bags, a Satchel & Page mailbag and a custom made bag made of saddle leather, with strap made of the same leather for belt. They are my daily commute bags over my leather jackets. They are heavy bags, and with all the contents such as computer, notebooks etc, that's a good load weighting on and rubbing against the jackets. After many years, it barely shows any sign.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Yes that Saddleback pack, with the canvas outer parts, has very thick leather for both the back, bottom and straps. I am seriously considering one myself.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I can’t enjoy anything I worry about damaging while using it as intended.

One of the by products of repro working class clobber being so darned expensive is people don't want to use the clothing as intended. It's kind of inevitable.

 

[Colin G]

Yes that Saddleback pack, with the canvas outer parts, has very thick leather for both the back, bottom and straps. I am seriously considering one myself.

I've owned quite a few saddleback products and got rid of them. Heavy, bulky and the designs are not really as thought out as the company would like you to believe. The little book of bible verses they include also kind of turned me off and I found it very odd. My opinion is it is not that great and you'd do better buying something else. I do like the Saddleback leather desk pads. Try Coronado Leather. I think they make a nicer product.

 

[Bfd70]

Having been into watches, which are far more expensive and considerably less useful, I got over that. Having a nice watch that sits in a box and only comes out for a brief look at before being put right back for fear of scratching it seemed to diminish the enjoyment. I wouldnt buy a nice jacket and worry about scratching it anymore than i’d buy nice boots and only wear them in the house.

 

[eugenesque]

My preference is not to have a leather backpack but a canvas one. I find that leather on leather tend to "stick" with one another and I don't think it is good for both leathers.

Lots of nice military canvas backpacks around. Can get one at a thrift store too!

 

[El Marro]

Having been into watches, which are far more expensive and considerably less useful, I got over that. Having a nice watch that sits in a box and only comes out for a brief look at before being put right back for fear of scratching it seemed to diminish the enjoyment. I wouldnt buy a nice jacket and worry about scratching it anymore than i’d buy nice boots and only wear them in the house.

I pretty much think along the same lines and I wear almost all of my jackets on the job wiring houses and commercial buildings. For one, I bought the damn jacket and I want to wear it wherever I go. Two, what better way to break in something than to actually wear it while working.
This sometimes has consequences, I remember when I put the first good scratch on my new Aero Bootlegger with a sharp piece of metal I had just picked up. I was quite pissed at myself but then I remembered that I had deliberately decided to wear the jacket as a functional piece of workwear. Truth be told it had probably saved me from a nasty gouge.
I do have a couple jackets that I do not wear out to work or anywhere that I think they will get dirty or beat up. For the most part though I think these things were made to be worn and worn hard.

 

[eugenesque]

I pretty much think along the same lines and I wear almost all of my jackets on the job wiring houses and commercial buildings. For one, I bought the damn jacket and I want to wear it wherever I go. Two, what better way to break in something than to actually wear it while working.
This sometimes has consequences, I remember when I put the first good scratch on my new Aero Bootlegger with a sharp piece of metal I had just picked up. I was quite pissed at myself but then I remembered that I had deliberately decided to wear the jacket as a functional piece of workwear. Truth be told it had probably saved me from a nasty gouge.
I do have a couple jackets that I do not wear out to work or anywhere that I think they will get dirty or beat up. For the most part though I think these things were made to be worn and worn hard.

Agree! It is good to wear something that has some kind of utilitarian value. One would need to "baby" an expensive watch and it gets annoying after a while.

 

[jackdc100]

Thanks for the replies! It is an early-80s Perfecto so I guess it could be considered vintage. I don't mind general wear and tear. The wear from the nylon backpack seemed excessive though.

 

[Downunder G Man]

I used ex-military style "gas mask satchels" for years riding the Harley as everyday transport.

Single strap worn over one shoulder and across the chest , NOT like a rucksack. Limited weight involved.

Eventually the gas mask bags would wear out/become threadbare , jackets never seemed to change !

 

[jackdc100]

I used ex-military style "gas mask satchels" for years riding the Harley as everyday transport.

Single strap worn over one shoulder and across the chest , NOT like a rucksack. Limited weight involved.

Eventually the gas mask bags would wear out/become threadbare , jackets never seemed to change !

Thanks! I'll check those out.