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Quince Unveils Hand-Woven Convertible Backpack That Redefines Sustainable Travel Gear

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 20:16 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Quince Unveils a Hand‑Woven Convertible Backpack That Re‑defines Sustainable Travel Gear

Travel & Leisure’s latest spotlight on Quince’s newest offering—a hand‑woven, convertible travel backpack—presents a fresh take on what modern travelers expect from their luggage. The brand, celebrated for its artisanal leather craftsmanship, has fused time‑tested techniques with contemporary functionality, delivering a piece that can seamlessly morph from a sleek day‑trip companion to a robust travel carry‑on. Below is a detailed rundown of the backpack’s standout attributes, how Quince keeps sustainability front and centre, and why it’s already earning buzz among fashion‑savvy globetrotters.

1. The Quince Identity in a Backpack

Quince’s reputation stems from its commitment to ethically sourced, hand‑woven leather and a transparent supply chain that traces every material back to its origin. Each product is a collaboration between master artisans and designers, ensuring that the tactile quality of the leather speaks as loudly as its visual appeal. The new backpack carries that ethos forward, promising durability without compromising on style.

2. Convertible Design: A Backpack That Becomes Anything

What truly distinguishes the Quince convertible backpack is its shape‑shifting capability. When folded, the bag functions as a classic backpack: a streamlined silhouette with a roomy interior and a padded laptop compartment. Fold it out, and it transforms into a tote‑style tote, offering easy access for everyday errands. With the addition of a detachable duffel sleeve, the bag can also double as a travel duffel for overnight stays or weekend getaways.

The conversion hinges on cleverly engineered zippers and reinforced seams that maintain structural integrity no matter how the bag is configured. The interior features a modular arrangement of pockets: a dedicated “tech pocket” for a 15‑inch laptop, a padded front compartment for documents or a passport holder, and a secondary zippered pocket that’s perfect for travel essentials like chargers or travel-sized toiletries.

3. Hand‑Woven Leather: Texture Meets Sustainability

At the heart of the backpack lies Quince’s signature hand‑woven leather. The leather is sourced from tanneries that adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring responsible animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Each leather panel is hand‑stitched into a complex weave that not only yields a unique, tactile surface but also enhances the material’s strength and water‑resistance.

Unlike many conventional travel backpacks that rely on synthetic fabrics, Quince’s leather is finished with natural, low‑emission dyes, and the finished product is finished in a way that reduces micro‑fiber shedding—a common environmental issue with nylon‑based travel gear. The result is a bag that ages beautifully, gaining a distinctive patina over time while remaining functional and resilient.

4. Functionality Meets Fashion

• Dimensions & Capacity: The backpack measures roughly 18 × 13 × 6 inches (45 × 33 × 15 cm) when folded, offering around 18 liters of usable space—a size that comfortably satisfies the TSA carry‑on limit for most airlines.
• Weight: At just under 3 pounds (1.4 kg), it balances robust leather construction with lightweight convenience.
• Pockets: The main compartment includes a zippered organizer pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, and a side mesh pocket that can accommodate a water bottle. The front panel houses a clear, lock‑compatible pocket ideal for quick‑access documents.
• Straps & Comfort: The backpack features a padded, adjustable shoulder strap that redistributes weight evenly. A sternum strap provides added stability during vigorous travel or when the bag is heavily loaded. For those who prefer a hands‑free experience, the bag’s strap system can be detached, making it a stylish tote that’s great for airport security checks.

5. Sustainable Production at Every Step

Quince’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond leather sourcing. The manufacturing process emphasises low‑water, low‑chemical usage, and the brand actively reduces waste by ensuring each cut of leather is utilised. The company also partners with a small, local workshop that trains apprentices in hand‑weaving techniques, preserving an artisanal skill that is increasingly rare in the age of mass production.

Furthermore, the bag’s design anticipates longevity: the leather is reinforced at stress points, and the stitching is crafted for durability. The convertible nature of the backpack encourages travelers to bring a single, multipurpose piece instead of a set of specialised bags, thereby reducing material waste.

6. Pricing, Availability, and How to Get Yours

The convertible backpack is positioned as a mid‑range luxury item, retailing at approximately $495. It is available for purchase through Quince’s official website and select boutique retailers. The launch is slated for early November 2025, with pre‑orders already opening for loyal customers. The brand occasionally offers a “first‑look” discount for newsletter subscribers, so early sign‑ups are advisable for those looking to snag the backpack at a lower price point.

7. How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

When compared to similar high‑end travel backpacks—such as the Briggs & Riley @Work or the Tumi Alpha 3—Quince’s convertible bag shines for its blend of heritage craftsmanship and versatile utility. While the aforementioned brands focus primarily on a backpack form factor, Quince offers a true convertible solution that accommodates a wider range of travel styles. Moreover, the use of hand‑woven leather gives the bag a tactile luxury that nylon‑based competitors simply cannot match.

In terms of price, Quince sits comfortably between the more premium Tumi line and the mid‑tier Luggage Pros. For travelers who value durability, sustainable manufacturing, and an unmistakable aesthetic, the $495 price tag is a compelling investment.

8. Verdict: A Must‑Have for the Conscious Traveller

Quince’s hand‑woven convertible travel backpack is more than a functional piece of luggage—it is an embodiment of ethical luxury. Its dual‑purpose design, superior craftsmanship, and eco‑friendly production make it an attractive option for those who want to travel responsibly without compromising on style or convenience. Whether you’re jet‑setting to a business conference or escaping to a weekend beach, this backpack adapts with you, promising a travel experience that is both seamless and sustainable.

Takeaway

The travel‑and‑leisure review highlights that Quince’s new backpack isn’t just another addition to the market; it’s a statement of how heritage meets innovation. For anyone seeking a travel companion that marries timeless leather craftsmanship with contemporary utility, the convertible backpack is a standout choice that could redefine how we think about travel gear for years to come.