Incredible bargain! 4.5 stars if it was an option

Posted by Man bag connoisseur on 27th Mar 2021

I take calculated risks, and buying something online as personal to me as a leather case is unlikely. The risk with this bag was 10% restocking fee plus shipping for a return - $25 return fee to try a $110 bag... not a risk I would normally take. But the bag looks so nice online. How nice could a $110 leather bag be?
Exceptionally nice!
After spending considerable time comparing the photos of the Rio to the Rome bag, the larger external gusset pockets, and the 3-sided zipper of the front main compartment on the Rio won out. It arrived today (3/27/21).
First, I was surprised at the weight of the package. This is a hefty case, indicating that the leather thickness is substantial. To me this indicates a rugged case.
Opening the package the next test was the smell. If you've ever bought a cheap leather bag from India or China, you know how bad "leather" can smell. This, however, is top grain tanned cowhide. It smells luxurious, the way leather should smell!
It's soft luxurious leather pleasing to touch (and smell)!
The capacity is excellent, perfect for a commuter laptop bag (I have a 15.6" that fits with room to spare) with additional room to be an over-night bag: change of clothes and a small toilet kit.
Construction: Looking at the photos online, I was concerned because the back was 4 panels instead of a single piece. This means that 4 smaller pieces were used instead of a single piece. However, the panels are well-stitched and correctly matched. Turns out that it was a non-issue.
The zippers are heavy duty and well-stitched, but they don't zip in the direction I would have chosen. For example, the two external gusset pockets zip toward each other. IMO, they should both zip towards the top of the backpack. The briefcase handles zip in opposite directions, where I would have made them zip the same direction (towards the top of the backpack orientation. I also wish that the backpack straps pocket had a double zipper because I use this as a sling pack, attaching the right shoulder strap to the left ring. But the zipper opens to the right side, so I can't zip the unused side closed. Those are my main complaints and, though it may be a little nit-picky, results in 4 stars instead of 5.
Despite my complaints, this is an incredible value for the price, and I'm pleased to have scored this purchase.
Considering my next purchase!