Review: This Leather Backpack from Solo Is Perfect for Work or School

Solo isn't just the name of a swashbucking scoundrel from the Star Wars movie of the same name. It's the name of a New-York-City-based bag manufacturer whose products you've probably seen in Staples or Best Buy. But you might not see the Kilbourn Leather Backpack ($229.99) in person, as it is only available in limited quantities from select retailers, or online at www.solo-ny.com.

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It's a shame because you need to see, and feel this backpack in person to appreciate how buttery soft the pebbled leather exterior is. It's quite luxurious. My daughter will be starting college in the fall and this will be her backpack. It's time to step it up from the brightly -colored disposable backpacks from high school and middle school. And since she will be bringing her MacBook and iPad, it's nice to know there is a padded compartment that can accommodate up to 15.6-inch laptops plus a pocket for an iPad or other tablet.

Still, with all of these compartments and padding, it sports a relatively slim design. It's not cheap, but it should last and look good throughout her college career and beyond. It's only sold in one color choice, although it's a nice one in basic black with dark brown accents on the zipper and handle, etc.

Pros

• Luxurious buttery soft pebbled leather
• Nice contrasting black with brown accents
• Accommodates up to 15.6-inch laptop
• iPad/tablet pocket
• Padded yet slim design

Cons

• Pricey
• One color choice
• Not sold everywhere

Final Verdict

If you don't want to buy new backpacks for school or work each year, step up to the Kilbourn Leather Backpack from Solo.