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Home » Fashion » Bags » Hej! Will this Classic Gaston Luga Backpack suit your lifestyle as it does mine?

Hej! Will this Classic Gaston Luga Backpack suit your lifestyle as it does mine?

August 25, 2017 Paris B 14 Comments

I have, what seems like a lifetime choice of bags in my bag closet, and yet, the one style I’ve been gravitating towards in recent times, is the backpack. I’d sclep around in a casual outfit, toting my things in one of two backpacks I own. So, when Gaston Luga said “Hej!” all the way from Stockholm, Sweden and asked if I might like to try out their new range of backpacks, I said “Tack så mycket!“ (“Thank you very much!” in Swedish – No I don’t speak Swedish. My limit of Swedish ends at “Ikea” LOL)

gaston luga backpack classic black on black

Gaston Luga is a new Swedish brand specialising in backpacks with canvas and leather bodies. The minimalistic designs sit well with the current trend of minimalism and the clean, simple lines of Scandinavian design. They have a few different ranges, but I picked one in the classic range, in the very practical Black on Black colour – black leather accessories on black canvas.

There is a reason I picked this design, which I’ll tell you about, and I’ll also show you what fits in my Gaston Luga Classic Backpack, and if you’re interested in it, I also have a discount code! 😀

How big is the Gaston Luga Classic Backpack?

I tried to find a point of reference, but there wasn’t a lot of information online. In most photos, it looks like a reasonable, fairly compact size. The dimensions given are 28 x 42 x 14 cm and 15 litres but I couldn’t visualize that. In reality, it’s actually quite large! So, I thought it would be useful to show you visually, just how big it is.

gaston luga backpack classic black on black

Reliving my college days browsing our Malaysian version of the newsagents for latest entertainment magazines

I am about 5′ 3″ (approx 160cm) in height, and not skinny nor fashion model material. I’m just your average woman, and the Gaston Luga Classic backpack is fairly big on me. That said however, it is well made, so when worn and filled with your stuff, it looks compact and doesn’t make you look like a turtle 😛

The Classic backpack is primarily canvas, with canvas straps, canvas body and canvas flap. The decorative straps and handles are smooth, thick leather. The reason I picked this design was because the flap was canvas. What this meant for me, is that I could stuff the bag to the brim (which I have) and the flap would still cover the opening nicely without creasing or bulging. The other designs boast a leather flap, which look more fashion forward, but which do not look as good, once your bag is filled. I’m a practical one, me 😀 However, the Classic backpack is more casual in design and fits a more casual surrounding, compared to the other designs. I’m particularly taken by the Classy Black design, that has gold hardware. Looks sleek!

What fits in the Gaston Luga Classic Backpack?

Well, a ton! I’d be happy to take this as carry on luggage or even for an overnight or weekend trip if I wanted to (I am quite a light packer) You could fit a couple of changes of clothes (in the tropics, that usually means shorts and light T-shirts) together with a small toiletry pouch, and some other bits and bobs. But for everyday, here’s an example of what I can fit in mine.

gaston luga classic backpack what fits

There is space for more, if I wanted to stuff in more things. But this would be for starters. It also fits my DSLR camera very comfortably, and because the interior is padded, it cushions it quite well. I like that it fits my tall water bottle very easily, while still leaving space for lots of other things, because my other casual backpack fills up quickly.

I haven’t had a chance to travel with mine since I received it, but I can imagine that it’ll be handy to carry around, and fill up with little purchases as I go along. It’s big enough to accommodate a lot of items, yet compact enough that you won’t whack people every time you turn around 😛

Here’s everything in the picture above, packed into the backpack.

gaston luga classic backpack what fits

You can see that it’s quite compact. I love that the interior is a lovely warm, deep red canvas, which makes it easier to see your things inside. Black would just drown everything and turn it into a black hole. Also, the red contrasts prettily with the black!

There is a compartment at the back, which fits your laptop (up to 15″ should not be an issue). I carry mine in its case and it slips in and out easily. I also place my large Moleskine planner in there. There are 2 more smaller pockets where you can put pens and smaller items. The front is the main, large compartment and it closes with a drawstring closure.

I have to show you a hidden pocket at the back, which is actually very handy.

gaston luga classic backpack

It is a slash pocket, that sits on the back, and will lie against your back. It will fit your passport, which makes it handy space to have it when you travel, and at airports, as it will lie against your back. It also fits my phone, which has a 5.5″ screen, and the whole phone will lie hidden. Any larger phone will be a tight squeeze.

There is also a little pocket in the front that closes with a zip and a flap. I’d put little items in there, but because it sits on the outside of the bag, I’d not put any valuables, just to be safe.

Is a drawstring closure safe?

When I showed this backpack on Instagram stories a little while ago, I had many people ask me if the drawstring closure was safe. We are quite used to a zip closure being safer, and I left backpacks with drawstring closures back in school!

Well, there are a few elements to this. First, I find that the drawstring closure is better than a zip closure, because it allows you more flexibility in filling up your bag. So, if you fill it to the brim, you can still close it. Secondly, the flap secures with 2 magnets on the front, and I found the magnets incredibly strong. I have a problem opening it in a hurry, which can be a good thing.

gaston luga classic backpack

You would also have to be a little more careful, naturally. When I’m walking in a crowded area, or taking public transportation, I’d never have my backpack on my back as you see here. I’d hold it against me, on my front, or if it’s heavy, by my feet, but in front of me where I can see it. I’d only strap it on this way, when I’m walking in a less crowded area. I’m paranoid that way, but I think you can never be too paranoid 🙂

One note about the material, is that dirt and dust will show up easily on the black canvas in the design you see here. Also, I think the black may be prone to fading a little, rather like denim jeans. You can see in some of the more close up pictures above, what I mean. For this reason, I’d suggest you pick one of the other colours e.g. Blue or Olive unless you don’t mind this happening. I don’t, as I don’t mind a weathered look.

Is the Gaston Luga Classic backpack comfortable?

The straps are unpadded canvas, but wide enough to be fairly comfortable when strapped on, even when weighed down. In this sense, I prefer it to the one I was using before, with its thin straps. Once you adjust the length of the straps to sit at the right height, it is quite comfortable.

gaston luga classic backpack

PB eating… always eating even when on the go!

However, I do realise that it is quite heavy. I feel that this is due to the sturdy and thick canvas used in the making of the Gaston Luga backpack, and the leather straps. I don’t know if the other designs might weigh less, but on its own, the Gaston Luga Classic backpack is fairly weighty. Once I put my things in there, I do feel the weight on my shoulders and back. For this reason, I don’t know how practical it will be for travel, as I do prefer to travel light. But I can’t say till I’ve tried.

Where can I buy the Gaston Luga backpacks?

If you’re interested in these backpacks, you can buy them directly from Gaston Luga website.  For those shipping outside the EU (that’s especially so for those of us in Malaysia) the Swedish VAT (currently 20%) is automatically deducted from the price of the item. After that, you can use my promotion code “PARISB15” for an additional 15% discount (I don’t get any money from this but I’ll love you for it! 🙂 ).

LIMITED SEASONAL OFFER: A FREE leather luggage tag will be added to all orders of backpacks while stocks last!

They will ship by courier service for free all the way from Sweden. I wasn’t charged any customs taxes, and it arrived to me in just about 3 days which is very speedy!

That said, the price of these backpacks are a little on the steep side. The Classic backpack that I’ve featured here is listed as RM919 (US$229) on the website. Once you deduct the 20% VAT and use the 15% discount code PARISB15, it comes down to RM624.92 (US$155.72). A good saving, but still a little steep for our local economy. You are billed in your local currency, which is good because it is an accurate representation of price.

gaston luga backpack classic black

Do the Gaston Luga backpack designs appeal to you? Do you use backpacks?

If I had one of the other designs, I’d likely be able to use it better for work and play. The Classic design is more of a weekend, casual backpack, that will look a little out of place in a work environment. I know, cos I took it with me and no, it does not blend into swanky events LOL 😀 But still, I did it! 😉

Paris B

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Disclosure: Featured product was a press sample for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.
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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

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14 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Hui Min says

    August 25, 2017 at 9:54 am

    Looking gorgeous Paris! Love your dress too. 🙂

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:07 pm

      Aww thank you Hui Min 🙂 It’s actually an old shift dress by Uniqlo 😀

      Reply
  2. SK says

    August 25, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Hi Paris, may I know when will the discount code valid till? Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:08 pm

      Hi SK, from what I can tell, there’s no expiry date! 😀 Are you eyeing one of them?

      Reply
      • SK says

        August 28, 2017 at 8:49 am

        Yes! It’s so fashionable that I don’t care that the shoulder straps are not padded. Hehe.. And I had placed an order. 😀

        Reply
        • Paris B says

          August 29, 2017 at 11:27 am

          Ooh I hope you receive yours safely soon, and that you love it *fingers crossed* Which design did you pick?

          Reply
          • SK says

            August 30, 2017 at 10:10 am

            I got this from them: We’re very sorry to inform you that the below item(s) of your order are backordered at the moment.

            Pråper Black

            As we do apologize for the delay, we will send you 2 leather address tags along with the item you have ordered.

            But oh well.. as long as it reaches me safely. 🙂

            Reply
            • Paris B says

              September 6, 2017 at 2:30 pm

              Yikes! I do hope you get your bag soon, and 2 leather tags! Swanky! 😀

              Reply
  3. LeGeeque says

    August 25, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    Having had a chance to play with it IRL I think commuting men would love this. It can comfortably hold their laptops and gadgets in place and slinging this as a suit wouldn’t leave you THAT out of place. If I was toting a laptop around, I’d prefer a sling laptop bag- just because it looks better ?

    Ps- WHAT WERE YOU EATING?!?!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:09 pm

      I think you’re right that it’ll do well for the men, which is kind of good for couples, I suppose who want something that both of them can carry without looking awkward. The pink canvas one would LOL! And I was eating cut guava from a fruit stall LOL! Really reliving my college days 😀

      Reply
  4. Fathin says

    August 26, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    I love backpack as I feel more secured going shopping it and can pack lots of things plus good for my body as long as i properly use its dual straps hehe.

    I prefer smaller size compare to the one you featured here for my daily use. I only use bigger size if I need to carry laptop during trips – I rarely do – or during travelling which I somehow carry so many things that I need to handcarry lol.

    I do love the colours – black with the striking pink inside. I don’t mind if the colour get faded over time.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      Yes for travel I now use a backpack because I can stuff lots into it, and double up as an extra bag, but still go on board a plane 😀 A little cheat trick I worked out when I had to travel with limited luggage once. So I had 1 check in bag, 1 large backpack as cabin bag, and one smaller backpack as “handbag” LOL! Passed 😀

      Reply
  5. Bee says

    August 26, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    The strap reminds me of Herschel bags, but this one is huge!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:12 pm

      Yes, this design is quite similar to the popular Herschel ones 🙂 I Haven’t seen those so I don’t know how big they are, but this is quite compact, so it actually fits more than it looks 😀

      Reply

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My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

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