NEW YORK TIMES WIRECUTTER

We've been committed to making products in the USA since our start in 1998. Back then, off-shore manufacturing was the prevailing trend, and many sewing shops in San Francisco were shuttered.

We wanted hands-on experience with the products we were making — from the idea phase to final production. We wanted to ensure things were done right, make changes on the fly, and iterate on the design as needed.

Our small-batch production fits the types of products we offer — well-designed, custom-fit items you buy for life. You may have to wait a while for us to make it for you, but you know it will be well-made.

With WaterField American-made gear, you get high quality, long-lasting products. All our designs are original, incorporating details you'll appreciate with each use.

We use only premium, full-grain leather for our bags and accents. It comes from the toughest part of the hide with the tightest grain so it's extremely durable.

Full-grain leather looks better and better as it ages, and your WaterField bag will develop a beautiful patina.

The 15oz waxed canvas and 1680 denier ballistic nylon we use to make our bags are very rugged materials that can survive years of use. The canvas has a distinct vintage aesthetic that differentiates it from other materials, while the ballistic nylon is lighter, more abrasion-resistant, and a bit more performance focused. However, both materials function very similarly on a day-to-day basis and their main defining factor is their different looks. 

Bags with an all-leather constructions aren't necessarily better than fabric bags, though they certainly have a distinct look and feel. All-leather bags can stand up to the abuses of daily life, while developing a patina that makes the bag look better and better over time. Leather bags have a classic aesthetic that many people consider timeless. 

Yes, specialized travel bags are very much worth it. They are specifically sized to fit in airplane storage spaces, and are equipped with organizational compartments tailor-made to make air travel more convenient.