Sheldon Leather Backpack

Quality leather backpack as Latico has always been, but question the smell

Okay, for about the past 40 years I’ve had Latico leather backpacks that were similar to the now Explorer backpack. Had a tan & a black until I simply had to replace them with another Latico. It’s the only bag I ever used and I loved both times when they arrived with that glorious leather smell-quality-perfect. I loved that backpack. Colleagues at the biotech I worked at continuously commented how they loved my bag and I would repeat Latico! It’s what I would have ordered this time, as my former one recently gave up, but for some reason it no longer has an interior zip pocket which I absolutely need. Very disappointed. So this time I ordered the Sheldon. Quality, yes. It’s bigger than I need, but that’s my fault. It arrived and did not have that glorious leather smell. It’s different. Believe it’s no longer leather from Latin America? I’ve had it outside on a chair soaking up the fresh air, using baking powder, cleaning it with leather cleaner…trying to get this strange smell out of it. It’s too strong and actually I can’t stand the smell. Is it hazardous off-gassing of the leather that I’ve read about? The bag is quality as stated, but the smell…what can I do? I’ve always been a solid Latico leather backpack user. I want to be able to use this beautiful backpack.

I love this backpack, it is perfect for everyday and I will be using it to travel !