Reviews (45)
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I've been buying purses and backpacks from Andrew and Kathy for at least 30 years. I always use the medium Travelmate Backpack for traveling abroad, because it's secure from pickpockets and it's easy to carry a waterbottle and a light sweater. The backpack/purse is easy on the back and shoulders, even when heavy. I love the removable second strap. When I was in a museum in Oslo they said I couldn't bring it in with both straps attached, because then it was a backpack, but when I showed the agent that I could remove one strap and turn it into a purse she let me go in. I love Ace Leather products!
Posted by Goodwin Deacon on 27th Oct 2024
I and my mother bought these back in 2016 at a kiosk at the Everett mall for Christmas and I've used mine practically everyday since and it's STILL in really good condition.
Posted by Mar on 4th Jan 2024
Love the versatility of this bag. Purse, Back Pack or Fanny pack for the wallet size. The last one lived for 5 years before I damaged the zipper. Used and at times abused by me. Still durable. Highly recommend it to friends
Posted by Cheryl on 16th Dec 2023
This will be our 4th and 5th Travelmate Backpack. Excellent quality as usual. Have never found a better, more convenient or safer, daily pack for travel. Ours have been all over Europe and the islands and countless airports.
Posted by Rick Bazin on 24th Apr 2023
I bought one in 2013 at a fair and have carried ever since. Now after 10 years, the strap has worn out and torn off and the leather at the point where it attaches is getting holes in it. Some time ago, the lining of the center pocket wore out because I carry my keys in there but the rest of the backpack is still in good shape. My husband has just ordered me a new Travelmate for Mother’s Day. You are a winner if you buy one of these. They are well worth the expense.
Posted by Sue Erickson on 14th Apr 2023
I bought my first TravelMate (medium, black) over 12 years ago. I carried it every day and the leather just got better with age. I finally bought a second one after about 8 years when one of the zippers broke, but I kept the first because the zipper can be fixed and the bag was perfect otherwise. Then, I bought a third one to have in reserve in case you retire! I plan to carry the TravelMate for the rest of my life - it's the best purse I've ever had. The craftsmanship is superb and every design detail is perfect. The medium holds a lot of stuff and never feels too heavy because of the way it fits on my shoulder or back. I also just purchased a large, black TravelMate to have for longer trips. Can't wait to use it! These bags are well worth the price.
Posted by Debby D on 27th Apr 2022
I have several of these!! Love them all! Very durable. Excellent for travelling!
Posted by Alice Louie on 29th Nov 2021
I really love my new medium backpack. They were out of gray, so I plunged and bought the purple instead, and it is wonderful. It is muted, not bright, and doesn't clash with anything. The bag's construction is great ! Thank you !
Posted by Laurie MC on 15th Jul 2021
Outstanding purse. Great size when you don't want to carry to much weight around. Awesome quality workmanship.
Posted by BRADFORD EUGENE VAIL on 17th Jun 2021
I love my purse from Ace Leather Goods. It is made of great quality leather with amazing attention to detail. It works exactly as I need it to and have I bought extra to ensure I have a new one for the future.
Posted by Toni Taft on 23rd Feb 2021
My second TravelMate Backpack just arrived. I bought my first one over twenty years ago and I was not kind to it but no matter what I did, it held up remarkably well. I have it with me constantly and use it to hold all kinds of things. The main strap broke several years ago but the second strap worked well as a replacement. It wasn't until the second zipper finally gave out that I ordered the new backpack. I will be hanging on to my first backpack in the event I can fix the zippers because the workmanship you put in to all your products is remarkable and means the backpack will still be useful for many more years. I also bought several belts all those years ago and haven't had to buy any others since then. They still look almost as good as new. Thank you for putting out such quality products. I have yet to find any one who compares.
Posted by Bill Brown on 7th Jan 2021
I had my first backpack for over 12 years. Excellent, high quality products!
Posted by Amanda on 27th Oct 2020
I love my sling bag. Bought the small size and it is perfect for my day-to-day purse. The middle zipper area is great for a water bottle without having to worry of spills and getting everything wet. It is pricey but I will enjoy it for years to come. Quality is outstanding.
Posted by Andrea Hagood on 6th Mar 2020
I have owned one of these backpacks in brown leather for over ten years and it was finally starting to wear out in a couple of spots. It had been used almost every day during that ten year period. I looked at other purses, but I loved this one so much that I just ordered another one in the red. It just arrived and I couldn't be happier!
Posted by Clair Bourne on 15th Nov 2019
As a multi-multi owner of this product in 4 colors. I dearly love the workmanship and style of the smaller backpack which I use as a purse. Yes I shall never see 70 again and have never been happier with a purchase that makes me happy when ever I use it. Had many compliments.
Posted by Mary Jane Hughes on 4th Sep 2019
I bought a similar travelmate type purse from Ace years ago and it finally wore out. This is the best design I have ever had and it doesn't slip off your shoulder like most other shoulder straps do. I was shocked at the price and thought about this a long time, but decided to buy it anyway, probably as my "final purse".
Posted by Marilyn on 1st Sep 2019
This is my second one, bought so I could have a replacement when the first one wears out (and before you all retire). I LOVE this bag. It carries everything I need, and still has room for the stuff everyone ELSE needs. My first one is still going strong after 10 years, but now I have 2 colors to choose from! Happy retirement, and thanks!
Posted by Alisan on 17th Aug 2019
This is my 5th Backpack purse and I love them.
My problem with this one is the color. The Burgundy on your site looks nothing like the color I received. It is way too brown looking. It is a bit disappointing.
Posted by Reta Worden on 6th May 2019
I bought the back pack. Some of the compartments are smaller than before, but I am getting use to it. I love the product
Posted by Diana Kaiser on 26th Apr 2019
I love this bag! I bought one about 10 years ago and have abused this bag. I decided to buy another color so I can prolong the first bags usefulness. I love traveling with it because my belongings are safe and the bag is light to carry thru the airport and great to fit under the seat. I wish I could give more stars!
Posted by Lisa on 8th Apr 2019
I have been using one of these packs for about 15 years. Just ordered a new one. It has helped me keep my neck and back from out of place requiring chiropractic help. Strongly recommend!!
Posted by Jayne on 21st Jun 2018
This was my second purchase of an Ace backpack. The first one I bought was the medium size, about six years ago. I used it frequently as I traveled 10 to 12 times a year for work and pleasure and always had my Ace backpack with me. Now I’m retired and purchased the large backpack so I can carry more in my travels. Love it, love it, love it! It has room for everything I need to take with me.
Posted by Maryanne on 29th May 2018
This is my second travel mate. The first finally gave out after steady use of about eight years. I knew it was time to order a new one, and the first one finally had a zipper go completely out. So now I have a new one in a different color. Very happy!
Posted by Susie on 19th Apr 2017
I am thrilled with my TravelMate Backpack. I've been using it as a purse to also hold my knitting, but think I will save it for an upcoming trip. I can't wait to use it again. Beautifully crafted, as are all Ace Leather products that I own. I love them all.
Posted by Pam on 10th Jan 2017
Haven't had back or neck problems since I began using these backpacks. This isn't my first one!!
Posted by Jayne on 27th Dec 2016
This is my second purchase of the travel mate backpack. I have had my other one for over 5 years. It is still in great shape. I wouldn't use anything else
Posted by Kathy Arntzen on 17th Jun 2016
I just received a black TravelMate after having a brown leather one for 15 years. Though I love all the features, this one is not as soft a leather and some of the compartments (i.e., the middle pouch) zipper is not quite as long. I am hoping that as the purse breaks in it will soften up some.
Posted by Evelyn Aikman on 10th Mar 2016
I had been looking for something to replace my everything bag that would lessen the wear and tear on my shoulder. Found it! This bag is amazing. No more dragging on my shoulder. So nice and roomy, a place for everything and everything in its place. Absolutely love it. The leather is so soft. This is my last and best bag!
Posted by Unknown on 22nd Nov 2015
This bag was very expensive in my opinion & I almost didn't buy it for that reason. Traveling several times this year, I'm very glad I did. It is everything the owner told me it was & made my travels soooo much better. Very convienient bag!
Posted by Mrs. Goodell on 14th Nov 2015
My grandma and I saw this at a Christmas arts and crafts show and both wanted one for travel. I finall decided to get one right before my honeymoon and it's been a godsend! I got the medium and there is a ton of space with room for more, I'm easily able to fit a small translation dictionary with a bottle of water and then some in a single pocket. Oddly enough it never feels heavy either. So happy with this impulse buy!
Posted by Unknown on 7th Nov 2015
I have purchased many purses trying to find one that will carry my iPad, hand gun and all the other items I need to carry without breaking my shoulder. This one does it all. Thanks.
Posted by nana1ret@gmail.com on 20th Oct 2015
Look at one at The Taste of Tacoma. It is well made, and big enough for almost everything you could need for a day trip to the woods or city. Very versatile.
Posted by Randy on 14th Aug 2015
I have chronic back and shoulder pain, this is the ONLY purse I have found that does NOT hurt my shoulder. This will be my 2nd and can not wait. (it is being held "captive" till my anniversary. lol) Thank you for making them, the one that I saw was top notch!!! The leather felt so soft and all the pockets..cant wait.
Posted by Ruth on 28th May 2015
I ordered and received the second Travel Mate I have been honored to purchase. The first, now pushing 30 years, or more, is still going strong. It just has a few scars from old age: green paint on the bottom from a newly painted bench in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, a small tear on the back when I dropped it in front of a wild boar in a palm oil plantation in Malaysia. Good memories all. But, now the new Travel Mate will probably outlive me, so I must amend my will. Thank you. The service when I explained my urgent shipping needs was excellent, expedient and welcomed. Thank you all.
Posted by Cara Lee on 1st May 2015
I used to own this for everyday use and it was great until I wore it out. This new one will be perfect for our trip to Italy, keeping our things safe and secure.
Posted by papadoodah on 30th Apr 2015
The Ace medium sized backpack holds a lot: easily fits in a water bottle, mini iPad, makeup pouch, drawing and sketching materials , sunglasses, camera, wallet, etc. Yet, when you sling it on your back it becomes weightless to the point where you forget that it's there. I have two of the smaller ones that I have used for purses for the last couple of years. I want to see if the medium sized one will work as a carryon bag for travel. The leather is very supple and beautifully finished. For some reason, in the medium size they have used Velcro on the outside pocket where the smaller one has a zipper. I liked the zipper pocket for my wallet.
Posted by Unknown on 6th Apr 2015
I must say that this bag has been a life saver. I have to use a cane daily and having a comfortable, safe and easy to use purse is key to my accessibility. I love that it is so comfortable that I do not feel the need to take it off, which relieves the stress of watching over my shopping carts for my purse. Thank you to the really nice informative lady that helped me find the perfect purse. I have the burgundy color and I love it.
Posted by Kasey on 18th Mar 2015
This TravelMate is very well constructed and has plenty of compartments for organization. Very comfortable to wear. Excellent product.
Posted by Marcia Lyn on 25th Aug 2014
This is my second TravelMate. I used and abused my last one every single day for at least ten years. Amazingly comfortable, almost impossible to spill contents, holds huge amount of "stuff". Gave all my other purses away. Can't recommend more highly!
Posted by Ruth on 24th Jun 2014
I purchased the large TravelMate Backpack for a purchase/catch all bag and love it. It rests perfectly in the small of my back and isn't pulling or weighing on my shoulders and neck. Even used it on a cool morning commute to work and it was great! While this will be perfect for when I want to carry more; I may have to purchase the medium for more everyday use as a purse.
Posted by Chris on 4th Jun 2014
This is not the first travel bag I've bought. It's the fourth! I own two large and two medium bags. I have three colors green navy & brown. I get complimens on all 3. There's lots of storage & the pockets keep me organized. I tried to use a different bag once and couldn't stand it! I'll keep using my travel bags. The leather is high quality & looks great with minimal upkeep. I recommend these bags for anyone who travels or wants to stay organized.
Posted by Becky Strode on 3rd May 2014
This purse is just perfect for all my "stuff." Thank you!
Posted by Roxann on 11th Feb 2014
This bag is so amazing I've bought 5 of them. Four were gifts. Everyone loves them and use them for different things. My brother uses his for his flight books and logs when he flies. My husband uses his every day to carry a bit of everything to work. My photographer friend uses her larger size TravelMate as a camera bag that she straps to the front of her body to easily access her photo equipment. Another friend uses her larger size TravelMate as an over sized purse. I use mine for travel and put it's matching purse into it along with my passport, airline tickets, two phones (one for the USA and one for Japan), and so on and on. And, they all fit perfectly.
What can I say; the TravelMate is amazing.
Posted by Honor Schulte-Usui on 2nd Feb 2014
I comute by bus and ferry. I carry two meals and enought stuff to last a long day away from home. This bag holds it all, keeps it dry, and makes it easy to get at everything.
Posted by Unknown on 7th Oct 2013
I ordered my TravelMate Backpack from the website after viewing the helpful video. At first glance, I loved the color (blue), the feel, but I worried that it might be too small for my needs.
However, when I started transferring my 'treasures' from my other backpack, I was amazed at how the clever design of the TravelMate allowed everything to fit. And it is better organized than before. I love this design. I'm so pleased to be able to carry all my stuff in a more compact way. The weight of it is distributed nicely too.
Shipping was lightening fast. This was just a great transaction all around.
I am very pleased with the TravelMate Backpack and with Ace Leather Goods. I will recommend them to all my friends.
Posted by Leslie Nelson on 11th Aug 2013
