Strong, long-lasting leather bag - any tips?

[Bramshott]

I'll start by saying that I DO cram a lot of stuff into my bag, and that its often heavy . I don't think that's going to change....

At the moment I usually spend about £50-60 on a bag, which fails after about 6 - 9 months. It's always the handles that go, I think probably because they're often not real leather (even if other parts of the bag are).

I'm happy to spend more on a bag, if it's going to last better, but I don't want to shell out £170 if it's going to last the same amount of time!

Any recommendations for a bag that lasts? If you spend more, do you get an immeasurably better quality product? I need a bag with straps long enough to go over my shoulder (just).

I have a Coach bag. Capacious, goes over shoulder, indestructible (still going after 5 years) and looks pristine even though I have used it every single day. They are expensive but there are outlet stores around/sales.

Thanks Brenda - which one do you have if I may ask?

I love Frye bags long lasting and look better with age, they are tough and indestructible.

I am bookmarking all of these - thanks!

So the general consensus is that if I spend more I WILL get a more long-lasting, durable bag, despite heavy use?

With Frye definitely I carry a lot of stuff with me and currently this is the only bag I use. I've used it nearly every day for two years and the leather is getting better with age.