Have you seen a rectangular bag that comes with a flip cover and a shoulder strap with it? And have ever a question popped up in your mind to eager towards that type of bag whether it’s a hobo bag, tote bag, or satchel bag.
Do you want to know what is a satchel bag?
This is a perfect blog for you. Some people often confused between a satchel bag, a tote bag, and a hobo bag.
The majority of women use it as style and trend and some use it as side bag to fit essential things.
So what is a satchel bag?
A Satchel bag is a rectangular leather bag that features a top handle and a long shoulder strap. The Satchel bag is flat from the bottom. Satchel also features a flip cover.
Traditionally it was used by school students to carry their books and other essential things around. The Satchel has remained classic and popular due to its heritage, trend, and durability.
Some Satchel bag is a sturdy and durable because of leather material and if it’s not made of leather then satchel bag may be made of using polyester or cotton canvas.
Polyester is also a durable material for bags. To read more about materials used in bags check our blog on types of bag materials to get informative knowledge about types of bag materials.
Some people often confuse between a satchel bag, a tote bag, and a hobo bag.
So the other thing is that what is the difference between a satchel, tote bag, and a hobo bag?
Satchel Bag

As I described that satchel bag is a rectangular leather bag that features a long strap with a shoulder strap.
Hobo Bag
A hobo bag is a crescent-shaped bag and features a long strap that designed to be worn over the shoulder, not like a satchel bag where a satchel bag is worn around the shoulder.
Tote Bag
And a tote bag is a larger bag than a hobo and satchel. The tote bag comes with a double handle and it can be worn on the shoulder. Tote bags are made using nylon or cotton canvas.
1. History
The invention of the satchel bag is unknown. But some earliest satchel bags were made of leather. Around AD300 recordings of Scottish monks, carrying around their bibles inside leather satchel bags were proof that such type of bag like this existed in the old times.
But from the 1700s satchel bags had started to become famous among students to carry books and other essential things.
The originally made satchel bags first came in Oxford and Cambridge and was featuring very simple features like a front flap.
Many satchel bags come with two straps so that it can be used by students, doctors to carry essential things.
2. Material
The majority of satchel bags are made of leather or other durable materials that can last for a long period of time. Leather material is one of the most used materials in bags.
For many centuries humans are involved with leather materials. Basically, leather material is made of animal skin. It’s believed that leather has been around here since 2200 BCE.
But nowadays there is also synthetic leather that exists in the market which is animal-free leather but it is not as durable as leather.
However, leather made from animal-skin remains a favorite choice for many people because of its durability. With these popularities and durability leather becomes part of our blog on different types of bag materials.
3. Straps
Many satchel bags come with a long shoulder strap that can be worn around the shoulder. Satchel bags also come with a top handle which can also be used as a handbag to carry with your hand.
Many satchel bags also come with two shoulder straps which can be used by students to place their books and other essential things.
4. Features
The Satchel bag comes with a top handle and a shoulder strap. And many of satchel bag comes with removable shoulder strap so it’s good to carry bag as shoulder bag and rather if you want to carry it as hand bag you can be able to do that so.
- Sturdy and durable: It needs to be durable since it is used for carrying books and other essential things. Although most of the satchel bags are made from leather so it’s true to say that satchels will last for many years.
- Adjustable straps: Just like any other bag, the straps of satchel bags can also be adjustable.
- Top handle: It comes with a top handle so it becomes easy to carry a satchel bag as a handbag.
- Can be worn as a side bag: The majority of satchel bags come with shoulder straps which can be used as side bags.
- Handle and shoulder straps: It comes with a top handle and removable shoulder straps.
A satchel is a bag, often with a strap. The strap is often worn so that it diagonally crosses the body, with the bag hanging on the opposite hip, rather than hanging directly down from the shoulder.
Satchels are usually structured bags, but now they can mean any bag that has a rigid feel structure, and often satchels can stand up on their own.
Satchel bags are definitely the handiest bag I ever own. Satchel bags are perfect for both working men and women. Satchel bag can be used as an everyday handbag or a laptop bag. Satchel bags can perfectly fit all the basics essentials that you need in your daily life.
So if you are looking for a bag that can be used as your purpose and has a touch of glamour, then the satchel bag would be the best option for you.
Nowadays satchel bags come in many designs. Why we liked it because many satchel bags can be used as a handbag and also as a messenger bag or a side bag.
If you are also investing in a satchel bag then buy a sturdy and durable satchel bag that comes in leather or in vegan leather. In my opinion, a satchel bag needs to last longer for many years.
Vintage Canvas Satchel Messenger Bag for Men Women
Features:
- Made of 100% leather
- Suitable for 13-14 inches laptop
- 1 main compartment
- 2 pockets in a compartment for keys and phones
- Comes with adjustable shoulder straps
So this was an answer to your search query on what is a satchel bag?