Thisispaper is a Warsaw-based multidisciniplary design studio working across a range of mediums, from product and graphic design to art direction, print publishing and much more. The modest Polish operation specializes in highly refined designs, championing minimalist form and artisanal execution above all else. In short, they make really nice things that look great and function well. They’re by no means an outdoor brand, but specifically speaking to their U-tility Backpack, it’s safe to say the designers drew inspiration from heritage outdoor gear there.
The bag in question features a roll-top design, allowing the interior carrying capacity to adjust along with the load. Exterior front zip and size pockets offer quick access to essentials, and multiple interior pockets (plus a padded laptop sleeve) hold the rest. The bag comes in four colorways, including two waxed cotton and two linen iterations. For the sake of continuity, we’re showing the off-white. It’s handsome in all the right ways, with vegetable tanned leather and handmade brass hardware and look at home atop any back, regardless of gender.
Thisispaper strongly emphasizes sustainable practices, making each product by hand in their Warsaw studio. All leathers are chromium-free, and tanned in Poland and Italy with vegetable dyes derived from tree bark, wood, leaves, fruit, roots, etc. All fabric and fittings are sourced from within Poland directly from family-owned operations. Though it may not seem like it, these facts matter, as an assurance of sorts that you’re getting the highest quality product available. But really, either way, it’s a damn attractive bag at a reasonable price. So… yeah.
