I want to buy an everyday bag that'll last a couple of years without getting worn and frayed, and won't look beat up. I'm constantly carrying a laptop, wallet, and headphones. I'm looking at leather, nylon, or some kind of modern synthetic material. What did you go with?
Leather is a classic for a reason. Natural leather actually looks better over time if you don't deliberately beat it up. Scuffs on it become noble patina, not a sign of wear. It'll easily last five to seven years minimum if you don't rough it up. The downsides are weight and price, plus you need to take care of it periodically. But if it's an everyday bag you're using for a couple years, it'll pay for itself.
If leather seems expensive or pretentious, then modern polyester or nylon is also an option, though there are nuances. Synthetics are lighter, cheaper, and dry quickly, which is convenient. But after a couple years, nylon can start delaminating at the creases, the material dulls and starts looking tired. Quality ripstop or ballistic nylon holds its shape better than regular stuff, but it's still not the same as natural material.
I personally carry a leather bag because my work requires reliability - I've got microtools and documents that can't get wet. But if you're constantly getting soaked or live somewhere damp, leather will need more attention. Think about your lifestyle: if you want to buy once and forget about it - go leather; if you prefer something light and don't mind replacing it after a couple years - quality polyester.
Log into answer.
