REVIEW – I’m an absolute sucker for bags, pouches, satchels, cases … you name it. If it’s an object that holds smaller objects, I want to give it a try. So my eyes lit up when I got the chance to review Toffee’s Banjo Leather Zip Pouch.
What is it?
Toffee’s Banjo Leather Zip Pouch is a handy sized pouch handcrafted from smooth, thick, raw leather. It fits a passport, many sizes of mobile phones, several cards and cash.
Hardware specs
- Handcrafted in Sydney, Australia
- Made from smooth, thick raw leather from New Zealand
- High quality, durable zips, and zip pulls
- Size: 18cm x 9.5cm x 1.5cm
- Fits: Passports, and most iPhone models, including the new iPhone X and iPhone 8. Will just barely accommodate iPhone 7/8 Plus.
What’s in the box?
- one leather zip pouch (and a cute protective bag)
Design and Features
The first thing that stands out with this large, zippered pouch is just how soft, supple and thick the leather material is. It has a nice texture to it, smooth but not shiny. It looks like it could really take a beating and look all the better for it.
The Banjo Pouch exudes quality. It’s got that warm feeling, holding it, that some extremely skilled leatherworker personally crafted this wallet just for you (because, well, they did.)
Inside the zippered pouch is a long pocket meant for your phone, and two card pockets on either side. I have an iPhone 7+ and found that this size phone juuuuust fits in that phone divider. An iPhone 8 or X something of similar size and thickness would fit just fine. I usually don’t carry my phone inside of a pouch or bag, simply because I like quick access to it to review tasks and messages, but the Banjo Pouch could act as a combination wallet/phone case.
Instead, I used the center slot to hold receipts, coupons, cash and other paper items, and it worked very well for that purpose.
The overall size of the pouch proved to be a little too large for some pairs of pants. It fit okay inside the roomy pockets of my cargo shorts, and the soft leather formed comfortably against my leg. However, I imagine this pouch would work better in a backpack or bag or carrying it as a small clutch.
The only knock I could bring against this pouch is the price. You’re paying for fine materials and expert craftsmanship, and the durability of this pouch is high as well, so much so that one could hand it down for generations. Despite that, I’d guess that $100+ is too steep an asking price for most.
What I liked
- Gorgeous, handcrafted raw leather
- Fits most phones, a passport, cash and several cards
- Will last a lifetime or more
What to consider before buying
- It’s rather expensive
Final thoughts
The Banjo Zip Pouch is gorgeous, durable, and feels great in your hand if you can swing the cost.
Price: $109.95
Where to buy: You can purchase the Banjo Leather Zip Pouch Toffeecases.com in brown, black or tan.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Toffee Cases.
