About Us

History
The Pack Saddle Leather Co was established in 1988 when repairs to saddlery harness and portage brought new life to bench crafted items. Special requests for individual articles led to design and manufacture of a small product range. Today the now extensive range, still made by hand from the finest leather available, maintains a unique appeal. A product range as genuine and rugged as our Australian Heritage!

Unique Design
A major influence in our designs comes from hand made items used by our forefathers. Most of them were quite basic but functional and extremely durable. We have continued this practice within our designs, maintaining a unique Australian image of quality products that will retain their appeal for generations. A style so typically Australian!

Hide Selection
The art of hide selection was learnt from one of Australia's leading saddlers and still remains the most important facet of our trade. Examination of individual hides for grain variation, surface strength and handling ability ensures that the end product after years of use maintains exceptional wear and distinctive looks. Stocks of leather are purchased from various tanneries and leather merchants. The majority is Cow Hide although some pig skin is used as lining. Apart from the Veg tanned leather which is used for straps and belts the majority is chrome tanned, the same as used in the shoe industry.

Durability
Strict attention is paid to wear points. Composite materials such as webbing, trim board and aluminium are discretely used to gain maximum strength and durability. All hardware used is the same used in the saddlery trade. Solid brass fittings and heavy weight outdoor grade polyester bonded thread, combined with carefully selected first grade leather results in products that will last for generations.

Quality
Being family owned and operated ensures individual items have that personal touch. Careful attention is paid to all stages of production from cutting to the last stitch. Quality control starts with the purchase of raw materials. Each step in production is a quality control exercise and success is directly related to this. The satisfaction our customers gain from owning our products is equal to the satisfaction we have in producing such products.

Heritage
When the horse was the primary mode of transport luggage had to be as tough as our early pioneers. The Pack Saddle Leather Co has continued this nineteenth century tradition of bench crafted excellence. The product range can certainly endure the rigors of today's travel modes and still looks more distinctive than the luxury European travel goods in the hotel lobby. The traditional Australian designs will earn the owner many compliments for their choice of travel accessories.

 

Father and sons team 2004. From left to right- Jock, Ben and Steve Craigie.
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