Yeah man, I don't think the leather is as thin as you think it is. I mean, I thought it was really thin at first, but I used my bbag as a bookbag for a good 6 months this year - and it still looks new - no rips, tears, etc. The leather isn't that thin - and I mean, I carried hard-covered books in my bag - no problems. They seem to be really sturdy bags - maybe I just have a lucky bag, lol, but I doubt it. They seem very well made.