The purpose of the square patch on backpacks is to carry extra gear
In today’s backpacks, the leather patch is a fashionable trend. It is also called a lash tab or pig snout. Initially, it was used to pass a string through and tie equipment in outdoor packs. Rubber and plastic eventually took the place of leather as waterproof substitutes. Moreover, It is also used to connect knives, whistles, and other accessories to personal flotation devices.
The pig snout on the square patch is used to carry additional stuff on your backpack. Strings can be carried simply by pulling them through the tab. Some brands widely use this patch to provide a vintage touch to their backpacks and while you may not be able to go hiking with your new backpack, you will now know how to attach your sneakers.