The 16 Best Leather Backpacks for Your Everyday Adventures

We’ve all got places to be — and things that need to come along for the ride. Laptops, notebooks, pens, a spare mask or two, the odd bottle of allergy meds (you know, just in case). And to put it quite simply, you won’t find a better, more convenient way to carry these necessary supplies than a backpack (even if you’re not a college student). The best backpacks are all about function: They free up your hands while you travel for all manner of activities, from swiping your Metrocard to holding hiking poles, while redistributing the weight of your gear so it doesn’t feel like you’re carrying a ton of bricks on your back. But if you want to add uncompromising style into the mix, a leather backpack might just be in your future.

Built with all the same functionality as your go-to canvas and polyester bags, leather backpacks turn the style dial up to an eleven by using materials that lean that much more luxurious. (I’m talking genuine leather, calfskin, suede, cordovan—basically anything that comes from a hide.) Which should you choose, though? I’ve weeded through all your options to help narrow down the search and find the perfect leather backpack to suit your needs.

Why Buy a Leather Backpack?

Before I go any further, let’s get one thing out of the way right from the jump: Leather backpacks will be, by and large, more expensive than your average daypack. Most of that’s to do with the materials. Leather’s just more pricey to produce than cotton or synthetic fabrics. But try not to get too off-put by the price tag because there are real benefits to biting the bullet and buying a leather backpack.

Most importantly, aside from looking cool as hell, leather’s also way more durable than other fabrics. Think about your favorite pair of leather boots — they can take one hell of a beating without compromising anything in terms of integrity. The same goes for a leather backpack. Get yourself a good one, and you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to worry about an errant tear leaving your valuables accidentally strewn in the street. On top of the durability component, you’ve also got the fact that leather tends to get even better the more you use it, developing a fine, one-of-a-kind patina over time.

The Best Leather Backpacks

All this is to say, think of a leather backpack like an investment in the future of your personal style. And one you definitely won’t regret.

Shinola

Best Overall Leather Backpack

Shinola Runwell Backpack

• $1,095.00 at Shinola

Dimensions: 17 x 10.38 x 6 inches

Leather: Natural grain leather

Shinola may be known for their watches, but their leather goods don’t miss a beat. Named after their iconic timepiece, the Runwell Backpack’s classic styling is built from soft, buttery natural grain leather that will patina beautifully with age, and vachetta leather trim to match. You won’t be disappointed with the storage in this bad boy either. The relatively slim design manages to house a padded compartment that comfortably fits a 15” laptop, a dedicated cell phone pocket, and plenty of room for notebooks and accessories. Cap it all off with padded shoulder traps and matte nickel brass hardware and you’ve got one hell of a backpack.

Lotuff Leather

Best Upgrade Leather Backpack

Lotuff Leather Zipper Backpack

• $1,100.00 at Lotuff Leather

Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 4.5 inches

Leather: Vegetable-tanned leather

There’s nothing quite like American craftsmanship. Like all of Lotuff’s leather goods, each of the brand’s Leather Zipper Backpacks is handmade in New England using only natural, vegetable-tanned leathers. Like they’re made entirely from leather (meaning there’s not much padding throughout to protect your equipment, if that’s something you’re worried about). Lotuff guarantees that they’ll only get better with time though, and based on the quality of the leather, I’m inclined to believe them.

WP Standard

Best Everyday Leather Backpack

WP Standard The Ellis Backpack

• $298.00 at wpstandard.com

Dimensions: 15.5 x 12 x 5 inches

Leather: Full-grain leather

For those looking for a leather backpack that can go everywhere with them effortlessly, WP Standard offers a full-grain leather option that comes in three bold colors. It has brass hardware accompanied by brass rivets and leather straps for a bag that can hold everything you need in your day-to-day. Oh, it also can tote a 16” laptop.

Tanner Goods

Best All-Weather Leather Backpack

Tanner Goods Holton Leather Pack

• $780.00 at Tanner Goods

Dimensions: 19 x 16 x 4 inches

Leather: Full-grain leather

The Holton is Tanner Goods’ first all-leather backpack and they brought their unique blend of rugged outdoor expertise to designing it. It’s got the features you look for in a pack: an interior laptop pocket, genuine leather construction, a slim profile. What I love about it, though, is the ripstop lined drawcord cinch that’ll prevent water from getting inside and messing with your goods. Because you never know when you’re going to get caught in the rain and the last thing you want is waterlogged electronics on your hands. Oh, and did I mention the aircraft-grade aluminum hardware that can handle the harshest conditions on the planet?

Kika NY

Best Postal-Inspired Leather Backpack

Kika NY Postal No. 1

• $825.00 at kikany.com

Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 4 inches

Leather: Italian leather

Kikany’s Postal No. 1 bag references 19th-century US postal bags and uses 2.2mm water-resistant vegetable-tanned Italian leather for a durable, rugged finish. It comes with a brass key hook closure (made in England) and an interior divider that can fit a 13” laptop. As with most cycles in life, well-made things get better with time, and frequent use of the Postal No. 1 will soften the leather and make it more malleable (and thanks to the vegetable-tanned Italian leather, the snow, rain, and sun will deepen its color) while giving the patina aesthetic synonymous with vintage leather goods.

Ralph Lauren

Best Heritage-Inspired Leather Backpack

Polo Ralph Lauren Heritage Leather Backpack

• $695.00 at Ralph Lauren

Dimensions: 16.5 x 17.75 x 6 inches

Leather: Full-grain leather

Looking for something a little more traditional? Polo Ralph Lauren’s got you covered with this Heritage Leather Backpack. The vintage leather design feels like it could be something out of Dead Poets Society (in the best way, of course), with brass buckled flap pockets and a leather drawstring opening the main compartment. I wouldn’t wear this one if you’re shy around playing with Ivy League style, but you do you. There’s always a place for old school, in my view.

Amazon

Best Everyday Leather Backpack

Frye Logan Backpack

• $386.00 at Amazon
  $448.00 (14% off)

Dimensions: 17 x 11.5 inches

Leather: Italian leather

Frye’s iconic boots are known for their durability and the Logan Backpack carries on that tradition of hard-wearing leather goods. Whether you’re carrying books to class or your laptop to and from the office on a daily basis, the bench-crafted leather body and multi-pocket design will keep everything secure and organized — not to mention looking sharp. Just note: the antiqued brass hardware and hand-burnished leather lend a bit of a vintage feel to the whole thing, so if you lean a bit more modern this might not be for you.

Maverick and Co

Best Recycled Leather Backpack

Maverick and Co Earthen Recycled Leather Backpack

• $229.00 at Maverick and Co
  $286.00 (20% off)

Dimensions: 15.7 x 12.2 x 3.9

Leather: Recycled leather

If you care about having luxury at an affordable price point, then Maverick and Co has you covered. The Earthen backpack uses lightweight, quality leather to provide a functional and smooth carryall. The low-profile leather design is sleek and modern, not to mention water-resistant. And you’ll still find a host of pockets and organizers inside, plus a laptop sleeve that can fit up to 16” machines. Good for the environment and a great backpack? Don’t mind if I do.

Tumi

Best Travel-Ready Leather Backpack

Tumi Arrivé Larson Backpack

• $1,150.00 at

Dimensions: 15.5 x 14.5 x 4.75 inches

Leather: Smooth leather

For a backpack that’ll keep what’s inside really, really secure, look to the Arrivé Larson. The luggage pros at Tumi built it with a structured body that’ll protect all your essentials from damage on the road. If I’m being honest, this bag falls somewhere between a backpack and a carry-on with a ton of storage and organization, as well as Tumo Tracer tracing technology in case your bag gets lost or stolen. The flip side of that being that it’s not exactly a lightweight bag, probably better for longer trips than everyday commuting.

Coach

Best Leather Backpack for Big Laptops

Coach Gotham Backpack

• $450.00 at Coach

Dimensions: 19.25 x 11 .5 x 6.75 inches

Leather: Pebble leather

The Gotham Backpack offers an alternative, with its rich green pebbled leather and calfskin design. And the Gotham is just as functional as it is eye-catching, with multi-function compartments and exterior pockets. Point is, if you’re looking for a sleek designer backpack without the overstated essence of logos, look no further. Oh, did we mention that the Gotham Backpack can house a 15” laptop?

Amazon

Best Rucksack-Style Leather Backpack

Ezra Arthur Keystone Leather Rucksack

• $1,270.00 at Amazon

Dimensions: 18 x 10.5 x 6 inches

Leather: Full grain Chromexcel leather

Crafted in a traditional roll-top rucksack design, it leaves behind liners or embellishments— aside from nickel hardware and wood(!) feet for durability — and really lets the leather do the talking. The result is one stunner of a vintage-inspired backpack. I will say that the leather shoulder straps leave something to be desired in terms of comfort (but they will mold to your body).

MR PORTER

Best Quiet Luxury Leather Backpack

Saint Laurent City Leather Backpack

• $1,850.00 at MR PORTER

Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.2 x 6.7 inches

Leather: Chrome-free tanned leather

Say you want a classic backpack design, but better. Like, a lot better. Saint Laurent’s City Leather Backpack fills that need by taking a classic bag design and reimagining it in the best materials they could find. It features supple premium black leather throughout, with a breathable back panel and comfortable padded shoulder straps. They’ve even thrown in a headphone port, in case you’re still using corded headphones. And if you’re not, there’s plenty of space to store your Airpods in the front pocket or the spacious, lined main compartment.

Harber London

Best Slim Leather Backpack

Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack

• £379.00 at Harber London

Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.2 x 1.7 or 15.7 x 11 x 1.7 inches

Leather: Full-grain cowhide leather

Sometimes all you have to carry is your laptop and a few small accessories. For those moments, Harber London offers the Slim Laptop Backpack. Its super low-profile silhouette keeps your laptop and documents close to your back, while still protecting them in handsome cowhide leather. Plus, you can pick one of two sizes, depending on whether you’re working with a 13” or 15” laptop.

DR. MARTENS

Best Square-Shaped Leather Backpack

Dr. Martens Leather Box Backpack

• $200.00 at Dr. Martens

Dimensions: 11 x 13.5 x 5 inches

Leather: Dr. Martens brand Kiev leather

The brand’s leather box backpack feels reminiscent of something one of the teenage witches wore in The Craft, but it’s on par with today’s trends such as the reverence of the ‘90s high school teenage drama a la Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and other vintage moments. The backpack uses Dr. Martens signature leather, a hardwearing, rigid leather with a smooth feel and sheen finish. Its square shape makes storing and toting your laptop in the dedicated compartment easier. When you want to clean it, just use a damp cloth to wipe away debris.

Mr. Porter

Best Spacious Leather Backpack

Montblanc Sartorial Medium Cross-Grain Leather Backpack

• $1,510.00 at MR PORTER

Dimensions: 12.99 x 5.12 x 15.75 inches

Leather: Saffiano printed full-grain leather

Montblanc’s Sartorial line combines clean lines, practical design and top-notch fabrics. This fully lined backpack has three zippered compartments. Although the backpack doesn’t have a dedicated laptop compartment, due to its roomy three-compartment build, it’s safe to say that the bag can fit a 13” laptop. It’s a sophisticated little backpack that’s supple yet functional enough to handle anything you place in it.

Samsonite

Best Affordable Leather Backpack

Samsonite Business Slim Backpack

• $150.00 at samsonite.com

Dimensions: 16.75 x 7.75 x 7.75 inches

Leather: Top grain pebbled leather

We know that Samsonite is one of the most prominent brands for luggage, and the brand’s backpacks don’t disappoint. The Business Slim Backpack uses top-grain pebbled leather for maximum durability. It has a laptop compartment along with a new laptop hammock (which helps to protect your tech while it’s in the bag by adding drop protection above the other padded sections) and also comes with a padded tablet sleeve that can fit tablets of any size. This bag means business, so it comes in black and cognac colorways.

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