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12 Best Leather Backpacks of 2024

Are you looking for a leather backpack? Then look no further than our list of the 12 best leather backpacks currently on the market!

12 Best Leather Backpacks of 2024

Looking for the best leather backpack? Yeah, so was I. As a more adventurous traveler who’s typically in the backcountry or international trip, this wouldn’t be my typical type of bag. But I decided to level up my style game and start researching leather backpacks as well as my typical adventure bag.

The fact is, while most travel backpacks are incredibly functional and practical, they don’t always look great.

I mean, you can’t exactly walk into a trendy cocktail bar with a bright green hiking backpack and not feel a bit out of place. If I’m going somewhere a little fancier than usual, I like to bring along a nicer bag.

That’s why I love leather backpacks. They’re super versatile. You can use them for work, travel, school, and casual day-to-day life.

And best of all? Their style is timeless because leather backpacks are virtually indestructible.

There’s a reason for that too. Until 50 or so years ago, leather was the travel material of choice. And though it isn’t anymore, there’s something so incredibly charming about a leather backpack for travel.

Let’s dive into my picks for the best leather backpacks for travel as of 2024.

  1. 1
    Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack

    Best Overall Leather Backpack

    • Tons of pockets
    • Padded interior laptop sleeve
    • Ages beautifully
    • Adjustable backpack straps
  2. 2
    MAHI Classic Leather Backpack

    Best Budget Leather Backpack

    • Handmade with premium leather
    • Comes in a variety of colors
    • Padded laptop pocket
    • Customizable with your initials and other options
  3. 3
    MONOS Metro Leather Backpack

    Best Vegan Leather Backpack

    • Sleek and stylish faux leather
    • Holds a 15" laptop
    • Comes in a few different colors
  4. 4
    Madewell Lorimer Leather Backpack

    Best Leather Backpack for Women

    • Comes in two beautiful colors
    • You can personalize it with your initials!
    • Top handle for easy carry
    • Front zipper pocket for maximum organization and easy access
  5. 5
    Kodiak Kobuk Leather Backpack

    Best Leather Backpack for Men

    • Lots of storage space in the main compartment
    • Zippable large interior pocket
    • Fits snugly under a plane seat
  6. 6
    Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack

    Best Leather Laptop Backpack

    • Less than 2 inches wide
    • Comes in two different sizes, holding a laptop up to 16 inches
    • Water resistant zippers
    • Comes with a padded interior laptop sleeve
  7. 7
    The ISM Backpack

    Best Black Leather Backpack

    • Excellent organization and compartmentalization
    • Pass-through flap to keep your phone charging
    • Modern, sleek design
    • Has a lifetime warranty
  8. 8
    Leatherology Parker Backpack

    Best Brown Leather Backpack

    • Soft leather in different colors
    • Very spacious
    • Keep your tech separate from everything else
    • Ideal bag for frequent flyers
  9. 9
    Frye Melissa Medium Backpack

    The Best Leather Backpack Purse

    • Extremely stylish, timeless design
    • Large main compartment
    • Adjustable shoulder straps
  10. 10
    Kodiak Mini Woven Backpack

    The Best Small Leather Backpack

    • Versatile design that enhances organization
    • Comes in three classic colors
    • Perfect size for every day carry
  11. 11
    ONA's Clifton Leather Backpack

    The Best Leather Camera Backpack

    • There’s a ridiculous amount of room for technology
    • Keeps your laptop separate from everything else
    • Comes in different colors
  12. 12
    Kodiak Kobuk Leather Backpack

    The Best Rolltop Leather Backpack

    • Unique rolltop look
    • Very durable
    • Buckles are way more secure than zips
  • Kodiak Katmai: Best Overall Leather Backpack

    Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack

    This is my top pick for best leather backpack because it has it all: tons of organization features, a laptop sleeve, added security, and some seriously beautiful style.

    Having an organized leather backpack is an absolute godsend for anyone who likes to keep their gear neat and tidy.

    Unlike some of the other more simplistic bags on this list, the Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack has lots of pockets. There’s a padded laptop sleeve on the back wall of the main compartment, as well as large and medium zippered pockets on the front. Inside those pockets are smaller pockets for carrying your phone, credit cards, and other small items.

    Bonus features: the straps are adjustable, and there’s also a luggage strap to hook it onto the handle of your suitcase. The top carry handle is a nice touch.

    I just love the timeless look of this bag. Plus, its top-grain cowhide, offered in three colors, ages beautifully!

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • There are a ton of pockets on this backpack
    • Comes with a padded interior laptop sleeve
    • The interior has an extra zippered pocket for more security
    • Adjustable backpack straps
    • Because it has so many pockets and compartments, the main compartment isn't overly roomy
    Dimensions16.5"H x 15"W x 5"D
    FabricTop-Grain Cowhide
    QualityExcellent
  • MAHI Classic Backpack 3.0: Best Budget Leather Backpack

    MAHI Classic Leather Backpack

    The MAHI Classic Backpack 3.0 is a classic leather backpack that comes at a very affordable price. Each bag is handmade to order, it comes in a variety of colors, is made with full grain leather, brass fittings and YKK zippers…and there’s even a vegan option!

    Take your pick of personalization options when you order a MAHI Classic Leather Backpack, but the most common option is having your own initials stitched into the bottom of the bag. You’ll get three standard thread color options for each color of leather, and even customized font choices. If you have a business, you can request a hand-stitched logo, too! It’s clear that a lot of love and care goes into designing these bags.

    Other than the design perks, this backpack is incredibly versatile with tons of organization. It has enough space for a 15” laptop in its separately padded laptop compartment, and there are two external water bottle holders. There’s also a leather strap on the back of the bag that perfectly slips over the handle of your carry-on suitcase.

    The bag also has extendable back straps, a front zip pocket, two interior pockets, and an internal zippered pocket to keep your valuables safe.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Completely handmade with premium leather
    • Comes in a variety of colors
    • Padded laptop pocket to keep your gear safe
    • Zippered interior pocket for your valuables
    • Customizable with your initials and other options
    • Appears bulky on people with smaller frames
    • Only has a year warranty
    Dimensions17.7” L x 14.5” W x 5.5” D
    Fabric100% full grain leather
    QualityExcellent
  • Monos Metro Backpack: Best Vegan Leather Backpack

    MONOS Metro Leather Backpack

    There’s a lot to love about this Monos Metro Backpack. Although there’s a nylon version, this vegan leather backpack has a sleek profile, is water-resistant, and is multi-purpose built for everything from your daily commute to a weekend getaway. Best of all, it features the unique QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System.

    This is something I haven’t seen on a leather bag before. The interchangeable Metro Kit is designed to easily detach or swap out for another kit to suit your daily needs. It’s meant to hold the things you need in easy reach.

    For example, if you’re on a long flight and you need to wash your face, brush your teeth, etc., you can just unsnap the kit and take it with you to the bathroom. Each kit fits other Metro bags as well, so you can attach it to your other bags. You can purchase a Folio Kit separately, which is designed to hold things like your phone charger and credit cards.

    The clamshell main compartment makes it easy to access everything, and there’s a 15″ laptop sleeve inside. Plus there’s a built-in luggage sleeve that you can attach to your suitcase while you’re in transit.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Sleek and stylish faux leather
    • Part of a modular kit system which allows you to snap on and off different compartments, or swap them out
    • Holds a 15" laptop
    • Comes in a few different colors
    • Expensively priced for faux leather
    Dimensions8.7"H × 6.7"W × 2"D
    FabricVegan leather
    QualityExcellent
  • Madewell Lorimer Backpack: Best Leather Backpack for Women

    Madewell Lorimer Leather Backpack

    A great every day carry bag, The Lorimer Backpack is perfect for women on the go. Madewell has been a well-known staple brand for women since 2006, and continues to create clothing, accessories, and bags with innovative and stylish designs.

    This backpack is made from Italian vegetable-tanned leather and comes in both a brown and black color. They even offer personalization, so you can add your initials to the bag! I love this option for gifts or differentiating my bag from others in public.

    It has an exterior zippered pocket for those items you need to access quickly, and small inside sleeves for a phone, cards, pens, chapstick, and more. There is a larger zippered pocket on the inside back as well.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Comes in two beautiful colors
    • You can personalize it with your initials!
    • Top handle for easy carry
    • Front zipper pocket for maximum organization and easy access
    • No pocket for larger laptops
    • No luggage strap
    • While still high quality, the leather is variable in look
    Dimensions15.5"H x 11.4"W x 4.75"D
    FabricItalian vegetable-tanned leather
    QualityExcellent
  • Kodiak Kobuk Leather Backpack: Best Leather Backpack for Men

    Kodiak Kobuk Leather Backpack

    You’ll see that leather backpacks from Kodiak keep popping up in this review. You know when one brand appears a few times in a list that they make excellent products.

    Their Kobuk Leather Backpack is absolutely beautiful, I have to admit. It has a bit more personality than the other backpacks on this list.

    Think handsomely rugged.

    It’s the perfect leather travel backpack if you want that retro-feel but you need to travel with your tech.

    I’m a sucker for that vintage aesthetic. I’ve purchased many retro bags, but their lack of purpose-made space for tech has always been a problem. I also think this bag offers the best security thanks to the buckles and double closure system.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • A very roomy backpack with lots of storage space in the main compartment
    • Vintage rugged design meets tech -- a laptop sleeve is a must!
    • Buckled top flap combined with the drawstring closure makes this bag pickpocket-safe
    • Zippable large interior pocket
    • Fits snugly under a plane seat
    • This bag may not be big enough if you’re a heavy packer and you’re going anywhere for longer than a weekend
    • Straps are light on the padding, making it okay for a small load but your back will get fussy if you’re carrying a heavy camera
    • No warranty
    Dimensions21”H x 13”W x 11”D
    FabricTop-Grain leather, interior lining, brass hardware
    QualityExcellent
  • Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack: Best Leather Laptop Backpack

    Harber London Slim Laptop Backpack

    This has got to be the most unique leather backpack on this list.

    Ultra-slim is the most appropriate way to describe the Harber London Slim Laptop Bag: it’s only 1.7 inches wide! It actually comes in two different sizes, referring to the size of the laptop it can carry: the small size holds 13”/14” laptops, while the large size holds 15”/16” laptops.

    The primary function of this bag is to be as compact as possible. In fact, 5L is its max capacity, because this backpack isn’t meant to carry more than—you guessed it—a laptop.

    The zippers are water resistant to make sure your electronics stay dry. There’s a front pocket for chargers, a detachable magnetic key holder, comfortable shoulder straps and a grab handle, and a luggage pass-through sleeve for your carry-on.

    Each bag is handcrafted with premium full-grain leather, which ages gracefully and adds to the bag’s personality over time. It’s definitely one of the best-looking bags on this list, and will stand out from other laptop backpacks.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Less than 2 inches wide
    • Comes in two different sizes, holding a laptop up to 16 inches
    • Comes with a padded interior laptop sleeve
    • Water resistant zippers
    • Comes in a few different colors
    • Very small, holding max 5L
    • It's thin, so you won't fit much else in here other than a laptop and perhaps a book
    DimensionsMedium: 13.4"H x 10.2"W x 1.7"D, Large: 15.7"H x 11"W x 1.7"D
    FabricFull Grain cowhide leather
    QualityExcellent
  • ISM The Backpack: Best Black Leather Backpack

    The ISM Backpack

    ISM makes tech-focused leather backpacks sans the luxury price tag. The company’s bags are made in the same factory, with the same materials as many of the top-of-the-line luxury bags on the market. With The Backpack, you’re getting pretty much the same luxury product, at three to five times cheaper.

    It’s not just the price point that makes the ISM pack a great leather backpack for men, or even women, however.

    They’ve adopted the hyper-functionality of other tech bags, minus the clutter of all the unnecessary zippers and contraptions that they often come with. They’re specifically made for digital freelancers/nomads who love functional simplicity. That definitely sounds like me, what about you?

    ISM also takes comfort seriously. That’s why their backpack straps echo the excellent support and comfort provided by hiking backpacks.

    The ISM backpack comes in large and small. They’re not THAT much different in size. Go for the large one if you’re taller, or if you want to travel for a weekend or longer with a laptop. If you’re shorter than 5”5’, go for the small size.

    It’s great for light-carry commuting and day trips. I love that you can keep your laptop separate from everything else. It’s simple but effective.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Excellent organization and compartmentalization
    • The pass-through flap makes it super easy to keep your phone charging AND easily accessible
    • The modern, sleek design is very appealing, ideal for all you minimalists out there
    • Made with highly durable, quality materials
    • Lifetime warranty
    • The unisex frame suits almost everyone
    • The back external pocket does not make for easy access - a side pocket would have been better
    • It’s pretty rigid and doesn’t have much give when overfilled
    • Lack of color options (only black)
    • Not made with 100% natural fibers
    SmallLarge
    Dimensions15” H x 11” W x 4” D Fits a 13-inch laptop17” H x 12” W x 5” D Fits a 15-inch laptop
    Capacity10.8L17.2L
    Weight1.3LBS1.8LBS
    FabricFull-grain leather, nylon, twill lining, memory foam padding Full-grain leather, nylon, twill lining, memory foam padding 
    QualityExcellentExcellent
  • Leatherology Parker Backpack: Best Brown Leather Backpack

    Leatherology Parker Backpack

    Leatherology is a luxury bag company based in Texas. They do everything, from design to production in-house, so you know you’re getting an excellent product that has undergone a ton of quality testing.

    Leatherology makes a huge range of timeless leather products for both women and men, including everything from coin holders to full-sized leather travel backpacks. If it’s leather, they make it.

    Its organization is excellent. There are two huge zippered main compartments and a front zippered outside compartment. Its many pockets include a laptop pocket for slim tech up to 17 inches, 2 x 2-inch exterior side pockets for chargers and keys, and another small exterior zip pocket.

    If you’re looking for a soft leather backpack for women, then the Leatherology Parker Backpack is a good choice for you. It comes in a range of black leather and brown leather shades, and it’s pretty versatile.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Made with soft leather, making this a very comfortable bag to use
    • Available in Black Onyx, Cognac, Brown, Ginger, Taupe, Navy, and Charcoal
    • Very spacious inside -- you can easily fit a water bottle and change of clothes
    • Keeps your tech separate from everything else
    • Ideal bag for frequent flyers as it fits perfectly under an airline seat
    • Personalized monogram service is not that expensive
    • It’s definitely on the expensive side for a travel backpack
    • The soft leather is beautiful but it’s not as durable as other sturdier bags
    • No warranty (at such a high price, I’d expect something)
    • While still high quality, the leather grain is variable in look
    Dimensions17.7” H x 13.8” W x 6.5” D
    FabricSoft, full-grain leather
    QualityExcellent
  • Frye Melissa Backpack: The Best Leather Backpack Purse

    Frye Melissa Medium Backpack

    Frye crafts premium Italian leather bags made with some of the best natural materials available.

    Their Melissa Medium Backpack is a hybrid between a small weekender backpack and a commuter bag. If you’re looking for a beautiful leather backpack that you can slip under an airplane seat, or use around town, this might be the best leather backpack purse for you.

    While it’s not large, this backpack is a good size if you’re a light packer and you just want to carry around the essentials. It has adjustable shoulder straps and a top handle for easy carrying.

    It features one outer sleeve pocket to carry small essentials and an interior zippered pocket on the back panel of the bag for those items you want to keep secure and organized.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Extremely stylish, timeless design
    • The combined leather drawstring and brass buckle double the security of this bag
    • Large main compartment
    • Adjustable shoulder straps
    • Expensive for a carry-on backpack, but it's still more affordable than designer brands
    • It’s lacking on the exterior pocket front (I usually like at least two pockets on the outside)
    • It's too small to comfortably fit a camera or a larger laptop
    Dimensions9.5” W x 13” H
    FabricAntiqued pull up Italian leather, antique metal hardware and leather feet
    QualityExcellent
  • Kodiak Leather Diaper Bag: The Best Small Leather Backpack

    Kodiak Mini Woven Backpack

    Yet another Kodiak product on this list. The Kodiak Leather Mini Woven Backpack is perfect if you’re looking for a small leather backpack that you can sling over your shoulders and take on-the-go. It’s casual and perfect for day wear.

    For a small bag, the Kodiak Mini Woven Backpack has great organization. It features a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior packets, and small slots for cards, pens, a phone, and more. It also has side pockets for small water bottles and other items.

    With 10L of carrying capacity, it’s the perfect everyday carry bag. Plus, the woven leather look is very unique and stylish.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Versatile design that enhances organization
    • Comes in three classic colors
    • Perfect size for every day carry
    • The side pockets aren't very flexible and can't hold larger water bottles
    Dimensions11"W x 9.5"H x 5"D
    FabricTop-Grain cowhide
    QualityExcellent
  • ONA's Clifton Leather Backpack: The Best Leather Camera Backpack

    ONA's Clifton Leather Backpack

    ONA was founded in NYC back in 2010. They design stylish, highly-functional backpacks, especially for creative professionals and freelancers. Their designs are timeless too, so one of their leather backpacks should last you a lifetime.

    The ONA’s Clifton is a great leather camera backpack for creatives on-the-move. I’m one of those people, so it’s only natural that I love this leather backpack.

    But here’s what I like the most.

    It’s exceptionally comfortable for long days on the move.

    Having a completely separate laptop compartment in a leather backpack is a wonderful addition for us digital nomads out there. Plus, there is still plenty of room for all your other tech. It’s also a breath of fresh air to see a camera bag made of natural materials.

    Photographers take note: this bag holds between 4-6 lenses and is primarily a tech backpack with removable dividers for when you want to use it as an everyday travel daypack. But if you want to take other personal items (like clothes), go for the ONA Camp’s Bay backpack instead. It’s not leather, so it doesn’t fit on this list, but I highly recommend it for its better use of space.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • There’s a ridiculous amount of room for technology
    • Keep your laptop separate from everything else for better organization and security
    • The front compartment keeps all the odds and ends like chargers and pens within easy reach
    • The air mesh padding keeps you comfy and stops your back from sweating
    • Comes in Black, Antique Cognac, Smoke, and Camouflage colors
    • It can't fit everything -- if the backpack is loaded with camera gear, there is little to no room for clothes
    • No locking capability or buckles, so it can be an easy target for thieves It can only fit a 13-inch laptop but a 15-inch capacity would suit a wider group of people
    Dimensions17.5"L x 11.5"W x 5"D
    FabricFull-grain leather
    QualityExcellent
  • Kodiak Leather Kobuk: The Best Rolltop Leather Backpack

    Kodiak Kobuk Leather Backpack

    If you can’t tell, I am a big fan of Kodiak Leather backpacks—this is the third one on the list. They make high-quality bags with top-notch leather and amazing styling.

    The Kodiak Leather Kobuk is no exception.

    Who doesn’t want a brown leather backpack? They’re beautiful, and they’re vintage-looking (and they’re available in black leather if you prefer that look).

    This one has that vintage style that I love so much. I am also obsessed with the water-resistant rolltop too. It makes me want to get up from this desk right now and go for a hike through the Tirol.

    This backpack offers great little details like the magnetic snap closure for the front pocket, zippered side pockets for a phone or wallet, and a padded laptop sleeve.

    The Kobuk is definitely for you if you want to stand out from the crowd with a striking brown leather backpack.

    • Pros & Cons
    • Technical Specs
    • Beautiful rustic aesthetic
    • Very durable with top-grain cowhide
    • Exterior pockets for easy access to small essentials
    • Roll top is less convenient if you're in a hurry
    • Shoulder straps are a bit thin
    Dimensions21" x 13" x 11"
    Weight3.5 lbs
    FabricTop-grain leather
    QualityExcellent

Why Choose a Leather Backpack?

A leather backpack is the perfect travel companion if you want to look a little cooler than all of the other backpacking jokers out there.

You’re never going to find a full-size trekking backpack made of leather, but if you’re looking for a day backpack or overnighter that has a bit of cool factor, then a leather backpack is ideal for you.

While leather backpacks look great, don’t choose one based on aesthetics alone. To get the most out of a leather backpack for travel, you want to make sure it’s small enough to slide under an airplane seat, that it can carry a change of clothes, and that it can fit a laptop (preferably in a purpose-built sleeve).

Why Should You Invest in a High-Quality Leather Backpack?

First of all, let me get this straight for you. Given that we have so many outstanding purpose-built mountaineering and trekking backpacks out there these days, I wouldn’t even think about taking a leather backpack on a proper hike.

However, for a weekender bag or carry-on backpack, a leather backpack is absolutely ideal.

They’re especially useful if you’re a photographer or digital nomad because they’re robust. They are able to hold a lot of gear. Leather has a surprising amount of give and it ages well over time. Scuff marks actually look good.

They add to that creative vibe you’re searching for.

If you want a backpack that looks good, but you don’t want to pay top dollar, a leather backpack is definitely not for you. You’ll have a hard time finding a decent quality leather backpack for under $250.

If it’s cheaper than that, it’s probably not real leather.

Portrait of a smiling girl with brown hair in winter forest wearing a leather backpack
It’s hard to beat the stylish look of a leather backpack!

If you feel like a bit of a dork carrying around an ugly daypack that screams “I’M A TOURIST,” well, then a leather backpack might be exactly what you’re looking for.

These are the best leather backpacks for travel for both women and men. I’ll show you how to sort the best leather travel backpacks from ones that are probably better off staying home (or in the warehouse).

The main things you want to look for in a good leather backpack for travel are:

  • It’s not faux leather.
  • That it can fit a laptop in a purpose-made section.
  • That it will work as carry-on luggage.

Of course, you want it to be comfortable and secure too. You’ll want buckles. I’ll run through a few things to look out for so you can be sure your leather backpack fits well and keeps your stuff safe.

Side note: Perhaps you like the look of leather, but you don’t like that it’s made from cow skin?

That’s fair enough, but you’re in luck. These days, you don’t have to settle for lesser quality, vinyl-based faux leather. There are a lot of brands producing really good synthetic leathers, as well as plant-based leather.

Plant-based leather is made from everything from seaweed to kombucha SCOBYs. Crazy, right?

What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Leather Backpack for You

There’s no catch-all leather travel backpack that will suit everyone. We’ve all got different needs. However, there are a few things I strongly suggest you look out for when choosing a leather backpack.

Genuine Leather or a GOOD Faux Leather

It goes without saying that if you want a leather backpack, you want to make sure it is actually leather. Leather is an expensive material thanks to its incredible quality and durability. Whether you go for a soft or a rigid style, a good leather backpack should last you several lifetimes.

When you’re making your purchase, triple check with a salesperson or in the description that the backpack is genuine and/or full-grain leather.

man wearing a brown Pad & Quill Heritage Rolltop leather backpack
Pad & Quill Heritage Rolltop = GOOD leather!

 

There are some unscrupulous people out there though. So, here’s what I think. If the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably not real leather.

If you want the leather look without the cow, then a good quality faux leather backpack is what you need.

Rather than going for a cheap vinyl-based faux leather, look for some of the new faux leathers out there that are made of plant materials. Leathers made from seaweed and other tough, fibrous materials are almost as durable as real leather, and they look way better than cheap, faux materials.

If you can’t find any like that, go for something a little on the higher end of the pricing scale. Something like the Wilsons Leather/Kenneth Cole Reaction Modern Backpack uses synthetic materials but they’re still very robust and high-quality.

Security

If you want to take a leather backpack traveling, it’s important that it can be secured.

I personally avoid zips on a daypack. In fact, the only reason I didn’t choose the ONA Cliften Leather Backpack is that it only has zippers. This is especially true if I’m going somewhere a little dangerous. Plus, who wants to spoil their beautiful, expensive leather backpack with a big, ugly padlock?

Instead, the best leather backpacks for travel have a double closing mechanism. I like leather backpacks that have a drawstring AND a buckling system. Many of them that I mentioned have this function.

While a genuine leather backpack might suggest you have a ton of money, at least a buckle system will be a good line of defense against pickpockets.

The thick leather is way harder to slash than some synthetic materials that other backpacks are made from too. That’s a bonus.

Tech Pockets

Leather backpacks aren’t exactly a new phenomenon, but older backpacks don’t have tech pockets. These days, it’s pretty much impossible to travel without at least a tablet, but you definitely need a laptop if you’re a digital nomad like me.

When you’re looking for a leather backpack for travel, make sure the backpack has a separate compartment where you can store a laptop.

If it has a place to keep a camera, you’re looking at a leather backpack that’s better than the best.

Organization

As you will get most of the use of your leather backpack as a day bag, organization is super important, especially external organization.

The best leather backpacks will have a few external pockets where you can keep small, day-to-day items like chargers and keys.

There should also be at least one internal pocket with a zip so you can stash away the more valuable items you’re likely to carry around while traveling.

Comfort

While the comfort of a leather backpack for travel isn’t as important as a trekking backpack, you still want to make sure it fits well. The best leather backpacks offer adjustability and breathability.

Look for adjustable, thick shoulder straps that are well-padded. Bonus points if they are padded with breathable foam. The same goes for the back panel.

Another important thing to look out for is the placement of the mandatory laptop sleeve. Make sure it sits right at your back. This will maximize comfort.

Carry-On Size

You don’t want to end up with a leather backpack that’s too big for carry-on luggage requirements.

When you’re choosing between backpacks, make sure they are under 20 inches in height. This should set you up to carry your bag onto any flight in the world.

Price

A leather backpack is a fantastic way to spice up your look if you’re sick of feeling disheveled on your travels. Leather backpacks are also super durable. Some leather objects have been buried in the earth for 1000 years and have been dug out of the ground semi-usable.

If you get a good backpack, there’s a good chance you’ll pass it down to your grandkids one day. And that’s pretty awesome in my eyes.

However, quality and durability come at a price. For a genuine, high-quality leather backpack with a tech sleeve and a few pockets, you’re definitely going to spend upwards of $300. This is considerably more than even some of the best and biggest trekking backpacks on the market.

So, be aware of prices when deciding.

Final Thoughts on the Best Leather Backpacks

It was tough for me to choose the best leather backpack for travel. All of the backpacks I’ve spoken about here have unique features and they all look good.

So I put it down to a personal favorite.

Based on aesthetics and functionality, my favorite leather backpack for travel is the Kodiak Katmai Leather Backpack. The classic look is a major selling point for me, and I love the pockets for organization.

There was a very close runner up though, so another leather backpack gets a special mention here.

If you want something a little sleeker and more modern, a black leather backpack is for you. In that case, I’d go for the ONA Monterey Backpack. It has the functionality of a tech gear bag, but I love that the makers have adopted the comfort of air mesh on the back panel and shoulder straps.

Leather backpacks are undeniably gorgeous. I can’t imagine many people wouldn’t want one. It’s understandably difficult to get caught up on the look of a leather backpack.

However, you should never make a purchase based on looks alone. You should make a checklist of “must-haves” and try out a few different packs to compare them.

A leather backpack is a big investment, so think carefully about what you need it to do!

Best Leather Backpack FAQs

  • Which brand of leather backpack is best?

    Kodiak Leather and MAHI leather are our top choices for leather backpack brands.

  • What's the best budget leather backpack?

    At a price point of just $160, the Classic Backpack by MAHI can’t be beat. It’s beautiful, high quality, and affordable!

  • What is the best leather backpack overall?

    I’m a huge fan of the Kodiak Katmai leather backpack. It’s a little more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it’s still reasonable and it covers all the bases.

  • Are leather backpacks stylish?

    Leather backpacks are timelessly stylish! Leather never goes out of fashion and neither will a leather backpack.

  • Are leather backpacks worth it?

    Leather backpacks are worth it if you want long-lasting durability and classic style.

About the Author

Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie, gear expert and travel photographer based in Southern California. Previously nomadic, he’s been to ~50 countries and loves spending time outdoors. You can usually find him on the trail, on the road, jumping from bridges or hustling on his laptop working to produce the best travel and outdoors content today.
3 comments
  1. Hello,Thanks for sharing the article with us that a leather backpack is a big investment for everyone.While travelling it is so necessary and its comfort and easy for us.

  2. This is a very informative guide on backpacks. really i learn some points. i am a journalist and need the best backpacks for my laptop. thanks

  3. FYI, I loved the design of the ISM backpack you recommend in this article, so ended up submitting an order to purchase it. But I’ve never received the bag nor heard back (after emailing and texting) from the company. If you go take a look at their Instagram, they’ve done this to dozens of other customers. Clearly they’re a scam now.

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