Best Canvas and Leather Backpack

Despite their military origins, canvas backpacks with leather trim have widespread uses and appeal. The best canvas and leather backpacks have a timeless design and are crafted with durable materials that last for years and years.

If you’re on the hunt for a new backpack, we recommend considering one made of canvas and leather. Whether you’re just making a fashion statement or going camping, there’s a bag for you. Use our roundup of the best canvas and leather backpacks on the market to find your next rucksack.

How We Researched the Best Canvas and Leather Backpack

104 Expert Reviews Considered
5,307 Consumer Reviews Considered
5 Hours Researching
17 Products Evaluated

Best Canvas and Leather Backpack 3 Features That Make Canvas and Leather Backpacks Special

1. Durable Materials

Canvas and leather backpacks stand out from the crowd in a time when most backpacks are made of nylon. Their silhouette and materials are inspired by old military backpacks, which were made of canvas trimmed with leather. These materials were chosen for their durability. Whether or not you’re fighting a war, everyone can benefit from a canvas and leather backpack’s longevity.

2. Distinct Fastenings

Most canvas and leather backpacks have closing mechanisms that distinguish them from other kinds of backpacks. Buckles and drawstrings are typical of canvas and leather backpacks, while zippers trim modern backpacks for sports and school. Although the military backpacks that inspired this look had functioning buckles for security purposes, today’s canvas and leather backpack buckles are oftentimes ornamental and hide velcro or a snap closure for easy access.

3. Military Origins

The origins of canvas and leather backpacks can be traced back to knapsacks that Union soldiers wore during the Civil War. The materials were chosen for their ruggedness. These military rucksacks were originally painted black to add water resistance. They became green during World War II for camouflage. Today’s canvas and leather backpacks typically come in neutral colors like tan and camouflage-inspired olive green.

Best Canvas and Leather Backpack Top 5: Best Canvas and Leather Backpacks

Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Backpack

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Our Top Pick
Product rating

Fjallraven’s canvas and leather Rucksack No. 21 Backpack embodies the Swedish company’s commitment to making nature more accessible. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate this backpack’s removable padding that doubles as a seat and its water resistance. Students and professionals alike will enjoy the bag’s laptop sleeve and its numerous style options.

  • Back padding can be taken out and double as a seat
  • Water-resistant
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Comes in many sizes and colors
  • Not waterproof

VASCHY Canvas Laptop Backpack

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Runner Up
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The water-resistant VASCHY Canvas Laptop Backpack is a great option for frequent flyers. This bag meets the TSA’s measurements for a personal item and the main compartment almost opens flat, making it easy for light travelers to pack away and access items. Technophiles will enjoy this canvas and leather backpack’s earphone port, hidden back pocket, and spacious laptop sleeve.

  • Water-resistant
  • Earphone port
  • Anti-theft back pocket
  • 15.6” laptop sleeve
  • Only two style options available

Gootium 21101 Specially High Density Thick Canvas Backpack Rucksack

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3rd Place
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Gootium’s 21101 Specially High Density Thick Canvas Backpack looks like the archetypal canvas and leather backpack. It comes in a selection of neutral colors, it has drawstring and buckle closures, and it’s made of sturdy canvas with genuine leather trim. Because this bag comes in two sizes, you can carry as much or as little as you want with you.

  • Classic vintage look
  • Made of thick canvas and trimmed with leather
  • Comes in two sizes and six styles
  • Spacious open concept main compartment
  • No laptop sleeve
  • Neither water-resistant not waterproof

Duluth Pack Rucksack Backpack

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4th Place
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This chic canvas and leather backpack has several features that make it the most stylish bag on our list. First, it has a unique silhouette that ladies will love. Second, it comes in many jewel toned colors. Third, its thick straps are made of leather, as opposed to fabric straps like the other bags on this list. This fashion-forward backpack is destined to be an instant classic.

  • Comes in six colors
  • Breathable fabric for cool carry year-round
  • Zippered strap pocket
  • Easy to attach to compatible Osprey products
  • No laptop compartment
  • Neither water-resistant nor waterproof

​KAUKKO Laptop Backpack

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5th Place
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The KAUKKO Laptop Backpack is the ideal bag for those who want a faux leather alternative to the classic canvas and leather backpack. Its trim is made of synthetic leather, unlike the rest of the bags on this list which are trimmed with genuine leather.

This backpack’s ergonomic design, laptop sleeve, and water bottle pockets make it the perfect canvas and leather backpack for students. With 40 style options, there’s a KAUKKO Laptop Backpack for everyone.

  • Padded straps and back for comfortable carrying
  • 15” laptop sleeve
  • Comes in 40+ styles
  • Two water bottle compartments
  • Neither water resistant nor waterproof
  • Made with faux leather

Best Canvas and Leather Backpack Conclusion: The Best Canvas and Leather Backpack

Canvas and leather backpacks are no longer just for the military. These rugged and stylish bags are great for everyday use. Fjallraven’s canvas and leather Rucksack No. 21 Backpack is the fan favorite from our list. Its features are great for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers.

At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with any bag on our list, as they’re the best canvas and leather backpacks on the market for good reason.