Best Leather Backpack

Like fine wine or your favorite pair of jeans, leather ages gracefully. Leather goods are investment pieces that you can use for years, and even pass down to future generations. If you’re looking for a leather good to cherish, a backpack is a great choice. Leather backpacks combine the timeless style of leather with the utility of a rucksack. 

The best leather backpacks are made of high quality cowhide, which make them as durable as they are chic. A variety of styles and features make leather backpacks suitable for all kinds of uses, from school to travel.

We’ve searched near and far for the best leather backpacks. These stunners are user-approved to stand the test of time.

How We Researched The Best Leather Backpack

89 Expert Reviews Considered
879 Consumer Reviews Considered
4.5 Hours Researching
28 Products Evaluated

Best Leather Backpack 3 Features That Make Leather Backpacks Special

1. High Quality Leather

The best leather backpacks are made of high quality leather that can withstand years and years of heavy use. Most leather backpacks are made of full grain cowhide, which is regarded for its quality and beautiful natural color. This type of leather is the most rare and therefore the most expensive.

Since full grain leather is only lightly processed, it can often display natural markings that resemble blemishes and wrinkles. Because of the hide’s unique markings, no two leather backpacks are alike.

2. Durability

Because leather backpacks are pricier than bags made of canvas or synthetic materials, it’s important for them to be crafted with longevity in mind. Features like reinforced stitching and durable hardware play an important role in extending the life of these investment pieces. If the craftsmanship needs tending to, generous warranty policies that often accompany leather backpacks give buyers peace of mind.

3. Timeless Design

Leather backpacks are more than just accessories; they’re investment pieces that you’ll want to be able to use for many years and maybe even pass down to your children and grandchildren. For this reason, the best leather backpacks are designed to be timeless. These bags have classic silhouettes and simple trimmings. They avoid trendy designs and flashy logos. When it comes to the best leather backpacks, minimalism is key.

Best Leather Backpack Top 5: Best Leather Backpacks

TUMI Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack

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Our Top Pick
Product rating

The sleek TUMI Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack tops our list of best leather backpacks. This elegant black bag is fashioned with timeless-yet-chic golden hardware. Its professional design, 15” laptop compartment, and tablet sleeve make it perfect for taking to work. Travelers will also love this bag for its lightweight, the front compartment’s zipper lock, its trolley sleeve, and the backing of TUMI’s legendary warranty.

  • Laptop compartment holds 15” laptop 
  • Elegant golden details
  • Backed by TUMI’s world class warranty
  • Professional look makes it great for work
  • Lightweight
  • Not waterproof

Kenneth Cole REACTION Back-Stage Access Backpack

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Runner Up
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The Kenneth Cole REACTION Back-Stage Access Backpack is made of high quality Colombian full grain leather. It comes in three colors including black, dark brown, and a deep tan “cognac” shade. The backpack’s streamlined, minimalistic design makes it a classic that will stay stylish for decades.

This Kenneth Cole leather backpack is great for business travelers. The bag’s front pocket has many organizational compartments, making it the perfect personal item to have on flights. This backpack even has a checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve, which means that you’ll no longer have to remove your laptop from your bag while going through airport security.

  • Streamlined, minimalistic design
  • Front pocket has lots of compartments
  • Checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve
  • Trolley sleeve
  • Small capacity
  • Not waterproof

Polare Cowhide Leather Laptop Backpack

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3rd Place
Product rating

For those looking for a leather backpack with a vintage look and loads of organizational pockets, the Polare Cowhide Leather Laptop Backpack is for you. This beautiful bag is made of full grain American and Italian cowhide leather. 

Its most distinguishing feature are its five external pockets, which adorn the front of the bag. With hook and loop closures, they’re safe options for storing small items like earbuds, keys, pencils, or camera gear.

This backpack’s 16” laptop sleeve and water bottle pockets are bonuses that make this bag an all-around winner.

  • Many external compartments with hook and loop closures for safety
  • Reinforced zippers
  • Laptop sleeve fits up to 16” laptop
  • Two side water bottle pockets
  • Not waterproof
  • Several reviews complained about zipper quality

FRYE Men’s Logan Backpack

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4th Place
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The FRYE Men’s Logan Backpack is a commuter’s dream. Its classic design, laptop sleeve, and water bottle pocket make it perfect for withstanding long drives or subway rides. 

The FRYE brand has been making leather goods since 1863, so you know you’re getting a high quality product when you buy this bag. This piece is made of luxurious Italian leather, which comes in four colors, including a fun blue shade for those who want to stand out.

  • Simple design
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Many style options
  • Not waterproof
  • Small capacity

Fossil Leather Backpack with 13" Laptop Compartment

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5th Place
Product rating

Fossil’s Leather Backpack with 13” Laptop Compartment is a great option for minimalists. This simple bag has few compartments and embellishments, which make it very versatile. Its main compartment has a pocket that can fit 13” laptops. 

Fossil has been making leather goods like watches and bags since 1984, so this backpack is guaranteed to be cool for years to come. Those who focus on substance over style will love the backpack’s ergonomic padded mesh back for comfortable carrying.

  • Cool brand
  • Internal laptop sleeve fits up to 13” laptop
  • Ergonomic padded mesh back for comfortable carrying
  • Spacious main compartment
  • No water bottle pocket
  • The laptop “compartment” is a pocket inside the main compartment rather than a separate compartment for laptops

Best Leather Backpack Conclusion: The Best Leather Backpack

The TUMI Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack is a clear winner when it comes to the best leather backpacks. This bag goes above and beyond the basics with cleverly designed features like a trolley sleeve, a hidden phone pocket, and laptop and tablet compartments. Its high quality leather, timeless look, and TUMI’s legendary warranty ensure that you’ll be wearing it for a long time.

If this TUMI bag isn’t for you, we encourage you to choose a winner from the rest of our list. You really can’t go wrong with any of these leather beauties. They’re destined to become instant classics.