11 Best Leather Backpacks for 2024
If you haven’t worn a backpack since high school, you might be surprised to discover that the humble, utilitarian canvas bag of your teen years has since gotten a grown-up makeover. Enter the leather backpack, for those days when convenience and practicality are priorities, but you still want to look polished. Whether commuting to work, traveling for business or pleasure, or simply running errands around the neighborhood, a leather backpack is the versatile, hands-free accessory you didn’t know you needed. When you find the perfect one, you just might find yourself reaching for it on a daily basis. Let me reintroduce you to the charm of the classic backpack, now revamped in luxe leather. Whether you’re a fan of sleek designs, ample storage or casual-cool style, it’s time to embrace the backpack once again. It’s the ideal blend of nostalgia and modern-day functionality—and when the bags look this good, you’ll never be mistaken for a student.
Our top picks for the best leather backpacks
Best leather backpack for work: Coach Gotham Backpack
Coach Gotham Backpack
Thanks to its classic, sophisticated design—no flashy hardware or ostentatious logos here—the Gotham Backpack from Coach is the perfect mix of polished and practical. Crafted from premium leather, the backpack features multiple interior pockets that’ll keep your laptop, work documents and chargers organized and accessible. Durable enough for your daily commute yet refined to suit an office setting, this is one laptop backpack you won’t want to hide under your desk.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16 inches (Height) x 11.5 inches (width) x 4.25 inches (depth)
- Leather: Pebbled leather and refined calf leather
- Price at publish: $595
Pros:
- Easily accommodates a 16” laptop
- Two exterior zip pockets and one interior zip pocket
- Zip-pocket luggage sleeve slips over luggage handle to stack bags when traveling
- Also available in Dark Saddle, a deep tan leather
Cons:
- Mesh panels at the back help with breathability, but some people might prefer an all-leather bag
The bottom line:
This backpack will keep you looking polished and professional while lugging your laptop to and from the office. Get it here: Coach Gotham Backpack
Best compact leather backpack: Longchamp Compact Le Foulonné Leather Backpack
Longchamp Compact Le Foulonné Leather Backpack
Good things come in small packages, and this petite backpack from renowned French luxury brand Longchamp is no exception. Made from supple, high quality leather in a sleek, streamlined silhouette, the bag is surprisingly roomy and can accommodate all of your daily essentials, including a tablet or small laptop.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10 inches (height) x 12 inches (width) x 6 inches (depth)
- Leather: Cowhide leather
- Price at publish: $560
Pros:
- Compact, structured design
- Flat base for stability
- Hidden back pocket
- Unexpectedly spacious interior
- Supple yet durable cowhide leather
Cons:
- Those looking to carry a big laptop should seek out a more capacious option
Best splurge leather backpack: The Row Puffy Medium Leather Backpack
The Row Puffy Medium Leather Backpack
When it comes to accessories, the design team at The Row seems to have the Midas touch. They took the humble backpack and turned it into a splurgeworthy object of desire—with a price tag to match, of course. Crafted from the finest Italian leather with an irresistibly squishy feel, you’ll want to cuddle this bag every day (which will help with the Cost Per Wear).
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19.5 inches (height) x 17 inches (width) x 3 inches (depth)
- Leather: Smooth nappa leather
- Price at publish: $2650
Pros:
- Impeccably made in Italy
- No logos, just quiet luxury
- Soft, buttery, cushioned leather
- Drawstring closure for easy access
- Can be worn backpack-style or on one shoulder
Cons:
- The Row’s prices should probably come with a trigger warning
The bottom line:
If you’re looking to invest in a stunningly well crafted bag that will never go out of style, you can’t go wrong with The Row’s backpack, which is equal parts beautiful and practical. Get it here: The Row Puffy Medium Leather Backpack
Best minimalist leather backpack: Marsèll Bretella Backpack
Marsèll Bretella Backpack
From the rigorously simple, streamlined design to the subtly elegant top-zip closure, this backpack is a minimalist’s dream. Italian luxury label Marsèll is known for its immaculate craftsmanship, which is evident in every inch of this sleek Italian leather bag lined with soft suede. Think of it as a capsule wardrobe essential.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16 inches (height) x 12.5 inches (width) x 4 inches (depth)
- Leather: Black grained leather
- Price at publish: $1135
Pros:
- Handmade in Italy by expert artisans using the best leathers
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Discreet embossed logo
- Gender neutral design
Cons:
- The high price tag won’t appeal to everyone
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for a bag you’ll have for a lifetime, not just a season or two, this is a beautifully made option with serious Italian design cred. Get it here: Marsèll Bretella Backpack
Best vegan leather backpack: Matt & Nat Caro Vegan Backpack
Matt & Nat Caro Vegan Backpack
Style meets sustainability in this vegan backpack from Matt & Nat, a Canadian company known for its ethical practices and fashion-forward designs. Made from recycled materials, The Caro offers a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather backpacks without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16 inches (height) x 11.5 inches (width) x 5.5 (depth)
- Leather: 100% vegan recycled materials; inner lining made from 100% recycled plastic bottles
- Price at publish: $190
Pros:
- Fits a 13” laptop
- Can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and a damp cloth
- Matt & Nat is a completely vegan, cruelty-free company that uses recycled materials in all of its products
Cons:
- Like many vegan leather products, the materials used may not have the same durability or longevity as genuine leather
The bottom line:
Ethical, practical and easy on the eyes, the vegan backpack is the whole eco-friendly package. Get it here: Matt & Nat Caro Vegan Backpack
Best convertible leather backpack: Cole Haan Grand Ambition Small Convertible Luxe Backpack
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Small Convertible Luxe Backpack
Is it a backpack? A crossbody bag? A tote? A shoulder bag? Yes, yes, yes and yes. This ingeniously designed pebbled leather bag from Coach can be worn four different ways—all equally cute and practical, too. Roomy enough to fit a 13-inch laptop and all your daily essentials, this affordable, well made gem is small but mighty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14 inches (height) x 13 inches (width) x 5 inches (depth)
- Leather: Full grain leather
- Price at publish: $278
Pros:
- Can be converted to a crossbody bag, shoulder bag or tote bag
- Padded interior laptop compartment
- Water-resistant lining
- Available in six different colors
Cons:
- Not everyone will love the visible logo
Best leather backpack for men: Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Backpack
Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Backpack
We’re slotting this into the “best backpack for men” category, but let’s be clear: Women can—and should!—easily wear this heritage-inspired leather backpack from the master of old school prep himself, Ralph Lauren. The rich, smooth chocolate brown leather is enough of a selling point on its own, so consider everything else (like the elegantly simple design and clever luggage tag detailing) the cherries on top.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 20 inches (height) x 13.25 inches (width) x 7 inches (depth)
- Leather: Smooth full-grain leather
- Price at publish: $348
Pros:
- The beautiful chocolate brown leather will stand out in a sea of black bags
- Simple and classic gender neutral design
- The iconic Polo Ralph Lauren logo embossed in gold
Cons:
- Brown leather might not be your thing (but don’t worry, it comes in black, too)
Best leather backpack for travel: Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
Seasoned travelers know the importance of a great, dependable travel bag—particularly one that can be worn hands-free. This durable leather backpack from Samsonite is as practical as it is polished, making it the perfect business travel companion. Large enough to fit two laptops plus all your electronic essentials, this would also be a great weekend bag for non-work getaways (just swap the computers for a few days worth of clothes instead). Shopping tip: Samsonite also made our lists for the best checked luggage, best underseat luggage, and the best lightweight luggage.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.5 inches (height) x 12 inches (width) x 6.5 inches (depth)
- Leather: Smooth leather
- Price at publish: $157.49
Pros:
- Fantastic price for a well-made leather travel backpack
- Can fit two laptops plus chargers, etc.
- Padded mesh straps and back panels for comfort
- SmartSleeve can be used to attach backpack to luggage while traveling
- Multiple organizer pockets
Cons:
- Some customers have brought up issues with the bag’s zippers
Best everyday leather backpack: Roots Chelsea Pack 2.0 Cervino
Roots Chelsea Pack 2.0 Cervino
Back in 1962, two young Americans met at summer camp in Algonquin Park, Ontario. The experience was so impactful that a decade later, they’d both moved to Canada and founded a clothing and leather goods company steeped in nostalgic cottage-country vibes. Naturally, the brand has mastered the art of the leather backpack, crafting a ruggedly refined bag that works for city life and summer adventures alike.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11 inches (height) x 14 inches (width) x 4.25 inches (depth)
- Leather: Cervino pebbled leather
- Price at publish: $328
Pros:
- Roots is famous for the high quality and durability of its leather products
- Made with Cervino leather from a tannery in the north of Italy
- Handcrafted in Canada
- Simple, streamlined design with one main compartment
- Fits a 13” laptop
Cons:
- The backpack is unlined, which might not be ideal if you tend to carry liquids in your bag
The bottom line:
You can’t go wrong with a classic and enduring design made from beautiful Italian leather. Get it here: Roots Chelsea Pack 2.0 Cervino
Best leather diaper backpack: Storksak Alyssa Water Resistant Convertible Diaper Backpack in Black at Nordstrom
Storksak Alyssa Water Resistant Convertible Diaper Backpack in Black at Nordstrom
No one understands the importance of a hands-free bag quite like new parents, which is what makes backpack-style diaper bags so, well, handy. Here, Storksak has taken the humble, utilitarian bag and elevated it to chic new heights with its luxe leather and nylon diaper bag, which can also be converted to a shoulder bag. It comes complete with an insulated food and bottle bag, a changing mat and removable straps with integrated stroller clips. For more options new parents will appreciate, check out our guide to the best diaper bags.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15 inches (height) x 13 inches (width) x 7 inches (depth)
- Leather: Pebbled leather
- Price at publish: $180
Pros:
- Includes a changing mat and insulated bag for food and bottles
- Plenty of pockets for all the baby essentials
- Detachable straps with integrated stroller clips
- Padded back panel for extra comfort
- Far more stylish than traditional diaper bags
Cons:
- Some customers have found that the changing mat and insulated bag take up too much space in the backpack
Best budget leather backpack: Kattee Genuine Leather Backpack Purse for Women Multi-functional Elegant Daypack Soft Leather Shoulder Bag Shopping Trip, Medium, Black
Genuine leather backpacks don’t usually exist in the same price bracket as their canvas or nylon counterparts, but there are exceptions to every rule. This compact, versatile bag from Kattee is made from soft pebbled leather and will take you from weekday errands to weekend brunch with ease.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.7 inches (height) x 11.4 inches (width) x 5.3 inches (depth)
- Leather: Pebbled leather
- Price at publish: $69.99
Pros:
- Fits a large tablet and other daily essentials
- Comes in four colors
- Great value for money
- Looks more expensive than it is
Cons:
- Some customers found the bag to be slightly smaller than they were expecting
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