Joshua Babicz
A leather backpack for men is worth the purchase price that is always a bit more expensive than a polyester or canvas bag. Leather is a high-quality material that will last forever. Not only is leather durable and functional, but it’s stylish, too. Although leather backpacks are a bit pricier, than other materials, they’re worth the additional cost because they can last a lifetime if taken care of. After extensive research and testing, we have compiled this list of the best leather backpacks for men on the market. There’s also a short buyer’s guide at the end to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Best Leather Backpacks for Men in 2022
1) Kenneth Cole Reaction Colombian Leather Backpack
Style
This backpack has a unique style with a buckled flap closure instead of the normal zip closure. It has belting detail in the front but the bag opens and closes with the magnetic buckles under the flap. The flap over construction is unique and very sleek looking. This bag gives off both professional and casual vibes making it a great everyday backpack for any type of event you’re going to. Another cool feature is there are upper side snaps for the option of tapering the backpack at the top for a sleeker finish if it isn’t full.
Durability
This backpack is made of full grain Columbian leather which is the highest quality leather material. It’s tear-resistant to protect against daily use and wear and has a wrapped top handle for durability and comfortable carrying. The main flap buckles into place with secure dual magnetic snap buckle closure. The backpack is fully lined with a polyester fabric through the interior to protect against daily use. Another important feature is the back panel is padded, quilted, and breathable for comfort. The straps feature the same padded construction as well as they are adjustable. Kenneth Cole also offers a manufacturer lifetime limited warranty on this product.
Functionality
This backpack features one main compartment that has a padded laptop slip and can fit up to a 14.1-inch laptop. It has additional zippered pockets within the interior of the bag as well as a separated organizer pocket under the main opening flap. The backpack has two exterior zipper pockets as well as zippered side pockets. The backpack even features anti-theft RFID blocking technology.
Pros
- Made of the highest quality of leather — Full Grain Leather
- Padded laptop pocket
- Comes in 3 different colors
- Padded back panel and shoulder straps
- Manufacturer lifetime limited warranty
- RFID protection
Cons
- Main pocket buckles instead of zipping
2) Rawlings Heritage Collection Leather Backpack
Style
It has a very vintage and retro feel with intentional distressing. At the same, it’s classy and fashionable to have that worn look. You also don’t have to worry as much about wrinkling or creasing the backpack since it already has that style which is good. The other cool thing is that every bag will be a bit unique because of the distressing. No two bags will be exactly alike.
Durability
The bag is made from high quality and durable materials. The interior is lined to protect the bag as well. It’s made to be used every day and to last through the wearing and continuous use.
Functionality
There are three outside pockets and two side pockets. There is also a large main compartment with a padded laptop pocket. The straps are adjustable and padded and there is a trolly strap that can attach to your luggage for easier carrying.
Pros
- Adjustable and padded straps
- Padded Laptop pocket
- Distressed style
Cons
- The backpack is not very large; it can only hold up to a 13-inch laptop
- It’s a distressed look, not everyone’s style
3) Velez Leather Backpack
Style
The backpack is created in a sleek and slim design. It’s made of high-quality leather from Columbia. It’s handcrafted which means each bag is meticulously made for the buyer. It can be used for anything and everything such as work or the gym.
Durability
This backpack is water-resistant to protect again everyday weather. It features an ergonomic back design with breathable, padded, and adjustable shoulder straps. There is also airflow in the padded straps for extra comfort. It has a thick top handle for easy and quick carrying as well.
Functionality
This backpack fits a 14-inch laptop and it has a special pocket with security straps for safely storing your electronics. It has a large exterior side zippered pocket and two front zippered pockets. The interior of the backpack also has zippered pockets for additional organization.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Handcrafted
- 2 color options
- Highly rated
Cons
- Expensive
4) Boshiho Leather Laptop Backpack
Style
The style and size of this bag are great for everyday use. It’ll fit everything you need without being too small or too big. The bag is unique with the crocodile pattern but still just as useful as similar bags. It has zippered pockets and the top unzips and opens like a large flap making it easy to get all of your stuff in the bag.
Durability
The stitching on the bag is tight and strong for a long-lasting and durable finish. The leather is soft and durable so that the bag can last for many years. The bag is strong enough to carry your heavy items such as your laptop and textbooks or anything else you need and will not break or tear from carrying your things.
Functionality
The bag has 6 pockets with a large main compartment for your laptop. There are also side pockets, interior pockets, and an outside zipper pocket. There is an added padded fabric on the interior of the bag for comfort and breathability which is a unique feature that is truly worth any extra cost.
Pros
- The crocodile pattern on the exterior of the leather is very unique
- The bag has breathable padded fabric for comfort
- Large, roomy compartments
Cons
- Made of genuine leather and not anything of higher quality
5) Tiding Men’s Leather Backpack
Style
This bag has a very vintage and distressed style. It looks casual and retro and can be used for everyday activities or dressed up to use in a professional setting. Since it’s high-quality leather, it can look really expensive and nice, but since it has the distressed style, it can be casual too, This type of bag that looks good in all settings is the ideal style.
Durability
This backpack has adjustable shoulder straps as well as a padded back for breathability and comfort. It features strong stitching for durable everyday use. Since the bag is made of full-grain cowhide leather it is very strong. It also includes premium YKK zippers for heavy-duty strength. The backpack comes with a one-year quality warranty and lifetime customer service guarantee.
Functionality
The backpack has two main compartments and inside one of the compartments is a padded sleeve that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop. There are two front pockets on the backpack and one of those pockets has an additional padded sleeve to fit an iPad. There is a detachable keychain in the front pocket for easy access. The backpack has two side pockets and a hidden back pocket as well. On the back, there is also a trolley sleeve for easy traveling. The interior of the bag has an inner zipper pocket, pen holder, and a mesh pouch. Another great feature of this bag is the USB charging port and built-in charging cable for easy and quick access to charge your phone.
Pros
- Full-grain cowhide leather
- USB charging port and built-in cable
- A large bag that can fit many things
Cons
- Might be too large for some people
- Power bank not included for USB charging capabilities
- On the more expensive end
6) Kenneth Cole Vegan Leather Backpack
Style
This backpack has a super sleek and simple design. The front pocket has horizontal stripes to add a little bit of detail and the black zipper lining adds some contrast to the bag. It’s very stylish and classy looking. It comes in three colors including black, brown, and cognac. It can be used as a casual or professional backpack very easily.
Durability
This backpack is fully lined with a tear-resistant polyester lining for extra durability and protection. It has adjustable and padded shoulder straps and a padded air-mesh back panel. It also includes a trolly sleeve for traveling.
Functionality
The backpack has a padded laptop pocket that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop. It also includes anti-theft RFID blocking technology to protect the information inside your bag. The main compartment has a mesh zipper pocket and open slip pockets for extra storage of your belongings.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- RFID protection
Cons
- Looks and feels like leather but it’s vegan leather
7) Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
Style
This backpack has a very sleek and slim design. It’s compact while still being able to hold all of your necessities. It has a very sophisticated design but can still be used for everyday casual and business needs.
Durability
This backpack has adjustable and padded straps for comfort. It also has a mesh, padded back panel for breathability. There is a trolley sleeve for traveling as well.
Functionality
This backpack has a padded laptop pocket that can fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop. It can hold two laptops! The front pocket of the backpack has an organizer and tablet pocket. There is also a place for pens and a mesh zip pocket.
Pros
- It can fit two laptops
- Padded back and straps
Cons
- Slim bag, won’t fit as much as other bags
8) Polare Full Grain Leather Backpack
Style
This backpack comes in a brown color with unique and luxurious orange and white stitching. It has a vintage retro style. It’s made from an Italian design with traditional craftsmanship.
Durability
This backpack is made of full-grain leather which is the most expensive and highest quality leather. The backpack will last longer and withstand regular use better with this type of leather.
It has a mesh padded back panel for breathability and adjustable padded straps. The bag also uses high-quality YKK zippers. The company offers a one-year quality warranty guarantee and lifetime customer service as well.
Functionality
There are two large front pockets for carrying everyday items as well as two side pockets. The main compartment has a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop. It also a strap to secure the laptop pocket and keep your electronics even more protected.
Pros
- Full Grain Leather bag
- Unique retro design
- One-year quality warranty
Cons
- Expensive
9) Frye Men’s Murray Backpack
Style
This Frye bag just screams quality. It has the antiqued, distressed, vintage, and worn-in look that is so stylish. The design for the bag is super unique with the shoulder straps coming from a V formation at the top instead of a parallel line. It’s a super high-quality backpack.
Durability
It has adjustable straps for added comfort. It also has a top handle for easy grabbing and carrying of the bag. The bag uses strong push-lock closure to carry your contents safely.
Functionality
It includes one main zippered pocket, two interior slip pockets, and two exterior slip pockets. It has a laptop pocket that can fit up to a 15-inch laptop. The pocket has a strap to secure the laptop in place.
Pros
- High quality
- Unique shoulder strap design
- From a brand name company
Cons
- Doesn’t have padded straps or a padded back panel for extra comfort
- Very expensive
10) BULLCAPTAIN Leather Sling Backpack
Style
This is a sling-style backpack that goes over one shoulder. You can move it around over your check, back, or switch shoulders for comfort. It is small and sleek and great for your everyday things. It has a vintage, yet luxurious look to it. The thick strap is a super cool feature that looks especially stylish.
Durability
This backpack made of 100% genuine leather is going to hold up nicely with everyday use. It’s even waterproof so you don’t have to worry about the weather being an issue. Since it’s small and secure, it will hold up better from constant use.
Functionality
This back not only features a USB charging port and built-in charging cable, but also a headphone hole. This is super convenient and safe for charging your phone and listening to music without having to hold anything. This backpack is too small for a laptop but it does fit an iPad for on-the-go business or just casual use. There are three outer pockets as well as one main pocket.
Pros
- Great size for traveling
- Can switch the direction you’re wearing it easily
- Waterproof
- USB charging port
Cons
- Small
- Doesn’t fit a laptop but can fit an iPad
- Doesn’t include a power bank
Types of Leather Backpacks for Men
You might not know the difference between leathers and that’s okay because we’re going to explain what each type of leather is and how the quality changes. The nicer the leather, the more expensive the bag is going to be which is something to keep in mind.
Vegan Leather
Vegan leather is made to act and feel like leather but in reality, it’s a substitute made from other materials. If you like the look and feel of leather but don’t want something made from an animal hide, this is the best option. It’s not quite as durable but it will still be better quality than some materials out there and it will give you the look you’re going for with leather.
Genuine Leather
Genuine leather is the lowest quality of leather products. It doesn’t last as long and it doesn’t look quite as good as higher quality leathers do. Usually, genuine leather products are made from leftover pieces after making higher-end leather goods. The pieces are then glued and pieced together to make this type of product.
Top Grain Leather
Higher-end goods will usually at least have top grain leather rather than just genuine leather. It is a bit more refined and nicer of a material and quality than genuine leather. This type of leather comes from full-grain leather which is the highest quality, but it’s sanded down to remove any imperfections and then treated to have a more uniformed look. This type of leather is found in most purses for women. It can end up looking almost like plastic on the finished product because it has been sanded, cut, refined, treated, and colored to be smooth and perfect. It will last longer than genuine leather but not as long as the highest quality of leather.
Full Grain Leather
Full-grain leather is the highest quality of leather. It uses the entire grain of hide with all of its imperfections. It’s especially used for heavy-duty items but it’s also used for belts, bags, boots, and other high-end goods from designer brands. Often there are marks on the leather from scars on the animal’s skin. But, if you find a full-grain leather piece in perfect condition, it’s going to be even more expensive because some companies search for these hides.
Key Features of Quality Men’s Leather Backpacks
If you’re trying to decide between a polyester or canvas bag to a leather bag, there are going to be some differences in quality to consider. Leather will always be the better choice with its strength and durability.
Materials
The look, feel, and smell of leather is attractive to most people. You can just look at a leather backpack and know that it’s made of high-quality materials and will last a long time. A leather backpack will not be flimsy either, it will be strong and durable with a clear shape and design.
Maintenance
Leather repels dirt and water among other things pretty easily. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth or leather cleaner and it’s good as new. If you have full-grain leather, it is suggested that you condition it from drying out every so often. You can buy leather conditioner online very easily and for inexpensive. Unlike canvas or polyester bags that could rip or stain, leather bags are very easy to take care of because they hold their value two-fold.
Safe for Skin
Leather is a natural, smooth product that is safe for the skin. Other materials such as polyester are made of plastic and chemicals and will feel rougher on the skin. Polyester and other similar materials could irritate your skin if you’re sensitive. Leather is a completely safe and worry-free material.
Eco-friendly
Since high-quality leather goods are made to last a lifetime, they are not considered fast fashion. Fast fashion is one of the worst drivers for the current climate change issues because too many brands are making goods that just end up straight in landfills each season. These companies will make fashionable items that fade out of style quickly and then they just end up in the trash after they have trouble selling the items. It’s a huge waste of resources. Leather is made to last a long time and isn’t the type of product to usually go to landfill. By purchasing a leather backpack instead of a polyester or canvas backpack, you’ll probably own it for a very long time and help the environment by making the eco-friendly and conscious decision of not purchasing a fast fashion backpack.
Cost-efficient
While a leather backpack is going to be more expensive than a backpack made of lesser quality material, it will last you a lifetime. Canvas or polyester bags will only last until the break, rip, or stain. The price will be significantly less but if you have to keep buying a new backpack throughout the years it’s going to end up costing you more than just buying a nice leather backpack once.
Characteristics of Leather Backpacks for Men
Now that you know what types of leathers exist and why it’s worth purchasing a leather backpack over any other substitute material, it’s time to explain the different characteristics to be on the lookout for. Once you’ve decided leather is your best bet, there are additional style, durability, and functionality options to choose from.
Style
If you choose a full-grain leather backpack, no two bags will look the same. There are innate imperfections on the bag that make it unique and interesting. It gives the bag a stylish, natural hue that people are looking for.
Even genuine leather has its appeal with a smooth, soft, and quite stylish finish. Leather just has an elegance and beauty to it that you can’t help but notice. There is something about a leather bag that makes the person wearing it look more poised.
Durability
Leather is a tough material. It’s waterproof, repels dirt and dust, and resists abrasion. Not only do these bags repel from everyday factors, but they will even look just as great for years to come. These bags can take a good beating and wear without even showing it. They will retain their quality and looks for a very long time, making it worth it.
Functionality
Leather is a very durable material but it does have some flexibility to it. Leather backpacks are going to be very strong and useful but still allow for some movement. They won’t immediately crease or wrinkle with use or shaping. The interior contents of your backpack are going to be kept in good condition, too as leather breathes a bit. Your leather backpack may feel stiff at first, but it will loosen up after some time.
This list will help you narrow down leather backpacks for men to find the best one for you. Now you know the difference between leathers, styles, features, and characteristics. You’re ready to shop for the perfect leather backpack.
