Leather backpacks have long been associated with adventures in faraway lands; a bag where the traveler can store his essentials as he roams and explores. As you abandon yourself to your wanderlust, you will want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are safe. Safe from dust, water and any object that may damage them. Before we dive into the ten best leather backpacks for men, we should first understand what attributes to consider.
Your chosen backpack should also be big enough to carry everything you need on your travels. Your clothes, shoes, toiletries, documents, gadgets and souvenirs should all fit snugly, preferably in well-designed compartments.
A man’s ideal backpack should be multifunctional. In addition to being an outdoor companion, it should serve him in his daily routine if he needs it. If you commute by bicycle, you should be able to use it to carry a laptop, documents and other work things. If you’re a student, it should transform into safe conveyance for your books, computer and instruments.
Without further ado, let’s look at ten of the best leather backpacks for travel, or daily commutes.
Table of Contents
View the Best Leather Backpacks for Men Below
1. Wudon Vintage Leather Travel Backpack
Brand: Wudon
Weight: 2.79lbs
Dimensions: 13.5” x 6.1” x 18.5”
Material: Genuine leather, waxed canvas
This is an outdoorsman’s ultimate companion; rugged and ready to face whatever the wild can throw at it. Hardy tensile stitching keeps the waterproof, waxed canvas exterior firmly in place no matter what you pack into the bag. Even the metallic rivets and buckles are made from rust-resistant material to keep the rain from ruining your backpack’s appearance.
Made for heavy-duty use, this bag can withstand daily usage by busy students. You can use it to lug your heavy books and 17” laptop around without worrying about it coming apart. It is loaded with compartments designed to hold not only your laptop but also your tablet, phone and camera.
Why We Like It
- It comes with three colour options
- Rustic, old school satchel look
- Front compartment can comfortably fit a camera
- Hardy and weather-resistant
- Can be used both for adventure travel and daily commuting
Final verdict
For its price, this backpack represents great value. It is a rugged, all-weather travel companion that you can take with you virtually anywhere. Its design and the materials used to make it guarantee that it will serve you for a long time.
2. Gearonic TM 21 Vintage Canvas Backpack
Brand: Gearonic
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Dimensions: 16” x 18” x 9”
Material: Waxed canvas, PU leather
If you’re looking for a versatile bag you can use for your daily commutes as well as for the occasional trip, the Gearonic Leather Canvas Backpack as the way to go. It is spacious and has multiple compartments designed for your laptop, notebooks, gadgets, clothes, toiletries and accessories. Made from a mix of hardy canvas and PU leather, this leather bag will prove a sturdy companion over the years and be comfortable on your shoulders.
Functionality aside, this one of the prettier backpacks out there. Its stitched bright brown exterior and brass buckles give it an irresistible rugged charm. This satchel will also appeal to you if you’re in need of a bag but are on a tight budget.
Why we like it
- It looks good to carry around
- It is very well priced
- Highly functional with compartments for all gadgets
- Enough space to carry all your essentials
- Comfortable to carry
Final verdict
This is a great bag to have if you need a backpack urgently and don’t have much to spend. It’s the budget bag you can proudly wear on your shoulder. And it will serve you well if you take care of it.
3. S-ZONE Genuine Leather Travel Backpack
Brand: S-ZONE
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: 12.6” x 5.12” x 17.32”
Material: Genuine leather
Here’s the premium backpack you’ve been waiting for; that perfect balance between style and functionality. It may cost you a little more than competing models, but the S-ZONE Vintage leather backpack justifies the investment in many ways. Just the sight of this beautifully fashioned article will bring joy to the heart of the man who appreciates a good bag. It has that rustic elegance that would fit right into an episode of Suits. Made from genuine leather and fitted with chic compartments, it is much more than a basic satchel.
Its functionality is on another level; there are deliberately designed compartments for everything from your laptop to your phone to your pens.
Why we like it
- Meticulously crafted, very good looking
- Made 100% from genuine leather
- Highly functional design
- Top zipper covered for security
- Can be carried many ways
Final verdict
If you’re prepared to spend a little extra on a premium, durable product, spend it on the S-ZONE Men Vintage. This bag oozes class and elegance yet can still serve you outdoors if needed.
4. SDIYABOLO Men’s PU Leather Sling Backpack
Brand: Sdiyabolo
Weight: 1.85 lbs
Dimensions: 8.66” x 5.11” x 12.5”
Material: PU leather
Who would mind a suave departure from the traditional backpack design if it came in the shape of the SDIYABOLO Vintage CrossBody Sling? It is going to be love at first sight for many guys and no one will blame them for being smitten. This bag has an attractive leather sheen and is crafted in a sleek contemporary design.
But this sling bag is not just all about aesthetics; it packs in plenty of functionality. It has enough room for all a professional or student’s work or study essentials; laptop, tablet, phone, books, cards, etc. Each of these will have its own nifty compartment where it will fit and not move about, risking damage. You will also have a specially designed compartment for your USB charger to juice up your gadgets on the go.
Why we like it
- Well designed, stylish
- Very reasonably priced
- Ergonomic design for comfortable carrying
- Compartments to carry gadgets safely
- Designed for easy connection of charger and headphones
Final verdict
At its price point, you will be hard-pressed to find a sleeker, more functional bag. It is a great companion for the frequent traveller, as it feels comfortable to carry and keeps items in safe compartments.
5. Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack
Brand: Samsonite
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Dimensions: 10.63” x 5.51” x 16.14”
Material:Genuine leather
If you’re looking for a sturdy, no frills leather backpack that does its job well, the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack is a good choice. Yes, the bag is sleek and good looking, though it won’t set the fashion world ablaze. But if you’re looking for understated elegance and a quiet but classy impression, this bag is right up your alley.
The Samsonite Classic is built for the modern professional on the go. If you have a meeting away from your office, you can comfortably carry your laptop and mobile devices with you. Everything will be snug and presentable in its compartment.
Why we like it
- Classy, no frills look
- Padded straps make it comfortable to carry
- Multiple, specifically-designed compartments
- Able to fit 15” laptops
- Has a high capacity
Final verdict
Professionals on the go will want to have the Samsonite Classic strapped to their back or beside their desk when away from their workstations. It fits right into the lifestyle of executives, making it an ideal Fathers’ Day gift for corporate dads.
6. BULLCAPTAIN Leather Men’s Sling Bag
Brand: BULLCAPTAIN
Weight: 1 lbs
Dimensions: 6.5” x 2.7” x 12.1”
Material:Genuine leather
This bag combines contemporary design with rustic charm to become the perfect companion for busy professionals on the move. It’s made from 100 percent pure leather and shaped into a single-strap sling. The strap allows you to carry the bag in three different ways; over the shoulder, across the body, or in your hand. It has a provision to allow you to comfortably play music from your headphones with your device safely locked away in the bag. A USB charging port will help you keep your device juiced up on the go.
Why we like it
- Unique, adjustable single-strap design
- Bag can be carried in multiple ways
- Great aesthetics
- Makes using mobile devices easier and safer
- Can carry a number of small devices
Final verdict
The BULLCAPTAIN leather sling bag is as much a means of conveyance as it is a fashion statement. It is not the biggest bag, but it can prove useful in keeping your mobile gadgets safe and fully charged while you’re on the road.
7. LXY Vegan Leather Laptop Backpack
Brand: LXY
Weight: 2.12 lbs
Dimensions: 15.7” x 11” x 3.9”
Material: Faux leather
The LXY backpack will turn a student into a fashion icon without costing him a fortune. This backpack won’t cramp your style with its bulk but it’s large enough to house your 13” laptop along with a couple of books.
Snap the buttons on the side shut if you want to keep your backpack looking slim or pop them open if you need the space. Adjustable straps will keep carrying the LXY Vegan Leather Backpack from becoming a chore or making your shoulders sore.
You can safely slot in your smartphone into anti-theft compartments at the front or back of the bag.
Why we like it
- Slim sleek design in attractive brown
- Comfortable to carry with adjustable strap
- Smartphone/passport compartments built with safety in mind
- Allows strict vegans to keep their conscience clean
- Adjustable size allows you to carry more
Final verdict
The LXY leather backpack is not only suitable for students; but it’s great for professionals that need a not-so-expensive backpack. Since it’s made from an eco-friendly cousin of leather, it’s great for vegans and anyone else passionate about making the planet more habitable.
8. Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Backpack
Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Weight: 3.4 lbs
Dimensions: 16.25” x 12.5” x 4.5”
Material: Columbian leather
The Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access leather backpack is a traveling executive’s ultimate companion. Its minimalist design draped in Colombian leather gives its wearer that aura of hushed elegance.
And if you’re a frequent air traveller, you will be excited about the EZ-Scan feature. It’s compliant with TSA guidelines so it allows you to go through the airport security without having to remove your laptop.
Why we like it
- Classy to a fault
- Taut, padded compartments keep your effects safe
- Easily accessible top pocket for your phone
- Wide straps for comfortable carrying
- Loads of space for all your items
Final verdict
Its sophisticated design and professional presence make it very practical, and it’s comfortable on the shoulder. Its premium pricing is well justified.
9. Cuero 16-inch Genuine Leather Retro Rucksack
Brand: Cuero
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: 12″ x 5″ x 16″
Material: Goatskin leather
With this looker, you should have no problem showing up in the office with a backpack. This handcrafted masterpiece has that rustic, classic charm that is sure to match with your official getup. And it will prove useful, not just pretty, with a compartment to store up to your laptop and notebooks.
When you take it outdoors it will still give you the same combination of utility and aesthetics. The natural-looking goatskin will blend in with your surroundings while giving your belongings adequate protection from the elements.
Getting this bag is a shrewd investment, as it will serve you for many years.
Why we like it
- Rugged good looks
- Very sturdy and durable
- Padded straps make it easy on the shoulders
- Versatile in usage
- Large with neat compartments
Final verdict
The Cuero Retro Leather Backpack is the perfect companion for the modern professional who works hard and plays hard. It represents great value thanks to its rustic handcrafted design, versatility and durability.
10. BOPAI Anti-Theft Business Backpack
Brand: BOPAI
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Dimensions: 17.7” x 11.8” x 5.5”
Material: microfiber leather, ballistic nylon
If there was ever a definitive travel companion from the future, the BOPAI Anti-Theft Business Backpack is it. From first glimpse you get futuristic vibes and when you take a closer look- lo and behold, no zippers! They really mean it when they say anti-theft. No one can surreptitiously unzip your bag in a crowded place and slip away with your belongings.
There is security on the outside and safety on the inside. Compartments for your laptop and tablet are padded and strapped to keep these electronics from jiggling about as you move or knocking into each other. Roomy and organised, this bag lends itself to as many purposes as you can think of.
Why we like it
- Sleek, futuristic design
- Useful anti-theft features
- Nifty hidden card compartment on the strap
- Charge your gadgets on the go
- Very spacious
Final verdict
If you’ll be commuting via public transport, this backpack’s anti-theft features will give you some peace of mind. And if you subscribe to the fashion ethos of “less is more”, this bag will be as aesthetically appealing to you as it is functional.
Leather Backpack Buyer’s Guide
A leather backpack is a great way to express your personal taste while conveying your tools of trade or having some outdoor fun. But when you set out to shop for one, you will be faced with a plethora of options. You will find bags of different shapes, with different features and price tags. To help you develop a degree of focus as you hop from outlet to outlet, here are some things to look out for:
Real Leather vs Faux Leather
When you take a closer look at the descriptions, you will realize that not all leather backpacks are made from leather. Some are made from faux leather which is a general term for artificial leather.
The most common type of faux leather is polyurethane or better known as PU leather. It typically uses the fibrous part of the hide and is then coated with polyurethane which is a type of plastic that still feels like leather.
There is also 100% Vegan PU leather which is made of only artificial materials and has zero animal hide. If the type of leather is important to you, make sure to always check the tag or check with the brands customer service for more details.
Besides reading the fine print closely, you can also tell what type of material is being used based on the price. Genuine leather is typically more expensive since faux leather is easier to manufacturer.
How will the Bag be Used?
Before you settle on a bag, ask yourself if it is the best to serve the purpose you have in mind. If you’re looking for a hiking or camping companion, choosing a delicate executive design is not a good idea.
You will want to lean more towards the genuine leather options like the Wudon leather backpack for men. It’s waterproof and the leather is durable.
If you are primarily using it for work, make sure to check the dimensions to make sure your laptop and files will be able to easily fit intside.
Is the Backpack Comfortable on Your Shoulders?
Some bags will blow your mind when you lay eyes on them. But if you’ll be carrying it on your daily commute, you need to consider how easy it is on your shoulders. Make sure to try the bag on or read reviews from other customers. You can also verify in the product images or description if there has been more padding added to the backpack strap.
Do Leather Backpacks Maintain there Quality?
It is wise to invest in a leather bag you’re sure you can maintain. Genuine leather bags require cleaning and moisturizing from time to time to retain their luster. Faux leather backpacks can easily be wiped clean with water.
Expert Tip
Are you a frequent flyer? Pay close attention to the bag’s dimensions and weight. If you would like your backpack to be considered a personal item, it may have to fit certain dimensions or weight limit in some airlines. As you book your ticket, find out if your airline of choice has any such restrictions.
