Different Types of Leather Explained

Real Leather

Without doubt, the luxurious feel and timeless style of a leather backpack is the crème de la crème of the different variations available. Within the category, though, the leather used ranges from the finest, softest and most flexible calf leather, through to the more workaday, utilitarian leathers.

These have the durability and overall sturdiness but do tend to lack in the style stakes. It’s worth bearing in mind that when cheaper leathers are dyed they’re sometimes not color-fast which can be disastrous for your clothes when the bag gets wet.

Faux Leather (PU Leather)

Canvas

Vegan Leather

What to Look For In a Good Leather Backpack

Fake it till you make it

If your personal principles preclude the use of animal products, then a real leather backpack isn’t going to be in your sights at all. But faux leather backpacks can look just like the real thing, so you can still get the benefit in the style stakes without having to trouble your conscience.

Real leather will always win when it comes to longevity but then you won’t have shelled out as much for the bag in the first place, so the cost of replacing it won’t seem so burdensome.

Purpose

If you’re on a sightseeing trip, you’ll need space for necessities like guidebooks, camera, sunscreen, cell phone, water bottle. For school or college, it’ll need to accommodate those weighty textbooks, laptop, and so on.

We suggest giving careful thought to the intended purpose of your new backpack before you make your selection, so you don’t make a costly error of choice.

Style

The unique aesthetic appeal of genuine leather (and also the high-quality faux leather) products makes them a winner in the style stakes every time.

No two leather products will look the same and the vast range of colors now available extends that variety further still. Many have a slightly grainy or ridged texture that adds to their individual look.

There are so many different styles and designs available, from daypacks to purses, so it’s up to you to choose the product which best fits your needs and your own personal style.

Size

Think carefully about the intended purpose before you select the size. It’s important to check the actual dimensions before you buy and to establish if it’s likely to be large enough to suit your needs.

Laptop Sleeve

This is another factor where size is important. Laptops come in all sorts of sizes, so be sure you check that yours will be accommodated comfortably in the laptop sleeve of your chosen bag.

You risk damaging it (and the backpack itself) if you attempt to squeeze it into a tight space every day.

Straps, Zippers & Handles

The robust nature of leather backpacks means that the straps are usually sturdy and strongly stitched to the body of the bag. This is always worth checking as it can be a weak point. Good quality zippers are essential, of course, or they’ll break long before your backpack wears out.

An additional carry handle at the top is always a useful feature for carrying very short distances so you don’t have to sling it over your back each time.

Warranty

The length and type of warranty varies from product to product but the bottom line with warranties is that a manufacturer who really believes in the quality of the product will usually offer a better warranty.

1. P.MAI Premium Valletta Leather Laptop Backpack

This super-stylish designer bag from P.MAI is ideal for your daily commute, being the ultimate carryall backpack, but it’s also smart enough to take you from your desk to the restaurant for an evening out.

With sleek and smart black or navy options, it’s made from premium Nappa calf leather – soft as a baby’s bottom! – and lined with water-resistant, ultra-durable nylon. There are multiple compartments, including a water bottle holder and a 15” laptop sleeve.

It’s especially tailored for women, with padded straps, adjustable webbing, and a convenient luggage strap so you can be hands-free.

Naturally, for a premium product like this, it’s at the higher end of the price spectrum. If you’re looking for an elegant yet versatile women’s leather backpack purse, then this is one of the best on the market in our opinion.

A ‘free’ matching wristlet bag is included in the price which we think is a really useful additional feature. What you have here is a bag which combines luxury and utility and we think it’s a winner.

2. Tumi Women's Halle Backpack

3. Michael Kors Rhea Medium Slim Leather Backpack

The best word we can think of to summarize this high-end leather backpack is ‘understated’. It doesn’t shout ‘look at me’ and it doesn’t have bucketloads of pizzazz but it’s undoubtedly classy, sophisticated and elegant. If that’s your kind of style then read on…

The smart, black, grained, supple Venus leather contrasts delightfully with the high-shine, high-quality, gold-tone hardware.  It has multiple zippered pockets to keep your bits and pieces organized and it features a laptop sleeve which will keep your electronic devices safe and secure.

The shoulder straps are adjustable for comfort and there’s also a useful grab handle on the top of the backpack. It’s available in a selection of colours from classic black to funky hot pink.

The only thing it lacks is space for a larger-sized laptop but on the plus side, that means it’s a compact size. After all, it’s hard to look sharp and sophisticated if you’re hauling a huge load around on your back! Its neat size, therefore, could be as much of a plus point as a minus.

4. Leatherology Parker Backpack

If you’re looking for functionality and style combined, this full-grain leather backpack from Parker may be just the thing you’ve been searching for. It has all the features of a standard nylon/polyester backpack, but is in a different class altogether being crafted from beautifully soft leather of the highest quality.

It’s super-practical, with multiple pockets, including a zipped laptop pocket and side compartments that are perfect for water bottles and drinks, yet it oozes style and sophistication. There are no less than 7 gorgeous colors to choose from, so there’s bound to be one that fits your personal style and taste.

This backpack is surprisingly spacious inside, with plenty of space for all your daily needs, including 2 easily accessible exterior side pockets for a water bottle or snacks. You can adjust the shoulder straps for comfort but if you just want to grab-and-go it also has a useful carry handle.

5. Royce Leather Executive Handcrafted Backpack

This lightweight and expandable leather backpack is handcrafted from the finest Colombian Vaquetta leather and has a really comfortable ‘lived in’ look right from the start. If your style is low-key and casual but you still desire quality, functionality, and durability, then this could be the best leather backpack for you.

In spite of its relaxed style, it features a large subdivided front zip compartment, a pen holder, and a leather business card holder, so it’s equally ready for a day at the office, an away-day or conference.

The best part is that everything fits! It will accommodate a 15” laptop easily, and there are a number of other organizer compartments for iPhone, etc, and a handy external elasticized leather pocket for your water bottle or umbrella. You can even put your bulky jacket inside and won't have a problem to close the zipper. Moreover, the shoulder straps are padded for comfort and fully adjustable, and it also features a convenient padded top handle.

6. Polare Cowhide Leather Multiple Laptop Backpack Day pack Travel Bag Satchel

This functional, retro-styled men’s leather backpack is made from durable genuine oil leather, which is designed to stay strong and supple and to age gracefully (just like its owner!). It has enough internal and external pockets to keep any number of items safe, secure and easily accessible. Inside, it has so much space, including a pocket large enough to hold a 16” laptop.

This is a perfect backpack to take to the office or to college, especially if you need to carry many little things that you need to organize: pencils, charger, earphones, wallet, laptop, tablet, phone, calculator, notebook - all of these can be kept inside their own unique space.

The front pocket has a hook & loop closure for easy access. The zippers and hardware are strong and the leather is double-stitched for strength and durability, a look which enhances its ‘vintage’ character. The strong shoulder straps are adjustable and there’s also a top carry handle for convenience.

7. Coach Charlie Pebble Leather Backpack

If you’re determined to put your nylon/polyester backpack days behind you and your heart is very sensibly set on owning a leather backpack but you’re not able to aspire to the ‘luxe’ market (yet!), it would be worth taking a look at this smart and practical women’s leather backpack from Coach.

It’s manufactured from genuine leather with a ‘pebble’ grain and the hardware is gold-effect which gives it a touch of class. It has a number of multifunction pockets inside to keep your items organized, and features a useful zipped front pocket for easy access.

Although it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve, reviewers report that it can take a 13” laptop. You can select from 4 colors, our favorite being the stylish ‘chalk’ option. This is not great if you need to carry a lot of items, since it doesn't include that many compartments - it's especially inconvenient for carrying water bottles.

8. Vera Bradley Leather Leighton Backpack Bronze Age

We just love the fun design on this cute leather backpack from Vera Bradley’s collection. It gives it a unique and eye-catching style which will always get you noticed. Even the lining is leather, a big step from the usual polyester. The vintage-looking leather is intended to develop more character as it ages.

Vera Bradley bags are designed with quality and longevity in mind, so the higher price tag can be justified. There are 2 outer pockets to keep pens and other small items organized. These are very tight, so they won't fit a water bottle as most side compartments usually do. There’s no laptop sleeve but ample space inside to accommodate one if needed.

On the outside, there’s a zipped front pocket with plenty of space for your phone, keys, and wallet; plus a slip pocket on the back. The shoulder straps are adjustable for comfort and there’s a convenient carry handle too.

9. Claire Chase Jumbo Leather Small Laptop Backpack

This roomy yet elegant backpack has plenty of capacity for all sorts of items including a secure compartment for a laptop up to 17”. It’s fashioned from the finest top-grain Vaquetta cowhide, with high quality, stylish, antique brass hardware that complements the leather beautifully.

The satin lining lends a touch of class to the interior of the bag, so it’s not just about style on the outside but on the inside too. There are a number of internal and external slip and zippered pockets for all sorts of uses, including side pockets that are large enough for a water bottle or a small umbrella. This model is perfect for travelers (it is great for carry-on), long days walking around the city, school, work, and even to take it to the gym.

You can choose between 6 stylish color options, so there’s bound to be one that suits your personal taste.

10. Gucci Soho Backpack Bag

11. Heshe Women’s Vintage Leather Backpack

Made from man-made (PU) leather with high quality contrasting silver hardware, this bag has the stylish look of leather without the price tag. It is not only elegant on the outside - the textile inside the bag looks quite classy as well. The unique feature of this backpack that really appeals to us is that the strap can be adjusted so that the bag can be a backpack, a shoulder bag, a slingback, or a hobo – so versatile!

The durable coffee-colored polyester-lined interior has a number of different zippered and slip pockets. There’s plenty of space for your phone, wallet, cosmetics, umbrella, and all sorts of other daily essentials. On the outside, there are front and rear zippered pockets. You can choose from 8 vibrant and neutral colors to suit your own taste.

This a great choice for the office if you don't need to take bigger items. Moreover, it is perfect for daily use - take it to the restaurant, the museum, or the mall.

12. WITZMAN Men’s Retro Canvas/PU Leather Backpack

The rugged style of this quality cotton canvas/man-made (PU) leather backpack really caught our eye. The juxtaposition of the different materials and the contrast in color gives this backpack a real sense of style.

It’s not all about looks, though, as this backpack also delivers on capacity and functionality. It features a multi-purpose design, so it can be used as a backpack, tote bag, or a cross body duffel bag, so it adds versatility to its many qualities.

This bag is available in 3 colors and also in 2 sizes: 20” and 23”. You’ll find this backpack to be the perfect companion for everything from casual, everyday use to a weekend away in the city or out on the trail. It is also an ideal choice for current travelers since it does the job for a carry-on. It's also great for high school students, who tend to carry a bunch of books.

13. Vaschy Vintage Leather Canvas Backpack

We’re impressed by this premium quality product from Vaschy which doesn’t have the premium price tag to match. The tough, washable, cotton canvas juxtaposed with the cowhide leather creates a really attractive and classy-yet-casual backpack that wouldn’t look out of place in the office or on a hiking trail. What is more desirable in an accessory than versatility? Probably nothing.

This attractive backpack is designed for men and women and the wide, adjustable shoulder straps disperse weight evenly are comfortable. Both the canvas and the leather will evolve and mature over time – every scratch and mark will be a reminder of the journeys you’ve made together.

It’s specially designed for carrying a 15” laptop in a padded inner pocket. There are other small pockets inside and one big, easily accessible pocket on the front. It has so much space that it's a good option for office workers who head to the gym before or after their shifts.

14. Mwatcher Waterproof Waxed Canvas Leather Backpack

This vintage-style waxed canvas and leather roll-top backpack from Mwatcher is top of the pops for both fashionable style and practicality. Both materials are intended to age naturally, so each mark, scar and scratch ends up telling the story of your life and increases the ‘distressed’ look.

The copper rivets and vintage metal hardware add to the overall retro look of this backpack. One of the best features of this roll-top bag is that it can be rolled down to be made into a more compact bag when space is limited, for example on a plane. This is why it is a top-notch choice for travelers.

The internal and external pockets of various sizes are ideal for organizing your daily essentials, including carrying a laptop up to 15.6” and also a not-so-wide water bottle. Another great feature is that it is water-resistant, so it could be a good companion for your hiking day-trips.

15. Humble Chic Vegan Leather Backpack

You can carry this elegantly designed Humble Chic vegan leather backpack with a clear conscience. The chances are only you will know your secret, though, as it’s such a convincing copy that only very close inspection would reveal the truth.

This practical bag is as functional as it is stylish and makes the perfect shoulder companion for pretty much any occasion from a weekend away to a day on campus. It is not very high, so it may not be the most suitable for carrying a laptop. However, it can carry bulky objects (like a sweater or a small jacket) as well as a tablet without any problems.

Featuring a top-zip closure, adjustable straps, 2 interior pockets, and 2 exterior zippered pockets, this backpack will keep all your essentials organized and secure so that you don't have to lose your time looking for your keys or wallet. The contrasting gold-tone hardware is of good quality and offsets the ‘leather’ perfectly.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Where does real leather come from?

There are no prizes for guessing that real leather originates with animal skins which are processed and tanned to produce differing grades of leather used for different purposes.

Generally speaking, the softer the leather, the higher the quality – and the higher the cost. If your conscience is unhappy with using animal products, then faux (PU) leather or vegan leather products are a great alternative.

How do I clean a leather backpack?

The best place to start is with prevention because we all know that’s better than trying to cure a problem. We recommend using leather protection cream as soon as you take it home but always test on an unobtrusive area first to make sure that it’s compatible.

This cream adds a protective barrier to the leather that repels stains and protects the surface from wear and tear. You can wipe your bag occasionally with a clean, damp cloth.

Is leather waterproof?

It can be waterproof but only with special treatment. There are many sprays and creams available which are designed for this job but it’s essential to check manufacturer’s instructions before attempting such a treatment. You may cause permanent color change or damage.

How do you soften leather backpacks?

If the manufacturer recommends it, leather can be softened through treatment by proprietary products you can buy from any shoe store. However, it’s essential that you check before you treat the leather as it may change colour significantly after treatment.

If soft leather is your aim, it’s probably best to buy a softer leather backpack in the first place.

How can I tell which backpacks are real or PU leather?

This will always be specified in the product description and is often discussed in reviews but another clue is often in the price, since genuine leather will always be more expensive than artificial.

Conclusion

Of all the accessories which accompany us on the daily round of commuting, working, shopping and socializing, bags and backpacks have to be able to stand up to some pretty rough treatment.

If you’re looking for a backpack which will stand the test of time, then leather is the go-to material. Leather is versatile and strong, yet also exceptionally stylish. In fact, one of the quickest ways to upgrade your look is to start carrying a leather backpack!

Pair its functionality with its style and you’ve got the perfect bag to take with you anywhere, any time for almost any purpose.