Leather Backpacks and Rucksacks

Our collection of leather backpacks and rucksacks brings together styles for women and men, for town, the office or travel. Of the 49 styles here, 11 are genuine leather, 37 are faux leather and 1 combines both, and the material of every style is listed in its specifications, so check it before you choose. Most styles come in black and more than half in brown, so a black or brown leather backpack is easy to find here. For a women’s leather backpack, the women’s leather backpacks collection narrows the choice, and for a men’s leather backpack, see the men’s leather backpacks collection.

How to choose a leather or faux leather backpack

This selection brings together backpacks made from different materials and in different sizes. To choose, start by comparing the main material stated, the dimensions and the storage of each style. A bag’s name or its look is no substitute for reading its specifications.

Which material are you looking for?

Looking for a real leather backpack? The genuine leather styles here include cowhide, lambskin, sheepskin and split leather. The faux leather styles are mostly PU, the others microfibre or PVC, and several are sold as vegan leather. Each product page tells genuine leather from faux leather. Check the lining too, as it can be made from a different material to the outside. If the material or the finish is not stated, ask us before you order rather than guessing from a photo.

Which size for your things?

Compare the stated dimensions with what you carry every day. For a leather laptop backpack, check that the style has a laptop compartment and that a compatible laptop size is given on its product page. Twelve of the 49 styles state a laptop size, from 14 to 16 inches. The outer dimensions alone do not confirm the space available inside.

Which pockets, and how will you carry it?

Go by the features actually described for the style you choose, such as a phone pocket, an inner zip pocket, outer storage, a top handle or adjustable straps. The close-up photos in the gallery help you spot the openings and pockets, but they cannot guarantee that your things will fit.

What to check for care and rain

Read the guidance given for the style and its material. Do not use the same routine for every bag in the collection. If no suitable advice is given, ask us before using a care product. For rain, check the protection stated on the product page rather than assuming it from the material.

Looking for a luxury leather backpack?

If you want a luxury or high-end leather backpack, start with the main material stated, then look at the lining, stitching, fastening and finishes described on the product page. The name or photo of a style is not enough to tell.

Are leather backpacks worth it?

A genuine leather backpack is worth it if you are happy to look after it, as it needs a conditioner about twice a year when used every day, whereas faux leather only needs a damp cloth with a little mild soap. Rain is the other difference. Of our 37 faux leather styles, 21 are described as waterproof or water-repellent on their product page. None of the 11 genuine leather styles is, although 3 come with a rain cover.

You can also read our guide on how to clean a leather bag and care for it, alongside the instructions for your own style.

Every style comes with free delivery to the United Kingdom, the legal guarantee and 30-day returns.