Convenience, comfort, function and style are the most essential features any modern backpacker looks for when buying a backpack. It is this quest that has spawned the minimalism concept when it comes to backpacks. What’s more, it’s not just about looking for a backpack that mimics the minimalism craze but one that stands the test of time.
Leather backpacks have passed this test as they are known to look as good as new even after a decade of use. They are also extremely flexible allowing you to carry heavy items and can be revived once it starts showing signs of aging. Here’s a roundup of the best minimalist leather backpacks:
Best Minimalist Leather Backpacks
Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack
This minimalist leather backpack has a modern minimalist design while embracing a classic look. Made from genuine top-grain leather, this backpack not only adds elegance but also provides durability. This slim backpack offers comfort which is ideal for everyday use at school, work, and travel. It is suitable for both men and women.
This slim, rectangular profile backpack has a large main compartment that features a curved zipper for maximum access and can hold your laptop. It has a front organization that is great for your phones, books and notes. Inside the main compartment, there are two flat pockets where you can stash your valuables. The pockets are pretty spacious, letting you store tissues, earphones, and stationery.
With an airmesh back panel and padded shoulder strap, the backpack is comfortable and easy to carry. The backpack has a Retractable SmartSleeve™ that fits over most upright luggage handles for easy mobility.
The Samsonite Leather Backpack is designed to fit up to 14.1”. The back padded compartment makes the gravity point and helps protect your laptop from shocking. It comes in two colors: black and brown.
Another great thing about Samsonite backpacks is they come with a Retractable SmartSleeve™ that allow you to stack your backpack on your suitcase. This Smart Sleeve fits over most luggage handles for easy mobility.
All in all, the Samsonite Leather Backpack is the perfect companion for any modern professional as it gives you the ability to collect your business essentials into a slim elegant profile.
Brooks England Hackney
This Italian-made backpack has a design that mimics that of a rollaway bag with straps. It is made of vegetable-tanned leather, which gives it the sleek, sophisticated appearance. The material also makes the backpack great for casual and office use.
This minimalist backpack comes equipped with three wide inner pockets, the main compartment (fits a 15-inch laptop), and two outer pockets. Its double canvas straps have a quick-access feature and a robust quick-release buckle as well as a chest strap for additional security when riding.
The top of the bag can be rolled down and secured using the strap’s quick-release buckle. Additionally, it has a leather strap riveted to the front of the bag, which makes it easy for affixing the helmet when you are not riding.
Despite its minimalist appearance, the backpack is pretty versatile. Its spacious compartment makes it easy to stash a set of clothes, a laptop, and other essentials without breaking a sweat. The roll-top provides additional space if the need arises.
Le Donne Leather Women’s Tech Friendly Backpack
This minimalist leather backpack from Le Donne Leather is handcrafted. It is made of Premium Full Grain Colombian Cowhide Leather that is soft yet durable enough to stand the test of time and ages beautifully. Full-grain leather is the type that has not been adulterated beyond the apparent hair removal.
The backpack has a small, simpe, and thoughtful design. It is great at keeping its shape. It has a small main compartment that can hold a variety of your essential items such as iPad, tablet and an inside zipper pocket for some small items such as tissues, earphones. The backpack also has a small, flat zipper pocket hidden at the back where you can stash your valuables.
Great thing about this backpack is it comes with convertible straps that can be used as a normal backpack but when you zip them together, you’ll get a single strap sling bag. With this backpack, you have the flexibility of carrying it by the top handle to work, cross over the shoulders or throw it on your back. The backpack is available in four different colors that goes with everything, in any season.
All in all, created with the modern professional in mind, the Le Donne Leather women backpack is a great choice for the women who work on the go. It is also great for weekend travel or short trips. Pro tip: If you’re in the market for something even larger, Knomo Beauchamp Backpack can be a perfect option as it is one of the best minimalist leather backpacks for women and it comes in a sleek 12-inch size.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Slim Colombian Leather Backpack
Kenneth Cole is known for its high quality products. For a simple, stylish business travel backpack, you need look no further. The Kenneth Cole backpack can accommodate even the most demanding on-the-go lifestyles.
The exterior is made from luxurious Colombian cowhide leather that will age beautifully and resist daily wear and tear. Inside, there is a fully lined tear resistant lining to stand up to daily use.
This leather backpack not only looks great but also helps you stay organized and focus on your career. It comes with a large capacity of 28 liters. It boasts great vertical storage (25 inches of height), allowing you to store a big laptop.
It has a padded compartment on its rear that can accommodate a 16-inch laptop or Macbook. If you also want to carry your tablets, don’t worry, this backpack has a padded tablet pocket compatible with most tablets. Inside, there are other smaller compartments to store your small items as well as your smartphone, phone charger, books, pens, and much more – with plenty more space.
Thanks to its sturdy structure, the backpack can stand up on its own. Whether you’re commuting to work or going on a short trip, this minimalist leather backpack has got you covered. Despite its large capacity, It is portable and easily fits in airplane overhead bins. Would recommend this leather backpack to people who are looking for a simple but spacious work backpack.
Fossil Leather Estate Backpack
This minimalist leather backpack makes a great carry-on bag for travel. It has a matte brown appearance that enhances its casual-smart vibe. The exterior has the main zipper pocket and one front zipper for you to store accessories.
The interior is spacious and able to fit a 15-inch laptop. It is equipped with a padded slip pocket, two slip pockets, a zipper pocket, and three pen holders. The straps are adjustable, and their leather construction makes them pretty sturdy for carrying heavy items.
You will also love the fact that the straps are lined with mesh to prevent sweating and discomfort when carrying the backpack for a long time.
Ted Baker Men’s Backpack
If you are looking for a minimalist leather backpack for your large laptop, Ted Baker Men’s Backpack is an excellent buy. It can fit laptops and notebooks as large as 17 inches. This all-black backpack is primarily designed for men looking for a light, minimalist bag that does not strain the back.
Its exterior is made of leather while the interior is constructed using polyester. The leather material is high-grade as it is scratch-resistant and has small ridges that keep the bag stain-free. What’s more, the bottom is flat to allow the user to mount the backpack vertically without falling.
It is also fitted with sturdy straps to hold up the weight of the large laptops. If you don’t want to use the straps, you can carry it using the top carry handle.
EXpatrie Leather Backpack
This elegant backpack is the perfect example of sophistication and functionality. Noelle combines the classiness brought about by leather and the comfort of a backpack. Expatrie leather backpack is made from vegan faux leather, which is great for the eco-conscious minimalist.
The material gives the backpack the thin, lightweight construction. Many designers find it easy to work with vegan leather due to this feature too. Additionally, vegan faux leather makes minimalist leather backpacks easy to repair tears or rips on the backpack.
The backpack also comes with a hidden pocket for stashing valuable accessories you might have. Despite the light interior construction, Noelle manages to include a zipper compartment and two additional bags to organize your stuff.
The manufacturer uses magnetic clasps, which allow you to close the backpack efficiently and reliably. Unlike other types of fasteners, magnetic clasps need a single hand to operate and rid of the need to use chunky plastic slide-in buckles, which enhances the minimalist look. The shoulder straps can be adjusted without leaving loose ends hanging around.
Sharkborough Supreme Anton Men’s Backpack
The backpack is a good buy for men looking for a somewhat hushed carry-on bag with a little sophistication. It is constructed using calfskin leather, which gives it a classic yet casual vibe. The material has a slightly soft texture, which means it will need cleaning frequently.
The backpack also has a nylon material at the bottom of the shoulder straps that prevent the rest of the leather from stretching or chipping away. Its construction is inspired by the traditional college backpack hence the practical and classic design.
Apart from the usual adjustable shoulder straps, it has a handy top handle, which gives you the option to carry it both ways. The backpack has plenty of room to bring a 15-inch laptop as well as tablets with small keyboards. Its exterior has multiple pockets located at the front, side, and rear, which enhance its functionality. The backpack also has an easy access zip closure, which allows you to reach for items and zip it back within seconds.
Moleskine Classic Leather Backpack Black One Size
Moleskine Classic Leather Backpack was made with pure simplicity in mind. It has no unnecessary compartment. The goal was to achieve a minimalistic and classic look while mirroring the essential design of the legendary classic Notebook to easily organize things you actually need.
The main compartment is pretty spacious, accommodating a 15-inch laptop or MacBook. The side pockets also come in handy to keep essentials within easy reach.
Overall, I highly recommend the Moleskine Classic Leather Backpack because you will get the most out of the design. Truly a discreet and smart backpack for urban nomads, it gives you a lightweight feel that allows you to stay on the move for longer. Durable, elegant, and super compact, this backpack is for people who want to carry their mobile office on their shoulders.
Heshe Womens Leather Backpack Casual Style Flap Backpacks Daypack for Ladies
This leather backpack from Heshe is my favorite minimalist leather backpack. It has a simple yet convenient design that allows for back and hand carrying. It is made of top-grain quality cowhide leather.
Despite its compact design, the backpack comes with a generous interior with three different storage pockets to keep your essentials organized while on the go. Inside, you will have one zippered pocket, one invisible pocket and one small pocket for phone, wallet or cosmetic. For extra capacity, it has a back zippered pocket that can be used to store your valuable items.
The backpack is very versatile as it comes with three colors to match your taste and style. Even better, it has a dark interior polyester and silver hardware.
All in all, leather material, minimal hardware, smart design are some of the features that easily make this Heshe womens leather backpack an ideal urban backpack for
the designer obsessed traveler.
ISM: The Backpack (Black) | Leather Laptop Backpack – A subtly fashion-forward, minimalist backpack
If you are someone who values a comfortable and functional backpack with lots of storage but still wants one that looks minimal and attractive, then you will want to check out this ISM backpack.
The ISM backpack is a sleek, sophisticated backpack that is comfortable to wear on your back for a long time. It has memory foam back padding and straps for comfort. Made from full-grain leather and water-resistant nylon, the backpack is a subtle blend of luxury and durability.
This minimalist leather backpack features 17.2 liters of storage capacity, that’s enough storage space to carry all of your necessary tech items and other daily basics. There are six pockets and two main compartments, including a separate zippered compartment for a 15-inch laptop on the back. It also has a zippered pocket for small items on the front.
Another small but notable feature is that that backpack provides a charger port on the right side, where you can easily charge your phone on the go.