7 Backpacks with Leather Bottoms (that aren’t Jansport)
Whenever most of us think of backpacks with leather bottoms we imagine the Jansport Right Pack with its nylon construction, suede base and classic bookbag silhouette. It’s stylish, iconic and gets the job done. But what other high quality options are there?
The iconic Jansport Right Pack with a suede bottom
In this buying guide we explore our favorite leather bottom backpacks for those due for a serious upgrade. These premium options all use real leather in their construction and are a step up in craftmanship from the cheaper nylon backpacks you’ll usually find on a campus.
Best Leather Bottom Backpacks
Nutsac Rucksac
Made in the USA with premium materials, the Nutsac Rucksac falls squarely in the “buy it for life” category of backpacks. This is a backpack that is constructed to last a lifetime and Nutsac even offers a lifetime guarantee to prove it.
The full-grain leather base adds structure and protection while additional leather touchpoints give the Rucksac a premium feel. Inside the main compartment you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve and additional pockets for organization. When it comes to backpacks with leather bottoms the Nutsac Rucksack tops our list thanks to its top-notch quality, tough construction and timeless style.
Topo Designs Rover Pack (Made in USA)
Topo Designs Rover Pack is offered in a couple of options with leather bottoms for anyone looking to invest in a premium made in USA backpack. Both the Rover Pack Leather and Rover Heritage Canvas backpacks feature a leather bottom that wraps up into the front bottom panel for ultimate protection and a timeless look.
The leather base and accents are sourced from Horween - one of only a few tanneries in the United States - and the quality of the materials reflect this. With Horween leather you can expect a rugged and hardwearing leather that only gets better as it ages.
Mahi Leather Classic Backpack
The MAHI Leather Classic Backpack takes the iconic leather bottom backpack style and elevates it with a rugged cotton canvas and full grain leather construction - two materials that only look better with age. Small details such as brass fittings and leather shoulder straps also helps to give the Classic Backpack a more mature and streamlined style.
The MAHI Leather Classic Backpack is offered in a few different colors in cotton canvas as well as in an all-leather version for those who prefer a sleek monochrome look.
Harber London Classic Rucksack
Known for their handcrafted leather goods, Harber London offers a modern take on the iconic rucksack design with updates for modern carry such as separate padded laptop and tablet sleeves and special pockets for tech and daily essentials.
Each Classic Rucksack is handmade by expert craftsman in Spain and you can see the fruit of this labor in its impeccable construction, high-end waterproof materials and supple full grain leather throughout its design.
Harber London Office Backpack
The Harber London Office Backpack dares you to expect more from your daily carry by eliminating the choice between heritage craftsmanship and the modern features you would normally find in mass-produced laptop backpacks. Despite its classic look, the Office Backpack is suprisingly well equipped for modern life with pockets and compartments for everything from a laptop and tablet to your personal EDC.
Although Harber London uses premium full grain leather throughout the Office Backpack’s design, the bottom panel is actually made of a hardwearing abrasion-resistant and waterproof material that helps gives the Office Backpack its structure for a more streamlined look and offers maximum protection on rough surfaces.
For a closer look at what this backpack has to offer make sure to check out our in-depth Harber London Office backpack review.
Topo Designs Daypack (Made in USA)
Topo Designs offers their popular Daypack model in a leather version that features a Horween leather bottom and a premium construction. Every element of the Topo Designs Daypack is top-notch: heavy duty YKK zippers, hardwearing Cordura nylon exterior and premium leather sourced from one of America’s best tanneries.
As far as backpacks with leather bottoms go, the design of the Topo Daypack is pretty straight forward with a familiar classic backpack design that still holds up well to today’s modern tech-centric carry needs. An internal sleeve can hold up to a 15” laptop compartment while smaller pockets throughout give you the organization you need to conquer a day of work or play.
Duluth Pack Deluxe Roll-Top Scout Pack
Built to last a lifetime, the Duluth Pack Deluxe Roll-Top Scout Pack features a rugged canvas body with a hand-cut leather bottom for additional structure and strength. The roll-top design gives this backpack a natural waterproof barrier while also allowing the main compartment to expand when you need more room by unrolling the top. It’s small details like these that makes the Deluxe Roll-Top Scout Pack perfect for daily commuters, students and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable backpack that will last years not seasons.
Each Duluth Pack is handcrafted in Minnesota and comes equipped with a lifetime guarantee.
Alternatives To Leather: Synthetic Materials
The Everyman Hideout Pack with a waterproof PVC bottom
It’s no secret that backpacks that use premium leather in their construction can be on the pricier side. Thankfully there are synthetic materials that can give you the benefits of a backpack with a leather base without the sky high price tag.
If your goal is to have a rugged backpack with a reinforced bottom then going the synthetic materials like PVC or synthetic leather might be just what you are looking for. Here are some of our favorite alternatives to leather bottom backpacks.
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Those looking for a similar look as more expensive leather bottom backpacks will love the Herschel Heritage for its timeless design and more affordable price. The synthetic leather base gives it that classic backpack look while also providing extra support when hauling heavy items.
The Herschel Heritage Backpack is available in a variety of different color options to match your style.
Chrome Barrage Cargo Backpack
The Chrome Barrage Cargo is easily one of the toughest backpacks on the market thanks to its rugged nylon exterior and completely waterproof welded construction. The bottom panel and base is made out of a thick heavy-duty 22oz 1000D TPE tarp that is waterproof with excellent tensile and tear strength for peace of mind when setting your backpack down on rough ground.
Check out our Chrome Barrage Cargo review where we deep dive into all of the features this backpack has to offer.
Everyman Hideout Pack
The Everyman Hideout Pack offers a unique style and rugged construction with plenty of features for the modern tech-centric commuter and traveler. The unique 3-way zipper makes loading this backpack a breeze while a separate clamshell laptop compartment makes life easy at airport TSA lines.
The base of the Everyman Hideout is made out of a heavy-duty 800g PVC material that is tear resistant, UV-resistant and waterproof. Whether you need a bag for daily commutes or for tossing into the bed of a pickup truck on your next adventure - the Everyman Hideout has you covered. Check out our Everyman Hideout Pack review for a closer look.
SansPeur BASEL Laptop Backpack
SansPeur offers an affordable laptop backpack with all the features you need for work and weekends thanks to a generous main compartment and plenty of pockets to keep you organized. Inside the main compartment is where you’ll find an impressive array of pockets for a laptop and smaller accessories.
The base of the BASEL is made from faux leather that mimics the feel of suede. In addition to offering additional protection this unique base gives the BASEL the vintage look of similar leather bottom backpacks at a fraction of the price.
Why choose a backpack with a leather bottom?
These days we often equate leather bottom backpacks with throwback vintage styles and many brands place synthetic leather on the base of their bags to achieve this look. But there are advantages to having real leather at the base of a backpack other than aesthetics.
Leather is a robust material that will add significant tensile strength and prevent heavy loads from ripping and damaging the integrity of the backpack.
A good quality leather can also a lifetime. Leather is known for absorbing scuffs and scrapes like a champ and it tends to develop an attractive patina with use and age. Because of this leather has the ability to age like a fine wine when compared to other materials that have a bad habit of looking worn and tattered with extended use.
The bottom of a backpack is often the most prone to abuse since it has the most contact with rough surfaces. Having leather at the base is an easy way to keep your backpack looking great over time.
