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15 Sleek Leather Backpacks You’ll Want to Carry Everywhere

Brace yourselves: These are the epitome of casual and cool.

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paris, france february 27 model brooke makenzi wears a black leather backpack after the unravel project show at grand palais during paris fashion week fallwinter 2019 on february 27, 2019 in paris, france photo by melodie jenggetty images
Melodie Jeng

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of leather backpacks. I love backpacks of any material, for that matter, but leather ones are the most versatile. Dress it down, dress it up, use it as a carry-on, or make it your work bag. The right one can do it all. I’ll never forget when I was solo traveling through Ireland, and one of the straps on my trusted leather daypack broke off. Suffice it to say, I’ve become more selective on quality since then. Now, I’m here to share some of the best options to shop now

In my research, stylist Catherine Bibeau lent me her expertise. She agrees that leather backpacks are “ideal for carrying essentials on the go while effortlessly elevating any outfit with its chic and versatile appeal.” While you shop, though, Bibeau emphasizes that leather quality is of the utmost importance. Durable leather will last longer and maintain its luxe appearance. “Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and MCM are classic, iconic brands known for their exceptional quality and chic style,” she says. “They boast timeless designs that seamlessly blend classic elegance with a modern aesthetic, ensuring they remain fashionable for years to come.” As you might have guessed, you can expect to see all three of those brands ahead.

If you’re a fellow backpack loyalist, you understand all of the appeal. But in case you’re new to the posture-friendly style, prepare to be delighted. “You can pair leather backpacks with anything, and that’s the beauty of them,” Bibeau says. “You can wear it with sportswear for a casual vibe or with a blazer or a dress for a more polished look. The versatility of leather backpacks makes them a go-to accessory for any occasion.” Without further ado, here are 15 fantastic options to add to your wardrobe now.

Unisex Style

Gucci Jumbo GG backpack

Jumbo GG backpack

Pros

  • Designer item
  • Unisex style
  • Spacious
  • Secure closure
  • Padded laptop case

Cons

  • Might be too big for some

For the buyer who isn’t messing around with itty bitty bags, this is a bona fide rucksack that will actually hold all your belongings.

Colors: Black, Dark Green, Blue

Material: Leather, cotton linen

Dimensions: Length: 13.4 inches; depth: 4.7 inches; height: 16.2 inches

Quilted Leather

MZ Wallace Crosby Audrey Backpack

Crosby Audrey Backpack

Pros

  • Has six interior pockets for organization

Cons

  • Not the most secure closure
  • Chain straps might be uncomfortable if your bag is heavy

It’s no secret that everyone loves MZ Wallace. I use one of the brand’s backpacks very regularly. It isn’t this exact one, but this might be next on my list.

Colors: Black, Black/Camel, Dawn

Material: Leather

Dimensions: Length: 11.42 inches; depth: 3.15 inches; height: 13.39 inches

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Under $300

Overland Florence Leather Backpack Purse

Florence Leather Backpack Purse

Pros

  • Secure closure
  • Plenty of organization
  • RFID protection
  • Good size
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Some customers say the pockets are too small and the leather scratches easily

Personally, I love a simple black backpack used as a purse. This option from Overland is high-quality without a luxury price tag.

Colors: Black

Material: Leather, nylon

Dimensions: Length: 12 inches; depth: 4 inches; height: 14 inches

Canvas & Leather

Bottega Veneta Large Andiamo Backpack

Large Andiamo Backpack

Pros

  • Designer item
  • Spacious

Cons

  • Only has one strap
  • Not the most secure closure

Bottega’s Andiamo bag took the fashion world by storm last year, and the brand recently introduced the style in a backpack version. Perfect timing, if you ask me.

Colors: Natural/Light Wood

Material: Leather, cotton, linen, polyurethane

Dimensions: Length: 18.9 inches; depth: 7.9 inches; height: 15.7 inches

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Flap Top

Marsell Patta Backpack

Patta Backpack

Pros

  • Unisex
  • Padded straps

Cons

  • Only one color available

Sometimes the men’s section is where you can really score big. Men’s styles are likely to be larger and more utility-forward—especially when it comes to an item like a backpack.

Colors: Walnut

Material: Leather

Dimensions: Length: 15 inches; depth: 5.5 inches; height: 17 inches

On Amazon

Louis Vuitton Pre-Loved Black Leather Lock Me Backpack

Pre-Loved Black Leather Lock Me Backpack

Pros

  • Designer item
  • Secure closure

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Only one available (get it while you can!)

Not only is it incredibly chic and timelessly versatile, but in buying this Louis Vuitton option, you’re also boosting the circular economy.

Colors: Black

Material: Leather

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; depth: 4.5 inches; height: 10 inches

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Puffer Bag

MCM Travia Backpack

Travia Backpack

Pros

  • Luxury item
  • Pockets

Cons

  • Miniature size
  • Chain straps may be uncomfortable

This bag is undoubtedly luxury without making it glaringly obvious. Plus, puffer bags are still on trend.

Colors: Black

Material: Leather, micro suede

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; depth: 4.1 inches; height: 9.8 inches

Classic Black

Mansur Gavriel Classic Backpack

Classic Backpack

Pros

  • Bestseller
  • Fits laptops up to 15”

Cons

  • Quick to sell out

Posh, sleek, and it’ll accommodate my monstrously large laptop. I’m sold.

Colors: Brandy/Avion, Black/Flamma

Material: Vegetable-tanned leather

Dimensions: Length: 9.8 inches; depth: 6.3 inches; height: 14.2 inches

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Budget Pick

Telena Leather Sling Bag Backpack

On Sale
Leather Sling Bag Backpack

Pros

  • Under $50
  • Tons of color options
  • Great reviews
  • Lots of internal organization

Cons

  • Single strap
  • Won’t fit more than the essentials

If you don’t need to tote your laptop or any other bulky items, this everyday sling bag is perfect and affordable.

Colors: 36 options

Material: Faux leather

Dimensions: Length: 6.69 inches; depth: 3.34 inches; height: 10.23 inches

Cherry Red

Dooney & Bourke Pebble Grain Backpack

Pebble Grain Backpack

Pros

  • On sale
  • Trendy yet timeless color
  • Designer item
  • Two inner pockets and a key leash

Cons

  • Small capacity
  • Not the most secure closure

Matching your lipstick to your designer backpack? That’s a power move.

Colors: Wine

Material: Leather, cotton

Dimensions: Length: 7 inches; depth: 2.75 inches; height: 8.25 inches

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Designer Sling

Khaite Medium Greta Leather Backpack

Medium Greta Leather Backpack

Pros

  • Trendy style
  • Luxury item

Cons

  • Limited to a single strap
  • Not the most secure closure

Everything Khaite touches turns to chic, including this gorgeous one-strapped backpack.

Colors: Black

Material: Leather

Croc-Embossed

Senreve Midi Maestra

Midi Maestra

Pros

  • Available in many iterations, including various leather types and sizes
  • Protective feet
  • Secure closure
  • Can wear it four ways
  • Scratch and water resistant
  • Lots of interior organization

Cons

  • Won’t fit laptops bigger than 11”

Senreve is a go-to brand for working women, and rightfully so. You can wear this style as a backpack, crossbody, satchel, or tote. Now that’s bang for your buck.

Colors: Chestnut, Noir, Cream, Forest, Marine

Material: Leather, micro suede

Dimensions: Length: 13.25 inches; depth: 5.91 inches; height: 8.75 inches

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Top Handle

Coach Riya Backpack 21

Riya Backpack 21

Pros

  • Designer item
  • Multiple color options

Cons

  • Small capacity

When is a Coach bag not a good choice? Answer: Never.

Colors: Chalk Multi, Grey Blue/Silver, Signature Jacquard, Black, Denim

Material: Leather, fabric

Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; depth: 4.7 inches; height: 9 inches

Metallic Statement

Chanel Pre-Loved Quilted Leather Classic Backpack Mini

Pre-Loved Quilted Leather Classic Backpack Mini

Pros

  • Trendy
  • Designer item
  • Secure closure

Cons

  • Chain straps might not be the most comfortable
  • Only one available (get it while you can!)
  • Small capacity

Metallic bags are having a major moment, so if there’s ever been a time to pull the shopping trigger, it's now.

Colors: Metallic Gold

Material: Leather

Dimensions: Length: 6.5 inches; depth: 3 inches; height: 6.75 inches

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Pros

  • Three inner pockets
  • Free shipping
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Small capacity

I love that this Furla bag blends grey and nude hues, making it the perfect neutral when you want a break from basic black.

Colors: Greige

Material: Leather, polyester

Dimensions: Length: 7.87 inches; depth: 5.91 inches; height: 9.84 inches

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