Leather backpack for men

[Humber]

Hi

I am looking for a nice leather backpack which can be worn in the office, about town and when travelling. I have more formal briefcases/bags which I use for meetings and such (e.g one from Smythson, one from Canali and one from Linjer), but a backpack can in particular be useful for when biking and for longer trips and for when I am feeling more casual. That said, I also have some backpacks, e.g. a nice grey one from Troubadour, but I guess I would want something a bit more elegant than that one - I am thinking mainly black.

I have primarily been looking at this one from Montblanc, this one from Dunhill, this a bit less formal, but still nice one, from Paul Smith,
this nice one (in blue) from Serapian, or this one with "cachemere leather" in black, this one from Lotuff, this one from Bennet Winch and this one from Smythson. I also looked at this from Carl Friederik, but it somehow seemed a bit more juvenile.

These are all between 600-1200 €. This is not a real budget, but it seems that I have to pay about 1000 € more if I choose pricier brands, e.g. Tom Ford. It does not seem worth it to me (but happy to be convinced otherwise).

The idea is to get a nice, sleek leather backpack, which can be used for a long time. If I can get away with paying less, that is of course better. If I can get useful details (e.g. a trolley sleeve), that is nice.

Any thoughts on what is a better purchase when it comes to the quality of the leather? Any other brands I should consider?

 

[lasting_good]

I was doing the same sort of searching as you. If you want custom options, Henry Tomkins and Hrothgar Stibbon both will make a custom leather backpack at those prices (Tomkins cheaper). I also found the Frank Clegg English Backpack, Satchel & Page backpack, Cravar Workpack, The Dust Company Mod 136, and Korchmar Graham or Lewis backpack. Haven't owned any so can't give opinions on quality, but just thought I would help with options. I know Frank Clegg is popular on SF

 

[Humber]

I was doing the same sort of searching as you. If you want custom options, Henry Tomkins and Hrothgar Stibbon both will make a custom leather backpack at those prices (Tomkins cheaper). I also found the Frank Clegg English Backpack, Satchel & Page backpack, Cravar Workpack, The Dust Company Mod 136, and Korchmar Graham or Lewis backpack. Haven't owned any so can't give opinions on quality, but just thought I would help with options. I know Frank Clegg is popular on SF

Thanks a lot, these are excellent suggestions. In particular I like the one from Frank Clegg. If anyone has input on these as well, then highly appreciated.

 

[EFV]

I've got this one from Frank Clegg. Pretty much the perfect backpack imho.

 

[Humber]

I've got this one from Frank Clegg. Pretty much the perfect backpack imho. View attachment 1821604

Thanks! It is definitely gorgeous and seems to be an absolute safe bet. I suppose it is perhaps a bit less formal than the ones I linked to?

Mainly out of curiousity, does any one have any input on the quality of this one (which is of course great) compared to Bennett Winch?

 

[chocol8max]

I have seen many a leather bag being made on Reddit's leatherclassifieds and leathercraft subs.

 

[jfclarky]

If you are open to trying a Japanese brand, I purchased a bag from Herz (https://www.herz-bag.jp/webshop/products/detail1523.html) about 2 months ago, and love the way it came out.

It can hold a decent amount of stuff.. laptop, charger, notebook, 2 pairs of glasses, pouch with pens, headphones, etc. It does
get heavy when you load it up but what bag doesn't.

Spent 1 month in London for work and used this bag every day. Loved it !

The stitching is top notch, shoulder straps are padded and quite comfortable, zipper is sturdy and craftmanship is impressive.

Highly recommend!

 

[Artking3]

Thanks! It is definitely gorgeous and seems to be an absolute safe bet. I suppose it is perhaps a bit less formal than the ones I linked to?

Mainly out of curiousity, does any one have any input on the quality of this one (which is of course great) compared to Bennett Winch?

I think Frank Clegg does better leather bags, Bennett Winch does better canvas bags. Which shouldn’t be a surprise since they started with those respective materials. Both are great companies though.

I prefer the Bennet Winch backpack in this case though as I prefer the style and look. I have 2 black leather backpacks of similar style. The quality is excellent and should last you forever

 

[Humber]

If you are open to trying a Japanese brand, I purchased a bag from Herz (https://www.herz-bag.jp/webshop/products/detail1523.html) about 2 months ago, and love the way it came out.

It can hold a decent amount of stuff.. laptop, charger, notebook, 2 pairs of glasses, pouch with pens, headphones, etc. It does
get heavy when you load it up but what bag doesn't.

Spent 1 month in London for work and used this bag every day. Loved it !

The stitching is top notch, shoulder straps are padded and quite comfortable, zipper is sturdy and craftmanship is impressive.

Highly recommend!

Thanks! This one looks great and I would have no problem trying a Japanese brand. The only thing I am a little hesitant about is buying something quite expensive online when I don't really understand much of what the website is saying. At least for me, google translate did not really work well.

 

[Humber]

I think Frank Clegg does better leather bags, Bennett Winch does better canvas bags. Which shouldn’t be a surprise since they started with those respective materials. Both are great companies though.

I prefer the Bennet Winch backpack in this case though as I prefer the style and look. I have 2 black leather backpacks of similar style. The quality is excellent and should last you forever

Thanks, this is excellent input and makes sense. I think it is also spot on that the key issue here is the style and look, so I will think a bit about that. As you point out, I am sure the quality of the BW backpack is also more than good enough. Perhaps the human mind works in such a way that I first get one of them and then the other one a bit later

 

[TN001]

OK, just for the contrarian viewpoint (and I hope you won't take offense to this) . . . I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a non-sport backpack. I think it's the type of thing that most of us will not wear into our older years (post 35). I mean it's great in theory, but comes off pretty odd and boy-racerish in comparison to a more classic bag with a shoulder strap.

 

[Humber]

OK, just for the contrarian viewpoint (and I hope you won't take offense to this) . . . I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a non-sport backpack. I think it's the type of thing that most of us will not wear into our older years (post 35). I mean it's great in theory, but comes off pretty odd and boy-racerish in comparison to a more classic bag with a shoulder strap.

Not at all offensive, it is good to hear different viewpoints. I am however afraid I am already in my "older years" As I said in the first post, I own numerous bag/briefcases, which I wear for days when I want to look a bit more formal.

I have thought a bit more on my need, and apart from when biking, it is also for when I walk to/from work, which I do often, because I enjoy it - but I do not so much enjoy to carry a briefcase with all my stuff in it for that distance (about 5 km each way).

 

[mhip]

I am using Hermes Herbag A Dos Backpack and you can buy at this site and It is very good backpack.

Lol...
You forgot the link, Spam Queen.

 

[redli0nswift]

Those backpacks from Serapian... WOW. This is what I've been looking for, Italian leather, a heritage brand, and an interior with organization.

I'm leaning towards this one. BACKPACK IN EVOLUZIONE LEATHER

 

[corgi invasion]

I can recommend the Bennett & Winch. I bought the olive green canvas or twill (?) version. I prefer those materials for a backpack to all leather. Nicely made, very ergonomic without being technical (shoulder strap curves, and thin case profile), understated (most expensive things have some annoying detail that makes them stand out).

I ride my bike every day, so a backpack works, I tried the messenger bag, but found it unstable, and the asymmetry over the shoulders uncomfortable.