How to Choose a Leather Laptop Backpack: Size, Pockets and Straps
People choose a backpack when they walk a lot, ride the metro or cycle and are tired of one aching shoulder. A leather backpack is denser than a fabric one: it doesn't sag, holds its shape and only looks better with age. There are still a few things worth checking before you order. Here is what we look at ourselves.
Start with the laptop and what you carry with it
A 15.6″ laptop measures roughly 14.2 × 9.8 in (36 × 25 cm). Our backpacks are 15.7-17 in (40-43 cm) tall and 11.4-13 in (29-33 cm) wide, so a laptop up to 15.6″ fits any model below. For 16″ and 17″ laptops we can adjust the size: send us your laptop model and we will advise.
Then look at the depth. 5.1-5.9 in (13-15 cm) is enough for a laptop, charger, papers and everyday things. 6.7 in (17 cm) leaves room for a sweater or gym kit. 7.9 in (20 cm) is a bag for a night or two.
| Model | Size (H × W × D) | Laptop | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 15.7 × 11.4 × 5.9 in (40 × 29 × 15 cm) | up to 15.6″ | 8.7 × 10.2 in flap pocket with two briefcase locks |
| Jacob | 16.5 × 11.4 × 5.9 in (42 × 29 × 15 cm) | 15″ | 5 front pockets plus 2 on the straps |
| Salvador | 16.5 × 11.8 × 6.7 in (42 × 30 × 17 cm) | 15″ | clean look, front zip pocket |
| RIM | 16.9 × 13 × 5.1 in (43 × 33 × 13 cm) | 15.6″, separate sleeve | smooth black leather, red cotton lining |
| BackBag | 18.5 × 10.2 × 7.9 in (47 × 26 × 20 cm) | no separate sleeve | travel bag that converts into a backpack |
How many pockets you need
- As many as possible. Jacob: five front pockets (two zipped, three with briefcase locks under buckles) and two more on the straps. For people who like everything in its own place.
- One big pocket at hand. California: the front flap pocket with two locks takes your phone, wallet and passport, and everything else goes into the main compartment.
- Minimal. Salvador: one zip pocket at the front, the rest inside. It looks calm enough to wear with a coat.
- A classic with character. RIM: a front zip pocket, two open side pockets, and inside a laptop sleeve and a zip pocket for your phone and papers.
All models have inner pockets for the laptop and small things, so your keys won't scratch the screen.
Straps, handle and fit
All our backpacks have adjustable padded straps, and California, Jacob and Salvador also have a top loop handle. A leather backpack is heavier than a nylon one, so set it up properly:
- tighten the straps so the bottom of the backpack sits at your lower back, not below it;
- put the laptop in the compartment closest to your back so the weight doesn't pull you backwards;
- heavy things at the bottom, light ones on top.
A backpack that flies free
On Ryanair and Wizz Air the free under-seat bag must be within 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in). California, at 40 × 29 × 15 cm, fits that frame. The height is a snug fit, so don't overstuff it. Jacob, Salvador and RIM are slightly taller than 40 cm, so they need the 55 × 40 × 20 cm cabin bag allowance: a paid priority option on low-cost airlines, included in the fare on LOT. We collected every airline's sizes in a separate guide: carry-on size guide 2026.
Care: leather and rain
California, Jacob and Salvador are made from vintage Crazy Horse leather, 1.4-1.6 mm thick. Wipe it with a soft damp cloth and treat it with leather wax every few months. After rain, let the backpack dry at room temperature, away from radiators. A fresh scratch can often be rubbed out with your thumb, and over time it becomes part of the patina. More on how Crazy Horse leather ages and how to care for it.
Made your way
Every backpack is made to order in 3-5 business days, so when we confirm your order you can ask for:
- a different combination of leather colours (the California in the first photo is navy and tan);
- adjusted dimensions to fit your laptop;
- laser engraving: initials, a logo or text.
Delivery takes 1-2 days within Ukraine after dispatch and 10-15 days to other countries. Personalised items can only be returned if they are defective, see returns and exchanges.
The one-minute version
- Any model fits a laptop up to 15.6″. For 16-17″, message us and we'll adjust the size.
- Like everything in its own pocket: Jacob. One big pocket is enough: California. A clean look: Salvador. A classic with a bright lining: RIM.
- Flying low-cost without extra fees: California.
- Need a bag and a backpack in one: BackBag.
- Not sure? Message us on Telegram.
See all leather backpacks. If you'd rather carry your laptop by hand or on the shoulder, read how to choose a leather laptop bag.
