When it comes to luggage, few things are cooler than a leather backpack. They look distinct and stylish, they’re comfortable, and they’ll last a lifetime.

If you travel, your luggage matters. Why? Because you’re carrying it at multiple points throughout your trip.

You take it through the airport, you take it to your hotel, and you might even take it with you if you’re doing day trips or sightseeing. That’s a lot of time spent carrying your stuff. So why cheap out and use an uncomfortable bag?

This article highlights the benefits of using a leather backpack and shows you several different bag options for a variety of budgets and tastes.

Understand The Difference Between Price And Value (Calculate Your Cost Per Use)

(Nothing Is Worse Than Carrying Crappy, Uncomfortable Bags To The Train Station)

Never skim on something you use frequently. Buy an expensive, high-quality backpack if you’re doing lots of travel.

It will pay for itself within the first few months.

Let me explain.

For years I used a cheap canvas duffel bag to haul my stuff around in. It was uncomfortable to carry, and the strap would constantly chaff my shoulder. On top of this, the whole thing was built from low-quality materials. It wasn’t long before the seams tore and zippers broke.

Eventually I got fed up with this. And I decided to splurge on a $500 Tumi leather backpack.

That price sounds insane, but the bag paid for itself in no time. It’s comfortable to carry, easy to take through the airport, durable, and even comes with a special tracking service to ensure you never lose your luggage.

If you’re someone traveling on a monthly basis, it’s an excellent investment.

Buying something cheap is often more expensive than purchasing a quality item right from the start.

One leather backpack which lasts your whole life is a lot less expensive than going through a dozen or more cheap canvas bags.

Picking The Right Leather Backpack

Not all leather goods are created equal. And when it comes to buying something with longevity, there are some factors you need to consider:

• Brand – The manufacturer is very important. You don’t want to buy some cheaply made product which falls apart on the first use. Look for a trusted luggage brand with an established reputation.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend $2,500 on a designer backpack, but you should look for the most trusted name within your price range.

• Use – Are you just taking your backpack to the airport. Or do you use it on a regular basis?

If you want a bag you can take to the coffee shop or mall, you might want something a little smaller than what you’d use for an international vacation.

If you’re traveling to 6+ cities a year, you’ll probably want a bag big enough for extra clothes.

• Size – Make sure all your stuff fits inside your bag. Otherwise your backpack is useless.

If you want to carry your laptop, measure it beforehand.

• Materials – Not all leather is the same. Likewise, other components (such as buckles or buttons) are important to consider.

Watch out for cheap leather (sometimes called “Genuine Leather”) as this is often stiff, coarse, or otherwise uncomfortable.

Also, watch out for any deals which seem too good to be true. Many super cheap leather backpacks (under $100) come from big factory wholesalers in China. And these items are plagued with quality control issues.

Three Bags I Recommend

Now that you know what to look for, I’ll provide three recommendations.

Two of these are leather backpacks, and the third is a duffel bag.

1. Value Option – Kenneth Cole Reaction

This is an excellent leather backpack for around $100.

It’s good for taking around town, and I personally use mine whenever I go to the coffee shop. It’s comfortable, durable, and looks stylish.

Get one of these if you’re looking for a great budget bag which tackles all your daily needs.

2. Good For Travel – KomalC Genuine Leather Duffel

This is a leather duffel bag, not a backpack. However, it is great for short-term domestic trips.

This duffel is compact enough to carry onto any flight, yet still roomy enough to fit extra clothes and toiletries. It’s a nice alternative to a backpack, especially if you’re just leaving town for a day or two.

Lastly, while this is a genuine leather bag, it’s well-made and still comfortable. In terms of durability, I often throw heavy books and too many clothes in mine without any problem.

3. Best Choice – TUMI – Alpha 2

The cream of the crop and a wonderful backpack for international travel.

TUMI is a major player in the luggage world, and it shows. The is a pretty big pack made from high-quality leather. And there are tons of little details which really add up.

There’s a specially designed closer system which makes it virtually impossible for your zippers to jam or break. There’s also a complimentary tracer program where TUMI will track and recover any lost luggage. This is a great feature and takes the stress out of international travel or layover flights.

Personally, I’d recommend this pack for anyone who flies at least 6 times per year. It really improves your whole experience.