15 Best Leather Camera Backpacks
Looking for a camera and lens backpack that can last the test of time? Leather camera backpacks are super durable and can endure years of tough use. When used properly their timeless construction and classic look makes for a top-notch fashion statement. These are camera bags that ultimately can last generations.
However, one aspect of leather camera backpacks to be aware of is that they can start off rigid and smelly. But once you work them in, they are enduring and hip. The following 15 leather camera backpacks are as chic as they come, offering sturdy construction, solid design, and unique extras. From classic brown leather camera backpacks to hip black leather camera backpacks, our list has it all. Scroll through to find your perfect leather camera backpack.
15 Best Leather Camera Backpacks
- The Nash
- ONA Clifton
- Kelly Moore The Tourist
- Cecilia Gallery Mercator
- Oberwerth Feldberg
- Atlas Minimalist
- Oberwerth Everest
- Gillis Brown Camera Backpack
- Korchmar Leather Backpack
- ONA Monterey
- House of Flynn Willow
- Kamrette Lyra Backpack
- The Mini Tog Bag
- Brinn Honey Pie Bag
- No More Ugly Camera Backpack
Best Classic Leather Backpacks
One of the best parts about owning a leather camera backpack is that it will never go out of style. Their durability is legendary and they are versatile enough to wear with any style. While leather camera backpacks are often more expensive than canvas or polyester bags, their quality is second to none. Do be aware that when purchasing a leather camera backpack that what you see is not always what you get. Since leather is made from a living thing, some bags may be slightly darker or lighter than the one you see in the picture.
1. The Nash
Pros: Made of breathable and waterproof material, The Nash is as attractive as it is functional. The backpack is crafted from durable canvas and leather accents, making it a versatile companion for whatever adventures come your way. Add in strategically placed pockets with plenty of storage space and you have the perfect backpack for carrying around your camera, accessories, and more.
Cons: While the capacity is great for its size, The Nash cannot fit multiple camera bodies or large lenses. The backpack also doesn’t hold 17 inch laptops.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
The Nash Quick Specs
- Price: $169
- External size: 8 x 7.5 x 16.5 in
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, 3 lenses, 15” laptop
- Color: Black, Khaki, Taupe
2. ONA Clifton
Pros: This versatile backpack functions equally well as a camera bag or commuter pack. The interiors are customizable, so you can easily adjust the storage compartments based on which gear you need to carry. The rich, full-grain leather material is super high-quality (as you might expect from Ona bags) and made to withstand years of use.
Cons: One drawback is that the backpack is a bit on the small side and might not be able to hold all of your gear. While there are side pockets on the backpack, they are pretty narrow and too small for a water bottle. Additionally, the straps feature a mesh lining which is not the comfiest on your skin.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Ona Clifton Quick Specs
- Price: $370
- External size: 5 x 11.5 x 5 in
- What Fits: Mirrorless body and grip or DSLR body, 3 lenses, other small accessories, 13 inch laptop
- Color: Dark Truffle
3. Kelly Moore The Tourist
Pros: This beautiful leather camera backpack is ready for anything. Handcrafted with care by artisan leather workers, it is built to last through anything. Each piece carries the unique complexities of natural hide markings, so no two bags are alike. It comes with plenty of storage space, perfect for days spent exploring a new city or weekends out on the town. There are also side pockets, front zipper pockets, and a removable padded divider that can be adjusted to different shapes and sizes.
Cons: The leather camera backpack is a bit large and stiff, due to the tough leather material. The two side pockets do not expand, making it difficult to fit a water bottle or other items inside.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Kelly Moore The Tourist Quick Specs
- Price: $399
- External size:
- What Fits: DSLR, 3 lenses, 13” laptop
- Color: Tan
4. Cecilia Gallery Mercator
Pros: Super clean and minimal, the Cecilia Gallery Mercator is a slim, solid bag for daily photography trips and everyday activities. It’s a camera bag that doesn’t necessarily look like a camera bag. The chestnut full-grain cowhide leather bag is designed to hold a DSLR camera with additional room for lenses and all your go-to accessories. There’s also a cushioned sleeve for a 15” laptop, zippered interior compartments, and a comfortable EVA foam panel for your back.
Cons: If you’re looking for all the bells and whistles, this leather camera backpack may not be the one for you. There’s no water bottle holder or anything to add extra bulk to it on the sides. The leather also shows scratch marks easily but some people prefer this worn look.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Cecilia Quick Specs
- Price: $489.00
- External size: 19 x 11.75 x 6 in
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, 3 lenses, 15” laptop, small essentials
- Color: Chestnut
5. Oberwerth Feldberg
Pros: This Oberwerth bag boasts beautiful construction, velvety soft leather material, and well-padded interior compartments. Basically, it’s the ideal photography, travel, and commuter backpack, all in one. The pack includes a tray compartment, removable photo pocket, and a front pocket for your phone, pens, or other small items. Elegant and casual, this leather camera backpack gains praise for its high-quality appearance and practical design.
Cons: This backpack is not particularly large and therefore might not be ideal for fitting large lenses or camera bodies.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★☆☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Oberwerth Quick Specs
- Price: $549
- External size: 2 x 11.8 x 6.7 in
- Weight: 2 pounds
- What Fits: small camera, tablet, other essentials
- Color: Black
Vintage Style Leather Backpacks
Are you looking for a vintage style leather camera backpack? Women’s and men’s fashion both get an upgrade from this statement bag. And nothing lasts the test of time like leather. It’s one of the best materials to invest in, since it can withstand whatever you throw at it. Plus, the rustic material is just plain cool. The following leather dslr camera backpacks combine genuine leather construction with a cool, retro style.
6. Atlas Minimalist
Pros: If you wear multiple hats throughout the day, look no further than the Minimalist. This brown leather camera backpack is perfect for photographers, students, and everyone in between. Not only does it look great, but it also has tons of cool features. There’s a magnetic front pocket, removable inner shelf, and a slot at the bottom where you can insert your camera equipment.
Cons: While this brown leather camera backpack is super hip and versatile, it does not score the highest points for comfort. The straps have an awkward fit, which causes slight discomfort on your back.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Atlas Minimalist Everest Quick Specs
- Price: $297
- External size: 15.5 x 10.5 x 7 in
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, lenses, 15” laptop, books, folders, other essentials
- Color: Tan
7. Oberwerth Everest
Pros: The big brother to the Feldberg, the Everest combines beautiful leather construction and adaptable design. While the price tag is a bit high, the durability makes it worth every penny. You’ll also find adjustable carrying straps, removable inner pockets, and a spacious compartment on the back perfect for stowing your laptop or tablet.
Cons: One area for improvement on this leather camera backpack is the front pocket, which only features one zipper. Having two zippers would allow for easier access and ease of use. With only one zipper it is easier for items to fall out of the side or get lost.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Oberwerth Everest Quick Specs
- Price: $749
- External size: 11.8 x 16.5 x 7.7 in
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, point and shoot camera, lenses, 15” laptop, tablet, hard drives, other essentials
- Color: Black
8. Gillis Brown Camera Backpack
Pros: Made with rich vintage leather, this Gillis Brown brown leather camera backpack is an attractive carrying option with a unique retro look. The beautifully handcrafted bag features bespoke metal fittings and 100% woven cotton lining, making it strong and durable. No matter where you want to go, this tough backpack makes for the perfect sidekick. Whether you use it as a camera bag or backpack is your choice.
Cons: This thick brown leather camera backpack is on the heavy side, making it cumbersome for active days. The bag is also not particularly large, so it might not fit all lenses and accessories.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Gillis Brown Quick Specs
- Price: $378
- External size: 16.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 in
- What Fits: DSLR, lenses, 13 in laptop, tablet, and other photographic accessories
- Color: Brown
9. Korchmar Leather Backpack
Pros: Boasting tough leather and surprisingly large capacity for a mid-sized backpack, the Mason is durable, versatile, and stylishly retro brown leather camera backpack. The handcrafted pack has a large interior accented with high-quality straps and buckles. While the price may seem high, the quality ensures that it will last for ages.
Cons: The capacity is great for its size, but those who want to carry multiple bodies and large lenses might want to keep looking for another brown leather camera backpack.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Korchmar Leather Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $365
- External size: 5 x 7 x 16.25 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 15 in laptop, and other accessories
- Color: Brown and blue
10. ONA Monterey
Pros: This chic and compact little backpack fits way more than you might think. It’s made of waxed canvas with a leather top flap, and when you’re not shooting, you can remove the dividers and use it as an everyday backpack.
Cons: The laptop compartment is a clear negative with this backpack. You have to take things out of the top compartment in order to get anything into the laptop area. Even with a 13 in laptop, you have to line up the edges perfectly to get it to fit.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★v☆
Value: ★★★v☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
ONA Monterey Quick Specs
- Price: $349
- What Fits: DSLR, 4-6 lenses, 13 in laptop, other small essentials
- Color: Olive, Smoke, Black
Chic Vegan Leather Backpacks
Vegan leather bags are becoming more and more popular thanks to the work of brands that are ditching traditional leather for materials that don’t use animal skins. Vegan leather can be constructed from a variety of different materials, including sustainable ones like pineapple leaves or Whether you’re looking for a large camera backpack with all the bells and whistles, or just a cute and small pack for day trips, there are plenty of great vegan leather dslr camera backpacks out there to choose from.
11. House of Flynn Willow
Pros: The Willow backpack is a leather-free vegan option made with durable triple fiber material. While it has the look and style of a leather bag, it is an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative. It comes with all the bells and whistles, including dual side front pockets, huge gear compartment, laptop holder, hidden back pocket, tripod strap, and more. The back even has a space to slide your suitcase handle.
Cons: While vegan leather is kinder to the environment, it is also a lot less durable than real leather. This makes it more vulnerable to wear and tear over time.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
House of Flynn Willow Quick Specs
- Price: $369
- External size: 11 x 18 x 7 in
- What Fits: DSLR, lenses, 16 in laptop, tablet, other accessories
- Color: Brown
12. Kamrette Lyra Backpack
Pros: Perfect for photographers of any skill level, the Lyra is a cute and high-quality backpack with a slim-line design. It’s made with vegan leather and lets you carry your gear around in casual style. There’s a front camera compartment for a number of lenses, bodies, and equipment, along with a laptop compartment and three zip pockets on the front for all your extra bits and pieces. And all of this comes for a great price.
Cons: Some users have noted that the bag is a little heavy and having extra padding would be a plus. There’s also no way to strap on a tripod.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★☆☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Kamrette Lyra Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $199
- External size: 7 x 6.3 x 16.9 in
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, 3-4 lenses, 16 in laptop, extra essentials
- Color: Brown
13. The Mini Tog Bag
Pros: Cute and compact, the Mini Tog Bag is great for when you don’t want to carry all of your gear around with you. This mini vegan leather bag is perfect for mirrorless or film cameras, but can also fit a DSLR. The front pocket fits a phone, passport, or other small essentials. Inside, you’ll find removable velcro dividers and a discreet back section for notepads and cards.
Cons: Its biggest pro is also its biggest con: size. The Mini Tog Bag cannot fit your full kit, which means it’s not the best option for every occasion.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
The Mini Tog Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $101
- External size: 8.6 x 11 x 5.5 in
- Weight: 7 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, mirrorless or film camera, notepad, other small items
- Color: Black, Tan, Grey
14. Brinn Honey Pie Bag
Pros: This stylish utility backpack is a favorite with photographers, makeup artists, designers, and more due to its creative and chic construction. It’s made from water resistant vegan leather and has a velvet-lined interior for a super luxe look and feel. The removable interior compartments make it easy to adjust the bag to your needs, and the breathable mesh back adds comfort. What’s not to love?
Cons: While the Honey Pie is chic and functional, the price tag is a bit steep, especially considering that it is not made of genuine leather.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★☆☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Brinn Honey Pie Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $448
- External size: 17 x 12 x 6 in
- What Fits: 2 camera bodies, multiple lenses, 15” laptop, and other essentials
- Color: Black
15. No More Ugly Camera Backpack
Pros: True to its name, the No More Ugly Camera Backpack is sleek, slim, and stylish. It can easily fit all of your gear and personal items without making you look like a tourist. The minimalist-inspired stylish camera backpack is made of vegan leather and comes with six short, padded dividers for easy gear storage.
Cons: The addition of a side pocket or zippered front pocket would be nice and make it easier to access your small essential items like keys or phone.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★☆☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
No More Ugly Camera Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $229
- External size: 17 x 13 x 5.5 in
- What Fits: DSLR, lenses, 15 in laptop, other accessories
- Color: Black
Up Next: The Best Small Camera Bags
We’ve just shown you the best leather camera backpacks. Do you have a go-to leather dslr camera backpack that we missed in our list? Tell us about it in the comments!
Are you looking for a low-profile and smaller camera bag for your equipment? Don't fret, we've got you covered in our companion article featuring the absolute best small camera bags.
