About The Collection & FAQ

With over 50 variations across ten distinct backpack designs MAHI offers backpacks to suit all tastes. The collection includes leather designs in a range of finishes, leather and canvas combos and an ultra light vegan option in durable cork. 

Are leather bags worth it vs conventional materials?
You’ll certainly find cheaper bags out there, but how long will they last? MAHI bags are robust: the stitching is strong, the brass fittings sturdy and you can be confident that the YKK zips won’t let you down. When it’s looked after, leather won’t tear or degrade, it’ll last a lifetime.

Are leather backpacks durable?
MAHI backpacks don’t just look great; they’re built to work. Top quality materials ensure that your bag will carry that weight day after day after day.

Are leather backpacks practical?
Ride your bike, use your travel pass, get your wallet out, pick up your toddler. Try doing those things with a briefcase. A backpack is the most comfortable and most secure way to carry weighty objects.

Are leather backpacks fashionable?
Do bicycles go out of fashion? When a design really works it never goes out of fashion. There’ll be changes in style but a great design never goes away. Our ancestors worked out that the best way to carry things was on your back and that’s not going to change. The same can be said of leather goods, their beauty and durability never goes out of fashion.

Are leather backpacks waterproof?
Leather is a porous organic material, exposed to torrential rain it will absorb water but the natural oils in leather mean that it’s going to take a awful lot of water before the contents of that bag get wet. Cowhide is even better at repelling water. Tip a glass of water over your cowhide backpack and watch it run straight off.

Leather backpacks vs satchels and shoulder bags
Satchels and shoulder bags are great easy access bags and they do allow your hands a certain amount of freedom, but if you’ve ever carried weight in either of these bags you’ll know that the strain on your shoulder can become quite painful. A backpack distributes the weight much more evenly and therefore much more comfortably. If you ride a bike with a heavy shoulder bag you are likely to be very unstable. A backpack is stable, comfortable and convenient.

Carry More on Two Shoulders
Backpacks have become increasingly popular with commuters and students, who have clocked on to the practical merits of carrying essentials on two shoulders rather than one. Our backpacks have ample room for a 13” laptop as well as documents, books and personal belongings. We also offer larger backpacks to accommodate 15" laptops. Our women’s backpacks are also a popular alternative to traditional diaper bags or those stuffed, over heavy handbags.

Where did backpacks come from?
Traditionally backpacks were used by hunter gathers to transport large game, and later by the military as a means of carrying heavy loads over long distances. The origin of the word backpack dates back to 1910 where it was first used in the United States. In contrast, the term ‘rucksack,’ was coined by the British, who translated the phrase from the German language. Backpacks continued to be used primarily for outdoor activities in the early 20th century but in 1967 the nylon backpack, associated with school children, was born, and by the 80’s the school backpack was a familiar sight. Since then backpacks have become vastly more refined, but their practical roots have remained the same. Our leather backpack collection is designed for the urban traveller – as both a practical and stylish wardrobe staple.

Browse The Range
Browse the range and choose a style, colour and size that suits you. Use them for work or college, as an overnighter, gym or travel bag. These bags are great looking and built to last and as everyone knows, with leather bags, the older they get, the better they look. Don’t forget you can also customise your backpack with up to three embroidered initials.