I bought the Bowery Backpack in Chocolate for my son as he starts his medical residency. He wanted something that looked professional for work but was also practical for travel, and this backpack was exactly what he was looking for!
It arrived nicely packaged with a dust bag, and the distressed chocolate leather looks great, stylish without being flashy. The quality is excellent, with clean stitching, solid hardware, a full-length zipper for easy access, and a magnetic flap closure that’s both secure and convenient. The inside is well thought out, and despite being leather, the backpack is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable.
Overall, the Bowery is a great combo of style, function, and durability. My son LOVES it, and I’m sure he’ll be using it for many years. Highly recommend!
This bag will fit in as much at symphony hall as it will strapped on the back of my 79 Suzuki.
The form, the fit, the FEEL, omg, are top of the line.
Not my first waterfield product and the construction is every bit on bar with the superlative quality I keep coming back for.
Absolutely beautiful bag with perfect EDC usability.
This bag is beautiful. A must have. Very casual for everyday use but very high end for an executive. I started off with the all leather crossbody bag which is a must have for anyone looking for convenience and style, then I needed the back pack to match. Now I love them both I ordered the messenger bag to complete the set! I’m so happy and glad I found this company. Keep up the amazing work and quality!
The Bowery Leather Backpack features top‑grade premium leather and a bright interior lining that lets me spot everything at a glance. Its compact footprint rests snugly on my shoulders, and the satisfying flap‑buckle snap keeps my gear and the zipper hidden and secure. A stylish and high‑quality bag. I was expecting the backpack to be on the heavier side but it is not too heavy weighing about 3lb for an all leather bag.
WaterField Bowery Leather Backpack Review – A Bag That Ages Like Bourbon
The Gadgeteer - December 13, 2025
“The backpack market splits cleanly into two camps: technical bags built for function and leather bags built for boardrooms. WaterField’s Bowery Leather Backpack refuses to pick a side.”
Design details
HERITAGE MEETS INNOVATION
The Bowery Leather Backpack blends heritage craftsmanship with modern styling for a timeless look. The clean, structured profile opens up to reveal essential features for today's busy lifestyle.
Features like two laptop compartments, a water bottle holder, and easy-access pockets keep you organized, while a magnetic buckle and double-pull waterproof zippers protect the contents of your pack.
FUNCTIONAL & STYLISH
The Bowery Backpack is designed to handle today's workstyle. The main compartment zips open all the way down at an angle so items can be easily retrieved when the bag is packed. Frequently-accessed items are stored in the front organizational pockets so there's no need to open the entire backpack.
Inside, a highly visible gold liner enhances visibility, and double zipper pulls lets you open & close the backpack quickly.
EASY-CLOSE FLAP
The double-layer leather flap ties the look together and snaps securely shut with the magnetic Fidlock® buckle. The two sides are magnetically drawn to each other, closing the flap with a satisfying click. To open, simply slide the top section to the left.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
The authentic, full-grain leather we use to make the Bowery Backpack is absolutely beautiful. See it, touch it, and you're hooked.
The distressed leather develops a beautiful patina, and your bag will age well as the years roll by.
ALL-LEATHER COLLECTION
The All-Leather Collection brings together premium full-grain leather designs that balance refined style, everyday functionality, and rugged dependability. Each bag is built to last, with smart details that make everyday carry easier. Check out the full collection.
CARING FOR YOUR LEATHER BAG
We usually recommend leaving the full-grain leather of your Bowery Leather Backpack as is and allowing it to develop its own beautiful patina. However, if you’d like to freshen it up from time to time, you can use a leather conditioner — Gary demonstrates how in this video for the Cozmo Leather Briefcase.
Because the leather may darken slightly, first test the conditioner on a discreet area like the bottom of the bag. You can also use a hair dryer to warm the leather’s natural oils so they smooth and spread evenly.
made in usa
We're proud to offer American-made gear built for the long haul. All our products are designed and made in our San Francisco workshop, where rent is high, labor expensive, and competition intense. We wouldn't go anywhere else.
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I bought the Bowery Backpack in Chocolate for my son as he starts his medical residency. He wanted something that looked professional for work but was also practical for travel, and this backpack was exactly what he was looking for!
It arrived nicely packaged with a dust bag, and the distressed chocolate leather looks great, stylish without being flashy. The quality is excellent, with clean stitching, solid hardware, a full-length zipper for easy access, and a magnetic flap closure that’s both secure and convenient. The inside is well thought out, and despite being leather, the backpack is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable.
Overall, the Bowery is a great combo of style, function, and durability. My son LOVES it, and I’m sure he’ll be using it for many years. Highly recommend!
This bag will fit in as much at symphony hall as it will strapped on the back of my 79 Suzuki.
The form, the fit, the FEEL, omg, are top of the line.
Not my first waterfield product and the construction is every bit on bar with the superlative quality I keep coming back for.
Absolutely beautiful bag with perfect EDC usability.
This bag is beautiful. A must have. Very casual for everyday use but very high end for an executive. I started off with the all leather crossbody bag which is a must have for anyone looking for convenience and style, then I needed the back pack to match. Now I love them both I ordered the messenger bag to complete the set! I’m so happy and glad I found this company. Keep up the amazing work and quality!
The Bowery Leather Backpack features top‑grade premium leather and a bright interior lining that lets me spot everything at a glance. Its compact footprint rests snugly on my shoulders, and the satisfying flap‑buckle snap keeps my gear and the zipper hidden and secure. A stylish and high‑quality bag. I was expecting the backpack to be on the heavier side but it is not too heavy weighing about 3lb for an all leather bag.

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