Before tackling the question presented in the title of this post, let’s first answer the immediate question of why someone would want a backpack. The reason is because a backpack is a convenient way of carrying your belongings, whether you’re taking a short trip from home to work and back, going on a holiday, or taking a business trip.

Next, why would you want to choose a backpack over sling bag? Here’s my personal perspective on this. With a sling bag, the sling rests on one shoulder with the bag hanging at the end. There is a couple of issues with this. Firstly, all the weight from the contents in the bag is pushing down against one shoulder so there is an uneven distribution in weight across your body.  This happens whether you wear the bag is straight down one side of your body or across your body. Over a long period of time, I find that my back becomes quite sore especially when the bag’s contents are heavy. Secondly, your shoulder would get tired as well. Needing to swap the sling between shoulder can be annoying and inconvenient when you’re in confined spaces (e.g. on the train to work during peak hour). Now with a leather backpack, I don’t face the same problems at all. There are two slings or straps that can be worn such that the weight is evenly distribution on your body. So I can actually wear a backpack longer than a sling bag.

Despite the cost of leather backpacks being dearer than backpacks of other materials, this shouldn’t deter you from buying one. You’re paying for the quality and durability. I’m definitely not suggesting that you can throw your bag around carelessly. With proper maintenance, it is more likely a leather backpack would outlast other materials.

Nowadays, there is quite a large range of leather backpacks that are available in the market. With colors, you are not limited to just a traditional black leather backpack or brown leather backpack. They come in different shapes and sizes that will suit your purpose, body shape, body size and personal taste at the same time. For example, if you often travel for business or some other kind of work, you can get a leather laptop backpack. For the ladies, you can get a leather backpack purse to carry your essentials when going shopping perhaps. So there is no shortage of choices as you’ll very likely find the right backpack that fits your needs.