Portland Leather Goods

Portland Leather Goods Boston Backpack

The Boston Backpack is a clean-lined, full-grain leather daypack from Portland Leather Goods, sitting in the premium everyday-carry segment.

### Overview

The Boston Backpack is a full-grain leather everyday carry bag built around a clean, rounded silhouette and a wide-mouth top-zip opening. It measures approximately 11.5" tall with a 14" top opening, 10.5" bottom width, and 5" depth, weighing in at 1 lb 10 oz — compact enough to wear as a purse-replacement, roomy enough for a full day out. PLG sources its leather from hides tied to the beef industry, and the leather is notably durable and gets better with time and use.

### Pros

- **Patina & aging:** Full-grain leather develops a personal patina over time, meaning this bag genuinely improves with wear — a meaningful advantage over coated or synthetic alternatives that crack and peel. - **Back zip pocket:** If you find yourself constantly opening your main bag for essentials, the back zippered pocket is a practical solution — it can hold a phone, wallet, keys, or other grab-and-go items securely. - **Comfortable carry:** The adjustable wide straps fit shoulders comfortably, and the bag balances well whether worn on both shoulders or slung over one. - **"Almost Perfect" option:** PLG's Almost Perfect program offers the same bag at a reduced price for items with minor cosmetic imperfections, making it a smart entry point if you want the leather quality without the full retail outlay.

### Cons

- **No interior pockets:** The back pocket can feel a little awkward to access, and there is no interior pocket — you'll need a separate organizer insert to keep the main compartment tidy. - **Not laptop-friendly:** The bag is solid and durable, but the design doesn't accommodate laptops well — the top zipper opening can be too narrow for larger devices. - **Strap length limits:** The straps may not be size-inclusive; they don't offer enough length for plus-size or very tall wearers. - **Natural variation:** Because leather is a natural material, slight color and batch variations are normal — factors like hide age and dye absorption affect the final shade, so the color you receive may differ slightly from what you see online.

### Who It's For

This backpack suits someone who wants a leather bag that functions like a roomy everyday purse — it's a wonderful size for throwing everything in on the go. It's a strong fit for commuters, weekend travelers, or anyone who values a bag that looks better the longer they own it, and who prefers a streamlined aesthetic over a feature-heavy design. Priced around $160.50, it sits in a mid-range sweet spot for genuine full-grain leather.

### Not Right For

Anyone who needs to carry a laptop daily or relies on structured interior organization — the single open main compartment and narrow top opening make it a poor fit for tech-forward commuters or students.

Researched across 8 sources: portlandleathergoods.com, schimiggy.com, cheesim.com, trendxparc.com.

Key features

• Simple
• unfussy leather shell; Medium-sized daily carry capacity; Top-zip design with minimal exterior pockets; Soft-structured look that ages well

Seen at 1 retailer at $160.50 as of 2026-07-21. Prices change — check the retailer for the current price.

Listing details checked 2026-07-22.

Leather that improves with age, in a silhouette that never asks for attention.