Exactly the look I wanted

Very clean and understated. Doesn't have a bunch of unnecessary pockets or straps hanging off it.

Great backpack

Very happy with it.

Finally found a simple work bag

I had been carrying a nylon backpack with more compartments than I ever used. Most of the time I couldn't remember which pocket I'd put something in. The Whitmore is much more straightforward. My laptop goes in its compartment, smaller things go in the front pocket, and everything else goes in the main section. That's really all I need.

Nice slim profile

I specifically wanted something that wouldn't stick out too far when I'm commuting. The 3.35-inch depth keeps it noticeably slimmer than my previous backpack.

Leather needed some time

It felt fairly firm when it first arrived, more than I was expecting. A few weeks of regular use made a noticeable difference and it has started to soften nicely. I actually prefer the way it sits now.

Great for my laptop

My 15-inch laptop fits in the interior compartment and stays separate from everything else I carry. Simple setup and it works.

Beautiful leather

Looks even better up close.

Still my office backpack

I've carried this to work several days a week for well over a year now. The reason I chose it was the lack of visual clutter. I meet with clients fairly often and wanted something that looked appropriate without going back to carrying a briefcase. The leather has softened considerably since it was new and the bag has picked up some character, but the clean shape is still there.

Front pocket is enough

I don't need ten separate pockets. The front zipper handles the smaller items I want close at hand and the main compartment takes care of the rest.

Looks sharp

The black finish and simple design work really well together.

Right size for commuting

The tall shape gives me enough room for my normal workday carry without making the backpack feel bulky. It also moves through crowded trains much easier than the larger bag I had before.

Ages well

Mine has been used regularly for a year and a half. The leather isn't pristine anymore and that's part of what I like about it. It has softened, developed some natural creases and looks more personal now than it did when it came out of the box.

Comfortable for the train

I have a decent walk on both ends of my commute and the adjustable straps have been comfortable. The slim profile is also nice when the train is packed.

Well made

Solid bag. No complaints.

Slimmer than I expected

I underestimated how slim 8.5 cm would feel compared with my old backpack. If you're someone who carries a lot of bulky items, keep that in mind. For my laptop and regular office essentials, though, I've come to really appreciate the smaller profile.

Good business casual bag

I usually wear business casual and this fits right in. It has the convenience of a backpack but doesn't have the sporty appearance of most of them.

Simple is better

This is exactly why I chose the Whitmore. One clean front pocket, a straightforward main compartment and no unnecessary decoration. I can get what I need without searching through five different zippers.

Replaced my briefcase

For most of my career I've carried some form of briefcase or shoulder bag. Eventually I got tired of having all the weight on one side, but I didn't want to show up at meetings with an athletic backpack either. This has been a good compromise. It's comfortable to carry on both shoulders and the minimal black exterior looks perfectly appropriate for work.

Nice size

Compact but useful.

Good everyday carry

Laptop, notebook, charger and the smaller things I need during the day all have enough room. It encourages me to carry what I actually need instead of filling a huge backpack just because the space is there.

Very clean design

No logos all over the front and no unnecessary hardware. Just a good-looking black leather backpack.

Has become my bag

After nearly two years, the Whitmore has changed quite a bit from when it was new. The leather has relaxed and the surface shows the normal marks of regular use. I like that. It doesn't look damaged, it just looks lived in. The zippers and straps have continued to work well and I still use it several days a week.

Good front storage

The front zip pocket is where my keys and smaller items usually end up. Easy to get to without opening the main compartment.

My favorite work bag

I've owned more elaborate backpacks, but this one suits my routine better. The 15-inch laptop compartment covers the most important thing I carry, the front pocket handles the small stuff, and the slim shape doesn't feel cumbersome walking around downtown. I also like that I can bring it into a meeting without feeling underdressed.

Great quality

Feels substantial and looks sharp.

Wish it had a little more depth

I like almost everything about this backpack, especially the clean appearance. My only issue is that I occasionally wish it were a little deeper when I need to carry more than my usual work setup. For normal daily use the slimmer shape is excellent.

Still looks professional

A full year of commuting and it has held up nicely. There are some signs of use in the leather now, but the backpack still has the clean, professional appearance that made me choose it.

Worth it

I'd buy it again.

Good airport companion

Used it on a recent business trip and liked having something compact on my back moving through the airport. The side slip pockets were convenient and the main zipper was easy to get into when I needed something.

Less bulk was the whole point

My previous backpack was designed for travel and had far more capacity than I needed on an ordinary Tuesday. I would fill it simply because the room was there. The Whitmore changed that. It holds my laptop and the daily things I actually use, but the 3.35-inch depth keeps everything close to my back. Much better for my commute.

The leather has character

The surface isn't perfectly uniform, which is something I personally like. It looks natural and has become softer with use.

Comfortable daily carry

The adjustable shoulder straps let me get it sitting where I want it. Because the bag itself is fairly slim, it also doesn't pull away from my back much when loaded.

Two years later

I've had mine for about two years and still use it regularly. It has gone to the office, on business trips and plenty of ordinary days around town. The leather has softened and developed a richer worn-in appearance, but the bag itself has stayed dependable. I originally bought it because I wanted something simple enough that I wouldn't get tired of the design, and that turned out to be a good decision.

Good office backpack

Fits my work routine well and doesn't look too casual.

Minimal means minimal

If you like having a separate pocket for every little thing, this probably isn't the bag for you. I initially missed some of the extra compartments from my old backpack. After a while I started appreciating the simpler layout and now I prefer having fewer places to search.

Handles daily use well

This bag has spent more time on my back and passenger seat than sitting at home. The stitching has stayed neat, the main zipper still runs smoothly and the leather has aged rather than looking worn out. That's what I wanted when I decided to spend more on a proper leather backpack.

Good for work and weekends

Clean enough for the office and simple enough that I also use it on weekends. I like not having separate bags for every situation.

Better with age

Almost two years in and the leather is much softer than when it arrived. The natural creasing gives it character without taking away from the minimal design.

Great gift for my husband

My husband wanted a leather backpack for work but kept rejecting anything that had too many buckles or pockets on the outside. I chose this one because it looked so simple. He uses it almost every weekday and says the laptop compartment and front pocket are all the organization he really needs.

Perfectly straightforward

Laptop inside, small items up front, everything else in the main section. Done.