A black cowhide backpack with two diagonal front zippers, side slip pockets and a top handle
The Elspeth is a black leather backpack for women, cut from genuine cow leather with a fine litchi grain. Two diagonal zippers slant across the front, each one opening its own pocket.
A soft handle sits on top, and a U-shaped zipper opens the main space wide. Slip pockets on both sides hold a bottle or an umbrella.
Wear it on both shoulders, carry it by the handle, or clip on the long strap and hang it from one shoulder. The D-rings sit high on the sides.
It measures 9.4 inches wide, 12.6 inches tall and 3.9 inches deep. That is a slim shape for a tablet, a phone and a few daily things.
- Real cowhide with a fine litchi texture
- Solid black, with dark hardware
- Slanted zippers across the front
- A slip pocket on both flanks
- Hidden zipper pocket against your back
- U-shaped top zipper that opens wide
- Soft top handle
- Straps that shorten with slide buckles
- Black lining and a zipper pocket on the inner wall
- Size 9.4 x 3.9 x 12.6 inches
Product Details
| Product Type | Women’s leather backpack |
|---|---|
| Material | Cowhide leather, litchi finish |
| Color | Black |
| Lining | Black fabric |
| Main Opening | U-shaped zipper across the top |
| Front | Two zipper pockets set on a diagonal |
| Sides | An open slip pocket on each flank |
| Back | One zipper pocket against the wearer |
| Carry Options | Top handle, backpack straps, long strap on D-rings |
| Hardware | Silver tone T-bar zipper pulls, dark gunmetal buckles and rings |
| Size | 9.4 in wide, 3.9 in deep, 12.6 in tall (24 x 10 x 32 cm) |
| Best For | Commutes, class days, short trips and weekends out |
Solid Black, Dark Details
The Elspeth comes in one color: a true black that looks the same from the straps to the base. Nothing on it clashes with your clothes.
Black Leather
A deep, even black with a soft sheen. The fine grain breaks up the light so the surface looks calm.
Hardware
The T-bar zipper pulls are silver tone. The buckles and rings are a darker gunmetal that blends into the leather.
What Looks Good With Black
| Wear It With | The Effect |
|---|---|
| Cream and camel | A warm outfit with one dark anchor. |
| Light blue denim | A clean contrast that always works. |
| Olive and rust | Autumn colors with a sharp edge. |
| Head to toe black | A sleek, quiet look in one tone. |
| Blush and lilac | Soft shades that the black grounds. |
The Two Diagonal Zippers
The front is the Elspeth’s best feature. Two zippers cut across it at a slant, and each leads to a flat pocket.
The longer one takes a phone in a single move. The shorter one suits a lip balm, a card holder or a set of keys.
Handle, Straps or Long Strap
Both Shoulders
Set the slide buckles to your height, then put an arm through each strap. The weight sits flat against your back.
By the Handle
The soft top handle is made for short trips, such as the walk from the car to the office.
On One Shoulder
Attach the long strap to the metal rings near the top and let the bag swing at your hip.
Where Everything Goes
Seven spaces, each with its own job.
| Space | Where | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Long diagonal zipper | Front, upper slant | Phone and earbuds |
| Short diagonal zipper | Front, lower slant | Keys, lip balm and a coin purse |
| Left slip pocket | Side, open top | A compact travel bottle |
| Right slip pocket | Side, open top | A folding umbrella |
| Rear zipper pocket | Against your back, behind the straps | A passport or transit pass |
| Main compartment | Behind the top zipper | Tablet, notebook and wallet |
| Inner zipper pocket | Back wall inside | Spare cash and a charging cable |
Opening the U-Shaped Zipper
The zipper runs in a U-shape along the top and down both sides. Pull it open and the whole front of the bag opens up.
Black fabric lines the inside. A zipper pocket on the back wall keeps small things from sinking to the bottom, and a slip pocket sits on the front wall.
One compartment holds a tablet, a folded umbrella and a phone at the same time.
Cowhide With a Litchi Grain
The Elspeth is made from genuine cow leather. The litchi grain is a fine, pebbled texture pressed into the surface.
That texture hides small scuffs better than a smooth finish. Like all real leather, it develops a softer feel as you use it.
Elspeth Size Guide
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 9.4 | 24 |
| Depth | 3.9 | 10 |
| Height | 12.6 | 32 |
It is about as tall as a sheet of notebook paper and a little narrower. It sits close to your back without sticking out.
A few millimeters either way is normal for a bag made by hand.
Will It Fit?
| Item | Fits? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | Yes | The longer slanted pocket holds it. |
| 10 inch tablet | Yes | It drops in through the wide zipper opening. |
| Folding umbrella | Yes | Inside, or in a side slip pocket. |
| Wallet | Yes | It rests at the bottom of the bag. |
| Travel bottle | Yes | A side slip pocket holds it upright. |
| Makeup pouch | Yes | A small one fits beside the tablet. |
| Paperback book | Yes | Slim books go in beside the tablet. |
| 13 inch laptop | No | A laptop that size is wider than this bag. |
Packing Ideas
Rainy Commute
An umbrella in a side pocket, a tablet inside, and your phone in the long diagonal zipper pocket.
Day in the City
A wallet, a camera, sunglasses and a light scarf, with a transit pass in the back pocket.
Library Afternoon
A notebook, a pen case and a charging cable, with earbuds in the short front zipper pocket.
More Bags to Look At
Want a smaller leather bag? The Luna crescent shoulder bag and the Mira half moon crossbody bag are cut from cow leather as well.
Prefer a lighter pack with a quilted finish? See the black waterproof quilted backpack.
Browse all the backpacks, or see the shoulder bags for styles worn at your side.
Outfit Ideas
| Occasion | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Office | A cream blouse, gray trousers and loafers, with the bag on both shoulders. |
| Class | An oversized sweater, straight jeans and sneakers, with the handle in your hand. |
| Brunch | A wrap dress and ankle boots, with the long strap across one shoulder. |
| Night out | A slip dress and a leather jacket, with the bag at your hip. |
| Travel day | Wide leg pants, a fine knit top and white sneakers, with the bag worn high on both shoulders. |
Who It Suits
Commuters
The slim shape squeezes through a crowded train, and the side pockets keep an umbrella within reach.
Students
A tablet and notebooks fit inside, and real leather holds up through a long semester.
Weekend Travelers
A passport rides safely against your back, and the slim body slides under an airplane seat.
Minimal Dressers
One solid color and dark hardware keep the look clean, with no logos or loud trim.
Gift Ideas
The Elspeth makes a gift that lasts. A few occasions it suits:
- A first paycheck treat for a recent grad
- A thank you for a mentor who rides the train
- A housewarming surprise for a cousin who just moved
- A thoughtful present for a friend who loves city breaks
Buying for a set date? Check the delivery times in Shipping and Returns before you order.
Looking After Real Leather
- Brush off dust with a soft cloth
- Rub in a little conditioner each season
- Dab spills at once, and do not rub
- If it gets rained on, dry it slowly, far from a radiator
- Stuff it with tissue paper to keep its shape
- Store it in a cloth dust bag
Shipping and Returns
Shipping on the Elspeth is free. Processing takes 2 to 5 days, then U.S. delivery takes 7 to 14 business days.
You can return it within 30 days for your money back if you change your mind, as long as it is unused.
See the full terms on the shipping and delivery page and the refunds and returns policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cowhide or something else?
Cowhide. It is genuine cow leather with a fine litchi grain, and the lining inside is black fabric.
Is there more than one color?
Black only. The zipper pulls are silver tone, and the buckles and rings are dark gunmetal.
How big is this black leather backpack?
It stands 12.6 inches tall and 9.4 inches wide, with a depth of 3.9 inches. In centimeters, that is 32 by 24 by 10.
Is a single shoulder carry possible?
Yes, with the long strap. Hook it to the rings and the bag hangs from one shoulder.
Does it have a grab handle?
Yes. A soft handle sits on the top edge for quick trips.
What pockets are on the outside?
Two slanted zipper pockets on the front, an open pocket down each flank, and one zippered pocket at the back.
How wide does it open?
A U-shaped zipper runs along the top and down both sides, so the compartment opens wide.
What is inside?
One main compartment with black lining, a zipper pocket on the back wall and a slip pocket on the front wall.
Is there room for a tablet?
Yes. A 10 inch tablet sits in the main compartment with space to spare. A 13 inch laptop is too wide.
Is it real leather or PU?
Yes. It is genuine cow leather, not PU, and it softens with use.
How should I look after it?
Wipe it with a soft dry cloth and condition it a few times a year. Dry it in open air if it gets wet.
Is shipping free?
Yes. Allow 2 to 5 days for processing, then 7 to 14 business days for delivery in the U.S.
Can I return it?
Yes, within 30 days under our money back guarantee. The bag must be unused.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.