Harber London Classic Rucksack - Review 2025

Overview

Harbor London’s backpack has both the quality-to-last and an updated design that is chic without being posh, making it an outstanding bag for professionals, serious students and executives.

On the face of it, one would be excused for wondering why you’d pay more than $200 for a backpack for everyday use. The Classic Rucksack by Harbor London illustrates convincingly that a backpack can do more than just carry your items, as well why you fork over as much for it.

To begin with, this bag is handcrafted in a way that reminds of an artisanal product made from a bygone era. The ones that are inherited from previous generations, but don’t get used anymore because of an outdated design.

The Classic Rucksack is cool in this retro-modern-fusion kind of way that merges style with functionality nicely.

Capacity

Hidden pockets for the daily commute, combined with a zippered enclosure for the main compartment, provide additional security (anti-theft), which is nice considering that it is a backpack that projects value.

These two pockets are big enough for a smaller water bottle, keys, telephone, charger, etc.

Further functionality is found in the up-to-16” laptop sleeve with the integrated spot for a 13” laptop or sketchbook, etc. Sewing is good and protection is there too.

There’s an additional zippered pocket. It’s practical in a way that’s tasteful, much in line with the design of this Harber London backpack.

As far as the capacity goes, there’s enough for study or office items (including books, etc) and a change of clothes or sweater. The size makes it ideal for biking and getting on or off the train.

Comfort

Speaking of biking, the swivel connectors on the shoulder straps move adroitly with any body type. The swivels are durable and the straps are padded with neoprene for comfort.

While leather would be less comfortable around the shoulders, the neoprene adds extra warmth during the summer, but any solution to aerate would have compromised the style.

While it can take weight, there’s no rear padding to prevent heavy, sharp objects from digging into your back. But at 17 liters, it’s perhaps not relevant anyway.

Other Features

You can’t leave out praise for the materials Harber London uses. It’s the type of bag that actually gets pretty as it ages, thanks to–especially–the leather, which is sourced from Spain.

Full grain leather is not treated in any way. It’s the layer of hide just below the hair of the animal and is the most durable kind of leather. It also provides the most natural look.

Because of this, and, like the cowboy’s satchel, the Classic Rucksack can cope with the elements.

We tested the water resistance in torrential rains and it passed every time. The full grain leather is reinforced with recycled plastic water bottles, providing this protection.

While Harber London calls it waterproof, it must be said that this bag is not a waterproof backpack that can survive a dunk in the river. But for days when the heavens open up, it’ll easily keep your kit dry.

There’s also a detachable, magnetic key chain. Nice for them that may use them, optional for the rest.

The trolley strap that allows you to set it atop a carry on-suitcase is great. We would have liked to see it a little longer so that it could fit broader handles. It’s really the only design element Harber London overlooked.

Value

Considering the durability of the Classic Rucksack from Harber London, we consider it a worthwhile purchase. It’s pricey, but it’ll likely give you more years than most every other backpack.

Lined up against the comparable Herschel Little America backpack, the Classic Rucksack will stand the test of time better. And it has more functionality too.