Kodiak makes three backpacks and they split by material: the Kobuk is 40 liters of top-grain leather with a padded laptop sleeve, and the Traveler and Day Traveler are 18-ounce waxed canvas with leather trim in 25-liter and daypack sizes. This review covers all three, the laptop sleeves, the straps, and which one to buy for work, travel or daily carry.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kobuk Leather Backpack | 40L top-grain leather; brass hardware, YKK; padded sleeve for 13 and 15 in laptops; zippered side pocket, water bottle pocket, front pocket with weather-resistant flap; padded adjustable straps, buckle closure, D-rings; antique brown, midnight black, dark walnut; $150 |
| 25L Traveler Canvas Backpack | 18 oz waxed canvas, leather accents; padded straps, top handle, full-zip back access; padded laptop sleeve to 15 in; zippered back pocket; side bottle pockets; world map liner; tan, pewter green; $275 |
| Day Traveler Canvas Backpack | 18 oz waxed canvas, leather accents; padded straps, top handle, full-zip back; laptop sleeve to 13 in; zippered back pocket; side pockets; card and phone pockets; pewter green, tan; $225 |
Kobuk
Forty liters of leather for $150 is the value in the Kodiak line. It is a big pack, it fits a 15-inch laptop in a padded sleeve, and it has a bottle pocket and a weather flap. It is heavy the way leather is, and it looks better every year.
25L Traveler
Waxed canvas is lighter than leather and sheds rain, and the Traveler is the travel pack: full-zip access to the back so it opens like a suitcase, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, and a zippered back pocket against your spine for a passport. The world map liner is a nice touch.
Day Traveler
The same construction at daypack size with a 13-inch sleeve, for commuting and errands.
Straps
Padded and adjustable on all three, with a top handle. The canvas packs carry lighter; the Kobuk carries a heavier load better because the leather does not sag.
Which
Work and looks: Kobuk. Travel: 25L Traveler. Daily: Day Traveler. For one strap, the Cedar Sling.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Kodiak Kobuk fit a 15-inch laptop?
Yes, in a padded sleeve.
Leather or canvas Kodiak backpack?
Leather for looks and load, waxed canvas for weight and weather.
How big is the Kobuk?
40 liters.
Which is best for travel?
The 25L Traveler, with full-zip back access.
Is waxed canvas waterproof?
Water resistant; it sheds rain.
The bottom line
The Kobuk at $150 is the best leather backpack value we sell. The 25L Traveler is the one to fly with.
Related reading
Kodiak Leather duffel review
Best EDC sling bags
Kodiak Leather: is it a good brand?
