There is nothing quite like leather. Hardwearing, stylish and improving with age, a leather bag will accompany you for many years. Leather bags come in all shapes, sizes and styles and you can find leather bags for travel, for popping into town or for a night on the tiles.

Personally nothing beats  bartering for leather in the souks of Marrakech over mint tea. But for those of us not headed to Marrakech anytime soon, the internet obviously makes the next best option!

The problem is, there is no such bloody stuff for sale online these days that it really is hard to know where to start and who to trust. This has never been more true than when dealing with leather as the quality of the material and construction can and does vary wildly. Thankfully, we are here to help…

In this Mahi Leather review, we’re going home to take a close look at the range of leather bags from Mahi. By the end of this round up you’ll know whether this company is any good and what their range is like.

Product
Description
Best Overall Mahi Leather Bag
Best Overall Mahi Leather Bag

The Columbus

  • Dimensions (CM) > W54cm x H33cm x D22cm, handle: L60cm W2cm, extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-L145cm.
  • Price (USD) > $199
Best Carry-on Mahi Leather Bag
Best Carry-on Mahi Leather Bag

The Drake

  • Dimensions (CM) > W47cm x H32cm x D25cm. Extendable shoulder strap: L78cm – L145cm.
  • Price (USD) > $210
Best Mahi Leather Backpack
Best Mahi Leather Backpack

The City Backpack

  • Dimensions (CM) > W42cm x H45cm x D22cm. Extendable Back Straps: L53cm-75cm.
  • Price (USD) > $190
Best Mahi Leather Duffle
Best Mahi Leather Duffle

The Classic Duffle

  • Dimensions (CM) > W53cm x H28cm x D28cm, handle: L66cm W3.8cm, extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-145cm.
  • Price (USD) > $179
Best Mens Mahi Leather Bag
Best Mens Mahi Leather Bag

The Roll Top Backpack

  • Dimensions (CM) > W31cm x H39cm x D18cm. Extendable Back Straps: L53cm-75cm.
  • Price (USD) > $159

Inside Our Mahi Leather Review

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Mahi leather is a British based company but they produce their goods  in India.  Mahi are committed to fair trade and sustainable production, placing very high standards of their leather sourcing and paying all workers a fair wage. Their products are hand-made to order, come with a 30 day money back guarantee and a further 1 year warranty against defects. In an industry which is not always squeaky clean, Mahi are one of the good guys and even donate $1.50 from every sale to FRANK Water, a UK based charity which provides aid to the 76 million people in India who do not have access to clean drinking water.

I’ll make this very clear now. Mahi Leather does not make luxury or high end leather products. In terms of quality, Mahi leather goods do not compare to Armani or even another online leather brand like Harber London. However, they are not trying to compete in this expensive space and are instead aspiring to fill the void for affordable & practical everyday leather bags and goods – this they do very well. 

We have tried and tested a LOT of leather bags this year and can confirm that at this price point, Mahi leather is by the far the market leader.

Now let’s take a look at the best products from Mahi and their best uses.

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Best Overall Mahi Leather Bag – The Columbus

The Columbus Mahi

The Columbus is our top pick for best overall mahi leather bag

Specs
  • Materials: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
  • Dimensions: W54cm x H33cm x D22cm, handle: L60cm W2cm, extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-L145cm.
  • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
  • Price: $199

Named after historys one of most famed (and controversial…) explorers, the Columbus deep weekender in ebony black is built for serious travel. There is sufficient storage inside the Columbus to pack for an epic voyage and the adjustable, comfortable shoulder strap means you will be able to carry it at least some distance without it causing too much strain.

Like with the Drake, there is big main compartment into which to pack your gear along with a zip-up inside pocket. However, there is a full length side compartment too as well as more external pockets meaning you can keep your valuables and essentials nearer to hand.

The adjustable shoulder strap is removable so you can carry it in your hand if you like. 

Best Carry-on Mahi Leather Bag – The Drake

The Drake Mahi

Our top pick for best carry-on mahi leather bag is The Drake

Specs
  • Materials: 100% English Saddle leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
  • Dimensions: W47cm x H32cm x D25cm. Extendable shoulder strap: L78cm – L145cm
  • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
  • Price: $210

Named after one of history’s great pirates (ahem, I mean “privateers”) and kind of shaped like a treasure chest, the Drake Strapped Weekender bag has more than enough room for all of your plundered loot!

The Drake is a carry in your hand bag and cannot be worn as either a backpack or a shoulder bag. Therefore, this is maybe not an ideal piece for taking on long walks and instead, it is more suited to trips to the gym, weekend breaks or business trips. It is also sized to be carry-on compliant for most airlines (although do double check the European budget ones as the allowance seems to shrink each year!).

The storage layout is pretty straightforward. The top zips open and there is one big,main compartment PLUS an additional internal zip pocket for valuables.

As we all know, Pirates are sexy and cool. Made from beautiful tan leather, this is a bag you will treasure for years to come. Remember, leather improves with age and this bag will withstand serious use and may even withstand being buried on a remote island. Yep,  the Drake by Mahi leather is really an X marking and hitting the spot with this one.

Best Mahi Leather Backpack – The City Backpack

The City Backpack Mahi

For best mahi leather backpack, checkout The City Backpack

Specs
  • Materials: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining in main compartment and waterproof lining in the two side pockets.
  • Dimensions: W42cm x H45cm x D22cm. Extendable Back Straps: L53cm-75cm.
  • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
  • Price: $190

Carry and shoulder bags are all good and well but I really love a good backpack. The city backpack from Mahi leather mixed high quality waxy leather with a stylish, slightly retro design aesthetic. It’s a cool and fashionable backpack made for urban living whether you are headed to the gym, the coffee shop or commuting for the daily grind. It’s certainly one of our favourite stylish bags for travel.

The City Backpack can happily accommodate a 15″ laptop whilst also leaving enough space for an A4 pad, books and even a few  water bottles. It’s a solid bet for work, school, & play. Minimalist packers should also be able to use this for weekend trips.

Note that whilst there are 2 external water bottle pockets, there is no hip belt so this is not ideal for hiking. Look elsewhere if you need a good and sturdy hiking backpack.

Best Mahi Leather Duffle – The Classic Duffle

The Classic Duffle Mahi

Meet the best mahi leather duffle: The Classic Duffle

Specs
  • Materials: 100% English Saddle leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
  • Dimensions: W53cm x H28cm x D28cm, handle: L66cm W3.8cm, extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-145cm.
  • Hardware: Brass fittings and YKK zippers.
  • Price: $179

Great Duffle bags are true stalwarts of the travel accessory space. Simple and dependable, duffle bags have been the go to travel bag for GI’s on leave and beat poets bumming their way around America.

Whilst duffle bags have historically being regarded as rather “manly” bags, this unisex offering by Mahi seeks to reddress that. Coming in an elegant, tan English saddle leather the Classic just oozes class.

It’s a simple enough bag with one main, zip open compartment plus an external zip up pocket.  The Mahi Classic comes with an adjustable, detachable strap for shoulder carries or comfortable handles. It’s also sized for carry on compliance making it a very versatile and useful bag. (Make sure to double-check the policies of budget airlines, in particular have a look at Ryanair’s carry-on baggage rules before travelling!)

Best Mens Mahi Leather Bag – The Roll Top Backpack

The Roll Top Backpack Mahi

The Roll Top Backpack is one of the best mens mahi leather bag

Specs
  • Materials: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
  • Dimensions: W31cm x H39cm x D18cm. Extendable Back Straps: L53cm-75cm.
  • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
  • Price: $159

Roll top backpacks are useful and versatile as they allow you to change the size and liter storage capacity in line with their needs. If you need a simple day pack, you keep it rolled down and if you need some extra space for overnight or weekend trips, you roll it up and make use of the extra space!

The roll top by Mahi utilises beautiful leather and comes in a couple of different finishes to suit your style. Even when rolled down its spacious enough to accommodate a 15” laptop plus books & notepads making it a great commuter pack or student bag.

If you get tired of carrying it as a backpack, there is also a grab/carry handle.

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    Best Mahi Leather Weekend Bag – The Overnighter

    The Overnighter Mahi

    The Overnighter is our top pick for best mahi leather weekend bag

    Specs
    • Materials: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
    • Dimensions: W58cm x H32cm x D26cm, handle: L57cm x W2cm. Extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-145cm.
    • Hardware: Brass fittings and YKK zippers.
    • Price: $199

    Whether you’re headed for a restful weekend break in the country or debauched stag weekend in the city, weekend bags are amongst the most used travel bags in the world. The Overnighter from Mahi Leather mixed functionality and style. 

    Don’t let the name fool you, this bag is roomy and spacious enough to pack for multiple nights ranging from long weekends to week long trips for the minimalist packers out there. What sets this apart from the Classic Duffle is the addition of a shoe compartment which also makes a good bet for business trips and even sporting trips when you need a change of footwear.

    You’ll also note that there is a large external buckle up compartment on this one into which you can pop your valuables, travel docs or whatever.

    Best Womens Mahi Leather Bag – The Compact Laptop Satchel

    The Compact Laptop Satchel Mahi

    Our top pick for best womens mahi leather bag is The Compact Laptop Satchel

    Specs
    • Materials: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
    • Dimensions: W38cm x H27cm x D6cm. Extendable shoulder strap: L78cm – L145cm.
    • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
    • Price: $140

    Whilst laptops themselves are gender neutral, laptop bags are not. This lovely womens leather bag offering by Mahi leather takes a classy, professional business aesthetic and injects it with a dash of femininity.

    Its ultra compact and lightweight making it ideal for those on the go. Despite its daintintess though, it is still sufficiently robust enough to protect their work essentials. This Compact Laptop Satchel can comfortably accommodate a 13″ laptop, an iPad, and an A4 pad. Overall this leather Satchel makes a good compromise between more minimalist laptop cases and larger satchels.

    Want more options? Check out the best travel purses on offer if you’re looking for a lightweight way to keep your documents organised.

    Best Mahi Leather Business Bag – The Yale Clip

    The Yale Clip Mahi

    For best mahi leather business bag, checkout The Yale Clip

    Specs
    • Materials: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
    • Dimensions: W41cm x H30cm x D9cm, top handle: L23cm W3cm, extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-L145cm.
    • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
    • Price: $140

    If you are after a business ready leather bag, then check out the Yale clip. Named after the distinguished business school, its design is both professional and stylish. Coming in a handsome brown, its the kind of bag that you could confidently take into any business meeting.

    As well as looking the part, its the perfect size and layout for the business person. It can fit a 15” laptop (hell you could even fit a small TV in there), boasts a grab handle so you can carry it as a briefcase and has just enough small inside pockets for pens, keys and whatever else it is business people carry!

    Whilst primarily designed as a business bag, it also makes a decent shout for students or travellers wanting an airport bag or something to accompany them into the cabin.

    Best Non-Leather Mahi Bag – The Messenger Vegan

    The Messenger Vegan Mahi

    Meet the best non-leather mahi bag: The Messenger Vegan

    Specs
    • Materials: Vegan cork leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
    • Dimensions: W37cm x H28cm x D8cm, top handle: H4cm W3cm, extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-L145cm.
    • Hardware: Brass fittings and robust YKK zippers.
    • Price: $130

    In 2022, even Steakhouses have recognised the explosion of ethical lifestyles and make some attempt to counter for non-meat eaters and likewise, now leather companies are it too.  In particular, vegan products are now big business.

    Now, rather than go with PVC or “vegan faux leather”, what Mahi have done is use a totally different material, cork, that doesn’t even pretend to be leather making it a vegan-non-leather bag. Cork is a great material to use as its natural, robust and it ages magnificently.

    It’s a great daypack for work or travel offering ample space for your 15” laptop, books and documents. 

    Best Mahi Leather Sling Bag – The Classic Flight Bag

    Mahi Leather

    The Classic Flight Bag is one of the best mahi leather sling bag

    Specs
    • Fabrics: 100% full grain leather exterior. 100% cotton lining interior.
    • Dimensions: W19cm x H22cm x D4cm, Extendable shoulder strap: L78cm-145cm.
    • Price: $89

    If you are after a companion bag for airports, then check out this wonderful leather sling bag by Mahi. Worn across the shoulder, it’s ideal for taking on flights as it contains just enough space for your passport, documents, phone, a book and a bottle of water.

    Whilst marketed as a “man bag”, this tredy grain leather flight bag in our flagship vintage brown is actually kind of unisex in our opinion. It’s a simple but effective concept and the design ensures that you can store your essentials safely and securely and wear them across your body for easy access throughout the day.

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    Buy on REI!
    Best Mahi Leather Bags
    NameVolume (Litres)Weight (KG)Dimensions (CM)Price (USD)
    The Columbus54 x 33 x 22173.50
    The Drake47 x 32 x 25191.50
    The City Backpack42 x 45 x 22161
    The Classic Duffle53 x 58 x 28170.50
    The Roll Top Backpack31 x 39 x 18156
    The Overnighter58 x 32 x 26172.50
    The Compact Laptop Satchel38 x 27 x 6148.50
    The Yale Clip41 x 30 x 9152.50
    The Messenger Vegan37 x 28 x 891.50
    The Classic Flight Bag19 x 22 x 486.25

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      Final Thoughts on The Best Mahi Leather Bags

      By now, you should know whether or not there is a Mahi bag for you. Whether you need a leather sling bag or a backpack, they have something for every occasion. Remember, all of their bags are fairly traded, hand-made to order and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can buy with some peace of mind.

      Have you tried any Mahi leather bags yourself? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.


      And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!