JW PEI backpacks: the Harper, sizes, what fits and vegan leather against leather

A small backpack is the hands-free bag that still looks dressed. JW PEI makes its backpacks in vegan leather, faux suede, canvas and denim, and Coveti carries 20 of them at $350 to $400, most of them the Harper buckle pocket backpack. This guide covers size, straps and what fits, against the leather backpacks in our designer backpacks edit. For the label’s other hands-free shapes, see the JW PEI shoulder bags guide.

Key facts

• 20 JW PEI backpacks at Coveti, $350 to $400; 18 are the Harper buckle pocket backpack.
• The Harper measures 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm with an 11.5 cm top handle and a detachable strap from 38.5 to 45.5 cm.
• The detachable strap means the Harper also carries as a shoulder bag.
• Harper materials: vegan leather, faux suede, canvas and denim; every version fits a large phone.
• The Avery pebbled drawstring utility backpack is the larger shape at 23 x 25 x 12.5 cm.

Is a vegan leather backpack worth it?

For a small backpack, yes. A mini backpack carries little weight, so the strain that wears out synthetic straps on a laptop bag does not apply, and polyurethane vegan leather is light, wipes clean and costs a fraction of calf. What it will not do is develop a patina; it looks its best new and needs to be kept away from heat. For a backpack that carries a laptop every day, leather and nylon are the durable materials.

The Harper buckle pocket backpack

The Harper is a small, structured backpack with two buckled front pockets, a top handle and a strap that unclips, so it carries three ways: on the back, on one shoulder and in the hand. At 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm it takes a large phone, a wallet, sunglasses and a small water bottle. The 2026 colourways add faux suede in caramel, burgundy, navy, light blue, light green and light pink, and canvas and denim versions.

The JW PEI backpacks to buy

1. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Dark Green, $350

Vegan leather. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

2. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Deep Brown, $350

Vegan leather. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

3. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Deep Burgundy, $350

Vegan leather. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

4. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Black Canvas, $380

Canvas. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

5. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Black Gray Canvas, $380

Canvas. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

6. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Brown Canvas, $380

Canvas. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

7. Harper Buckle Pocket Backpack in Dark Brown Canvas, $380

Canvas. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

8. Harper Faux Suede Buckle Pocket Backpack in Burgundy, $380

Faux suede. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

9. Harper Faux Suede Buckle Pocket Backpack in Caramel Brown, $380

Faux suede. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

10. Harper Faux Suede Buckle Pocket Backpack in Dark Green, $380

Faux suede. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

11. Harper Faux Suede Buckle Pocket Backpack in Light Blue, $380

Faux suede. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

12. Harper Faux Suede Buckle Pocket Backpack in Light Green, $380

Faux suede. 20 x 22 x 12.5 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 11.5 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Leather backpacks at Coveti

MM6 Nylon Backpack in Black, $1,040

A black nylon backpack from MM6 Maison Margiela, the lightest option for daily use.

Jimmy Choo Noir Kei Ninomiya Backpack, $1,840

The Jimmy Choo and Kei Ninomiya collaboration, a collector piece in black.

Valextra V-Line One Shoulder Mini Backpack in Stone Grey, $2,930

Valextra in smooth Italian leather, the one-shoulder backpack at its most polished.

How to wear a small backpack

Wear it high: shorten the strap so the bag sits between the shoulder blades, not on the lower back. Over a coat, carry it on one shoulder. In faux suede it pairs with knitwear and denim; in black vegan leather it works with tailoring for a commute. For travel, a small backpack and a tote together cover most days; see our JW PEI tote bags guide.

Care

Wipe vegan leather with a dry cloth, brush faux suede, spot clean canvas and denim. Empty the pockets before storing so the front does not stretch, and keep it out of hot cars. More in our vegan leather guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does JW PEI make backpacks?

Yes. Coveti carries 20 JW PEI backpacks at $350 to $400, mainly the Harper buckle pocket backpack.

How big is the JW PEI Harper backpack?

20 x 22 x 12.5 cm, with an 11.5 cm handle drop and a detachable strap from 38.5 to 45.5 cm.

Will a laptop fit in the Harper?

No. It takes a large phone, a wallet, sunglasses and a small bottle. For a laptop, choose a large tote.

Can the Harper be worn as a shoulder bag?

Yes. The strap is detachable and adjustable, so the Harper carries on the back, on one shoulder and by the top handle.

Is a vegan leather backpack durable?

For a small backpack, yes: the load is light and polyurethane wipes clean. Keep it away from heat, which can soften the surface.

What colours does the Harper come in?

Black, dark brown, deep brown, deep burgundy and dark green vegan leather, faux suede in seven shades, plus canvas and denim.

Read next

JW PEI shoulder bags. The best JW PEI bags. The JW PEI gift guide. Designer backpacks at Coveti.