When you travel as often as I do, your backpack becomes your most faithful companion.
Whether I’m city hopping around Europe or commuting through bustling markets in Asia, my day backpack makes or breaks the day.
Recently, I got my hands on the Carl Friedrik City Hopper Backpack. I’d heard good things, but did it live up to the hype?
In short: this minimalist leather backpack feels premium yet surprisingly practical.
Let’s dive deeper in this Carl Friedrik backpack review and see how it stacks up.
I want to note, as I usually do, I've not put any filters on the photos, and tried to do different lighting, so you can see the "true" colours of the bag!
Carl Friedrik is a London-based label created and run by two brothers.
Since launching in 2012, they’ve become celebrated for their high-end travel accessories and top-grade leather goods—from sleek luggage and briefcases to stylish wallets.
We've reviewed their luggage before! Here and here.
And Brad still uses their carry-on for flights and it's in great condition even after years of use!
So what exactly is their mission? To combine elegance with everyday practicality.
That means eye-catching, innovative designs built to last. Plus, every piece comes with lifetime warranty—because great style should stand the test of time.
Note, that your warranty doesn't cover general wear and tear! So you should always be looking after your gear if you want it to last a lifetime ;)
Choosing the perfect travel backpack isn’t always easy.
With so many amazing options like the Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L or the sleek Nordace Siena Smart Backpack, the competition is fierce.
Yet, something about the Carl Friedrik City Hopper Backpack caught my eye.
It perfectly bridges luxury and everyday usability, combining a premium leather travel backpack vibe with smart, minimalist design.
This backpack is leather instead of nylon, meaning it brings that sophisticated look but with different strengths and weaknesses.
More on the leather versus nylon backpack debate later.
But this is a backpack that looks like high quality, straight out of the box.
If you’re like me, the first thing you’ll check out is the specs.
Here’s what the Carl Friedrik City Hopper backpack offers:
The nubuck leather feels luxurious right out of the box, and the nickel silver hardware adds an understated elegance.
You can check prices here.
If you’re curious about a lighter fabric version, Carl Friedrik also makes a nylon variant, perfect for those who prefer practicality over luxury.
It's also cheaper, if you've got a smaller budget.
As soon as you pick up the Carl Friedrik City Hopper, you know it’s built to last.
The leather feels buttery smooth and premium to the touch, while the solid nickel silver hardware has a satisfying heft.
I talk about the nickel a few times, but it's seriously classy.
However, I did notice a couple of very minor drawbacks echoed by other reiews online:
Online feedback also suggests some users prefer the nylon variant for functionality, as leather buckles can sometimes feel slightly fiddly.
That's all down to personal preference.
Let’s talk packing! I've packed in this bag what I'd take for an overnight stay, maybe push to 2 nights.
The Carl Friedrik City Hopper has plenty of thoughtful spaces to store your essentials:
Realistically, it’s ideal for everyday city commutes or short city breaks. You could easily fit:
I found this to be the perfect City Hopper packing capacity for a busy day exploring a new city.
You can see below what I've fit in the backpack:
This bag would be better organised with packing cubes!
If you've got packing cubes, use them.
I actually don't like packing cubes...maybe that showcases how chaotic I am, but in this instance, I think they would work well for organisation within the bag.
Now, how does the City Hopper feel on the go?
The padded straps are comfy enough for all day wear.
The breathable back panel will kept you comfortable even on warmer days, making it suitable for city strolls or sightseeing tours.
And in the heat, a breathable backpack is always your friend.
And the way the UK and Europe seem to be hotting up at the moment...well, let's just say it's worth it!
However, I did notice something mentioned online: the straps’ edge rigidity.
Some reviewers pointed out slight piping issues, causing mild discomfort if worn heavily packed- I haven't personally noticed this yet.
Compared to something like the DRiiBE CITYC, which has a more rugged feel, the City Hopper definitely feels luxurious.
You can explore more details on the City Hopper here.
With leather backpacks, durability and care are always important topics.
Carl Friedrik backpacks have a reputation for aging beautifully, and the City Hopper is no exception.
The nubuck leather develops a gorgeous patina over time, enhancing its unique charm.
However, nubuck leather backpacks can be sensitive to water and marks.
If you're travelling somewhere wet, I recommend investing in a rain cover or regularly applying nubuck protector sprays.
Carl Friedrik even sells accessories like these on their website here.
On the downside, as noted earlier, the straps might occasionally slide, requiring adjustments throughout the day.
However, this isn't a dealbreaker, just factors to consider.
If you’re someone who loves style as much as practicality, this backpack was made for you.
The Carl Friedrik City Hopper is perfect for:
However, it might not suit:
If you're looking for bigger capacity or more adventure proof backpacks, check out my reviews on the Tropicfeel Nest Backpack or Bellroy Lite Travel Pack 30L.
Does the City Hopper fit a 15 inch laptop?
Yes, the dedicated sleeve comfortably fits laptops up to 15 inches.
Is the nubuck leather weather resistant?
It’s not waterproof, so you’ll need a protective spray or a rain cover to protect it fully.
Can I use it as a personal item on airlines?
Absolutely, its dimensions are airline friendly and perfect as a personal item bag (for most airlines!)
Is there a non leather variant available?
Yes, Carl Friedrik also offers a practical nylon version with the same design.
If you're considering other options similar to the Carl Friedrik City Hopper, here are some top alternatives:
For leather care and accessories, Carl Friedrik has dedicated product pages where you can find:
Overall, the Carl Friedrik City Hopper is undeniably stylish and practical. Its luxurious feel sets it apart from typical backpacks, making it perfect for travellers who appreciate elegance.
If you’re after a premium backpack to complement your everyday adventures, this leather gem is worth the investment. Check it out and upgrade your next travel experience!
Happy travels!
Love,
Cazzy
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