Bennett Winch Backpack review: understated elegance and exceptional craftsmanship

If you're not someone who carries a briefcase or a suitcase to work everyday, investing in one of the best backpacks makes a lot of sense. While the sector doesn't always feel as glamourous as other forms of luxurious luggage, it has every right to be.

Fortunately for those of us who value style and make use of a backpack regularly, there are brands out there flipping the script. Take the Bennett Winch Backpack, which I've been carefully testing over the last few months to determine whether or not it's worth the cost.

While simple-looking on the face of it, the bag has a number of well-designed pockets and nifty features which make it a solid pick overall.

Bennett Winch Backpack review: Price and Availability

The Bennett Winch Backpack is priced from £750 / €900 / US$1,275 / AU$1,550, though different options and materials can see that cost inflate. You can, for example, add a luggage slip for an additional fee, or select a leather backpack for more again.

The model I have tested for the purposes of this review is the cheapest available, though – a canvas version in Olive, without the luggage slip.

Currently, the only place you can buy Bennett Winch goods is via the brand's website.

Bennett Winch Backpack review: Features

The backpack itself looks a little sparse in the images, but that's no bad thing. There's definitely a less-is-more elegance to the way this is designed, which only adds to the luxurious feel.

Inside, you'll find a large pocket at the back, which is secured with a single popper on a leather band. That's big enough for a laptop – the brand materials suggest up to a 16-inch model will fit, and given the space surrounding my smaller unit, I'd say that's believable.

On the front of that section is a trio of smaller pockets, which are perfectly sized for things like earbuds or very small notebooks. It's the perfect size for organising those little bits and bobs which can be a pain if they fall into the abyss of your bag.

Speaking of the main compartment, it's a reasonable size. You'll find bigger backpacks out there, sure, but those can often be cumbersome for everyday use. This manages to remain big enough to carry all of the essentials, without being so large that it feels unwieldy.

It also houses a really clever additional feature. Inside the main compartment sits a black bag, which also mounts into the frame of the bag with a pair of poppers. That acts as a separate section, but can also be fully removed to offer more space in the compartment overall.

Last, but not least, is a small front pocket. That's handy for any bits and pieces you need quick access to, and while it certainly isn't the largest I've come across, it's big enough.

Bennett Winch Backpack review: Performance

Just because a product uses premium materials and devilishly handsome styling doesn't mean it's automatically going to be a winner. Particularly when you factor in the price this bag goes for, it really does need to come out swinging.

Fortunately, the Bennett Winch Backpack doesn't just suffice – it excels in every sense. From the first feel of luscious leather and carefully curated canvas, you can feel the quality on offer.

It wears absolutely beautifully, with the kind of balance which ensures you'll never be left with sore shoulders or a tight back, even with lots of use under your belt. Adjustments to the strap length are held in place solidly with brass hardware, and don't move – something a lot of bags struggle with.

There is a distinct lack of padding on the back, which I did think would be a problem, but it has never proven itself to be. The only thing it does lack is a little breathability on hotter days, which is worth bearing in mind.

The internal pocket situation is really well thought out, and should be more than enough for the day-to-day needs of most people. I'm a big fan of the removable section, which makes storing gym kit or a dirty lunch pot easy without having to worry about dirtying the rest of your things.

My only wish is that it had some kind of handle, to make it usable once removed. I'd love to be able to whip that out with my gym clothes in, for example, leaving the rest of my bag in the car, but that's not especially easy without a handle of straps for carrying.

Bennett Winch Backpack review: Verdict

There's no denying that spending a high three-to-four-figure sum on a backpack is something most people couldn't even dream of. But like having nice suits if you're always in the office, good shoes you walk in everyday, or a comfy car for longer commutes, it really does pay to invest in things you use all the time.

If you're seeking out the kind of luxurious backpack you could feasibly hold onto for the rest of your life, the Bennett Winch Backpack is well worth the investment. Yes, it's more costly than most, but you feel the quality in every stitch between high-quality panels, and it will stay chic forever.

Bennett Winch Backpack review: Also Consider

If you're looking for this vibe on a slightly lesser budget, there are a couple of options worth looking at. The Harber London Classic Backpack has always been a favourite here at T3, and offers similarly timeless styling.

Alternatively, Carl Friedrik's Day-to-Day Backpack is a solid pick, from a manufacturer I can personally vouch for. The brand makes stunning luggage, and this bag fits the bill nicely.