The Toshiro backpack is a study in controlled structure. Its boxy silhouette is built from vegetable tanned leather with internal stiffeners that hold their shape even when the bag is empty. Protective leather side wings fold out to guard the main compartment from wear and expanding load — a detail borrowed from traditional Japanese pack design. The front flap pocket, secured by two antique brass buckles, sits flush against the body and adds access without breaking the clean profile.
The back panel features a Y-shaped shoulder harness with fully adjustable straps — a construction that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders and looks as refined from behind as from the front. Cream saddle stitching runs throughout, hand-visible and precise, the kind of detail that becomes more appreciated the longer you carry the bag.
Specifications
| Interior dimensions | Height 13.4" (34 cm) · Length 11.4" (29 cm) · Width 4.7" (12 cm) |
| Shoulder strap | Adjustable, up to 63" (160 cm) |
| Features | Front pocket · Side pockets · Protective wings · Top grab handle · Y-shaped harness · Internal stiffeners |
| Skill level | Advanced — recommended after at least one structured bag project |
| Estimated build time | 50-60 hours |
Materials
| Body leather | ~10.8 sq ft (1 sqm) · 4–4.5 oz (1.6–1.8 mm) |
| Lining | ~10.8 sq ft (1 sqm) · 2 oz (0.8 mm) pigskin |
| Leather stiffener | ~10.8 sq ft (1 sqm) · PITEX 620 non-woven stiffener or Texon equivalent |
| Contrast leather | ~3.3 sq ft (0.3 sqm) · 9 oz (3.6 mm) · longest piece 22" (53 cm) |
| Consumables | Leather glue · 1 mm waxed polyester thread · edge dye · cardboard & paper masking tape (for pattern assembly) |
Hardware
| Buckles | 3 × 0.79" (20 mm) buckles 4 × 0.98" (25 mm) buckles |
| Studs | 3 × Sam Browne studs |
| D-rings | 2 × 0.98" (25 mm) D-rings |
Tools & Equipment
Cutter · needles · 1.5 mm hole punch · cutting mat · mallet
What's Included in the Download
- PDF pattern — A0 (full scale, single print), A4 & US Letter (tile at home)
- DXF vector file — for laser cutters and CNC machines
- YouTube video tutorial — full Toshiro build, step-by-step from cutting to finishing
- Assembling instructions — each piece is named
- Complete hardware & materials list — exact sizes and quantities
Video Tutorial
The full Toshiro build tutorial is included with this pattern — scan the QR code in the PDF or watch directly below.
Questions & Answers
Is the Toshiro suitable for beginners?
The Toshiro is rated Advanced. It involves internal stiffeners, structural side wings, and a multi-part harness system. We recommend completing at least one simpler bag first — the Bertrand Backpack or Nomad Sling Bag are good stepping stones. If you're completely new to leatherworking, start with our Leather Patterns for Beginners guide.
Can I print the pattern at home?
Yes. The A4 and US Letter versions include alignment marks so you can tile and tape the pages into a full-size template. The A0 version prints all pieces at full scale on a single sheet — available at most print bureaux for a few dollars and strongly recommended for a project of this complexity.
What leather weight should I use?
For the body: 4–4.5 oz (1.6–1.8 mm) vegetable tanned leather, approximately 10.8 sq ft (1 sqm). For the lining: 2 oz (0.8 mm) pigskin, same area. For the contrast details: 9 oz (3.6 mm) leather, approximately 3.3 sq ft (0.3 sqm). The stiffener is PITEX 620 non-woven or a Texon equivalent.
What hardware do I need?
The Toshiro requires: 3 × 20 mm buckles, 4 × 25 mm buckles, 3 × Sam Browne studs, and 2 × 25 mm D-rings. The complete list with exact sizes is included in the pattern download.
Is there a video tutorial?
Yes — a complete step-by-step Toshiro build tutorial on YouTube is included. The PDF contains a QR code that takes you directly to the video, or you can watch it embedded on this page above. Vasile and Pavel walk through every stage of the build, from cutting to final assembly and finishing.
Why is this backpack so popular on Reddit?
The Toshiro went viral in the leatherworking community because it's genuinely unusual — the structured silhouette, distinctive wings, and visible craftsmanship stand out in a world of soft nylon bags. Hundreds of thousands of upvotes and thousands of Reddit comments show how consistently it impresses both makers and non-crafters alike. Makers who complete it often describe it as a turning point in their leatherworking journey.
Instant digital download · PDF + DXF · Full video tutorial included
