Turn Stiff Leather into a Rugged, Battle-Tested Companion
Breaking in a leather bag isn’t about wearing it out, it’s about breaking it in. Just like a good pair of boots, a quality leather bag starts off a little stiff, but with time, use, and the right treatment, it becomes softer, stronger, and uniquely yours.
At Untundra, we don’t do factory-softened, mass-produced, plasticky leather. Every Bravo Backpack, Untundra Duffle, and Leather Computer Bag is built from full-grain leather, the highest quality available. That means it starts out structured and firm but breaks in over time, molding to your lifestyle.
If you want your bag to develop that legendary, broken-in feel without ruining the leather, here’s the right way to do it.
1. Use It...A Lot
The fastest (and best) way to break in your leather bag is simple: use it. Take it on road trips, to the office, on flights, toss it in the truck bed, let it live. Leather softens naturally with movement, pressure, and exposure to your environment.
• Stuff your Bravo Backpack with your everyday essentials and carry it daily.
• Pack your Untundra Duffle for a weekend away, leather loves the weight.
• Use your Leather Computer Bag for work, grabbing the handles and opening the Gladstone top repeatedly helps the leather loosen up.
Time and real-world wear are the best ways to break in leather properly.
2. Apply Leather Conditioner (But Don’t Overdo It)
Leather is skin—it needs moisture. A good leather conditioner softens the material while keeping it from drying out and cracking.
• Use a high-quality Untundra Leather Balm (never synthetic junk) and apply a thin, even coat with a soft cloth.
• Let it absorb for a few hours before buffing off any excess.
• Repeat only when necessary, once every few months is plenty.
Conditioning speeds up the softening process, but too much will make leather overly limp and greasy. Moderation is key.
3. Roll and Flex the Leather (For Stubborn Stiffness)
If certain areas of your bag feel extra rigid, like the handles or pockets, you can manually flex the leather to help it soften.
• Gently roll stiff sections back and forth in your hands.
• Bend and stretch the leather (within reason) to encourage flexibility.
• Stuff the bag with soft items and let it sit in a natural shape overnight.
This process mimics years of use in a shorter time, but remember: never overdo it—you’re helping the leather relax, not forcing it to fold unnaturally.
4. Let It Take on the Elements
Leather thrives on adventure. Exposure to heat, cold, moisture, and movement all help soften and shape it.
• Sunlight warms and loosens fibers, carry your bag outside (but don’t leave it baking in the car).
• Humidity slightly relaxes the leather, so taking it out in different climates speeds up the break-in.
• A little rain? No problem. Full-grain leather can handle it, just let it dry naturally (never near a heater).
Your Untundra bag is built to last decades, don’t baby it. Let it live.
5. Load It Up and Let Gravity Do the Work
A full bag naturally stretches and molds over time.
• Carry your Bravo Backpack loaded with essentials.
• Stuff your Leather Duffle with clothes and let it rest to help shape the structure.
• Add some weight, heavier items help leather adjust faster.
This is one of the easiest ways to help your leather bag break in without any extra effort on your part.
What NOT to Do When Breaking in Leather
Avoid these mistakes—unless you want your leather to age badly:
❌ Don’t Soak It in Water – A little rain won’t hurt, but submerging leather damages the fibers and causes cracking.
❌ No Heat Guns or Hair Dryers – High heat makes leather brittle instead of soft.
❌ Never Use Cheap Oils or Waxes – Some oils turn leather rancid or overly dark. Stick with quality leather balm.
❌ Don’t Try to Force the Break-In – Leather should relax naturally, forcing folds or excessive bending weakens the material.
A new Untundra Leather Bag is a blank slate, ready to be shaped by your life, your travels, and your adventures. The way it softens, darkens, and builds character is unique to you.
The more you use it, the better it gets.
So grab your bag, hit the road, and start writing its story.
Want to break in your own full-grain leather gear? Check out our collection and invest in leather built for the long haul.