Buffalo, Cow, and Goat: Know Your Leather Before You Carry It
Not all leather is created equal. At untundra, we don’t just pick hides that look good—we pick the ones that last, that wear in (not out), and that tell a better story with every mile. That’s why we use full-grain water buffalo leather for strength, cowhide where it makes sense, and goat suede for softness where it matters most.
If you’re carrying something from untundra, you should know exactly what’s in it—and why we chose it. Here’s the breakdown:
🐃 Water Buffalo Leather – Strength with Soul
Most of our signature bags, like the Bravo Backpack, Latitude Computer Bag, and Tool Bag —are built from full-grain water buffalo leather. Why?
Because it’s tough as nails.
Buffalo leather has a tighter fiber structure than cowhide, which means:
• More durability
• Better resistance to wear
• A deeper, more rugged grain texture
It feels thicker, holds its shape better, and develops a rich, earthy patina that tells your story with every scuff, sunbeam, and adventure. You’ll notice the difference the first time you pick it up, it’s got weight, but not bulk. Grit, but with refinement.
Buffalo leather isn’t flashy. It’s functional, bold, and timeless, Just like everything we stand for.
🐄 Cowhide – The Industry Standard (But Not All Cowhide Is Equal)
Cowhide is the most common leather used worldwide, but there’s a big difference between the full-grain leather we respect and the bonded leather we avoid like the plague.
When used right, cowhide leather is:
• Smooth, even, and pliable
• A little lighter than buffalo
• A great canvas for polished finishes or subtle embossing
We’ll sometimes use cowhide where flexibility is more important than thickness, but you’ll never find low-grade “genuine leather” junk in any untundra product. If it says “leather” on the tag, we make sure it earns the name.
🐐 Goat Suede – The Soft Side of Tough Gear
You’ll find this one inside your bag—not on the outside.
Goat suede is what we use to line the interiors of our Bravo Backpack, Latitude Bag, and Wine Carrier—and here’s why:
• It’s incredibly soft and supple, but still durable.
• It protects your laptop, tech, and glassware from scuffs and scratches.
• It adds a luxurious feel without compromising rugged performance.
Unlike synthetic linings that rip or flake over time, goat suede ages beautifully, adds character, and actually works—which, for us, is non-negotiable.
🪵 Why It All Matters
We get it—most folks don’t care what kind of leather they’re carrying. But we’re not here for “most folks.” We’re here for the ones who want to know what’s in their gear. Who want to carry something real. Who value transparency, craftsmanship, and longevity.
We use:
• Water buffalo leather for grit and backbone
• Cowhide where structure and polish are key
• Goat suede for softness where your gear needs it most
It’s all intentional. It’s all built to last. And it’s all part of what makes untundra gear more than just a bag—it’s a companion for the long haul.
Ready to feel the difference?
Explore our collection and get your hands on full-grain leather built to earn its keep.
🪵 untundra | No shortcuts. No compromises. Just dang good leather.