A structured tan leather tote bag with double top handles, a front zippered pocket, and brass-tone hardware, photographed on a light stone surface against a softly lit neutral wall with a small plant at the side.

A woman in a white blazer and sunglasses carries a tan leather tote backpack with double top handles in an outdoor urban setting.

Woman carrying the Frounder Polaris 2-in-1 leather tote worn as a backpack, showing the embossed Frounder mark low on the front panel

A structured tan leather tote bag with dual top handles, a front zip pocket, and an adjustable shoulder strap, displayed on a light stone surface against a softly lit neutral background.

Frounder Polaris leather tote shown open, with a beige lining and an interior leather pocket embossed with the Frounder mark

A structured tan leather tote bag with double top handles, a front zippered pocket, and brass-tone hardware, photographed on a light stone surface against a softly lit neutral wall with a small plant at the side.

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Shop Polaris 2 in 1 Backpack Tote bag

Full-grain leather · Solid brass · Monogram included

Polaris 2 in 1 Backpack Tote bag

$139.99 USD · Free shipping worldwide

Monogram included
Free worldwide shipping
30-day returns
1-year warranty

The Polaris carries two ways. Lift the straps and it is a backpack; drop them and it is a structured tote that stands upright on the floor rather than folding over. It takes a laptop up to 16 inches either way.

In stock · ships in 1–2 business days

Free standard shipping worldwide (Southern Africa and Brazil, $30 flat).
Duties covered on United States orders.
30-day returns and a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

01Capacity

What it holds

Everything for the day, each with its place.

Laptop up to 16 inmain compartment, structured sides
Charger, notebook, bottlealongside the laptop
Wallet, phone, keysthe day's essentials, within reach
Both carriesstraps reposition for backpack or tote, nothing left at home

Drawn to scale · 16 in laptop · side view shows the depth.

02The numbers

Specifications

Measured on the finished bag.

12 × 16 × 4 in (30 × 41 × 10 cm)Dimensions

3.3 lb (1500 g)Weight, empty

Up to 16 in, main compartmentLaptop

Dimensions: 12 × 16 × 4 in (30 × 41 × 10 cm)
Weight, empty: 3.3 lb (1500 g)
Laptop: Up to 16 in, main compartment
Carry: Backpack, shoulder or hand
Closure: Zip
Base: Structured, stands upright

Leather: Full-grain, holds its shape
Lining: Cotton
Hardware: Solid brass, unplated
Monogram: Engraved, up to 3 initials, included
Returns and warranty: 30 days on unengraved pieces · engraved pieces are final sale · 1-year warranty

03Good to know

Questions

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

How does it convert from tote to backpack?

The straps adjust and reposition to sit over both shoulders, then go back to tote length. Nothing unclips or gets left behind, so the choice is made in the moment rather than before you leave.

Will my laptop fit?

Yes, up to 16 in. It sits in the main compartment, where the structured sides give it a generous amount of room.

Does it stand up on its own?

Yes. A structured base keeps it upright when you set it down, and the sides hold their shape so the opening stays wide.

Is there a version without the zip?

No. The Polaris is made one way, with a zip closure on the main compartment. If you would rather have the choice of an open top, the Nova Tote offers it, at 11 × 15 × 4 in.

How is it different from the Altair or the Nova?

Size and carry. The Polaris is the larger shell at 12 × 16 × 4 in and is the only one of the three that wears as a backpack. The Altair is the Nova's shell with a detachable laptop sleeve; the Nova is the plain version with a choice of zip or open top.

What is it made from?

Full-grain leather, substantial enough to hold its own shape, lined in cotton, with solid brass on the handles, rings and clasps, left unplated so that wear reads as patina.

Is the monogram included?

Yes. Up to three initials, engraved into the leather before the bag leaves the workshop, included in the price.

When will it arrive?

Ships in 1–2 business days (monogrammed pieces take a little longer, as each is engraved to order). Delivery is 5–10 business days to the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and 7–14 elsewhere. US import duties are covered.

04Delivery