The ESV Pocket Bible in Buffalo Leather

I’m looking today at a super underrated edition of the ESV! You can see the written review below.
Pick on up here:

Buy me a coffee! Venmo – @iamcam

Like, subscribe, and follow me over on Instagram: @realcamhyde

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this Bible in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I think this might be one of the most underrated Bibles on the market—and one that has been seriously slept on. What I’m talking about is the ESV Pocket Bible in deep brown buffalo leather.

If you’re new here, my name is Cam Hyde, and I do unconventional, unorthodox, unlarge book and Bible reviews. And what I have for you today is about as small as it gets.

This is the ESV Pocket Bible—and I mean pocket Bible. You can literally hold it in the palm of your hand. It may be the smallest Bible I’ve ever reviewed. Just look at the spine. This thing is meant to work. It’s meant to be used, carried, and beaten up—in the best way possible.

Small Size, Full Bible

Despite its size, this is the full 2016 ESV text, cover to cover. According to Crossway, this is the smallest complete ESV Bible ever published. And honestly, I believe it.

Here’s what Crossway highlights about it:

Specialized ultra-thin Bible paper
Smyth-sewn binding
Double-column format
Durable materials
Lifetime guarantee

That lifetime guarantee is a bold statement—especially for a Bible that’s designed to live in your pocket day after day.

Built to Last

Yes, the Bible paper is thin—but it’s tough. The Smyth-sewn binding adds durability, and the buffalo leather is exactly what you’d expect: rugged, slightly rough around the edges, and built for long-term use. The uncut leather edges actually add to the charm and reinforce the idea that this Bible is a tool, not a display piece.

The liner is soft and durable—not paper—so it’s made to last as well.

Why Buffalo Leather?

I originally owned this Bible in Crossway’s TruTone edition and was so impressed that I knew I had to upgrade to buffalo leather. I reached out to Crossway, and they graciously sent me this copy. And honestly, I don’t think this edition gets nearly enough attention.

Some people will get hung up on the fact that it’s the 2016 ESV text. Personally, I don’t care. It reads just as well as newer editions. It’s still the Word of God.

Readability and Use

Let’s be clear—this is not a Bible you’re going to sit down and read for hours at a time. The text is small. I believe it’s around a 6-point font, double-column, black letter.

That said, it’s absolutely readable.

This is the kind of Bible you:

Throw in your pocket
Pull out to preach a short devotion
Use during evangelism
Carry with you daily
Take on trips or to student camp (though I might bring a slightly bigger Bible too)

It fits easily in a front or back pocket. It’s thicker than a phone, but not taller. And it flexes beautifully in the hand—the leather is meant to move with you.

Thoughtful Details

A few small details really stand out:

A single ribbon bookmark
Clean, unfinished white page edges (no guilt-trip gold here)
A couple of blank pages in the back—perfect for notes or evangelism verses

It ends with Revelation, just like it should.

Final Thoughts

This is a slept-on Bible, no doubt about it.

If you can read the text size, the ESV Pocket Bible in buffalo leather deserves a spot in your arsenal. It’s an excellent tool that Crossway has put out, and honestly, I wish I had reviewed it sooner.

If you enjoyed this review, consider picking one up—I’ve got a link above. More than anything, I hope you’ll use it to go share the gospel with someone.

If this was helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone else. And feel free to follow me over on Instagram.