From the photos and specs, Holderness & Bourne’s Broughton Backpack looks like the kind of bag made for people who split their time between the office, the golf course, and weekend get-aways. Ballistic twill, Napa leather trim, gunmetal chrome hardware; all visual cues that this isn’t a cheap canvas throw-together. At $245, it sits in the “premium” bracket for backpacks, but the details suggest you’re getting what you pay for.
With dimensions around 17″ H × 12.5″ W × 6″ D, the size is just right for a day-to-day pack or overnight gear. It’s large enough to carry laptop + clothes + a few accessories, yet still compact enough to look sharp when walking from car to clubhouse. The structured bottom that hold its shape even when not completely full is a nice touch.
Why I like it:
1. Material & Build. The ballistic poly (or ballistic twill / poly canvas) body is immediately a plus. It’s water-resistant, tough, and made to take knocks. Then you’ve got Napa leather trim. It’s not just aesthetic — it adds to durability in places that often see the most wear: handles, trim, edges. Gunmetal chrome hardware strikes a balance between rugged and refined. The combination says, “Yeah, I use this bag hard, but I still expect it to look good when I arrive.”
2. Compartments & Practical Design. The Broughton doesn’t try to be everything for everyone, but it nails the essentials. Separate compartments for your laptop and for clothes mean you’re not stuffing everything into one big pocket, which always leads to frustration. Add in pockets for phone, water bottle, small bits — that’s good gear thinking. There’s also a luggage sleeve/panel so you can slip the bag over a suitcase handle. That makes this bag travel-friendly in a way that a lot of backpacks aren’t.
3. Style Versatility. This is where it really earns its stripes for Red Clay Soul. It’s not a bag that looks out of place at your desk, tailgate, or business trip. The navy ballistic color is classic. The Bengal-stripe lining is a nod to tradition without being showy. If anything, it blends ruggedness and refinement in a way that matches Southern habits: you want gear that works, looks good, and ages well.
Who It’s For:
The Broughton is ideal if you tick any of these boxes: a) You regularly carry a laptop, gear for work/travel, and maybe a change of clothes. b) You want a pack that pulls double duty — office + golf course + weekend travel. c) You value style, craftsmanship, and details (leather trims, well-made zippers, structure). d) You’re okay spending more up front for something that will hold up over time and look better with age.
It’s less ideal if you only need something cheap for light use, or if you’re frequently packing extremely light (like minimalist travel or day hikes) and care more about weight than aesthetics.
From the RCS perspective, the Broughton Backpack earns its keep. It’s one of those gear picks that hits many of the right notes: craftsmanship, utility, style, and longevity. It fits the kind of life we write about — where you’re moving between office, field, club, weekend — and you need gear that doesn’t make trade-offs in its roles. With proper care, this is the kind of bag you could carry for years.
If you’re on the fence, think about how often you carry your essentials, how many places you haul a pack, and whether you want something that speaks to the rest of your gear. If the answer is “often,” the Broughton doesn’t just look good — it becomes a smart investment.
