Watch the Leather, Man

We talk a lot about bags.  It’s a good subject-  I wouldn’t want any RCS reader using a garbage bag to travel.  For the most part, men’s luggage is Filson-esque canvas or some sort of ripstop nylon like Tumi.  Most of us have a rolling suitcase that we check, and a duffle bag to carry on, or use as a weekender.  There are plenty of niche alternatives, and I have really don’t have a problem with any option.  Whatever makes traveling easy is fine with me.

If you want to move up to first class, start looking at a leather duffle.  It’s the more masculine of bags, and a long term investment for the well appointed guy.  These are the bags that become your go-to for long weekends or the ‘one piece of luggage’ that fly in the overhead bin.  The leather will patina well, and requires a little more care than their canvas counterparts, but each looks fantastic and will only continue to do so.

Here are some RCS approved options:

From Top Left:

1 Tom Beckbe Leather Weekender:  This is called a ‘Weekender’, but it’s a healthy option.  I’d say it’s more of a long weekender, which works for me.  The leather is fantastic, and the signature Beckbe ‘X’ design gives it some character.
2. J.W. Hulme Continental Duffle Bag:  Hulme makes some very handsome leather pieces and their Continental design has been around for a LONG time.
3. Mission Mercantile Benjamin Leather Duffle Bag:  My friends at Mission Mercantile are leather experts, and the Benjamin is a great, affordable option for a leather duffle that will become a frequent flyer.  Great size and shape, it’s a classic that will never go out of style.
4. King Ranch Campanero Duffle Bag:  Excellent bag, and they offer the old school Texas font monograms.  How cool is that?
5. Tecovas Large Weekender:  Tecovas first branched out from their boots with this duffle, and I can tell you from personal experience that this bag is incredible.  Very affordable, and very sturdy, which gives it a really high value prop.
6. Martin Dingman Rudyard Polocrosse Duffle Bag:  We’re all aware of Martin Dingman’s prowess in the leather arena, and no details were spared in his Polocrosse line.  This duffle has a clam shell opening, giving greater access to all the contents.  The orange lining is a nice nod to the outdoorsman.
7. Filson Waterproof Leather Medium Duffle Bag:  Of course Filson is going to offer an all leather version of their iconic duffle.  And it’s incredible.
8. Barbour Leather Travel Bag:  Barbour’s option is a bit smaller than some; a great choice for the light traveler.
9. Colonel Littleton No. 5 Travel Grip: Last on the list, but certainly not ‘least’, this duffle is designed like an old doctor’s bag.  It has a structured feel and a hinged opening that allows for easy access.

Did I miss any?

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