Leather duffle bags...worth it?

[westinghouse]

I can buy a really nice Ralph Lauren vegetable tanned cognac leather duffle 20"x 12"x12" for half price. I'm wondering if those of you who have weekend bags get much use out of it? The bag should last forever and will only look nicer over time. Is it really worth the investment?

 

[LukeM]

I would buy one only if it was $300 but I don't travel much.

 

[Patek]

I think it is worth it. I have a leather and wool one that I travel with all the time as I hate roll-aboards.

 

[apropos]

I don't know, for travel duffles are kinda neither here nor there for me - for their intended purpose (a weekend) they carry enough that they'll be a hassle to lug around, yet not enough that you'd not need to bring any other bag. From personal experience, any air travel involving duffles are just plain inconvenient - they get beat around and the surface gets damaged if they are checked in, they provide zero protection to their contents (e.g. bottles of cologne or wine), they are a hassle to lug around if you're doing carry-on only, they are an absolute unholy ***** to get into above-head compartments if you're travelling coach, and if you're travelling first class you just feel bad for the poor hostess who has to struggle with your unwieldy duffle. I know it's a tip of the hat to the romantic golden era of travel sorta-thing and they do look cool but really, the only travel scenario I can see a duffle working in is if you are doing a weekend driving trip. Just my 0.02.

 

[NAMOR]

Originally Posted by apropos

I don't know, for travel duffles are kinda neither here nor there for me - for their intended purpose (a weekend) they carry enough that they'll be a hassle to lug around, yet not enough that you'd not need to bring any other bag. From personal experience, any air travel involving duffles are just plain inconvenient - they get beat around and the surface gets damaged if they are checked in, they provide zero protection to their contents (e.g. bottles of cologne or wine), they are a hassle to lug around if you're doing carry-on only, they are an absolute unholy ***** to get into above-head compartments if you're travelling coach, and if you're travelling first class you just feel bad for the poor hostess who has to struggle with your unwieldy duffle. I know it's a tip of the hat to the romantic golden era of travel sorta-thing and they do look cool but really, the only travel scenario I can see a duffle working in is if you are doing a weekend driving trip. Just my 0.02.
I agree with you 100% but I still think OP should buy it. How much are we talking about? I have one that I purchased for $550 and its worth every penny. Retailed for $1500 i believe.

 

[NAMOR]

x-post from manbag thread: My RL travel duffle:

 

[26redd]

For sure worth it. They are all pretty expensive though. Be careful with any on ebay from china or other countries. I have dealt with them and usualy the product is not very good.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by apropos

I don't know, for travel duffles are kinda neither here nor there for me - for their intended purpose (a weekend) they carry enough that they'll be a hassle to lug around, yet not enough that you'd not need to bring any other bag.

From personal experience, any air travel involving duffles are just plain inconvenient - they get beat around and the surface gets damaged if they are checked in, they provide zero protection to their contents (e.g. bottles of cologne or wine), they are a hassle to lug around if you're doing carry-on only, they are an absolute unholy ***** to get into above-head compartments if you're travelling coach, and if you're travelling first class you just feel bad for the poor hostess who has to struggle with your unwieldy duffle.

I know it's a tip of the hat to the romantic golden era of travel sorta-thing and they do look cool but really, the only travel scenario I can see a duffle working in is if you are doing a weekend driving trip.

Just my 0.02.


GREAT post. I agree about the aesthetic and nostalgic value... but I could never use one for my regular travel. Need durability... and wheels.

Now, If I had an Aston Mrtin and needed something for popping up to the summer home on weekends...

 

[PITAronin]

I have a Mulholland duffle (leather trim but waxed cloth surface) that has been excellent for relatively short trips. If I'm traveling in a sport coat and jeans, the bag can hold a few extra shirts and a pair of good slacks, underwear, socks, running shoes and gear, swim trunks, and toiletries. The shoulder strap allows it to be carried through airports fairly easily. The design allows for it to be squashed a little if need be to get into an aiplane's overhead storage (far better than the rollaboards that people carry on that might have fit the airlines' recommended dimensions when they were empty but which always seem to have supersized themselves once the outside pouch has been stuffed to the max.)

 

[Ianiceman]

Apropos nailed this one.

I have a really nice leather duffel that even has hidden wheels but I don't want to trust it's veg tanned surface to clumsy baggage handlers so whenever I'm flying I take the nylon Tumi and reserve the leather for road trips. Even if you think you can take the leather on a plane there are times when either you are on a small plane with tiny overheads or the overheads are filled so you have to gate check it and it's in the fate of the baggage handlers again. Also leather is heavy and impractical for carrying through the miles of airport concourses but fine from house to car, car to hotel check in etc.

You didn't mention price but if I'm lashing out several hundred dollars for leather I'm gonna be wearing it not letting it get thrown around and left in the rain.

 

[JayJay]

......

 

[JayJay]

Leather duffles are nice and look great over time, but I find they are too heavy for air travel. I have one that I love, but never reach for it any more because of the added weight. I now carry a RLPL leather and canvas duffle type bag for overnight travel that works very well for me. It fits easily under the seat, which is a plus.

 

[thesecondprize]

slightly off topic, but in the interest of not creating a new thread: this Jack Spade leather duffle is currently on sale. Can anyone speak to the quality of Jack Spade leather?

 

[aravenel]

Another +1 to Apropos. I've come within an inch of buying something similar several times, but the fact is it's just totally impractical for me--I don't even own a car anymore.

Still, a beautiful bag. *sigh*

 

[Patek]

Originally Posted by apropos

I don't know, for travel duffles are kinda neither here nor there for me - for their intended purpose (a weekend) they carry enough that they'll be a hassle to lug around, yet not enough that you'd not need to bring any other bag.

From personal experience, any air travel involving duffles are just plain inconvenient - they get beat around and the surface gets damaged if they are checked in, they provide zero protection to their contents (e.g. bottles of cologne or wine), they are a hassle to lug around if you're doing carry-on only, they are an absolute unholy ***** to get into above-head compartments if you're travelling coach, and if you're travelling first class you just feel bad for the poor hostess who has to struggle with your unwieldy duffle.

I know it's a tip of the hat to the romantic golden era of travel sorta-thing and they do look cool but really, the only travel scenario I can see a duffle working in is if you are doing a weekend driving trip.

Just my 0.02.

Wow, I could not disagree with this post more. I travel for work just about every other week and I ALWAYS go with my duffle. I do not find it a hassle to lug around at all and it is small enough to fit in the overhead of even the CRJ connector flights when everyone else has to gate check their bags.

Since I started traveling with it, not once have I wished to have my wheels back and I get looks and complements with it everywhere I go. I have not had any "protection" issues with items I am carrying, but since I never check it, it is not like I am carrying liquids anyway.

If you are in reasonable shape and do not have any serious back problems, a duffle is the only way to go--if you have any style.