Opinions on JW Hulme bags? Alternatives?

[SJX]

Anyone have any experience with JW Hulme (http://www.jwhulmeco.com) bags? I like their leather/green canvas overnight briefcase.

Or if anyone knows of any alternative makers of such canvas/leather bags? I know Orvis makes something similar (Battenkill range) at a significantly lower price, but Orvis doesn't reveal where it's made so I wonder if the quality is good. Opinions welcome. Thanks!

- SJX

 

[maxnharry]

Originally Posted by SJX

Anyone have any experience with JW Hulme (http://www.jwhulmeco.com) bags? I like their leather/green canvas overnight briefcase.

Or if anyone knows of any alternative makers of such canvas/leather bags? I know Orvis makes something similar (Battenkill range) at a significantly lower price, but Orvis doesn't reveal where it's made so I wonder if the quality is good. Opinions welcome. Thanks!

- SJX

I believe that Hulme is the maker for Orvis' canvas and leather bags. I don't have experience with them, but have heard good things.

 

[AlanC]

Filson offers similar items. Check ebay for some discount sellers.

 

[TCN]

Hulme does make the Orvis battenkill stuff (at least they used to). Quality is decent, but won't blow anybody away. Cheaper than Filson, but not quite as robust - in case you're REALLY planning on using it hard.

 

[joal]

Originally Posted by TCN

Hulme does make the Orvis battenkill stuff (at least they used to). Quality is decent, but won't blow anybody away. Cheaper than Filson, but not quite as robust - in case you're REALLY planning on using it hard.

Indeed Hulme used to make stuff for Orvis. However, Ovis stuff is now made in China, hence the much lower price point. The Hulme stuff is made in the USA with a lifetime warranty (and great customer service.

 

[brainchild]

I ordered some JW Hulme pieces a few years ago, and wound up sending them back. I found the construction flimsy and the materials middle-of-the-road.

Alternatives, include Filson and Frost River (US), which use waxed cotton canvas, and Chapmann (UK), which uses a unique rubber bonded cotton twill.

Orvis Battenkill is definitely not, at this time, made by Hulme, because, as already mentioned, Battenkill is made overseas and Hulme is made in the US. Battenkill is not well made.

 

[joal]

Originally Posted by brainchild

I ordered some JW Hulme pieces a few years ago, and wound up sending them back. I found the construction flimsy and the materials middle-of-the-road.

Alternatives, include Filson and Frost River (US), which use waxed cotton canvas, and Chapmann (UK), which uses a unique rubber bonded cotton twill.

Orvis Battenkill is definitely not, at this time, made by Hulme, because, as already mentioned, Battenkill is made overseas and Hulme is made in the US. Battenkill is not well made.

Hulme was bought by new owners a few years ago and is undergoing a bit of a rennaissance. They almost went out of business about a year and a half ago (there was an article in the Wall Street Journal about it) but took on a new partner and are actually doing really well now. I live in Boston now but previously lived in St. Paul, MN (where Hulme is located). They have a retail showroom - which is really just the front of their factory. I stopped in their shop a few weeks ago to check out their stuff and was really impressed. I believe the new owners have made a committment to quality, made in the USA products. Everyone was really nice (I met both owners) and one of the sales staff actually offered to take me on a tour of the factory which turned out to be very interesting.

Their newest line of stuff is called "American Heritage" and is absolutely stunning. Some upscale retailers are now starting to carry their stuff, including Steven Alan and Barney's in New York. They have a facebook page and you can go on a pictorial tour of their factory, see pics of bags being made, and see pics of really old customer bags.

I am in no way affiliated with them, I just think their stuff is pretty cool (and I like that it is made in the US right on their premises). I ended up buying a canvas/leather briefcase, a british personal case, and a wallet. All the goods are extremely high quality, in my opinion. I also own several Filson products and several Swaine Adeney products including a briefcase so I do have a decent frame of reference.

 

[jhankes]

Hulme used to make Battenkill luggage now it is "imported" meaning, probably, Made in China. I have a Hulme Battenkill and it is the bomb. Durable and attractive.

 

[FHowl]

Literally anything would be better. I'm taking a $30 backpack to Europe instead of the $900 Hulme bag I just got. I wanted to exchange a canvas tote that I received as a gift, but a medallion was monogrammed, so they refused to work with me. This wasn't part of the structure of the bag, it is a little piece of leather sewn onto the canvas. Maybe ten minutes of work, possibly $50 worth of leather would have made it like new again. I offered to pay for the handling and restocking, but no dice. So, sure, order from them if you like the look and have plenty of cash lying around because chances are you'll be stuck with whatever you get.