Last month I wrote a post about the bag that I use when I check luggage. It’s rare that I check a bag, but now that my wife just gave birth to a beautiful boy named Jack “Jet,” it might be my new reality. At least that’s what my friends who travel with their kids tell me. I still plan on carrying-on with my Briggs & Riley rolling briefcase for all of my work stuff like laptop, cameras, chargers…
The other bag I’ve been using for the last 12 years was a Roots leather duffel bag that I received as a groomsman gift for my cousin’s wedding. I loved it not only because it looked good but also because it would fit enough clothes for a week and it fit in all of the airplane overhead bins (except, of course, if I had it filled to the rim and I was flying on a regional jet; in that case I would have to gate-check it).
But sadly the Roots bag was getting beat up from wear and tear and from having to check it a few times because some airlines (especially in Europe and Australia) have cracked down on carry-on luggage size. It particularly hurt when it was raining out. Just as I was about to shop around for a new Roots bag (they aren’t cheap) I was contacted by a leather goods company I had never heard of before called Moore & Giles. It turns out they’re best known for supplying the majority of the leather you see on private jets as well as on furniture at Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn.
I checked out their website and was blown away by the leather bags, especially the Cleland XL Duffel. It’s beautiful and the same size as my Roots bag. Moore & Giles were kind enough to send me over one (they retail for $975) and when I took it out of the box my wife and my sister (they both have expensive taste) were like, “Whoa… where did you get that bag?”
I haven’t traveled with it yet but I can’t wait to see the reaction of travelers next to me at security. They used to comment on my Roots bag but this one is much nicer so it should be interesting. If you’re interested, the Cleland XL Duffel features:.
- 53″ adjustable/removable padded leather shoulder strap
- One interior zipper pocket
- Top carry handles
- Two exterior side zip pockets
- Two interior pockets
The bag can also be monogrammed and accommodate up to three initials with one-size, block font. It will be located on the exterior center between the handles. The dimensions are 23″L x 11″W x 14″H.
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You should also check out Timbuk2 for bags. Exquisite looks and quality. I love the 2 I own.