If you’ve been considering purchasing a leather duffel bag for your upcoming travels, here’s your sign. There are so many reasons why you might want to go this route for your next luggage solution. Stylish, durable, and long-lasting, a leather duffel bag is an accessory that you’ll likely love for years to come.
However, not all leather duffels are the same. If you’ve already been researching your options, you’ve likely realized just how much duffels can vary from brand to brand. So which option is right for you?
Here’s everything you need to consider when shopping for a new leather travel duffel, as well as our picks for the 8 best real and faux leather bags.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Leather Duffel Bag
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop for a new leather duffel. These factors will help you determine if a particular bag is right for you and your travel needs.
Size
When shopping for any piece of luggage, it’s important to consider the size. After all, it’s not going to do you much good if it can’t fit all your travel gear. On the flip side, you want your leather duffel to also be small enough to be easy to carry. Since duffels don’t come with wheels, you’ll be lugging yours across the airport and further. And, of course, no one wants to start their vacation with a sore shoulder.
So what’s the optimum size for a leather duffel bag?
Firstly, you may want to consider carry-on restrictions as you shop for a leather duffel. Most airlines require that your carry-on bag be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This size makes a bag small enough to fit in the overhead compartment, while still being large enough to suit most travelers on a weekend trip. Ensuring that your duffel is carry-on size means you’ll get to take it on the plane with you (in most cases). No more worries about who’s scratching up or damaging your luggage (though, as far as luggage goes, leather duffels are relatively difficult to damage).
Material
Do you want to go with faux or real leather? There are pros and cons to each option.
If you’re worried about the ethical implications of using a leather bag, you may want to go faux. Vegan-approved leather looks stylish and authentic, without the animal. Additionally, faux leather options are often more affordable.
Authentic leather, on the other hand, is … well, real leather. No one can deny that real leather has a very specific look, feel, and even smell. Additionally, real leather is durable and long-lasting and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. If you want the experience and quality of a real leather product, you may find the extra cost to be worth it.
Extra Features
Next, what extra features would you like your duffel bag to come with?
These extra features can range. For example, organizational features like inner pockets, outer pockets, zipper pockets, and the rest, can make travel easy. Think about how you travel and what you typically need to be most accessible. This will help determine what you need in terms of pockets and storage, either on the bag’s interior or exterior.
How would you like to be able to carry your bag? Do you want a long shoulder strap? Or are you fine with just two carrying handles on either side of the bag? Remember, you’re going to be lugging this thing for a while, so you want it to be comfortable to carry.
Price
And, lastly, there’s price. As mentioned, an authentic leather bag is just about always going to be more expensive than a faux leather bag. But, you do get what you pay for, whether you go vegan leather or the real deal.
Think about how much you want to invest in a leather duffel. There are leather duffel bags out there at a range of price points, so your budget will heavily impact your shopping experience.
The Vacationer Tip
Are you flying soon? Check out our 41 Carry-On Essentials for Flights. Considering other luggage? Check out our Best Carry-On Suitcase Luggage Bags.
Is a Leather Duffel Bag Right for My Travel Type?
Beyond the various features and functions a singular bag offers, one other thing to consider is your travel type. In some cases, a leather duffel bag might just not be suitable. In other cases, a leather duffel might be the perfect fit.
If you’re a frequent business traveler who’s often on the road for quick spurts at a time, you may find that a duffel bag doesn’t work well for you. You may need something that can hold more tech and that’s a little more organized, while still being on the smaller side.
If you’re an outdoorsy, adventure traveler, you may want something that’s a little less posh and that’s more function than fashion. Think a duffel bag that you could throw down a muddy mountainside. Or a duffel bag that doubles as a pillow while camping or a backpack while hiking.
If, however, you’re a frequent leisure traveler — or you find that you don’t necessarily need that much tech when you travel for work, or that you always check an extra bag anyway — then you might find that a leather duffel bag is exactly right for your needs.
8 Best Leather Duffel Bags for Travel
So, without further ado, here are our 8 best picks for leather duffel bags for travel.
1. KPL 21 Inch Vintage Leather Duffel
Photo: passionleather.com
This full-grain leather bag features a canvas lining, which is a nice feature if you’re worried about toiletry spills or other interior damage. At 21 x 11 x 9 inches, it fits most industry standard carry-on restrictions. There are two carrying options — handles and a detachable shoulder strap. Inside, there’s one internal pocket, and two side pockets on the exterior, all zippered.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple ways to carry
Cons:
- Not as luxurious as some of your other options
Click Here to See the KPL Vintage Leather Duffel Pricing
2. NEWHEY Oversized Travel Duffel
Photo: Amazon.com
Another budget-friendly authentic leather duffel bag that’s available on Amazon, this bag is made from horse leather and waterproof canvas. One unique feature? It has feet on the bottom of the bag, to help keep your bag off the dirty airport floor. Exterior pockets are held together with magnetic buttons, which could be a pro or con, depending on how you look at it. The buttons aren’t as durable and strong as a zipper, but they do make pockets easier to access in a hurry.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not 100% leather — features canvas as well
Click Here to See The NEWHEY Oversized Travel Duffel Pricing
3. J.W. Hulme Classic Duffel
Photo: jwhulmeco.com
On the other end of the budget spectrum, we have this classic duffel from J.W. Hulme. Gorgeous and luxurious, the bag is made from latigo leather and lined with microsuede fabric. Polished brass hardware on the exterior adds to the luxe look. This bag has a new feel, versus the rough, weathered look that some of the other bags on this list boast. However, that could be exactly what you’re looking for. A removable shoulder strap features an adjustable leather pad to give you a little bit of additional comfort. You can even choose to have the bag monogrammed if you so please.
Pros:
- Extra-luxurious look
- Comes in three colors
- Extra-comfy shoulder strap
Cons:
- Pricey
Click Here to See the J.W. Hulme Classic Duffel Pricing
4. Leatherfocus Leather Travel Duffel Bag
Photo: Amazon.com
There’s one stand-out feature on this travel duffel that makes it a winner. It features a dedicated shoe pocket on one end, keeping your shoes away from your clean clothes and other items. After all, do you want to throw your hiking boots or even the dress shoes you’ve worn throughout your entire trip, right in your duffel bag’s main pocket? Didn’t think so. Otherwise, the bag features a removable shoulder strap, plus feet to keep it from sitting directly on the ground.
Pros:
- Extra storage for shoes
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- Not much in the way of other organization
Click Here to See the Leatherfocus Leather Travel Duffel Bag Pricing
5. The Dagny Weekender
Photo: steelhorseleather.com
Made from horse leather, with a cotton lining, this lightweight duffel features both a grab handle and a removable shoulder strap. It also features a separate pocket for shoes, along with three open pockets. At 19.7 x 9 x 10 inches, it is on the smaller side, as far as travel duffels go, but you won’t even notice thanks to the roomy interior pocket.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons:
- On the smaller side
Click Here to See the Dagny Weekender Pricing
6. Ben Sherman 20-Inch Vegan Leather Travel Duffel
Photo: bensherman.com
If you’re specifically in the market for a faux leather bag, though, look to this Ben Sherman duffel made from distressed, tear-resistant faux leather. It features the same look and feel as many other authentic leather bags on our list, plus both hand grabs and a shoulder strap. All told, this faux leather bag is much lighter than an authentic alternative as well, at less than 2.5 pounds. It also features metal feet to keep your bag up and off the ground, plus self-repairing zippers.
Pros:
- Faux leather
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not as luxurious as some of your other options
Click Here to See the Ben Sherman 20-Inch Vegan Leather Travel Duffel Pricing
7. BAOSHA Leather Large Travel Duffel
Photo: Amazon.com
This large, faux leather duffel bag features a lower level below the main body of the bag, for keeping both shoes and dirty clothes separate. Beyond this nice feature, for being a faux leather bag, it does have a pretty authentic vintage leather look and feel. A special pocket on the back allows you to attach your duffel to the handle of a suitcase, in those instances where you’re bringing it along as a carry-on but checking another bag. It also features both grab handles and a shoulder strap.
Pros:
- Faux leather
- Large bottom pocket
- Easy to carry
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not as luxurious as some of your other options
Click Here to See the BAOSHA Leather Large Travel Duffel Pricing
8. Zeroway Travel Duffel Bag
Photo: Amazon.com
If you’re looking for lots of organization, this bag delivers. The faux leather bag offers way more pockets and separated storage, as compared to the other duffels on our list. Multiple exterior pockets with separate zippers and clasps make it easy to quickly access your on-the-go travel gear, while a roomy inner pocket keeps your other items safe and out of sight. It even features a special laptop pocket, if you’re traveling for work.
Pros:
- Faux leather
- Budget-friendly
- Lots of pockets
Cons:
- Not as durable as some of your other options
Click Here to See the Zeroway Travel Duffel Bag Pricing
What Are My Options Beyond Leather?
So you took a gander at the above leather duffel options and none are quite doing it for you? You do have other options beyond leather duffel bags.
Nylon duffel bags are waterproof and lightweight. You can find nylon duffel bags from a range of popular brands, such as Patagonia and Yeti. These bags are often preferred by outdoorsy, adventure travelers who want something that can take a beating.
Canvas duffel bags are also an option and typically lend more toward fashion versus function. Like any fabric piece of luggage or tote, you’ll likely see that canvas duffel bags aren’t quite as long-lasting and durable as some of their counterparts.
Caring for Your Leather Duffel Bag
Once you’ve purchased the perfect leather duffel bag for you, make sure to properly care for it. While care can differ from brand to brand, leather type to leather type, in general, you can keep your leather bag clean with just a damp cloth and gentle, time-to-time cleaning. Make sure not to leave any soap residue on your bag and, if needed, apply a leather conditioner to keep your bag in like-new condition.
Ready to Start Shopping?
Whether you need a brand-new leather duffel for your upcoming trip or you’re looking for a vegan alternative to add to your luggage collection, you can find your perfect fit in our list above. Just be sure to consider every factor of your travel habits and preferences, to ensure you purchase a bag you’ll love for a lifetime.
By Holly Riddle
Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.
FAQs
How do I choose a leather duffle bag? ›
The quality of a leather duffel bag is determined by the thickness of the leather, the type of leather, and the number of stitches. Leather bags are built with a variety of different types and thicknesses of leather. The type and thickness determine how long your bag will last – as well as what it will feel like.
What type of leather is best for duffle bag? ›Full grain leather promises lifelong quality and durability. For those who plan to use their leather duffle bag very often, full grain leather is the perfect choice. This type of leather is heavy and durable, ensuring a sturdy, water-resistant duffle bag for important items.
How big should a travel duffel bag be? ›The standard size for a duffel bag is about 17” wide, 22” high, and 10” deep. Most airlines won't accept carry-on bags that are any larger, which is why it's a good idea to try to stick to this size or smaller if you plan on traveling on an airline.
Which leather bag is most durable? ›Full-grain leather is exceptionally durable and strong as the natural grain has the strongest fibers in the hide. As full-grain leather is made from the hide's top layer and retains the animal's scars and marks, your bag can stay original and attractive for years.
What is the most comfortable type of leather? ›Full-Grain Leather Is the Best Quality
Full-grain leather is characterized by its luxurious, smooth surface, and it has few, if any, flaws. It is the most popular type of leather.
There are generally considered four types of leather quality grades, listed from best to worst: full grain leather, top grain leather, genuine leather, and bonded leather.
Which leather is the most supple? ›Lambskin is the softest sort of leather available since it originates from an animal that has not fully matured, unlike other types of hide. Its delicate, airy layered structure gives it an incredibly smooth, velvet-like touch.
What is the difference between a duffel bag and a travel bag? ›Duffel bags are less secure than hardshell luggage, which provides a protective barrier for packed items. Duffel bags can also be awkward to carry when packed with heavy items. Last, duffel bags (vs. suitcases) are not as easy to keep organized unless you use packing cubes and other accessories.
What size duffel bag is TSA carry-on? ›What size duffel bag counts as a carry-on? The standard carry-on dimensions for most airlines are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. While it can vary by airline, it's important to check ahead of time to avoid checked bag fees in case your bag is too large.
Should carry-on wheels be in or out? ›3. Wheels down and facing out – unless it's a Space Bin. Most overhead bins will have a sticker with instructions telling you “wheels out.” That's the easiest, most-efficient way to load your bag in most bins, preventing wheels from getting stuck on the lip of the bin.
Is a 28 inch duffel bag too big for carry-on? ›
While it may vary from airline to airline, the maximum duffel bag carry-on size is typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches for flights within the U.S. Bag size limitations on international flights can vary, so always check ahead of time on the airline's website.
What color leather is most popular? ›The most popular colors in leather furniture are typically black and brown. Going into detail with the personality of colors can help you decide how you will choose the colors in your living space. Blacks usually will work best as an accent color but should never be used as the primary color in a room.
Which Colour leather bag is best? ›For most people, the best color for a handbag is a neutral color like black, navy, gray, white, brown or tan.
What type of leather is best? ›Among real leathers, full grain leather is by far the best in terms of quality. Unlike the other grains, full grain has not been separated from the top grain or split layers, and is therefore the strongest and most dependable type of leather.
What type of leather is strongest? ›Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable leather. Additionally, since the grain is so tight, it resists moisture very well. Over time, full-grain leather will look nicer and nicer and develop a patina from being handled. The next best—and second strongest—leather is called "top-grain" leather.
What makes a quality leather bag? ›The best leathers develop an attractive patina – a weathered, sheeny look which a material gets through aging. The higher the quality, the better the patina. It's not something you'll get with heavily treated leather or other lesser grades. Avoid bags that are made of bonded leather.
How long should a good leather bag last? ›When properly cared for, genuine leather can last for years. Many premium leather crafters even guarantee their work to last for decades, even up to 100 years. This is because genuine leather is simply built to last thanks to natural durability.
What is the best thickness of leather? ›The usual thickness for car or furniture leather is 0.9 to 1.2 millimetres. Leather that is thicker than 1.4 millimetres is called thick leather. Garment leather for light leisure jackets has a thickness of 0.5 to 0.9 millimetres.
What is the most durable leather grade? ›Full Grain Leather
Full grain is the most durable and resistant to wear. In most cases, products made from full grain leather last longer than the others also because the full grain leather does not tear. The two common full grain leathers are vegetable tanned leather and distressed leather.
If you see “100% leather,” “full-grain leather,” “top grain leather,” or “genuine leather,” you're headed in the right direction. (Learn more about the different types of leather).
What grade of leather is the cheapest? ›
Bonded leather is the lowest (and the cheapest) grade of leather. Common Uses: Making furniture, bookbinding, and various fashion accessories. Though there are four basic types of leather, you can find a wide range of options based on the percentage of organic material, durability, and the finishing process.
What is the toughest thin leather? ›Kangaroo is a very light-weight and thin leather that is ounce-for-ounce the toughest leather in the world. It is very interesting to note that Kangaroo is generally much more resistant to drying out than calfskin. Kangaroo leather is lighter and stronger than the hide of a cow or goat.
What is the softest leather called? ›Lambskin leather provides a luxurious feel. It is the softest and thinnest leather available, and its suppleness and smoothness is appreciated in the creation of gloves for competition.
Which leather is softer? ›Deerskin. Arguably the softest type of leather is deerskin.
What animal makes the best leather? ›Ostrich - Not only the finest but also the most durable leather. Buffalo - Extremely strong, durable and rugged on the contrary it is also soft and supple. Eel - Very thin and not strong however surprisingly soft, shiny and smooth. Stingray - Tough and durable as plastic and yet it has a beautiful appearance.
What size bag is best for Travelling? ›30-50 liters: In general, luggage that has a capacity of about 50 liters or less is sufficient for a weekend trip. There are lots of carry-on duffels, packs and bags in this size range to choose from. 50-75 liters: For a trip that lasts one to two weeks, many people jump up to a bag in this range.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage? ›“Almost all U.S. airline crew members use soft-sided roll-aboard bags,” Patrick Smith, airline pilot, air travel blogger, and author, tells Reader's Digest.
What to look for when buying a travel bag? ›- Know luggage restrictions of different airlines.
- Go for a lightweight travel bag.
- Select a compact travel bag.
- Pick a bag with wheels and telescope handle.
- Select a unique colour or personalise your travel bag.
- Place quality over pricing.
Duffel bags are much lighter than carry-on suitcases. They are also easier to carry and more maneuverable than a wheeled carry-on. Travel duffels are also designed for easy access to your belongings and they're easier to organize.
Can I bring a duffel bag and a suitcase as carry-on? ›The answer is yes. You can use a duffel bag as a carry-on item. However, you should ensure that the duffel bag's size and weight meet the airline's specific restrictions on carry-on luggage. You should also consider the bag's shape, as some airlines have limitations that may affect your duffel bag's usability.
What holds more a suitcase or a duffel bag? ›
Storage Capacity
There are extra pockets on the inside and outside of most suitcases as well, allowing for even more storage space. Unlike duffel bags, suitcases will not fit well in smaller spaces like under a bed, in a shared room or inside lockers.
The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum. Hard-shell luggage often features a 50/50-split opening, allowing you to pack two sides equally and stabilize the contents with an interior strap or a middle divider.
What is not allowed in carry-on luggage? ›Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
Is a 24 inch duffel bag a carry-on? ›Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry on? Unfortunately no, the standard carry-on size is typically 22” x 14” x 9”, so a 24 inch bag is too large to bring on board of most economy standard airlines.
What is the largest duffel bag you can check on a plane? ›Most domestic airlines publish checked baggage size limits as a single dimension: 62 linear inches total. International airlines vary slightly, but the 62-inch rule is the most common standard worldwide. Bags larger than 62 linear inches can still fly, but they may be subject to additional fees.
What size duffle bag fits under airline seat? ›According to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.
Why are wheels placed at the bottom of suitcase? ›Carriers define a rectangular prism into which luggage must fit. The wheels and the air between them occupy some of that volume. The way to maximize storage volume (and minimize air volume) is to place the wheels on the rectangular face that has the smallest area.
What should I check in or carry-on? ›What to pack in your checked bags vs carry on? In general, the best things to pack in your checked luggage vs carry on are the bulkier, heavier items such as your clothes, shoes, toiletries, makeup and accessories. You can't board a flight with certain items, and these should be in your checked bag.
Are wheels included in carry-on luggage measurements? ›Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22" x 14" x 9", which includes the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag — and ideally everyone else's — will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin for your flight.
How do you pack clothes in a duffel bag? ›The rolling method is the best way to pack clothes in a duffle bag to save on space. Roll your clothing in a cylindrical shape when possible and place each item neatly in a row. Top tip: Fold your shirts, pants and undergarments in half lengthwise, then roll them tightly so they form cylinders.
How strict are airlines with carry-on size? ›
Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.
What if my carry-on is slightly too big? ›If your carry-on is too big, you will either have to pay penalty fees or check your luggage. Checking your luggage means that your carry-on won't be traveling with you but will instead be sent to the airplane cargo, and you will be able to claim it once the plane lands.
What weight of leather is best for bags? ›You don't want it to be so thick it has little give. Tote bags, clutches and products of this sort usually use 3 to 4 ounces of leather. A project like a wallet will be slightly thicker. You want to give in the folds but still a sturdy strong case, so 4 to 5 ounces of leather is often used for wallets.
How do you choose quality leather? ›Good leather has a subtle softness, a smooth, natural sensation with a thick, weighty and heavy character. A poor quality leather would feel light and thin or have a uniform plastic-like coating to it with a dry artificial sensation. They might also have cracks and wrinkles around the curves and bends.
Does thickness of leather matter? ›Well, generally speaking, the thicker the piece of leather, the more durable and stiffer it will be. Of course, there are other factors involved too like the tannage (type of tanning method used). Most people know that you want to avoid leather that is too thin for durability reasons.
What is the ultimate strength of leather? ›The tensile strength leather has is between 8-25 N/mm2 for hides of bovine origin. Car leather needs to be even stronger. The automotive industry expects a value of 200 N per 5 cm. The amount of fat content leather has, increases its tensile strength and also its resistance to tearing.
What are the 4 grades of leather? ›There are generally considered four types of leather quality grades, listed from best to worst: full grain leather, top grain leather, genuine leather, and bonded leather.
What are the five grades of leather? ›Generally speaking, leather is divided into five different grades: Top-grain leather, full-grain leather, split-grain leather, genuine leather and bonded leather.
What is the nicest leather? ›Among real leathers, full grain leather is by far the best in terms of quality. Unlike the other grains, full grain has not been separated from the top grain or split layers, and is therefore the strongest and most dependable type of leather.
What color leather ages the best? ›The best leather color depends on the item, but natural shades like browns and blacks are the most popular because they age better and don't show wear and tear as much as other bright colors.
What is the difference between a tote bag and a shopping bag? ›
Shopper bags are a type of tote bag. The difference is that shopper bags are considered “open totes” where you can fit just about anything you need and take it with you on the go. You can even fit a smaller bag inside if you're pinched for time and in a rush to get out the door.
What is the difference between 100% leather and genuine leather? ›What is the difference between genuine and real leather? Real leather is 100% authentic leather made from animal hides, such as full grain leather or top grain leather. Genuine leather is a lower grade, which often includes only a small percentage of authentic leather.
Is full grain leather better than top grain? ›Durability. Full-grain leather will always be stronger and more durable than top grain leather. This is because by sanding down the top layer, you also sand off the strong fibers in the hide. It is the best solution for a quality leather product.