American-Made Bags: Duffle
A selection of domestically produced travel ready bags for Fall
Fall brings with it the promise of travel getaways, from weekend leaf-peeping to warmer-weather escapes. Wherever you may go this season the right bag is key. We’ve gathered a variety of American-made options to pack for weekend jaunts and extended holidays, presenting a different one each day this week. We round out our selections with the end all be all of travel bags, the duffel, and share the previous picks to complete our rundown on domestically produced carryalls.
Tanner Goods Nomad Duffle
After seeing an early prototype design of the Nomad Duffle during a studio visit in July 2011 we were more than pleased with the final iteration when it came to fruition earlier this year. The heavy duty duffle is made with waxed 18 oz twill canvas, premium wool and Horween Chromexcel leather, held securely together with brass rivets, button studs and buckles. As always from Tanner, this Portland, Oregon produced bag shows pure craftsmanship, plus it holds more than enough for a lengthy escape.
Archival Clothing Roll Top
Archival’s basic Roll Top packs plenty of storage space for day trips or overnights. Made in Eugene, Oregon, the weather-resistant backpack is constructed of sturdy 18oz cotton duck canvas and accented with rich Horween leather and solid brass hardware. On the exterior sides you’ll find two stash pockets perfect for stuffing keys, your train ticket or even a mini U-lock, while inside a single lined pocket keeps the bag’s contents divided.
Pointer Tote
Sewn by hand in small production runs in Bristol, Tennessee, this heavy duty tote from trusted workwear outfitter Pointer is as basic as it gets, which we appreciate. While the thick canvas bag comes in multiple colorways—Hickory Stripe, Indigo Blue Denim, Brown Duck—we’re digging the ever-popular Woodland camo. On top of the Made in USA stamp to prove its worth, the bag’s got double-stitched seams and reinforced bottoms to drive the point home.
Billykirk for J.Crew Messenger
Hitting all the right notes of nostalgia, this compact collaboration messenger bag stows just enough for a day’s worth of errands or an afternoon field trip. The Pennsylvania-made bag’s nylon red and blue colorway captures a spirited sense of Americana without being kitschy, while the handsome design proves purpose with a 13″ laptop sleeve and multiple exterior compartments for daily essentials.
Peters Mountain Works C.B. Weekender
As part of the first official collection from the recently revived PMW line by legendary bag-maker John Peters (of Manhattan Portage fame), this nylon weekender is available exclusively through Opening Ceremony. The spacious bag features a large main compartment with several interior and exterior micro-pockets. Made in New York state, the bag puts a few contemporary twists on what’s essentially an enduring classic staple.
