Are you looking for a timeless bag that works just as well for a business trip, guys’ getaway, or romantic vacation? Look no further than a leather men’s travel holdall. Versatile, durable, and a signature accessory of the modern handsome man, a men’s holdall is the item you can’t – and shouldn’t – skimp on. Ideal as an investment in your own travel comfort or as a well-thought-out practical gift, a carryall is the traveling gentleman’s calling card.
If you’re wondering how to choose a men’s travel holdall that works for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to buying men’s leather holdall bags with everything you need to know about that musky leather smell, gentle curving texture…and, ahem, how practical they are – of course.
We’re all about style that’s as functional as it is timeless, so don’t sleep on these top tips from The Real Leather Company!readers engaged. This is where the substance of your article begins to take shape.
Why Leather?
In the first place, you might be wondering why leather at all? There are plenty of other products on the market that are surely just as good as a men’s leather weekend holdall. However, leather has remained popular since the first men started walking the Earth. Why? Because it’s more than a style choice…
For instance, leather is famous for its long-lasting strength and durability. When buying a leather bag now, you’re investing in a buddy that will carry your most prized items faithfully for at least a decade. Another reason is that leather is actually more eco-friendly than ‘vegan’ leather alternatives that are made from micro-plastics and heavily rely on chemical treatments that cause pollution.
The main takeaway? A leather men’s travel holdall is a long-term investment in style and usability.
There Are Different Types Of Leather?
Okay, now you’re convinced that you’d like a leather men’s holdall. But wait, there are different types of leather…and grades? Let us break it down for you: Basically, there are four main types of leather:
1. Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is the top-tier stuff. It’s the very top layer of the hide and requires exceptional skill to be worked correctly. A maximum of 13% of any hide can be used for full grain leather, making it the most expensive while also being the softest, most waterproof, and longest lasting leather – it’s like it’s branded for travel bags.
2. Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather is the second-best option when it comes to leather. It’s what you’ll find your typical leather bag to be made of, seeing as it doesn’t stain easily.
3. Genuine Leather
Next up is genuine leather, which is surprisingly not the highest quality grade. However, genuine leather is extremely durable due to the added patinas and artificial processes that it goes through, while still being more affordable than full grain or top grain leather.
4. Bonded Leather
Finally, you get bonded leather, which refers to the leftover bits of leather that are pulped together to create a leather lookalike. However, it’s important to note that bonded leather doesn’t offer the same benefits as its real counterpart. It doesn’t have the top shelf durability and that natural skin feel that full grain leather offers – although it can be artificially made to look very similar for a short time!


Size Schmize
Finding a size that suits your lifestyle is the next step to consider when looking for a men’s leather holdall. First, consider what the chief purpose of the bag will be. Whether you’d like to have a leather duffel to replace your checked luggage with a spacious carry-on, or if you find that you can usually chuck a few shirts into a weekend bag, you should find the ideal size for you. Here are some of the top things leather holdalls work best for:
- Business trips (domestic and abroad)
- Weekends away with a partner, family, or friends (watch as they all ask where you got your men’s designer holdall!)
- Traveling the world as a digital nomad with good taste
- Gym equipment with a touch of sir (we think they’re the perfect sport holdall)
- Daily activities like moving from one event to another
We even see some of our customers buying holdalls for things we would never have expected. You could use one to carry trophies, bricks or chainsaw cases.
Ultimately, a holdall should do what it says on the tin: Hold all the things you need in easily accessible compartments, from passports to house keys.
Speaking of which…
Why Should I Care About The Interior Organization Of My Holdall?
Interior organizing seems self-explanatory: It helps keep your stuff organized. Of course, you get intelligent designs from people that have actually used holdalls and know what type of pockets, sizes, and add-ons are invaluable. If you want to use a men’s holdall to travel with, ensure that you buy one with the features you want. These could include:
- A separate compartment for shoes
- A pocket for travel documents like your passport
- A laptop compartment that’s easy to access when you want to get through airport security without emptying an entire bag on the floor
- Exterior pockets for keys and other need-to-reach items
- Straps that can attach to a rolling suitcase
- A pocket for a water bottle
- A spacious center compartment for clothes and larger items
Why Am I The One Losing An Arm And A Leg Though?
You might be wondering if it’s really worth paying more for a higher quality bag. After all, it’s not you who’s supposed to be skinned here! The reality is that you get what you pay for, and quality of leather is challenging to work, but at the end of the day, it creates products that are as rugged as you are. It’s an investment – so how much are you willing to invest in quality?
