Leather Duffle Bag a.k.a. The WaterBag

11.00 lb

22.00

14.00

12.00

$849.00
(102 reviews) Write a Review
SKU:
01-60-0009
100 Year Warranty

Design of This Leather Duffle Bag

This leather duffle bag is our most popular overnight travel bag and the most versatile one. It is just one solid giant piece of leather with no breakable parts like zippers, snaps, buttons, etc. Any place that might get stress has been reinforced with rivets or hidden polyester strapping between the leather. The reason it's built with just one solid piece of leather is to reduce the amount of seams (watch the video above with bull to understand this better). Since we sew at only five stitches per inch, there is more leather between the needle holes. You see, a sewing machine is really just a perforation machine and so the fewer the holes to start a tear or let water in, the better. So when it comes to seams, less is more.

Details

  • 100 year warranty
  • Backpack Mode
  • Ideal for 5 Days of Travel
  • Carry On Approved

Dimensions (W x H x D) 

  • Unfolded: 20" X 18" X 9"
  • Folded: 20" X 14" X 9"
  • Shoulder strap: 34" - 59"
  • Weight: 7.0 lbs

MATERIALS

  • Full Grain Leather
  • Pigskin Insert
  • Custom Stainless Steel Hardware
  • Industrial Marine-Grade Polyester Thread

Full Grain Leather

The cow leather I chose for this leather duffle bag is the strongest there is (full-grain boot leather, but thicker). Leather is like a roof. The shingles are the toughest and most protective layer. Leather has what is called "Grain" and it makes up the top layer of the hide. Some companies shave off the top layer to get rid of scars and blemishes because they don't want to throw any leather away. That's money. But in doing so, they shave off the shingles from your roof. It's really dumb, but they do it. We don't. We use high quality leather with the full amount of grain still there to make all of our leather travel and overnight bags.

A Durable Liner

The bottom of the leather duffle bag has a liner covered in tough pigskin, which is stronger than the cow skin. It gives it form, but is removable and the removable liner is covered in pigskin, which is stronger than the full-grain leather. Other bag makers might line the interior with some stylish cotton fabric or nylon material with a pretty map, but we wanted durability, and we think you do too. So pack in your clothes, gear, toiletries, and collection of cool rocks, these rugged bags can handle it.

Thread to Keep The Bag Together

Our thread is super strong industrial marine grade UV resistant polyester thread. It's the most expensive for a reason. It's so strong and doesn't turn into dust like the half priced nylon thread does. Watch out for low quality companies that use nylon just to save a buck or two. When you want a leather bag to stay strong and durable, you want this thread.

Hardware

Using 316 Stainless Steel for hardware is like killing a fly with a shotgun, but we've never once had a problem because of this hardware. A lone tear just dropped from the eye of a metallurgist somewhere. Our clips were tried and found they can hold up to a 750 lb bag of cats over a cliff without breaking. It's the kind of hardware people use when their life depends on it. Ocean and parachuting stuff. And the metal of fancy watches and iPhones. There's no other overnight leather duffle bag or any leather bags that we know of that uses hardware this complete.

Functionality of These Leather Duffle Bags

We haven't heard of any other full grain leather duffle bags as versatile as this Waterbag. Let's go over some of the functionality, from the ability to go from a tote to a backpack, down to it's carry on approval.

Leather Duffle Bags That Convert Into A Backpack

The shoulder strap makes it quickly to a backpack. So when you are going to be carrying your leather bag for a while, why not use it as a backpack? Unlike other leather bags you might find in some random department store, we thought this functionality would be important, and everyone loves it. When you have it on, you will barely feel it on your shoulders, and it will still look classy.

Carry-on Approved Travel Bags

As carry on luggage, it is within all international limits. This leather duffle bag fits into all overhead compartments and under the seats. It's our go-to travel bag for sure. Just be aware, with as much class and style this quality bag brings to the room, you will probably have to stand around answering questions about it and yourself.

Videos

How It's Made | The Saddleback Waterbag Leather Duffle Bag

How to make a leather duffle bag like a cow. With as few holes as possible

(102)
5 Stars Write a Review
  • 4
    Really well made bag but note the weight

    It is a great bag, really well made and fits quite a lot. Just note that it is also quite heavy, over 3 kg, so if you fill it up like I do, it may not be that easy to carry around- and I am a pretty fit male in early 50s.

  • 5
    Water bag

    I love this bag. I travel weekly for work an needed something durable and stylish and tho is it. The bag is well made and worth the money.

  • 5
    One Bag for Life

    Wanted one bag for rest of my life. Waterbag turned out so amazing, now it seems I need one backpack for life, one tool bag for life, etc. :)

  • 5
    The Waterbag

    I do an extreme amount of research before purchasing items … I researched Saddleback's Waterbag several days, from online reviews, videos, even a leather crafter disassembling some Saddleback products … The only issue anyone had with the bag, is the weight … if you want something featherlight, do not go for high quality leather … a nylon bag that’s good for 12 months might be your bag … but, if you want awesome quality, this bag is definitely awesome … I’m at the “Buy It For Life” era in my life … If I can buy something, knowing I will never have to buy it again, it really peaks my interest … if it fills that requirement and looks great doing it, I’m all in … This bag does it all … I can’t wait to start using it on some adventures (which will start in a couple of weeks) … this bag gets 2 thumbs up … thanks Dave for designing such an awesome Duffle Bag

  • 5
    Water Bag!

    Absolutely beautiful bag! Great care was taken in the construction of this bag!!