Leather Duffle Bag a.k.a. The WaterBag

12.00

$849.00

(106 reviews) Write a Review

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

5
I'm "Leatherbound" From City to Ranch!

I bought the medium "Waterbag" in tobacco after weeks of researching Saddleback Leather's website, and watching every YouTube video review I could find. Like many of you, I was torn between several models. My research included: "Side Pocket Duffel," and the "Utility Duffel" models. When I considered my use of carry-on luggage, or weekend adventure bags, I very rarely get into the bag once it is packed. Nobody on the plane wants to be "that guy" who keeps getting up and messing around with the overhead luggage. I usually keep it secure until I arrive at my destination, so I didn't have a big need for accessing side pockets. This is true for road trips as well as air travel. I was quite intrigued by the concept of having a bag that would help to limit: dust, dirt, sand, moisture, and other unwanted environmental elements. I am able to pack: three to four days worth of business and casual attire, dress shoes and running shoes, exercise clothing, a shaving kit, and still have plenty of room to close it securely. I use packing cubes to keep things organized, and it really makes a difference with efficiently packing the bag and avoiding wrinkled clothing. With a folding compact luggage cart, I travel with this and a matching large tobacco "Front Pocket Briefcase" with ease. It's a great pair of products to get me through a business week in the city, traveling through airports and other cities, and then out to the ranch for enjoying the weekends. I absolutely love both of these beautiful and tough leather products that serve me well, no matter my location.

Posted by Brendan M. | Feb 01, 2016
5
Dave's Deals

I just received the large waterbag (tobacco), and I couldn't be more pleased. I bought it from Dave's Deals (10% discount), and I have no idea why it was discounted. I own several SBL products, and this discounted bag looks no different than anything else that I've purchased. The bag itself looks, smells, and feels great. I will be using it as my primary travel bag for mission trips, etc. Can't wait to try it out.

Posted by Anonymous | Jul 23, 2014
4
Another water bag

I purchased the small water bag in Tobacco brown. I own the medium size. I bought the small because discontinued and I felt this would provide an alternate size of carry on. This size is great for smaller loads and works great as a medical bag and smaller carry. Backpack conversion feels ok. I own the backpack, front pocket backpack and duffel. I really like the small water bag for a custom fit between the bigger water bag and duffel or backpack. Cannot go wrong. My wife says I own too many bags. What does she know. (see Dave's advice about explaining to your wife)

Posted by Anonymous | Jul 23, 2014
5
Phenominal Bag

Let me start off by saying this was my first SBL purchase and it lured me in. I bought the Large bag in Chestnut. I have taken this bag everywhere from road trips to Texas, Train trips to Napa and Ferry rides to Catalina Islands and have received numerous comments. I am an active duty Marine and was arriving for duty today and a civilian where I was checking-in was almost speechless when he saw the bag. It was quite funny seeing how he swooned over the bag. In fact, a couple of other Marines in the area were making fun of him. In any case, it is a conversation piece as well as a work horse. I have loaded it until it was difficult to get on my back...and it never waivered. My only regret is the color. I have five other SBL items all in DCB (that is my preference) and only wish I had made my initial purchase in DCB. I face a delimma now; do I replace it with the DCB? With the travels I have had with this bag it's almost not an option...not that it has history. Buy this bag and you will be very satisfied!

Posted by Anonymous | Jul 23, 2014
5
tough as nails

Received my medium waterbag as an early Christmas present about a month ago. Almost immediately took it on a three week tour of Western Canada. I practically live on a tour bus, but am in and out of hotels constantly. It easily held around a week and a half worth of clothes. This bag's modular capabilities make it great for living out of on trips. Easily the most convenient piece of luggage I could ever imagine. I sincerely thought I was a pro at living on the road, but this bag takes it to a whole new level. The only con would be that my life is too easy, now. It hardly feels like work any more.

Posted by Anonymous | Jul 23, 2014

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