Did you know that more than 50% of travelers around the world do not use their luggage space optimally? Some of us carry luggage bags that are too big for their belongings, leaving unused space inside their suitcase. Some others pack too much stuff in their backpacks, risking breaking it after just a short period of usage. A lot of these cases happen simply because they don’t know there’s another alternative that combines both the security of a suitcase and the practicality of a backpack. That alternative is a leather duffel bag. With one of these 13 best men’s leather duffel bags, traveling has been made easier.
How to Choose the Best Men’s Leather Duffel Bags
When it comes to choosing a leather-based product, you need to put in a little extra effort. Leather provides a luxurious look, but low-grade leather may require a lot of effort just to maintain a good look. To avoid unpleasant surprises like this, consider these before buying:
Type of leather
Generally, there are three types of leather used in the bag making business: grain leather, split leather, and bonded leather. Full-grain leather is the best kind of all, with top durability and longevity. Even after several steps of manufacturing, grain leather is the closest thing we have to raw leather, while the leather part on the split leather has been separated from the grain. To replicate the texture of the grain itself, manufacturers often add polymer coating to make split leather. On the other hand, bonded leather is not actual leather. It is reconstructed from scraps of shredded leather and mixed in a polyurethane layer.
Natural tan vs Chemical Tan
The tanning process is important to make leather more durable. It also makes it possible to color it. The best tanning agent is tannin, which is naturally produced from tree barks or leaves. Unfortunately, maintaining the availability of tannins can be a challenge. So manufacturers opt for easier and cheaper options: chemical tan such as chrome. Even though chemical tans can be made safer, we still prefer the use of natural tan.
Cruelty-free
We cannot put aside the fact that leather is an animal product. While completely parting ways with all animal products is a huge step to take, you can start with a smaller step: use only cruelty-free animal products. This ensures us that the animals we obtain the materials from had lived a happy life and were treated in good manners.
Weight
Unlike polyester and nylon that are lightweight and often used to make ultralight backpacks, leather can be heavy, especially full-grain leather type. Duffel bags made of leather can be way heavier than those made of polyester, even with the same size. Even the best men’s leather duffel bags can be as heavy as your kid’s luggage. Consider this before making your decision.
HLC 21″ Retro Flap Duffel by Vintage Couture
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We start our list of the best men’s leather duffel bags with a leather duffel bag from Vintage Couture that suits overnights, travel, and gym activities. HCL 21” Retro Flap Duffel is made of tanned leather without any chemicals added. It gives each handcrafted bag a rich, rustic, and antique look. The bag is fully lined with sturdy canvas. Weighing 2lbs (0.9 kg) and 21 x 10 x 10 inches (53 x 25 x 25 cm) of size, it’s available in dark brown only.
The bag features a full length zippered main compartment. It’s great for your essentials including clothes. And there’s a protective flap to cover the main compartment. The interior zip pocket is useful for your smaller items, such as wallet, phone, and cards. The exterior side pockets give easy access. The bag comes with carry-on handles with brass hardware. It also comes with a detachable and adjustable padded shoulder strap. This gives you comfort when you’re carrying the bag.
What We Love
No added chemicals.
Pros:
- Flip cover for the main compartment
- It has a protective flap cover
- Antique look
Cons:
The adjustable shoulder strap is relatively too long.
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SID & VAIN Travel Bag
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A unique combination of retro design and minimalistic modernity, SID & VAIN’s leather duffel bags for men is made of top-grade and naturally tanned calf leather. The bag is also made with excellent stitching. And it’s great for your weekend trips, sporting activities, and outdoor adventures. You’ll get more than enough room from its XL duffel bag. You can fit toiletries, two or three pairs of sneakers, and several outfits.
There’s a zippered main compartment with smaller interior pockets. So, you can organize your belongings better. The bag features double handles and shoulder strap. It’s a removable and adjustable thick shoulder strap. The strap gives you extra comfort when you’re carrying even the heaviest bag. SID & VAIN duffel bag comes with a size of 22.1 x 18.1 x 11 inches (56 x 46 x 28 cm) and weighing 4.41lbs (2 kg).
What We Love
The retro and minimalist design and extra-large size.
Pros:
- Removable thick shoulder strap
- Multi-purpose duffel bag
- Naturally tanned
Cons:
The zipper is not made of brass metal. It may easily break.
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Zeroway Leather Travel Duffel Bag (CU)
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If you want to have the best men’s leather duffel bags with versatility, Zeroway Travel Duffel Bag is a great choice. It’s suitable for family holidays, outdoor traveling, business trips, and sporting activities. It fits 2-3 days’ worth of necessities. The bag is made of high quality artificial synthetic leather, which is waterproof. It weighs 3.7lbs (1.68 kg) with 21.7 x 10 x 11 inches (55 x 25 x 28 cm) of dimension.
The bag has a unique metal buckle. And it comes with plenty of interiors and exterior pockets. The exterior pockets feature a large main compartment. There are also two extra front pockets and a shoe compartment, which are great to separate your dirty shoes or clothes. There’s one zipped pocket in the main compartment. Plus, two small pockets for phone, coins, and keys. Also, there’s a laptop compartment, which is a plus to help you travel worry-free on a business trip. The bag comes with top handles and an adjustable thick padded strap. It gives your shoulders a more relaxing and free of pain experience. You can carry it as a tote bag, shoulder bag, or crossbody bag.
What We Love
Zeroway Duffel Bag features a laptop and shoe compartment.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality synthetic leather
- Large main compartment
- Adjustable thick padded strap
Cons:
It’s not entirely made of real leather.
Piel Leather 20” Duffel Bag
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This is one of carry-on leather duffel bags for men and suitable for travel or gym. Piel Leather 20” Duffel Bag is made of full-grain cowhide leather. It comes with a size of 20 x 11 x 10 inches (51 x 28 x 25 cm) and weighs 3.5lbs (1.6 kg). Available colors are black, chocolate, and saddle.
The bag features several pockets, which are perfect for people who like keeping things organized. The spacious main compartment is great for your essentials, such as clothes or bottles. The two extra compartments on each side are suitable for your shoes or toiletry bags. Plus, there are three smaller zippered pockets on the front and one pocket on the top. So, you can easily access your essentials. The bag comes with double top handles. Also, there’s a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap available for a comfier handle.
What We Love
Made of full-grain cowhide leather.
Pros:
- Plenty of pockets for easy organization
- Mid-size duffel bag, perfect for travel or gym
- Carry-on size
- Shoulder strap available
Cons:
Some customers find that the zippers are somewhat difficult to maneuver back and forth.
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Polare 20” Full Grain Cowhide Leather
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Polare 20″ is made of natural, thick cowhide genuine leather and lined with a durable cotton cloth. Weighing 3.96lbs (1.8 kg) and with 23.2 x 9 x 118 inches (59 x 23 x 30 cm) of size, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway, gym, or business trips. Offered in two colors: black and dark brown, you’ll get a one-year quality warranty with every purchase.
The bag features a double stitching handle and shoulder strap. So, you can carry it by hand or on your shoulder. The double stitching adds better comfort and durability. Extra one main compartment and four smaller external pockets are available. Two pockets on each side and two pockets on front and back are great for organizing your items better. The bag itself is equipped with sturdy and durable YKK zippers.
What We Love
Cotton cloth lining and double stitching handle.
Pros:
- Premium YKK zippers
- Versatile duffel bag
- 100% cowhide genuine leather
Cons:
It may leave stains on clothes.
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David King & Co. Extra Large Multi Pocket Duffel
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If you’re looking for the best men’s duffel bags with extra pockets, David King & Co. Duffel is great for you. It’s ideal for those who prioritize organization. It weighs 3.3lbs (1.5 kg) with 23.5 x 12 x 12.5 inches (60 x 30 x 32) of dimensions. It’s available in several colors, including black, tan, and red.
The bag comes with a spacious main compartment, which is suitable for both short and long trips. The U-shape zippered main compartment makes packing and unpacking easy. With four zippered external pockets, you’ll have extra space for your necessities. You can easily store and access your items, such as tablets, chargers, and wallets. In addition, there are two leather grab handles and padded shoulder strap.
What We Love
The U-shape zippered main compartment.
Pros:
- Plenty of pockets
- Padded shoulder strap
- Fits in the overhead compartment
Cons:
Thin shoulder strap and no internal pocket.
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Leathfocus Leather Travel
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Leathfocus is a stylish and premium duffel bag. It features only the best materials. Each bag is made of top-grain cowhide leather. The durable YKK zippers are very sturdy and water-resistant. The bag is available in black, brown, and dark brown. It comes with a size of 22 x 8.8 x 12 inches (56 x 22 x 30.5 cm) and weighs 4.2lbs (1.9 kg).
The bag features several compartments, including a large fully lined interior main compartment. It’s also equipped with a tablet sleeve, so you can safely store it. There are three smaller internal pockets for your items, such as pens, passports, etc. In addition, this duffel bag has an external shoe compartment. You can easily access it without opening the main compartment. For extra comfort, Leathfocus Leather Travel features two grab handles and a detachable thick leather shoulder strap.
What We Love
A stylish duffel bag made of premium materials.
Pros:
- Tablet sleeve in the main compartment
- Thick padded shoulder strap
- External shoe compartment
Cons:
There’s no external pocket.
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Polare Ambassador
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One of the best leather duffel bags for men by Polare, this product is made of 100% full-grain cowhide leather. It’s an affordable and simple, yet classy duffel bag. The bag is travel friendly. So, you can take it on a family weekend, business trips, or sporting activities. It weighs 5.7lbs (2.6 kg) with 22.8 x 10.2 x 12.5 inches (58 x 26 x 32 cm) of dimensions. It’s available in dark brown and light brown. Every purchase comes with a one-year warranty.
There’s one large compartment for your necessities, such as clothes and toiletry bags. Polare Ambassador features a total of three internal pockets for easy organizing. These are great for your items, such as phones and wallets. Also, there’s a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet. And it’s furnished with a secure strap. The bag comes with carrying handles and a detachable shoulder strap. So, you can carry it by hand or on your shoulder.
What We Love
Affordable, simple, and classy duffel bag.
Pros:
- Padded compartment for a laptop or tablet
- Made of 100% full-grain cowhide leather
- Travel-friendly duffel bag
Cons:
The opening for the main compartment is too small.
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Cenzo Duffel Vecchio by Floto
5
This bag is made of full-grain calfskin leather and processed with vegetable tanning. This process creates deep color tones, which gets better with age. All Cenzo Duffel Vecchio bag is fully lined with 8 oz. (227 gr) cotton duck canvas. And the semi-gloss finishing helps prevent stains on your bag. Weighing 2.5lbs (1.1 kg) and with 21 x 10 x 11 inches (53 x 25 x 28 cm) of size, the bag is ideal for travel. Plus, it fits in the overhead compartment. Available colors are brown, olive/brown, Tuscan red, and black.
The main compartment is wide and zippered for safety. So, you can easily pack and unpack. It also features one extra zipped pocket, great for travel essentials such as keys and passports. All zippers are made of brass materials at the bottom to make the bag more durable. A removable and adjustable strap plus reinforced top handles make it easy to carry.
What We Love
Made of full-grain calfskin leather and fully lined with cotton duck canvas.
Pros:
- Large zipped main compartment
- Brass feet at the bottom
- Fits in the overhead compartment
Cons:
The strap is relatively too thin.
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Leather Travel Bag by Rustic Town
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The next one on our list of the best men’s leather duffel bags is a carry-on duffel bag handcrafted by Indian artisans and made of buffalo skin. The design is gorgeous, especially with the natural marbling. It fits in both the overhead and under-seat compartment or. So, you can take it with you on business trips or family vacations. The bag weighs 3.75lbs (1.7 kg) and has 20 x 9 x 13 inches (51 x 23 x 33 cm) of size. Leather Travel Bag by Rustic Town is available in two colors, brown and mulberry.
The bag features resistant YKK zippers, brass fitting, and a thick cloth lining. It has a spacious main compartment, which is great for your clothes, devices, and shoes. The main compartment is furnished with one zipped pocket and two slip-on pockets. You can keep your smaller items, such as mobile, pens, and cards, in there. Plus, there are two extra external pockets on the front and back. Switch the handles for your comfort with the carry-on handles and a detachable padded shoulder strap.
What We Love
100% genuine buffalo leather and natural marbling.
Pros:
- Stylish and simple design
- A good carry-on bag with padded shoulder strap
- Sturdy YKK zippers
Cons:
It is a little heavy and may leave stains on clothes.
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Komal’s Passion Leather
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Handcrafted by skilled craftsmen and made of full-grain leather, Komal’s Passion Leather is an affordable duffel bag. It has a classy vintage look that never goes out of style. The bag is versatile and perfect for travel or the gym. It comes with a size of 24 x 11 x 9 inches (60 x 28 x 23 cm) and weighs 4.59lbs (2.082 kg). It’s available in brown color only.
The main compartment is lined with canvas. Pack up your clothes, sports gear, and shoes in it. There are also two zippered external side pockets, which are great for books, your tablet, or toiletry bag. A smaller pocket on the front fits your smaller items. The bag features two grab handles at the center and an adjustable padded shoulder strap. This allows you to carry the bag by hand or on your shoulder.
What We Love
Handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, with a classy vintage look.
Pros:
- Affordable bag
- Versatile duffel bag
- 100% leather
Cons:
There’s no internal pocket.
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Aaron Leather Travel Duffel
2
This one is a handcrafted duffel bag with premium quality buffalo leather and the finishing touch of oil vegetables. Aaron Leather Travel Duffel has a classy and vintage look. Weighing 6.3lbs (3 kg) and with 20 x 9 x 11 inches (51 x 23 x 28 cm) of size, it’s perfect for short business trips or a quick weekend getaway. Aaron Leather Travel Duffel is available in several colors, including chestnut, brown, blue, and tan.
The bag features several pockets with YKK zippers, which are perfect to help you organize your belongings. The spacious main compartment is great for your clothes, books, and electronics. There are smaller pockets in the main compartment, which are suitable for pens, phones, or any other small items. If you still need more space, use the accessible zipped pockets on the front and a shoe compartment on the side. The bag itself comes with handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. You can either carry it by hand or strap it on your shoulder.
What We Love
Premium leather and a stylish design, definitely one of the best men’s leather duffel bags available online.
Pros:
- External shoe compartment
- Internal pen slots and card organizer
- Spacious main compartment
Cons:
It’s relatively heavy.
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Viosi Genuine Leather
1
We wrap up our list of the best men’s leather duffel bags with Viosi Genuine Leather. It’s the right choice if you’re looking for a large capacity and compact structure. The bag is made of full grain genuine leather and YKK zippers. It’s a versatile duffel bag, which is perfect for daily work, gym, or travel. The bag’s size is 21 x 11 x 9.5 inches (53 x 28 x 24 cm) and weighs 5.1lbs (2.4 kg). It’s available in several color options including black and tan.
With plenty of pockets, this bag is ready to accommodate all your things. The spacious main compartment features a padded laptop compartment with a leather security strap. You can safely store your 15″ laptop or tablet here. Also, there’s one zipped pocket and additional two slip-in pockets. You can organize your small items here. On the outside, there’s an accessible front zipped pocket. You can carry the bag with its two leather handles. Plus, there’s a detachable and adjustable padded shoulder strap. Comfort all the way! Does this sound like the perfect gift for your fellow traveler?
What We Love
The extra padded laptop compartment with a leather security strap.
Pros:
- Made of genuine leather
- Internal pockets
- Large space with accessible pockets
Cons:
It might leave stains on clothes and is relatively heavy.
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