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- Verified Buyer
I obviously did not read the description well enough I wanted a duffel bag, and instead got a computer bag, designed for carrying a computer and the supplies. So I had to order a true duffle bag.I ordered this Leathario duffle to use for an overnight stay that I do every week. I wanted a top zip bag with enough capacity to hold a couple of pants and shirts, toiletries, a few small personal items, and a large tablet. I also wanted a bag that's classier looking than the rest of my assorted backpacks, duffles, and shoulder bags which trend heavily towards tactical requirements. The shape and size are exactly what I wanted. However for under $200 USD you are not getting a bag made of high quality leather. I spent a lot of time cutting apart, examining, and flame testing the little sample swatch that came with the duffle. I have determined that the bag is in fact leather, but the shiny surface is coated with thick vinyl. It's actually quite resistant to scratches and cuts, bit in no way has the appealing qualities one associates with top grain leather goods which would cost a minimum of $350 USD and even upwards of $600 for a bag this size. The vinyl coated stuff lacks the suppleness and lustre of top leather goods. To be fair, it looks decent from a few feet away. Definitely classier than a nylon gym duffle, so you wouldn't be embarrassed about checking into a 5 star hotel with this bag. The real giveaway is the plastic feel of the bag's surface. But on the plus side, the vinyl coating appears highly durable and waterproof. I will update my review as I continue to use the bag. Note: one of the snaps for the piece that binds the 2 handles together was broken on arrival. I fixed it myself with a bit of tinkering and application of superglue and Epoxyweld.Owning a $190 Italian Floto, I was expecting a letdown. On the contrary, this bag impressed me. It's a bit bigger than airport regulation check in size. I suspect it might even raise the eyebrows of the "check in police" at the airport if you're not careful. Of course, the beauty of soft leather is that despite the dimensions, it can always be "massaged" into the check-in bag size checker at the airline counter. That being said, the leather was very nicely polished and full thickness, unlike my Floto. Of course, it weighs more as well, but from the feel of it, it will last a lifetime. Floto? plastic zipper. This one has brass. The Floto? shiny fine leather. This one? Full thickness hide that feels like a saddle and will look as good distressed. A nice feature is how the handles and attachment points for the shoulder strap are sewn into straps the run down the entire bag offering what appears to be great strength. The other bag I ordered for $30 less had worse finishing, thinner leather, no supports, and appeared to be creasing before it was ever used. Ironically, it had looked so good in the photo which is why I ordered several and will return the rest. With excellent finish, semi-gloss satiny sheen, excellent supports, bag-tag, ample size, and excellent leather shoulder strap with pad, this is the one I'll be keeping. I'm surprised this is Chinese as it's on equal footing with my Italian bags for quality and value. Spend a a little less and you'll get a bag folded and jammed into a small box. This one arrived in a big box, fully stuffed with filler to keep its shape, and within a light fabric bag to prevent scuffing. Nice touch. Amazing what a few extra bucks got me. This will be my go-to bag. Probably the last I'll ever need.I have been using the bag for about 2 weeks. Right off the bat, the zipper would often become undone from behind (as in the bag would open despite being zipped up), and trying to zip it back over to reset it would often lead to the zipper being jammed.This morning, trying to open the bag, there it happened again (overnight, with nothing in the bag), while trying to fix it, it got jammed. So I rubbed some oil over the zipper and tried to pull it (it always jams around the same place), and a light tug made tore the zipper. As you can see, the tear on is light and I did not forcefully yank on it or anything, it was simply a light tug over the lubricated zipper. (Picture attached at the bottom)I gave it 2 stars because I don't absolutely hate the bag. Actually, apart from this absolutely frustrating zipper, it's a very smart bag. I use it for the gym because I dislike gym duffel bags, and prefer something rather classy. It fits 2 glass tupperwares, Oly shoes, a large powerlifting belt and some other small accessories and hygiene products. The fit is snug, but it fits. I also respect that the bag maintains it's shape when it isn't filled, unlike other bags which just crumple.Edit: After contacting Leathario, I was offered a refund. I am pleased with their customer service.I purchased this for my husband for a weekender bag.It is much to small and wouldn’t fit a whole weekend’s worth of clothes.It does look nice.Also, the leather seems to be good quality.Cheap zipper, broke first time I travelled with it. Looks nice and leather is sturdy otherwiseThe leather here is pretty decent. Soft, and will age nicely. Looks expensive. Price is very reasonable for what it is.Overall, very pleased with this bag. Leather quality is good. Very roomy. Bag comes with a shoulder strap (not in my pics). Would be nice if it were full leather. I choose not to use. Detail pics attached.I am traveling for 5 days, 4 nights using this bag as my first trip with it. It fits perfect under the seat on a plane. No need to use the overhead bin.I have pictures to demonstrate how much I packed in it with room to spare. For this trip I packed 2 pair of shoes, 5 socks, 3 short sleeve shirts, 1 long sleeve, 3 T-shirts, 2 pair underwear, 1 pair of shorts, 2 sunglasses cases, small camera, MacBook Air, case for cords/accessories, notebook, small pack pack, overnight kit. All clothing packed in a packing cube.This bag is absolutely fantastic . Such high quality and workmanship . Great colour and nice leather - loads of room , definitely enough for a weekend away . Fully satisfied .UPDATE - Just got back from 4 days away and this bag certainly was big enough to accommodate all of my clothes and shoes aswell . This bag looks like it will last forever - no marks at all on it - GREAT PRODUCT !!!!Looks good nice smooth leather, good size for my needs, have not used yet but do not expect any problemsBeautiful sculptured bag. Excellent for weekends away. Very spacious and good size inside pockets. Very happy customer.A great quality leather bag that looks the part & is a very good size. Well worth the competitive price paid. Highly recommended...Problems with the zip and the capacity
