The first duffel bag I posted photos of was not my design, it was a pattern I purchased, and required the entire bag to be stitched by hand. That's why it took me 24 total work hours to put together. Since then, I've been working through ideas for my own duffel bag design, one that would let me take advantage of more efficient construction methods.

Well, I just finished the first iteration of my duffel bag design. It's not perfect, but I think I'm on the right track! Any feedback or ideas are more than welcomed!

It measures around 22" long, 9" wide at the base, 10" tall. I tried to size it to fit as a carry on.

Incredible work!

I've got one like it that I use a lot. If I could change anything about mine, it would be to add another zipper on top and spread them apart about 4-6 inches with leather in between. You see that kind of zippered access a lot in toiletries or cosmetics bags.

That is damn good looking.

I don't really feel qualified to give feedback, but you asked, so any thoughts on a u-shaped zipper of some sort? I always get frustrated trying to fill up a strait zip bag.

ccard257 said:

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That is damn good looking.

I don't really feel qualified to give feedback, but you asked, so any thoughts on a u-shaped zipper of some sort? I always get frustrated trying to fill up a strait zip bag.

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Thanks! I see your point. I've never stitched a zipper around a corner... it can definitely be done, I would just have to experiment with the best way to do it.

That thing can haul a decent amount of cash to the next deal

Is the bottom thicker leather? Also, do you use pouches on the side? I may be the anomaly here, but I rarely use anything other than the main compartment with duffle bags

DatTallArchitect said:

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Is the bottom thicker leather? Also, do you use pouches on the side? I may be the anomaly here, but I rarely use anything other than the main compartment with duffle bags

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This iteration, no, the bottom is the same weight as the side panels, but it is a thought to double it up next time. I use the end pocket for keeping a drawstring clothes bag for dirty clothes when traveling. And thinking if you're in an airport, it's easier to throw something in that pocket for a few minutes rather than unzipping the bag.

I like it a lot.
Looks like the straps could be finished / reinforced a bit more. Maybe double facing? But looks like a lot of other mid-high end leather duffels I would pay for

ThreatLevel: Midnight said:

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I like it a lot.
Looks like the straps could be finished / reinforced a bit more. Maybe double facing? But looks like a lot of other mid-high end leather duffels I would pay for

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Thanks! When I make the shoulder strap (waiting on some hardware) it's going to be double layered. This iteration was more a proof of concept for the overall bag construction, I don't know if the straps are the final design. I also like the look some people do where the handles turn into a tube style around the top of the bag to give your hand more to grab.

It's a nice looking bag. If you double up the leather on the bottom, you could insert a piece of heavy plastic to keep the bottom more rigid. My current leather duffle has a rigid bottom and I like that

IMO, for sure double the bottom thickness. Also, add some type of leather strappy thing to the zipper to give it more of an easy grip, and then double up and finish both sides of the straps. Overall, excellent looking bag.

Great looking bag! On the next iteration refrain from stitching across the handles and the attachment for the shoulder strap. That creates a weak point and will eventually tear out.

Maybe a more robust zipper possibly? Sort of like Filson's zippers. Nice bag btw

The zipper is a YKK #5 brass, which is pretty industry standard. Anything larger starts to look a little out of place IMO. What does Filson use?

not sure... but the jacket would fall apart before the zipper would.

Gotcha. I'll do some digging and see if I can find what they use, for reference.

This looks incredible!
I've been looking for a simple, flat messenger type bag that is only one compartment for years, and I can't find one in that brown leather. If you decide to make one, I'll buy it.

DatTallArchitect said:

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It's a nice looking bag. If you double up the leather on the bottom, you could insert a piece of heavy plastic to keep the bottom more rigid. My current leather duffle has a rigid bottom and I like that

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Yes, the value here is keeping the bag from sagging in the middle when you have a shoulder strap on it.

CrottyKid said:

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This looks incredible!
I've been looking for a simple, flat messenger type bag that is only one compartment for years, and I can't find one in that brown leather. If you decide to make one, I'll buy it.

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Thank you! A messenger bag is definitely on my list of things to make. I've just been so busy filling orders of existing products I make, I haven't had a chance to do a lot of experimenting with new items here lately. If you'd like, send me some photos of what you have in mind.

Facebook Page
https://instagr.am/p/CKj_-d8h1PC

Jason C. said:

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DatTallArchitect said:

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It's a nice looking bag. If you double up the leather on the bottom, you could insert a piece of heavy plastic to keep the bottom more rigid. My current leather duffle has a rigid bottom and I like that

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Yes, the value here is keeping the bag from sagging in the middle when you have a shoulder strap on it.

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So, I definitely see the value of it - I just have a couple of concerns -

• I don't have a brick and mortar store, so all of my products are shipped. That plastic bottom would limit how much I could condense the bag down to get it into the most cost efficient packaging.
• With leather, its flexibility has some advantages, and disadvantages structurally. If you were to ever bend that plastic piece in the bottom of the bag, it would potentially stay bent. That sounds like an opportunity for someone to try and return a bag...
  

Just some thoughts.

rally-cap said:

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Jason C. said:

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DatTallArchitect said:

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It's a nice looking bag. If you double up the leather on the bottom, you could insert a piece of heavy plastic to keep the bottom more rigid. My current leather duffle has a rigid bottom and I like that

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Yes, the value here is keeping the bag from sagging in the middle when you have a shoulder strap on it.

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So, I definitely see the value of it - I just have a couple of concerns -

• I don't have a brick and mortar store, so all of my products are shipped. That plastic bottom would limit how much I could condense the bag down to get it into the most cost efficient packaging.
• With leather, its flexibility has some advantages, and disadvantages structurally. If you were to ever bend that plastic piece in the bottom of the bag, it would potentially stay bent. That sounds like an opportunity for someone to try and return a bag...
  

Just some thoughts.

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I have a leather duffle that has been abused for over 15 years. The middle of the bottom is weak, but has never changed form. It's been through countless trips and is ready for retirement. If you make one with a rigid(ish) bottom, I'd love to talk about pricing. Shipping is not going to be the issue. I've bought guns, furniture, rugs, etc that had to be shipped and never balked at them over shipping costs.

Have you thought of running the zipper past the ends and riveting the ends of them down so it acts as its own pull handle? also allows the body to open wider and has less wear on the zipper

DatTallArchitect said:

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rally-cap said:

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Jason C. said:

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DatTallArchitect said:

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It's a nice looking bag. If you double up the leather on the bottom, you could insert a piece of heavy plastic to keep the bottom more rigid. My current leather duffle has a rigid bottom and I like that

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Yes, the value here is keeping the bag from sagging in the middle when you have a shoulder strap on it.

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So, I definitely see the value of it - I just have a couple of concerns -

• I don't have a brick and mortar store, so all of my products are shipped. That plastic bottom would limit how much I could condense the bag down to get it into the most cost efficient packaging.
• With leather, its flexibility has some advantages, and disadvantages structurally. If you were to ever bend that plastic piece in the bottom of the bag, it would potentially stay bent. That sounds like an opportunity for someone to try and return a bag...
  

Just some thoughts.

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I have a leather duffle that has been abused for over 15 years. The middle of the bottom is weak, but has never changed form. It's been through countless trips and is ready for retirement. If you make one with a rigid(ish) bottom, I'd love to talk about pricing. Shipping is not going to be the issue. I've bought guns, furniture, rugs, etc that had to be shipped and never balked at them over shipping costs.

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Good to know. Let me do a little digging and see if I can find something that will fit the bill as a plastic panel insert, and I'll get back to you.

I have a leather duffle where the handle is sewn together in a loop (rather than flat). It gives it a sturdier feel. I've had duffels and briefcases in the past with single layer, flat straps and they always seem to stretch over time. Great looking bag though!

I just want to add that I dig your work and would be willing to purchase a duffle from you in the future. (My wife thinks I'm too old to use my 5.11 bag as a duffel...)

Are the handles on this bag I made previously what you're referring to? Maybe with a rope or something inside them as well?

Thank you! I would love to make you one! I posted my Facebook and Instagram links previously in this thread if you'd like to chat about it.

Nice product! I'm in the full-open top camp, though. I just bought this one to replace my leather Marlboro duffel that is a straight-zipper top. This one is canvas, so to stop the sagging I put a piece of lexan in the bottom.

All good recs. Stuff looks nice. Do you have pricing anywhere?

Right now, I do all of my sales through Facebook and Instagram, and I don't publish prices there. But my Etsy shop should be going live in the next month, which will streamline some things!

That looks near perfect to me! Just needs a rigid bottom. What are the dimensions of it?

DatTallArchitect said:

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That looks near perfect to me! Just needs a rigid bottom. What are the dimensions of it?

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It's a similar size to the one in this thread. But, I will not be making another one like that. That was based off a pattern that was designed to be completely hand stitched, it took me 24 hours to make. The way it's designed doesn't really allow the use of a sewing machine. The bags I want to offer for sale are much more efficient to make than that, which will help me keep costs down. I can try to come up with something similar to that look.

Another potential issue with the plastic bottomed bag - most bags are actually made inside out, then flipped so that the seams are internal. Having a rigid bottom would complicate that quite a bit. I'll have to figure out a solution for that.

Nice bag!

We have multiple from this place. Check it out for ideas.

https://flotoimports.com/

Are you interested in considering a similar bag with an alternative design? One that I think would sell?

I've been looking for someone to make this and possibly even other leather bags.