Travel is where leather earns its keep. It gets thrown in overhead bins, dragged through airports and packed and unpacked dozens of times. Good full-grain leather handles all of that and looks better for it. This guide covers the three travel pieces we design at SIMPLE in Guatemala City, and how to choose the right size for the way you travel.
1. The leather duffle bag: your carry-on weekender
A duffle (also called a weekender) is one open bag with a long zipper: no wheels, no frame, nothing extra. For two or three days away, it is often all you need.
- Size: look for something around 20″ long. The Duffle measures 20″ × 9″ × 9″, sized as a carry-on weekender, but always check your airline's limits before you fly.
- Zipper: a full-length metal zipper lets you open the bag wide and see everything at once.
- Handles: wide, stitched and reinforced handles carry the weight when the bag is full.
- Inside: one large compartment for clothes and shoes, and one small pocket for the things that get lost: keys, earbuds, a wallet.
It also works as a gym bag during the week, which is why it tends to get used far more than a suitcase.
2. The leather passport holder: one place for documents
A passport holder keeps your passport, boarding pass and travel cards together, so you are not digging through a bag at every checkpoint.
- Capacity: if you travel as a couple or carry two nationalities, choose one that fits two passports. The Passport holds two passports, about 6 cards, folded bills and a boarding pass.
- Profile: it should slip into a jacket pocket or small bag. Ours measures 4″ × 5.75″ closed.
- Leather: full-grain leather protects the passport cover from bending and wear, and softens with every trip.
3. The carry-on backpack: your personal item
Many airlines allow one personal item under the seat. A slim leather backpack is ideal: The Backpack (10″ × 16″ × 4″) fits an A4 notebook, a tablet, a small water bottle and a light layer, with a front pocket under the flap for quick grabs. For a laptop, add The Envelope leather sleeve.
How to care for leather while you travel
- Don't overpack the duffle: forcing the zipper strains the stitching.
- If your bag gets wet, empty it, stuff it loosely with paper and let it air-dry away from heat.
- Condition everything with SIMPLE Care when you get home. Our leather care guide has the full routine.
Buying travel leather in Guatemala
All three pieces are designed in-house by SIMPLE in Guatemala City and handmade in Guatemala by skilled local artisans. See them together in our leather travel goods collection. To order, check availability or ask about delivery, message us on WhatsApp +502 5496 3788. A passport holder is also an easy gift for someone with a trip coming up; see our leather gift guide.