Croots travel bag

Croots makes this travel bag in the style of a duffle bag: with a large main compartment that is not further subdivided. With its sturdy, waxed 24-oz cotton canvas, the bag can take on any journey and can easily cope with anything: on the outside, it is not affected by mechanical stress, moisture or wetness (in moderation). Inside, as a weekender, it offers plenty of space for clothes, shoes and a toiletry bag, but also cuts a fine figure as a sports bag. Like the laptop bags of a similar design, the main compartment has a bright red, lightly padded lining. This not only looks good, but also makes it easier to find your way around inside, as nothing disappears in the dark. In addition to the zipper straps, Croots has also designed the detachable shoulder strap in a bright red - especially for us. You can store smaller items in two zippered pockets on the short outer sides. The carrying handles are made of 3 mm thick, open-edged saddle leather, so the bag can also be packed heavier. Two circumferential straps made of the same leather additionally stabilize the body of the bag.

The British label Croots is one of the leather goods manufacturers that has quickly acquired the reputation of a traditional company. So it doesn't always take centuries of experience, but first and foremost you have to understand your craft and then use the right materials. John and Margaret Smith made this claim when they produced the first bags and cases for hunting and fishing under the label "Field Sports Products" in 1978: in the traditional way and from solid materials such as strong saddle leather and robust cotton canvas. Travel bags and small leather goods were added later. When daughter Jackie and son-in-law Allistair Croot took over the business in 2004, they did not change anything except the name. Since then, "Croots" has become a byword for British craftsmanship and solid bags worldwide; even the royal family owns a few Croots bags. The bags are designed and manufactured at the company's site in Malton, North Yorkshire. And the materials also come from the island: the bags are woven in Keighley, West Yorkshire, the waxed cotton canvas is sourced from the traditional Scottish manufacturer Halley Stevensons, and the fittings come from foundries in Walsall, West Midlands, or Sheffield. Only the zippers are sourced from Riri in Switzerland. Finally, with a few exceptions, the leather is vegetable-tanned and processed in the best saddlery style. In most cases, this is so-called English bridle leather, which is mainly used for saddles, bridles and belts, as it hardly gives thanks to a special tanning process.