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 among the leather goods manufacturers that have, in a short time, virtually earned the reputation of a traditional company. So it doesn’t always take centuries of experience—what matters most is, first and foremost, an understanding of one’s craft and the use of the right materials. John and Margaret Smith embodied this philosophy when, in 1978, they began producing their first bags and cases for hunting and fishing under the “Field Sports Products” label: crafted in the traditional manner and made from sturdy materials such as strong saddle leather and durable cotton canvas. Later, they added travel bags and small leather goods to their lineup. When their daughter Jackie and son-in-law Allistair Croot took over the business in 2004, they kept everything the same—except for the name. Since then, “Croots” has become a global byword for British craftsmanship and sturdy bags; even the royal family owns a few Croots bags.

The bags are designed and manufactured at the company’s facility in Malton, North Yorkshire. The materials also come from the UK: The fabric is woven in Keighley, West Yorkshire; Croots sources its waxed cotton canvas from the traditional Scottish manufacturer Halley Stevensons; and the hardware comes 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 classic saddlery style. Most of it is so-called English bridle leather, which is primarily used for saddles, bridles, and belts because, thanks to a special tanning process, it hardly stretches at all.