July 29, 2015July 28, 2015 by Beau H.

Style abroad: Packing for a cruise on the open seas

Hopping on a plane for a 10-day jaunt (read: cruise) to Italy and Greece later this week. Watch by Daniel Wellington. ‘This Bag Is Not Yours’ luggage tag by Owen & Fred. Weekender by Navali.

There are certain types of trips it seems you only get to take once in a lifetime, honestly. This coming weekend, I’ve got the great opportunity to embark on one such trip, as luck would have it. The Hayhoe family (Mom, Dad, sister, brother and sister-in-law) is heading overseas for a cruise through the Mediterranean — starting in the glorious city of Rome and swinging through Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Katakolon, to be specific). It’s sure to be scenic and extraordinary, despite the economic tensions gripping Greece. But I face a decidedly more trivial challenge — what the heck am I going to wear? And how am I going to get it all there?

While I’m absolutely a Lean Wardrobe advocate, a slightly longer trip and variety of situations has me raiding my (somewhat extensive) closet to come up with outfit solutions. Formal cruise dinners, casual excursions, time spent by the pool and on the water and of course, some extensive travel. Yes, this trip has it all. So I’m hoping what I throw in my Navali Stowaway Weekender (a companion on other trips) sticks. To carry the rest of my gear, I’ll be toting along a durable

On the left, from the bottom: Olive Bonobos Washed Chinos, Sky Blue Combat Gent chinos, grey Billy Reid selvedge denim, white Mott & Bow denim. On the right, top to bottom: Pistol Lake henley, J. Crew Factory printed shirt, Steven Alan pocket tee, H&M V-neck, American Apparel & Everlane pocket tees.

For the everyday wear, I’m bringing along a selection of T-shirts both more plain (like my heather burgundy Steven Alan pocket tee, an American Apparel tee and a new Ace Rivington crewneck, not pictured) and ones with a bit more visual cues (like my Pistol Lake henley and a J. Crew sailboat tee — unfortunately sold out). For time spent by the pool and heading ashore, any option should work within reason. And when I travel, I’ll be throwing on my favorite Everlane pocket tee under my older (circa 2013) J. Crew blazer for easygoing travel style. I’m packing a vintage ballcap for a bit of extra protection from the sun, too — courtesy of the excellent folks at Goorin Bros.

From left to right: Pistol Lake sweatshorts, Athletic Propulsion Labs basketball shorts, Frank & Oak linen shorts and Orlebar Brown swim trunks.

Those tees should be a nice complement to the selection of casual shorts you see above– my Pistol Lake sweatshorts, pictured at left, are proving to be a personal favorite, comfortable yet functional and relatively tailored for a pair of sweatshorts. I’m also tossing some technically advanced Athletic Propulsion Labs basketball shorts in my bag for work-outs and hiking through the mountains of Greece. My Frank and Oak linen blend shorts should be ever-reliable in the heat, too (read more about them and the brand here), and I’m also packing my Banana Republic khaki shorts (similar to these). On the swimwear front, I’m looking forward to taking my Orlebar Brown Setter trunks out for a dip (as featured here – haven’t been working out as much as Bond though).

Pictured on the left: A rundown of versatile shirting for the trip, including a Bonobos Oxford, GAP chambray, short-sleeve Saturdays NYC buttondown and a vintage thrift store shirt perfect for sipping some brews.

Which brings me to my steadfast decision to bring perhaps more pairs of pants to a Mediterranean cruise than you might expect — what can I say? I prefer pants. For the flight there, I’ll undoubtedly be wearing my new pair of Mott & Bow white denim — they’re exceedingly comfortable thanks to a hint of stretch and will hopefully allow me to blend in stylishly once I land in Italy (I’ll also be bringing along some olive Washed Chinos from Bonobos for comfortable travel). And because one can never bring enough jeans on a trip, my grey selvedge Billy Reid denim should do the job nicely for more dressed-down dinners and travel days, while some sky blue Combat Gent chinos in a versatile slim-straight cut should do the trick for both casual and more crisp wear. For pairing with those jeans, I’ve got both a brown leather J. Crew dress belt and more casual striped and braided options. The number of pairs of pants I’m packing means I’m actually dialing in my shirts (somewhat) – a white Combat Gent Oxford, a blue Bonobos Oxford, my trusty GAP chambray shirt and my breathable and airy Stock Mfg. Co linen shirt should work well within a rotation. I plan to complement those with a patterned Saturdays NYC short-sleeve shirt and a vintage thrift store ‘Drinks’ shirt (check it out in more detail here).

But for those occasions that call for a significantly upped style game, I’ll be pulling out the big guns. As this is a Mediterranean cruise and all, I enlisted my friends at Combat Gent to set me up with perhaps the most fashion-forward number in their arsenal, the Steel Blue Glenplaid Double-Breasted suit as you can see above. I’m looking forward to breaking up the blazer with some custom grey suit pants and a crisp white Endurance Shirt via Combat Gent as well — and the rest of the time, my J. Crew blazer should certainly be able to pull double duty when worn with accessories like a red floral pocket square (similar to this one).

The footwear rundown for a continental trip. Jute loafers by Andre Coton. Brown leather loafers by G.H. Bass. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Black athletic sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Leather chukka boots by Timberland.

And given the variety of outfit pairings I’m hoping to line up, my shoe ensemble is stretched a little bit more than usual. For travel, my Timberland Coulter Chukka boots (courtesy of my day job, in full disclosure) will likely get the job done while the rest of my footwear is packed — neatly — away. I’m also bringing along my versatile G.H. Bass leather loafers (read more on them here) as well as my trusty GREATS Brand Wilson sneakers. I’m planning to pair the loafers with everything from chinos and T-shirts to jeans and short-sleeve shirts. And on the athletic and shore exploration front, I’m quite excited to try out my Athletic Propulsion Labs sneakers (a GearHungry post on those sneakers will be up soon!). But the footwear that might best fit in with the continental style one sees throughout Greece and Italy is coming on the trip courtesy of start-up loafer brand Andre Coton. These jute fabric loafers are without a doubt the most unique footwear style I’ve tried, but I’m hopeful (confident?) they’ll go well with my more formal outfit pairings.

More everyday carry accessories to round out the suitcase. Travel Kit by Baxter of California. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Steno Book by Field Notes. Tan leather keychain by Apolis.

Rounding out what looks to be a very full set of bags is a great Travel Kit courtesy of Baxter of California (read more on the brand here; I’m told the Travel Kit restock is imminent, so keep your eyes peeled). And while I’m not packing many socks, a few pairs of Richer Poorer no-show socks and a pair or two of patterned socks (for matching with shades of blue) should fit right in. A few everyday carry accessories, like a handy pair of American-made sunglasses, my black rubber Stuhrling Aquadiver watch, my stainless steel Invicta dive watch and my new Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol watch will also be with me as options for daily rotation. Luckily other than my blazer for travel, I’m leaving outerwear behind — which will hopefully prove to be the right choice. To protect my laptop, I’m stowing my computer in my new Issara leather laptop sleeve (available now on the brand’s site), while a reliable Field Notes Brand steno book should more than help me keep track of my travels.

That marks just about everything I’m bringing with me — whether it’ll prove foolish or a wise choice to forgo (somewhat) the Lean Wardrobe philosophy, time will tell. Just because I’m jetting off doesn’t mean the site will be forgotten, however — look out for another guest post via Madhav of Wardrobe Domination, as well as a Style Q&A with my buddy Barron from the excellent menswear site Effortless Gent. Of course, we’ll still close out the week here with the Friday Read and a good ol’ Style Pick — stay tuned, stay stylish!

Are you taking any big trips to close out the summer? What are your go-to travel essentials?

July 27, 2015July 22, 2015 by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Baxter of California

One of the first men’s grooming brands still gets it right today. Photo courtesy of Baxter of California.

Here on The Style Guide, grooming has been a topic that’s been a focus occasionally, but not for the most part. Like other style upgrades though, the grooming game is one where guys can begin to set themselves apart – much like upgrading your home accessories or interior design. And in a similar fashion, smaller efforts go a long way toward a better overall picture (and appearance), and can really add up to a much better lifestyle all around. Again, it’s still grooming we’re talking about here. While upstarts like Brickell Men’s Products are absolutely getting it right on the newer end of the men’s grooming craze, there are some established brands that continue to deliver on product that really just works.

An inside look at one of the brand’s most comprehensive kits — the Best of Baxter box. Photo courtesy of Baxter of California.

Baxter of California is one such brand that’s been at it for decades, revolutionizing its products over the years and really dialing in its approach. The brand’s roots are distinctly West Coast, right down to where they were founded five decades ago (its Super Skin Conditioner was specifically designed for protection from sea and salt air). The designs on the bottles and the packaging even now are clean and crisp, the fonts and colors stick to blue, black and white (a classic menswear combo if ever there was one), and the product – most importantly – delivers, too. If you’re looking for a place to start exploring an improved grooming regimen, Baxter is as good a place to start as any.

They’ve nailed it down to essential areas like Hair, Skin and Body Care products, although they also offer deodorant and candles, too. Plus, packages that combine the highlights into one are available for purchase – crucially, the Best of Baxter package boils things down into one essential set, as does the Travel Kit (soon to be restocked, I’m told, and which you can get a small look at below).

Just part of the spread from the Baxter Travel Kit — a worthy pickup when it goes back in-stock.

Having got my hands on a sample of the Travel Kit in advance of a trip to Greece, I’m here to tell you it’s worth the investment for any trips you might take. For someone who hadn’t truly paid attention to many grooming products before this year, that’s a first. I had previously bought the Under Eye Complex from the brand, and while it initially struck me as a somewhat odd product to use, it definitely does its job well.

Prepped to travel with key essentials from Baxter. Notebook by Field Notes. Tan leather keychain by Apolis. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

So that’s a worthy pickup (if $28 at first seems like too much for a small tube of cream, rest assured that it does last through multiple months of daily use, at the least). The Travel Kit expands on that value-for-size philosophy and rounds things up nicely into a getaway-ready package (much like other stylish travel accessories worth your time).

The kit contains everything you could ever need for hitting the road, including the brand’s Daily Protein Shampoo and Daily Face Wash, After Shave Balm and Oil-Free Moisturizer. I’ll admit I’m not much in the way of shaving my beard, but when the time comes, the Super Shave Balm (also contained therein) should do the job nicely.

Much like Brickell Men’s Products, Kiehl’s, Jack Black or other grooming brands with an all-around focus, Baxter has a clear vision when it comes to product design, packaging and functionality. These are items that get the job done and do so in a way that’s not incredibly expensive. In fact, it’s fairly approachable. If ponying up for grooming products stretches the budget thin, simpler alternatives will likely do the job. But upgrading to an established name can absolutely yield quality that’s worth a slight investment – and a better appearance at the end (or the start) of the day.

Do you have a go-to grooming company or product? Have you ever tried out Baxter of California?

June 10, 2015June 11, 2015 by Beau H.

What To Wear Today: Travel in Style This Summer

A blue Oxford cloth buttondown — just one of the many style essentials you should pack this summer. Shirt by Bonobos. Weekender bag by Navali. Luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

It might only be Wednesday right now, but my mind’s already thinking ahead to the weekend — I’m hitting the road for a family wedding in the lovely and historic city of Charleston, South Carolina (one of the home bases of my friends over at creative lifestyle site Brothers & Craft, in fact). And I’ve also been brainstorming how to pack in style while getting from fast-paced NYC to the decidedly more laidback Southern locale. Traveling and looking good is definitely something that should be top of mind for all of us as we hit the road the rest of this summer, too. Sharp travel accessories are one thing to elevate your overall game — but what do you wear while traveling and once you get there? Here’s a look at what I’m packing, and what you (maybe? possibly?) should throw in your bag, too. (Editor’s note: Unless you’re a real jetsetter, let’s assume you’re just packing for a long weekend away in a temperate climate – if it’s hotter or colder than that, layers could be added or subtracted).

The Shirt: A Go-Anywhere Oxford Cloth Buttondown [+ Slim, casual T-shirts & polos]

Versatile and ready for anything — the classic blue Oxford cloth buttondown from Buck Mason.

Although that shirt seen above is sold out online (and it’s easy to see why), it’s the perfect stand-in for the type of shirt that would be perfect to wear when traveling — and to have once you get where you’re going. On the cheaper side of things, Old Navy offers up a version at a pricepoint that could allow you to get one in both white and blue. The classic Oxford cloth button-down is the ideal mix of casual-meets-crisp style; it can be paired with a lightweight spring or summer jacket or a blazer in dressier situations, and it works with chinos, stylish shorts or denim (as long as the fit is trim and the shirt doesn’t hang too low when untucked). On the more casual side of things, a polo or two also wouldn’t hurt — this year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo polos are affordably priced and feature a wide spread of colors and patterns. On the even more toned-down side of things, slim pocket tees are your friend for casual travel style — in a slim fit, the right tee can even be worn under a blazer.

The Pants: Slim chinos or dark denim [+ laidback shorts]

The Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis offers the right color and fit for easygoing, polished travel style.

The slim khaki chino is an all-American classic that’s been freshened up as of late and can be worn just about any way you please (for at least five variations, see an Effortless Gent piece I penned last fall). Dark denim is every bit as versatile, too — either can go with pocket tees or polos, plus that trusty Oxford cloth buttondown shirt. The same goes for matching with different types of footwear, too (more on that below). And assuming you’re heading somewhere slightly warmer than where you are now, tailored shorts in a neutral color are a good pick — perhaps these Club Monaco shorts might do the trick, in fact. If you want something with some stretch and mobility, J. Crew Factory’s Stadium Shorts would be a wise wardrobe addition.

The Shoes: Crisp white or navy sneakers and brown leather loafers

Two pairs of shoes styled two different ways. White sneakers done up casually and leather loafers ready for dressier wear. On the left: Printed shirt by Saturdays Surf NYC. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Patterned watch strap by The Knottery and watch by Timex. On the right: Blazer by GAP. Leather loafers by Bass. In both looks: Lightwash jeans by J. Crew.

White sneakers, especially in the world of men’s style nowadays, can be worn with just about anything — even a suit if you play your cards right. If you reach for a pair with a slim silhouette, like the GREATS Wilson, the styling potential is ready for just about any situation — short of a black tie dinner. Navy runner-style sneakers are an equally unique option that combine retro cool and modern flair as well. If the occasion calls for a dressier pair of footwear, a pair of classic leather loafers is virtually foolproof; functional and cooling with rolled chinos in hotter weather while still looking sharp. Rugged-yet-refined brown leather desert boots (like the Florsheim Jet Chukka) also strike the right note — and if you had room for just one other pair of shoes on your trip besides sneakers, they would be the best pickup.

The Watch: Stainless steel dive watch (Or your favorite, versatile timepiece)

From sneakers and shorts to denim and desert boots, a stainless steel dive watch is highly versatile.

When it comes down to it, space packing for a trip is limited, no matter how great your weekender bag might be. Packing one watch to meet a variety of situations is one way to free up some of space for souvenirs or another T-shirt or two. There are lots of options out there that fill the under-$100 price point and pack versatility into one package, and in a situation where you might have two pairs of shoes to mix and match with shorts, chinos and denim, ditching a leather strap (which would require coordination with your shoes and belt) is an easy fix. An interchangeable nylon-strap watch could easily stand in if the trip leans more casual (and you don’t mind coordinating with a blue dial).

The Jackets: A cotton knit jacket and a classic navy blazer

A lightweight knit jacket or a lightweight navy blazer (or both) keep things cool, crisp and stylish during travel. For more outfit details, check out my Instagram.

A lightweight knit jacket or a lightweight navy blazer (or both) keep things cool, crisp and stylish during travel. Cotton knit herringbone jacket by Grayers. Navy blazer by J. Crew For more outfit details, check out my Instagram.

While the Grayers Russel Jacket seen in the photo at left is down to just Large and Extra-Large sizes, Old Navy can be counted on here to offer up an equally sporty and equally stylish jacket (made from cotton). In the right fit and with the right staples (like a chambray shirt), an outfit very similar to the one on the left could be worn to work and then right onto the plane. Likewise, an unstructured navy blazer fits the bill perfectly if the occasion calls for something more polished. In a more wrinkle-resistant and lighter fabric, that same blazer could be worn from the office onto the plane, too.

The Rest: A reversible belt, versatile socks and a sharp swimsuit

A reversible belt, neutral socks and a striped swimsuit should finish things off nicely.

Trying to coordinate different pairs of shoes together with varying types of bottoms is another hurdle that requires some packing expertise. The easy way out of that is a simple reversible belt — not always the highest-quality things on the market, to be sure, but effective nonetheless. That way, you solve that pesky space issue and pack (or most likely, wear) just one belt throughout the trip. If space allows, a casual webbed belt could be a nice change of pace. Patterned socks are lots of fun, to be sure, but picking up a couple pairs in neutral colors — like grey, charcoal or navy — would work best for maximum versatility. And reaching for a swim suit with a slimmer cut, like any of the options from this site’s recent swimwear roundup helps you look good while hitting the water (if that’s in the itinerary, that is).

So you’ve got some ideas from the above — what’s on your go-to list when packing? What would you add or omit from this packing suggestion? Give me a shout on Twitter!

May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Travel Accessories

Where in the world (or across the country?) will you be heading this summer?

So with summer coming up quickly and Memorial Day approaching even faster, there’s a good chance you’ll be hitting the road in the coming weeks and months – be it for a music festival, a trip to see old friends, a summer wedding or some much-deserved R-and-R. Either way, how exactly are you going to get there and what are you going to bring? I’ll leave you to figure out your travel reservations — but in the meantime, get prepped to pack with all of the stylish essentials you’ll need, from a great weekender bag to the clothing you might want to throw in it.

The Weekender Bag: Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag — $200

The Navali Stowaway Weekender bag in Carafe. A different color than the version up on the site now, but still a great model.

While the version for sale on the brand’s site right now comes in different color options than the bag pictured above, the nuts and bolts are still the same. With a Navali bag, you get a unique combination of quality and a relatively affordable price — a bag you’re going to depend on for getting from point A to point B had better be reliable, well-built and good-looking to boot. It’s made from durable cotton canvas and features added reinforcement at key stress points and leather handles. If you’re in need of a larger or more business-friendly suitcase, you could pick up something sleek and minimal from Tumi.

The Dopp Kit: J. Crew Factory Carson Travel Kit — $34.50 And Toiletries — Brickell Men’s Products

J. Crew Factory’s Carson Travel Kit pictured with some other travel essentials. Rubber strap watch by Stuhrling. Stainless steel watch by Invicta. Toiletries by Brickell Men’s Products.

Once you’ve loaded up your weekender bag with budget style essentials fit for a trip, what are you going to do with those toiletries? Even doing something as simple as buying a nicer receptacle for that plastic Ziploc bag to get through security helps tie together the complete travel/style combination. J. Crew Factory’s Carson Travel Kit comes in rugged shades of olive, khaki or deep navy, any of which would be a fine (and durable) addition to your travel lineup. On the cheaper yet still nice-looking side, Target is also making a nice toiletries kit. As far as grooming supplies go, you can’t go wrong on the skin and body care front with some travel-sized essentials from Brickell Men’s Products — they’re affordably priced and they really do work wonders for your skin (full review here).

The Everyday Carry: Issara Laptop Sleeve (11″ or 13″) — $116.10 OR $125.10

Navy + leather = quality your laptop can appreciate.

For those of us who pack up the laptop when we hit the road, carrying around something with a bit of a luxe feel to it can be a nice upgrade. There are less expensive, sporty options out there but something made out of fine full-grain leather like this laptop sleeve feels great to the touch and befits a laptop that probably cost a pretty penny. This piece and others are available for pre-order now, so keep that in mind as you hit the road. On another note, the navy leather is another step up as far as travel gear goes. If that color isn’t your thing, it’s also available in cognac or black.

The Wallet: Linjer Leather Goods Mocha Billfold

Made out of vegetable-tanned leather and with enough room for everything you need to hit the road.

This accessory is another item that can easily become part of your everyday carry outside of travel, too. Linjer’s mocha billfold wallet is a beautifully crafted piece made out of supple leather. It’s got enough space for six cards and a nifty hidden pocket for important documents (or just extra cash). The site is taking pre-orders for those pieces currently, but if you travel exceptionally light and want a piece with some personality, The Hill-Side’s card cases combine excellent fabrics and leather in a slim profile. Of course, as part of your everday carry, it’d be wise to pack a sharp watch — best be on schedule!

The Reading Material: A great book

Weekend reading pictured. Would recommend a smaller book for travel. Leather valet tray by Made Supply Co. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

I’m a voracious reader in my spare time (if you’ve been following along with the weekly Friday Read pieces, you know that much), but getting into a great book is one of my favorite things to do when traveling. Picking up something digitally if you have a Kindle is definitely a nice option, and I also prefer excellent longform-focused sites like Narratively for digital perusal.

The Travel Outfit

An outfit that moves from place to place with easy. Unconstructed navy blazer by J. Crew. Chambray shirt by GAP. Suede wingtips by Oliberté. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Black denim by American Apparel.

What to wear while traveling is likely an entirely different post in and of itself (keep your eyes peeled for that!), but outfits that straddle the line between dressy and casual definitely seem to work the best — think something casual-cool, like the unconstructed blazer seen above with a four-season chambray shirt and black (or blue) denim for spring & summer travel. The goal would be to look good but be comfortable moving around and sitting — the suede wingtips seen above could easily be swapped out for white sneakers, while the chambray shirt could be traded in for a pocket tee; in the cold weather, a navy wool blazer would work just the same. Conversely, a great bomber jacket and a short-sleeve henley worn with dark denim works for spring and summer layering as you travel between chillier and hotter climes. Of course, if you’re bringing a suit to a destination, the best suggestion seems to be to simply wear it — more terrific suggestions on dressing for travel from the team at Dappered over here.

Now that you know the bag to grab and what to fill it with, let me know — what are your must-have travel essentials? What items not shown here would pack instead?

March 30, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Weekender Bags

The Navali Stowaway Weekender bag in Carafe. What are you packing this spring and summer?

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine (and blog reader) asked me about recommendations for great weekender bags. It got me thinking – now that winter is finally thawing out, I’m sure lots of us have our eyes on spring or summer getaways. While hitting the road for a vacation is always fun, a big part of the process is how you’re getting there & what you’re packing. And if you’re kitted out in a stylish get-up for the road, you need a bag that’s equally as sharp. Backpacks and sports duffle bags, although functional, don’t provide nearly enough room or the looks needed for longer travel. And while formal briefcases or suitcases work for business trips, the weekender bag is all about providing enough room for the essentials — and doing so in an easygoing fashion. Here are 5 great bags for the road ahead.

#1. Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag — $159.99

The Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag comes with a lifetime warranty, and should last a good long while.

First seen on this blog back in August of last year, the Carafe color pictured here is now gone – but it’s been replaced with an equally stylish washed navy option or a spring-like “Sand” shade. The blue cotton canvas contrasts nicely with the brown leather fastenings, but it’s not all for show. Exterior pockets with strong buckle fastenings, tough zippers, a thick & comfortable shoulder strap and just enough for the essentials make this bag worth the price. Dimensions are 22″ width, 12″height, 8 1/2″ diameter.

#2. J. Crew Abingdon Weekender Bag — $198

Deep olive. Waxed cotton canvas. J. Crew’s Abingdon bag.

It’s tough to go anywhere on Siblings with Style without finding a J. Crew item in a shopping roundup — this is one company doing many things exceptionally. The Abingdon is slightly bigger than the Navali above in terms of height (17 1/2″), width (26″) and diameter (9 1/4″), so it can certainly carry more goods & take a bit of a beating. The waxed cotton canvas construction should age very nicely with increased usage too.

#3. Everlane Twill Weekender — $95

Everlane’s simple, clean take on the weekender.

Everlane delivers a much more minimal, modernist (and cheaper) take on the weekender bag. The brand keeps things simple with a grey cotton twill exterior and black leather fastenings — no aged waxed cotton here, folks. Everlane’s bags really put the brand on the map and continue to be quite popular. Having used an Everlane twill weekender pretty extensively across the past summer in New York, these bags can definitely take quite a lot for the price.

#4. Filson Large Duffel Bag — $358

True heritage quality — and an heirloom-worthy price.

Filson has something the other brands on this list don’t — real, true heritage when it comes to make hardy outdoor gear. Only in recent years has the brand become known more among the fashion community, but it’s got years of experience outfitting hunters, fishers and outdoorsmen. Its bags are crafted from the same durable mindset. This duffle is a true beast of a bag, guaranteed for life and by far the most substantial weekender listed. The olive & tan versions are backordered, but navy and brown are in stock.

#5. Shinola Signature Duffle — $1,250

Exceptionally expensive. But also exceptionally well-made.

So this post isn’t really advocating you go out and drop more than A GRAND on a single bag. But, it’s always worth it to scout out what options are out there – and maybe keep a goal in mind for a future investment. This particular bag looks beautiful and features outstanding Horween leather and is individually stamped and numbered — those are the kind of details that bring the price up. The hardware is solid brass, and despite being leather, this bag should not only hold up but also age exceptionally well (it better for that price!). Available in black & brown, with a cognac number coming soon.

NOTE: Other bags that just missed the cut here include J. Crew Factory’s somewhat smaller but very affordable Carson duffle bag, Navali’s Waxed Stowaway Weekender in Olive and Frank & Oak’s Genuine Italian Leather Weekender. JackThreads is also stocking quite a few weekender bags for low prices at the moment.

What’s your favorite from this list? Any idea what you’ll be buying for your travels?

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Tag / men’s travel accessories