Take This Duffel Bag and Stuff It

This should be an Olympic sport … stuff your favorite duffel bag with as much as humanly possible. Leather duffels from David King, Le Donne, and Passage 2 let you pack, cram, jam — and organize — all of your clothing and travel accessories. It seems like everything you own would fit in these bags. WARNING — watch the airline baggage regulations and don’t try to pack the kitchen sink. It may just push you over the weight limit. Either way, there is plenty of room and space.

Duffel bags come in various leathers and sizes, and there are even wheeled options to meet the needs of today’s travelers. However, the duffel bag is not new to the luggage scene. It has been around for more than 400 hundred years.

Did you know this?

• The tightly woven canvas that was later used in the duffle bags was first manufactured in the 15th century in Duffle, Antwerp Belgium. It was never intended to be used for luggage.
• In 1611, the cloth was imported to Spain and Portugal for sailors to repair their ship’s sails.
• Sailors fell in love with the durable, seaworthy fabric and began to make their bags from this material. The bags were originally called sea bags or ditty bags.
• During World War I, the term duffle bag was first used.
• The US military first issued the official duffle bag in 1943 and it has remained the military’s favorite bag.
• Duffle is also spelled duffel. Why? No one knows!

The duffel bag users of yesterday would hardly recognize today’s leather duffel bag. David King, Le Donne, and Passage 2 are three of the finest bag manufacturers and are top featured brands at Irv’s Luggage. Their bags have plenty of pockets and compartments for travel items, and even dirty laundry. With the David King Vaquetta Leather Duffel with Bottom Compartment, it is easy to keep your messy, dirty things below and keep your clothes clean and fresh in the compartment above.

Duffel bags are often spotted filled with gear at sporting events or gyms. They make for great carry-on bags, as they are available in a variety of sizes that easily fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. College kids arrive home with the Passage 2 Collection Vaquetta Leather Rolling Duffel oozing with weeks of dirty clothes.

Weekend travelers also love duffels — especially the Le Donne Distressed Leather Getaway Duffel — because they can easily fit all their clothing, shoes and gear needed to go exploring. Each leather duffel from Le Donne is unique in its color tone variations, creases and weathered look. The bag feels like it has been a part of you, like your comfy leather slippers, and the shoulder strap removes if you prefer to carry it by hand.

Top Guide to Packing Luggage for College

Ah Graduation season! High School seniors everywhere are throwing their caps and gowns to the floor, clutching their diplomas and will soon be heading off to colleges all across the country. When the time comes to leave the nest, be sure that your student is fully prepared for even the most unexpected situations. You never know what adventures might occur! Here is your new guide to preparing for and packing luggage for college.

Bedroom: More than one set of sheets (they’re going to get dirty and will not be washed for weeks, I thought I should warn you up front) comforter, pillows, pillowcases, under bed storage – they are more useful than you know and will not only hold belongings that aren’t currently in use like sweatshirts but they make the trip home that much more organized – blankets

Clothing: T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, pants, jeans, khakis, shorts, sweats, socks, underwear, hangers, work out clothes/athletic clothes, dressy clothes, pajamas, gym shoes, flip flops, walking shoes, dressy shoes

Snacks: Fridge, microwave, cereal, Mac and cheese, “easy foods” like Ramen noodles; and of course you can’t forget utensils such as knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, mug, bowl and paper towels

Bathroom: Towels, shampoo, soap, body lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower caddy, washcloths, hamper, contacts, contact solution, glasses, special soaps or creams

Computer & Electronics: Computer/laptop, cables, printer, printer paper, mouse, mouse pad, ink, surge protector, Flash drive, extension cord, phone cases, phone charger, laptop cases/bags, laptop charger, iPad cases/bags

Cleaning supplies: Dish soap, laundry soap, vacuum, air fresheners, sponge and all purpose cleaner

School supplies: Backpack, Calendar, lamp, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, highlighters, dry erase board/markers, wall hooks, erasers, white out, glue, paper clips, stapler, 3 hole punch, sharpener, post its, rubber bands, ruler, scissors, staple remover, tape, calculator, index cards, notebooks, notebook paper

Miscellaneous: Quarters, change, ATM card, credit card, driver’s license, first aid kit, TV, DVD player, DVDs, video game systems, video games, paper towels, pictures from home, flashlight, sports equipment, alarm clock, umbrellas, men’s wallets, women’s wallets, handbags, camera case, dopp toiletry kits and cosmetic kits/cases

Now all of these items are super important for when your student is at school, but what about when you have to send the belongings (oh, and your kids too) to school and then pick them back up again? You’ll need some heavy duty travel bags to carry all of that “stuff” and you won’t find a better selection of luggage, travel accessories or duffel bags to travel back and forth with from school than from Irv’s Luggage.

If you’re in need of luggage to send with your college student, take a look at any of our TravelPro Luggage pieces, especially the Crew 8 series. They were designed with pilots and flight attendants in mind, meaning they’re super sturdy) and they have a great price tag that won’t make you cringe (like tuition bills might!) But if you’re looking for something less traditional, a duffel bag is the way to go. It will not only make weekend trips home much more organized (just throw everything in the bag, zip it up and get home!) but depending on the size of the duffel you can either roll it behind you and carry it over your shoulder for extra security. Our David King duffels make a great gift and are the perfect addition to any traveler’s wardrobe.

No matter where your student is going to college or how much they’re planning on taking with them, you will know they will be prepared for any situation with these planning tips. Now if we could only guarantee they will use them…Happy Learning!

Best All Around Bags Leather Duffels & Laptop Messenger Bags

Leather, I love leather!!  Leather is a great material for so many things! It is sturdy, dependable, long lasting and resistant to everyday dust and dirt. Always fashionable, dresses up any outfit and leather bags always seem to be in style.  In particular I am a huge fan of leather duffel bags and leather laptop messenger bags; I have both and cannot say enough about them, they serve so many purposes!!

Leather Duffel Bags are great for weekend travel, the gym or as an all around great carry-on luggage piece. Sometimes when I am carrying a book, water bottle and a sweater, I will even use a leather duffel as a handbag!  Leather duffel bags are so versatile!!  Some great choices and top selling leather duffels include:

• Passage 2 Vaquetta Leather 18” (765550) and 21” (765540) Duffel Bags – Both of these are great choices depending on what size you are looking for.  A nice feature of the 21” bag is the additional pockets on the exterior for extra storage and organization.
• David King Leather Two Pocket Duffel (302) – A top seller from David King, this 19” leather duffel has a large main compartment, two gusseted pockets on the front, large end pockets and an adjustable removable shoulder strap.
• Korchmar La Romana Expandable Duffel (L1185) – An absolutely stunning duffel, the crème de la crème of duffel bags.  The La Romana is made of full grain glove soft pebble grain cowhide trimmed with full grain oil tanned saddle leather, fully lined and comes with an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. A higher-end expandable duffel but you will definitely be getting your money’s worth with this one.

Leather Laptop Messenger Bags are great for work for both male and female executives, a nice alternative to the traditional briefcase; also a wonderful bag to sport around town with your laptop in tow as a unisex cross body bag.  Leather laptop messenger bags are terrific, if you do not have one, it definitely is time; Kenneth Cole and David King have some great choices:

• Kenneth Cole Risky Business Leather Laptop Messenger Bag – The most popular Kenneth Cole, selling at a nice $100 price point!  Kenneth Cole sure has a way with leather and style while still keeping it affordable.  Kenneth Cole’s Risky Business is a fully lined, single gusset flap over style messenger bag with many organizational features and a sleek, modern appearance.
• David King Distressed Leather Laptop Messenger Bags the 6153 and the 6111 – Two great  distressed leather messenger bags from David King.  If you are looking for a hipper more laid back look, distressed is the way to go. With a padded laptop section, an inside zipper divided section and a great organizer both these messenger bags serve it up right

So if you want to purchase two types of leather bags to accommodate all your business, travel and everyday needs, the leather duffel bag and a laptop messenger bag are the perfect choices!  Check out these Kenneth Cole, David King and Passage 2 at IrvsLuggage.com today!!!

Business Cases, Briefcases, Messenger Bags and More for Airline Travel

As you plan for your next business trip, take a few minutes to visualize how the trip will go – What will the weather be like? Will you stay in a comfortable hotel? Will you have enough time to prepare for your meetings? As prepared as you might be, the unthinkable happens. Darn your luck! You never imagined your trusty leather briefcase would break just as you were getting in the cab to go to your hotel. Just perfect! Luckily for you, Irv’s Luggage has dozens of great business case options to choose from.

Business cases come in many sizes and shapes: rolling and non-rolling; simple two-handle bags, backpacks and messenger bags, among others. Even with so many options, there is a business case for you! If you are someone on the go who wants a secure, reliable business case that will also hold your laptop, you won’t go wrong with a laptop backpack by JanSport. Most people will recognize Jansport from their youth, carrying around books in their trusty backpack; but the brand has grown and improved with time. JanSport Backpacks are available in many different styles and the colors they come in will fit any personality or occasion necessary. With additional padding to hold laptops in place, you will not have to worry about your valuables with these backpacks.

For something a bit more modern, some men and women today are switching to messenger bags as business cases. Messenger bags are extremely convenient – just throw it over your shoulder and go – and come in a variety of styles: buckle, Velcro, zipper, front-flap, half-flap and full-flap; and materials: leather, canvas and polyester. Some of the most popular leather messenger bags we offer are from David King. Made of the highest quality leathers, with adjustable shoulder straps and large spacious pockets, David King messenger bags are worthwhile lifelong investments.

Now if you’re a “no-frills, I like my bags simple and clean” kind of person and are looking for a classic business briefcase, look no further than a briefbag by Samsonite Luggage. With briefcases available in both soft side and hard side exteriors, Samsonite leads the pack in quality and style. Their business and laptop cases range from classic gusseted ballistic nylon briefcases to leather business cases with expansions and multiple add-ons to fit an ever-changing crowd.

The most unique business case option we have would be the lawyer’s briefcase. This briefcase is distinctive in shape and style, with interior file pockets with one specifically designed to hold a laptop along with a security feature on the outside, either a key and lock or a combination lock to keep your important documents, files and folders protected from prying eyes. The Johnston & Murphy Lawyer’s Briefcase is no exception. With three interior pockets, an organization panel with pen loops, USB pouch, business card pockets and Quick Retrieve™ compartment for easy access to electronics, an easy-grip padded fixed handle and lifetime warranty this briefcase will last a lifetime.

Traveling on business may not be as easy as 1,2,3 but here at Irv’s Luggage we strive to make it a little easier for you to navigate these complex waters. From leather briefcases to laptop backpacks and everything in between, Irv’s Luggage has the perfect business case for you!

Leather goods on Sale Now with Closeout & Clearance Prices

I have fond memories of growing up – vacations, play dates and soccer games – but one thing I remember most is the beautiful black leather bag my mother used to carry. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary – a simple, structured leather shoulder bag with a detachable crossbody strap to match – but it influenced me a great deal. When she wore that bag, I knew we were going on an adventure (even if it was just to the grocery store.) Fast forward a few years and my youth has caught up with me.

Working closely with different leather products everyday – cross body leather bags and leather tote bags and leather computer bags (Oh My!) has shown me just how important a great leather bag can be to a consumer. For some it’s a connection to their youth, for others it’s about knowing they’ve made a real investment in a quality item. This impact is most evident during the holidays and the weeks that follow.

During the holidays, consumers searching for Leather goods are after two things: quality products and a great deal! (That is where a great Luggage Sale comes into play!) In the luggage business, consumers are always asking which items would best suit their needs, their wants and their budgets. We tend to ask a few different questions: what will the bag’s purpose be – business or pleasure – and what type of bag will ensure the best fit? Is the consumer looking for leather travel bags? Or are they looking for leather messenger bags? How often will the bag be used? And you can’t forget the consumer’s price point. There’s nothing worse than seeing a beautiful leather piece and realizing you cannot afford it.

Once the specifics are known, the choices can be narrowed down. Soft supple leather, quality hardware and durability are key points that any customer should be looking for in a leather product and you’ll find some of the best leather products from manufacturers like David King, LeDonne and Claire Chase Bags. Not only do they offer leather bags for men and women at great prices that we can pass along to you, the consumer, but they stand behind their products with guaranteed warranties as well. Now if you really want to know, I have my personal favorites – the David King Leather Extra Large Duffel Bag (6654) in black, the Le Donne Leather Messenger Bag (A202) in café and the Claire Chase Leather Computer Bak-Pak (CCL 330E) in Red – they’re stylish, well-made and very roomy! But don’t take my word for it. Try any or all of them out, available at Irv’s Luggage now!

New Laptop? Time to get a new Laptop Case!

Were you lucky enough to get a new laptop for Christmas this year?  If you were, it’s time to buy a new laptop case to protect your new gift. Laptop cases have come a long way over the years… just as laptops have. The selection ranges from the ubba-urban neoprene laptop sleeves to the conservative yet classically styled leather laptop cases to the highly durable and wildly popular traditional nylon laptop business case. No matter what style of laptop computer case you are looking for, Irv’s Luggage has the perfect selection at the perfect price!

Here are my three favorites…
For the chic yet somewhat traditional business person… my top pick is the Victorinox Architecture 2.0 Trevi Expandable Laptop Briefcase (SAB 303223). This is a perfect laptop case for the up and coming business person (men or women) as it features dual main compartments and a a built-in Aero Sleeve™ padded computer pod with breathable window to help extend the battery life of your laptop. This is an expandable laptop case, and will hold a laptop up to 15” screen size. What I really like about this Trevi computer case is that it is lightweight, has pockets and files to hold all my stuff and its made of durable ballistic nylon. This has an adjustable, padded shoulder strap  plus durable carry handles which makes carrying this laptop case a breeze. The Irv’s Luggage price is $169.97 and this laptop case will ship for free!  A great deal on a great laptop bag. Check out all the Victorinox Architecture Laptop Cases at Irv’s Luggage!

Looking for a leather laptop case?  You can spend a lot of money on a variety of traditional leather brands: Tumi, Hartmann, Johnston & Murphy, Marc New York, but one of my favorites is the David King Leather Porthole Laptop Briefcase (DK BP 119). As one of the world’s largest importers of South African leather, David King Leather offers classic style, elegance and design features that make this leather laptop case very popular. Offered in black leather, café colored leather and tan leather (natural), the styling of this leather laptop case makes this a top choice. Designed to hold up to a 15” laptop, this David King leather computer bag weighs in at 5 lbs… so you know that it is durable. Irv’s Luggage offers this David King laptop bag at $127.97 and of course, it will ship free.

And, for just the ladies… the McKlein W Series Glen Ellyn Detachable Leather Laptop Wheeled Women’s Briefcase (MC BL 9436). What I really like about this women’s laptop case is that you can choose to either wheel it or carry it by the handles or a shoulder strap. Offered at Irv’s Luggage in a choice of colors, this women’s leather laptop case holds up to a 15.4” laptop.  Fun, durable, and definitely styled for the fashionable woman.