I’m a luggage junky… Certifiable. Here’s part two of my confessional. Part one on laptop bags is here if you haven’t read it. I’ve also written before about my awesome Waterfield Designs gadget bag.

This time around I’m looking at Weekender style bags or duffles suitable for an overnight or short trip for work or pleasure. Here’s what does it for me:

Defy R & R Weekender

I’m crazy about this bag… It’s ideal for weekend trips away or any kind of car travelling. I bought if for myself as a Christmas present a while back. I pre-ordered this bag before they started manufacturing them.

We’re planning a South Island road trip at the end of the year and this will probably be my main carry. Here are the specs:

• Inspired by Israeli Defense Force standard issue field duffles
• Rugged 20 oz. truck tarpaulin exterior provides ballistic strength structure and aesthetics.
• The interior is lined with uber durable black canvas.
• YKK zippers and hand-crafted Horween Austin Calf leather trimmed pockets.
• M35 Military truck tarpaulin vinyl/canvas
• Hand-crafted on the gritty west side of Chicago using industrial machines, threads, and techniques learned from disassembling vintage military bags.
• Adjustable and removable Military Spec shoulder strap uses solid steel hardware commissioned from a US Military supply company.
• Full-grained Horween Austin Calf leather pocket, trim and strap handle.

Defy Ultimate Gym bag

These bags are pretty darn cool as well. I bought three of them. One for each of my kids as Christmas presents. Each one in a different colour combo. How cool is this orange and camo version…

Trouble was I got so excited about giving them the bags that I couldn’t wait until Christmas. We had to use them on the next trip away after they arrived. Generally, the kids take one of these away when we travel (at least that’s what I tell them…) Key specs:

Waterfield Designs Tote

This one has been my wife’s main carry on a few recent trips. It’s perfect for her to stuff things in for overnight or just for getting around the place. And it matches the Muzetto I bought her for her iPad.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Distressed-looking waxed canvas plus sturdy leather.
• Perfectly sized for an iPad or tablet.
• Sturdy self-locking zipper
• Hefty leather handle is just the right length to wear over one shoulder or hold next to you without dragging the tote on the ground.

The only problem with this bag is that it’s just not quite big enough for her for overnighters or short trips. Which brings me to my next bag.

Waterfield Designs Duffle

This is Gary Waterfield’s latest creation. I’m keeping this one hush hush… Hopefully, Susan won’t read this blog post and I won’t have to get it for her. At least not yet. I’ll probably get it at some stage. I mean… it would be perfect for her as an overnighter. And it would match the Muzetto (and the other Tote)…

This one’s probably next on the list… I just need to save some money and think about how I can justify it. Specs:

• Waxed canvas or sturdy ballistic nylon
• Leather color accents: Black, Chocolate, or Grizzly
• Two sizes

Goruck Civvy Kitbag

This bag is enormous… I’m not really sure what it’s for. But I bought it anyway. It’s served us well on various trips away with the whole family. Travelling with kids means that you need big bags to stuff all sorts of junk into. This bag is perfect for stuffing full of kids clobber: bedding, blankets, toys, clothes, nappies etc.

It’s modelled after an even larger military version that, in turn, is a replica of the flight bag that the paratroopers used to use to drag all their kit around in. My one is the olive colour in the image below for the smaller kit bag. Specs:

• Military-grade, highly water resistant materials
• One main compartment opens widely for packing and visibility
• Main opening is protected with rain flap to protect contents of kit
• One external open pocket on end of kit for external organization for newspapers, books, etc.
• Small internal pocket next to main zipper provides quick access to keys, cell phones, or travel tickets
• All internal pockets have YKK zippers with red 550 paracord allowing user to locate pockets more easily
• MOLLE webbing on one external end for customization with carabiners or Field Pockets
• High stress points are strength tested at over 400 lbs

Now that the kids are getting bigger I’m going to have to think of a new purpose for this bad boy.

Goruck Kit Bag

This looks pretty cool as well. I don’t own it, but it would make a worthy opponent if I had to choose an alternative to my Defy R & R Weekender. Specs:

• Built in the USA of military-grade, highly water resistant materials
• One main compartment opens widely for packing and visibility
• Main opening is protected with rain flap to protect contents of kit
• Two external open pockets on both ends of kit for external organization for newspapers, books, etc.
• Small internal pocket next to main zipper provides quick access to keys, cell phones, or travel tickets
• Three total internal pockets total

Part three of this will include suitcases… Any comments? Let me know what you think about these bags (and whether I have a problem).