It’s always exciting to get away for a few days – whether it’s during the week or a quick weekend jaunt, time spent away from the normal routine is always treasured. When it comes to packing for that next adventure it can sometimes create issues. Usually you get stuck between those thoughts of “I want to carry more than my daypack will hold, but I don’t want to take a big bag or suitcase either. Decisions, decisions, right? Fortunately a great general purpose bag was created called the duffle or duffel. Regardless of how you spell it, its origins can be traced back to 17th Century Belgium.
About Whipping Post
Whipping Post was founded by Ryan Barr, who says he likes to “makes useful stuff”. Based in Atlanta, GA Whipping Post creates a host of great looking, rugged, simple functional leather goods. In talking with Ryan about his company, he had this to say:
“I was getting started working with leather and actually started Whipping Post when Dave Munson of Saddleback took me on and mentored me. As I was getting my footing he actually let me work for Saddleback and learn the business. We have different styles, but he’s been very influential. I do all the design work and we do manufacturing in Mexico as well.
The name Whipping Post is actually inspired by the song Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers. In the song it’s actually a metaphor for the way he’s been treated, but I like that a Whipping Post is designed to take abuse. We hope the products we make will be able to take whatever abuse you throw at them and stand the test of time :)”
Construction
The Whipping Post Weekender Bag is a classic zip top duffel bag. It’s constructed of 100% vegetable tanned leather, copper rivets, and sports heavy duty hardware (check out that extremely substantial zipper). The leather used on the body of the bag sports a nice copper color and is thick, but soft and pliable. The straps have more of a chocolate brown hue to them and are a thicker cut of leather. Stitching is hidden on the interior and there is generous use of copper rivets at key stress and anchor points around the bag. The d-rings, clasps, zipper, and other assorted hardware all have an antique brass finish to them.
Function
The Weekender Bag is 21″ long x 11.5″ wide x 9″ high and weighs 6 pounds. Those dimensions make it carry-on friendly for most airlines. The main compartment of the bag is spacious. Even at my size, I’ve utilized this bag on several trips spanning 4+ days. So, as a true weekender, you’ll be set as far as pack-ability and space are concerned. The exterior is smooth and features slot pockets on both ends of the bag – ideal for a boarding pass, a book, or your smartphone.
The interior is unlined, keeping it simple. The side pocket is helpful for storing small items that you don’t want to get lost in the large, main compartment. The zipper is large and easy to manipulate. The detachable shoulder strap is easily adjustable and sports a nice, thick shoulder pad. The handles are comfortable even when the bag is fully packed. The handle closure is a nice feature too. The included luggage tag is a great little bonus in my opinion since many companies only offer that as an additional item to purchase. The luggage tag isn’t quite large enough to accept a full size business card, but with a little folding, you can get your card in there for emergency identification purposes.
Aesthetic
Solid leather duffel bags are awesome in my opinion. I think the Whipping Post Weekender Bag is particularly attractive with its combination of two leather colors, copper rivets, and the antique brass hardware. It’s simple in design, but it turns heads and draws attention. So far, on both of the flights that I’ve taken with this bag, it has been commented on and had questions asked about it. It looks good on your shoulder and it’s capable of being carried cross body too. Ideally, I’d like to have it sitting in the backseat of a fully restored Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, or perhaps a Land Rover…just about any kind of classic, cool looking automotive or truck will do. I need to work on adding that component. I have the cool bag…now I need a cool vehicle to match, right?
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a great all around bag, the Whipping Post Weekender Bag will be hard to beat. Built with quality components, great looks, and utilitarian purpose, it will easily become your “go-to” bag when your next business trip or adventure comes calling. It’s competitively priced at $350 and in my opinion, worth every penny. The bag will get better looking with age and use and perform without issue for decades to come.
