I love bags. I don’t know why. But I definitely have a problem. I found the perfect messenger bag. And the perfect backpack. And now I think I have a perfect duffel/weekender bag. The definition of perfect: when the delicate balance of style and function is reached.

These bags by Herschel Supply Co are from Scotland and have two distinctive features: pinstripe inside and a shoe compartment. The pinstripe is really sharp and sets it apart from a junky duffel. There’s also a hard bottom that is removable… haven’t decided if I am going to use it or not.

Aside from that, there is nothing really terribly exciting besides a wonderfully simple high-quality duffel. Nice leather details with plastic loop holes. I had originally ordered the Outfitters Large but although it said it was only 2 inches of difference (24in vs 22in)… it felt so much bigger. It also featured steel loops for the shoulder strap which were already worn as the one I got was the floor model. The only thing I really like from the Outfitter was that they had these big hand straps on the ends of the bag. It was also twice as expensive… the Novel retails for $79.99… I got mine on eBay for $50.

See the slideshow here.