Many different types of leather travel bags are available to help you keep your belongings contained and protected. To choose, you should first consider what you need to carry, and how much you want to spend. A cheaply-made bag may not hold up and can be difficult to repair. If you find a well-made bag and take good care of it, you should be able to use it for years to come.
Most business travelers will need something to hold a laptop computer and various other electronic devices. A leather travel briefcase may fit the bill, if you are checking a bag for a longer trip or don’t want to carry on additional luggage. These bags look like a regular soft-sided briefcase, with a padded pocket for your laptop. Leather travel bags styled like a messenger bag are also quite practical, and are a nice alternative for women who don’t want to carry a purse along with a briefcase.
Some computer bags, as well as duffel bags and backpacks, have space for a laptop, a few files and room for a couple days’ worth of clothing for short trips. Since they can be heavier than other leather travel bags, they often have wheels and a handle so they don’t have to be carried through a busy airport. When choosing a bag with wheels, it's important to remember that the frame will take up room, robbing you of space inside the bag. Wheeled bags are also more rigid and may not fit in an overhead compartment or under an airplane seat.
Look for bags that have good solid stitching on the seams. Messenger bag styling looks more like a personal bag and less like a computer one, making theft less likely. Some companies sell security leather travel bags with stainless steel mesh in the bottom and steel cables in the straps to deter slash-and-grab thieves. Zipper locks and anchor clips also help keep your valuables safe. They cost a bit more than a regular bag, but if you’re worried about losing things, or traveling somewhere pickpockets are a problem, the security bag might be worth the extra money.
If you travel often, quality leather travel bags can last for years. They need regular care to stay in good condition. You can clean your bags with a leather cleaner or mild soap, or have them professionally cleaned. Applying a leather conditioner afterward helps prevent drying and cracking, and protects against scuffs and scratches.
