... then he needs not only a stick and hat, but above all a robust travel bag like this one made of strong 18-ounce cotton canvas. And since, in addition to the travel bag, hand or shoulder bags and a toiletry bag are also needed, Croots immediately designed a small series from the dark blue cotton fabric. In beautiful contrast, the zippers and hardware are made of polished brass. The pieces all fit together perfectly and complement each other, but also cut more than a good figure solo, and not only when traveling.

The large main compartment of the travel bag is not further divided, but (like all Croots bags in our range) lined with the wonderful, bright red lining fabric made of cotton twill. On all inner sides there are pockets, two of which can be closed with press studs. For a good overview, there is a large opening with a long two-way zipper and a flap lid that can be folded down when packing. No matter how heavy you load the bag: Robust, circumferential carrying straps made of 3 mm thick saddle leather are easily able to cope with all weighty contents. A shoulder strap made of cotton canvas is also included, but it can also be removed at any time via brass carabiners. Zippered compartments on the outside of the front sides offer space for small items.

The British label Croots is among the leather goods manufacturers that have, in a short time, virtually earned the reputation of a traditional company. So it doesn’t always take centuries of experience—what matters most is, first and foremost, an understanding of one’s craft and the use of the right materials. John and Margaret Smith embodied this philosophy when, in 1978, they began producing their first bags and cases for hunting and fishing under the “Field Sports Products” label: crafted in the traditional manner and made from sturdy materials such as strong saddle leather and durable cotton canvas. Later, they added travel bags and small leather goods to their lineup. When their daughter Jackie and son-in-law Allistair Croot took over the business in 2004, they kept everything the same—except for the name. Since then, “Croots” has become a global byword for British craftsmanship and sturdy bags; even the royal family owns a few Croots bags.

The bags are designed and manufactured at the company’s facility in Malton, North Yorkshire. The materials also come from the UK: The fabric is woven in Keighley, West Yorkshire; Croots sources its waxed cotton canvas from the traditional Scottish manufacturer Halley Stevensons; and the hardware comes from foundries in Walsall, West Midlands, or Sheffield. Only the zippers are sourced from Riri in Switzerland. Finally, with a few exceptions, the leather is vegetable-tanned and processed in the classic saddlery style. Most of it is so-called English bridle leather, which is primarily used for saddles, bridles, and belts because, thanks to a special tanning process, it hardly stretches at all.