The Safari Valise

Handmade from full-grain leather vegetable-tanned in Brazil, this valise is reminiscent of the bags encountered during the early 20th century safaris to idyllic British East Africa. Ruggedly constructed using double-stitched stress points, heavy-duty zippers, and a reinforced carrying handle that shrugs off wear and tear, the bag is closed by a top flap secured by three leather straps ending in chrome-plated brass buckles. It has one zippered exterior pocket on the back for maps and documents and two front exterior pockets with magnetic enclosures for mosquito netting or binoculars. Its large nylon-lined interior can hold three days worth of clothing; the interior has one zippered pocket, a leather key chain strap, a buckled strap that provides lateral compression for loose items, and a leather holder for two writing implements. It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap--with removable shoulder pad--that attaches to the bag's two D-rings with sturdy lobster clasps. The bottom has six built-in metal studs that raise the bottom of the bag off the ground, lengthening the life of the leather by reducing wear. 20" L x 16 3/4" H x 12 1/4" D. (3 lbs.)