Small Leather Travel Bags

Benefits

Smaller travel bags may not hold as much as larger ones, but they have many advantages you may not have considered.

Versatility for Everyday Use

They're perfect for quick packing and everyday use. They perform well over a commute, keep everything organized for a day at the office, and can even function as a baby bag.

Efficient Organization

The wealth of small and medium-sized pockets keeps everything organized and easy to get at. Because the bag is small, you are less likely to lose track of items.

Ideal for Minimalist Travelers

If you prefer to travel light, the small size works for you on two levels. First, you can only pack so many things, so you choose the most important ones and leave the extras behind. Second, the bag itself is lighter and smaller, contributing less to clutter.

Compatibility with Various Brands

Mini travel bags can be used alone or paired with other bags, in which case they would serve as carry-on or day bags. They are also designed to function well with travel accessories, like organizers, cubes, and portable gadgets.

Quality Craftsmanship

A good bad is an investment, and will give you more value as the years – and miles – go by. Durable materials, strong hardware, and hard-wearing stitching come together to ensure your bag doesn’t fail when you need it most.

Hands-Free Convenience

Thanks to the crossbody strap, a travel bag doesn’t always need to be in your hand. You can have your belongings with you and still be free to fill out forms, navigate security checks and food lines, or do any other activity during which a hand-held bag would be cumbersome.

Perfect for Air Travel

Compact and light, the bag can easily go down the aisle on your shoulder strap or in your hand, and be popped up into the overhead without any fuss. You could even stow it below the seat in front of you for easy access later in the flight. Check individual airlines and flights for baggage restrictions.

Sleek Aesthetic

Sleek and chic, made for easy travel, the bag’s modern design adds elegance and style to what you’re wearing and to any other bags you might need on the trip.

Security Features

Lockable zippers and hidden compartments help you to keep your items safe and secure while in transit, or any time you use the bag.

How to Choose

Narrow down your choice to that perfect bag by keeping in mind a few key considerations.

Material

The three main choices are polyester, nylon, and leather. Polyester and nylon are cheap, weather resistant, and relatively durable, but they don’t look good after even a few of the knocks and bumps involved in travel. Leather is more stylish and elegant, but may be a bit heavier, and isn’t the best choice for situations of constant rain or snow.

Compartments & Organization

Multiple pockets don’t really have a downside. They add a little weight, but what they bring in convenience and organization far outweighs the few extra grams.

Security Features

Because it’s a travel bag, security is even more important than a bag for exclusively local use. You’ll have passports, and more money than usual, and you’ll be away from home. For that reason, lockable zippers, RFID protection, and fabric that is difficult to tear or slash are a great addition.

Comfort & Usability

Padded Straps Padded straps reduce strain on your shoulders during carrying, but still allow easy movement up and down stairs.

Telescopic Handles and Wheels Telescopic handles and wheels allow for easy movement on smooth surfaces, especially through crowds and over long airport hallways.

Water Bottle Holder Keep hydrated easily and quickly – especially important when traveling.

Built-in Scale A built-in scale immediately lets you know whether you are within the weight allowance. It will save a lot of time at check-in.

Tech Features

Integrated USB Charging Port Keeping your phone topped up when traveling is always a good idea. You might also want the extra power charging for long flights on which you prefer your own device to the in-cabin entertainment, or when the latter isn’t functioning properly.

Internal Compartments for Gadgets Dedicated sleeves and pockets for gadgets will help to keep your items safe and within easy reach. Many also include added padding against knocks and bumps.

Style & Aesthetic

Choosing the look of your new travel bag is more than “I like it.” Trendy bags may go out of fashion quickly; are you okay with an outdated style later or buying a second bag in a year? Classic styles stay fashionable for much longer.

The color you choose matters too. Lighter, brighter colors look dirty quickly and need more regular cleaning than neutral colors or darker tones. Brighter looks might also clash with some clothing.

Budget

There are budget-friendly options that are within reach for most people. As price increases, bags tend to get more durable and have more features, which is worth considering. Even a luxury item is excellent value once you factor in the years or decades of use you are likely to get from a well-cared-for bag.

Types

Travel bags come in a range of types, each one specialized for certain uses or features. Consider these types and match them to how you plan to use your bag.

One of our most popular bags is the Voyager leather travel bag with wheels, ideal for getting through airport security and onto the plane with no effort and with all of your essentials.

Crossbody Bags

Crossbody bags are worn across the body, using a long strap. They are great for easy, hands-free carrying.

Fanny Packs

Fitting like a loose belt, a fanny pack is among the smallest bags, and usually features a zipper closure and one main pocket, sometimes with a wallet or cards pocket inside. They are great for a phone, keys, money, medication, or other small items.

Weekender Bags

The largest of the small bags, the weekender has a zippered main compartment, a few smaller pockets for organization, and often has a shoulder strap and carrying handles. It is usually sufficient to hold what you’d need for a few nights away.

Dopp Kits

These leather, canvas, or nylon bags are made to hold all of the toiletries needed for a trip. The Dopp kit keeps toiletries separate from other items in a larger bag and is seldom used on its own.

Alternatives

Depending on your intended activity, you will have alternatives that suit you better or worse, depending on your preferences and packing style. Let’s consider a few of them here.

Day Trips and Excursions

Backpack
A backpack is better suited for extended walking, especially over rough ground, and especially if you don’t need to access your belongings at regular intervals.

Fanny Pack
On the other hand, if you only need a few very small items, a fanny pack lets you carry money, a camera, and medications or other small items – and they are very quickly and easily accessible.

Business Meetings or Conferences

Briefcase
These offer a more formal appearance and probably a more appropriate carrying capacity.

Laptop Bag
For a techy appearance, a laptop bag holds everything you need for a high-tech presentation or work. You could even opt for a laptop sleeve for a more elegant look.

Gym and Sports Activities

Duffel Bags
If you need to carry additional equipment, like helmets, or balls, then a duffel provides additional space and folds to fit easily in a locker when empty.

Drawstring Bags
A drawstring bag does the trick with no frills for a super-inexpensive, quick-and-easy option.

Short Commutes

Messenger Bags
A messenger bag does the job well if you want a hands-free commute with a stable load.

Tote Bags
Tote bags are fashionable and simple options. They often have an open top, though, so they aren’t the best where the security of your items is a high risk.

Overnight Stays

Weekender Bag
If your stay extends to two or even three nights though, you will probably want to size up to a weekender.

Carry-On
For a standard option, usually more function than fashion, a wheeled carry-on bag with a telescopic handle is a solid choice, especially if the contents are heavy for their size.

Parenting and Childcare

Diaper Bag
With a pocket for everything needed, and often featuring a fold- or roll-out pad for changing, a diaper bag is a good choice for those with little children and infants.

Stroller bag
A smaller version of the diaper bag, and adapted to hang from or stow into a stroller, these bags are smaller than a diaper bag, but great for holding items you might need for toddler care.

Post Purchase Considerations

We want to make sure you enjoy the whole process of choosing, purchasing, and using your travel bag, so we’ve put together a few tips and considerations to help you have the best experience possible and to get the most from your new bag.

Size and Capacity

Bigger isn’t always better. You want a bag that holds all you need it to, but not one that is ungainly or floppy because it is mostly empty inside. There are two great ways to determine what size you’ll need.

The first is to consider your previous bag. Is it the right size? Do you need something a bit bigger or smaller?

Measure it and choose accordingly. The second is to lay out what you think you’ll need to carry and measure it. Use those measurements as a guideline when bag shopping.

Durability

Von Baer bags are made to last, even with regular use. Take care of your bag as directed, and it will last you a long time, looking great while it does so.

Versatility

We design our bags to be as versatile as possible, suiting business or casual settings, various weather and transport systems, and featuring carrying options for various walks and terrains.

Style and Aesthetics

Browse our gallery of lifestyle shots to get an idea of the various bags paired with various looks. Whatever your style, we’re confident that you’ll find a great bag that suits you and your look.

Accessibility

Various pocket layouts mean that you can find a design that makes the things you need, easily reachable. Consider which items you’ll need quick access to, and prioritize the designs that suit that need.

Comfort

Features like padded shoulder straps, luxurious materials, and high-quality hardware all increase comfort when using each bag.

Price and Value

Premium bags cost more than cheaper options, but their lifespans are a lot longer too, meaning that you won’t have to replace them like you would a lesser bag. Add to this the added elegance, better function, sophisticated look, and high customer service and support you get with a high-end bag, and the value is clear.

FAQs

Are these bags carry-on compliant?

Yes all of our travel bags are carry-on compliant, but you should double check with the dimensions provided on the airline's website.

Are these bags suitable for outdoor activities?

Some bags are specifically designed to resist the weather in more exposed conditions – see individual product descriptions for details.

Can these be used as daypacks?

Yes. Many customers use these for that purpose.