I travel with only a small backpack and a carry-on on most international trips. This bag is spacious and well within the dimensions to count as a carry-on on planes.I just took this with me as my primary bag on a 2 week trip through Europe - planes, trains, automobiles, and 10k of on foot travel some days. I left home with it at about half capacity with clothes and as the trip progressed, it also ended up carrying four bottles of wine. At the end, it was able to survive without any significant damage with up to 45lbs of stuff crammed inside and carrying it across my body with the adjustable shoulder strap.I even had to check it in on my last leg to bring that wine back home.Stitching is still in great condition. No tearing anywhere. Clasps on the shoulder strap are still in good condition (given the amount of weight I was lugging around in this thing at the end, this is surprising to me). The only thing that did not survive was one of the two circular magnetic nubs that hold the front pocket closed. I didn't and won't use this outer front pocket so this does not matter to me at all.As a disclaimer, I did condition the entire exterior with a couple passes of saddle soap and protected it with brown polish before I left to moisturize and help protect the leather. I'm very glad I did. After I used the soap, the bag came to life - the leather bag became supple and strong. Now, after surviving this trip, the bag looks even better than when I first got it. I'll continue to condition it over time and cant wait to take it on my next trip.Awesome purchase. At least as durable than much more expensive leather bags. Mine arrived a little dry and stiff. For the price, highly recommend spending a little more on the saddle soap and polish to really make this duffel bag look like you paid hundreds more on it. Compliment magnet.
