An all new duffle from ROV in Hunter Green Rugged Twill with Royal Red Lining.
When I started creating a vision of ROV nearly two years ago, I knew I needed a duffle. I’ve always been hooked on heritage bags. Natural fiber fabrics mixed with leather. A bag that ages and patinas with use. Breaks in to your shoulder and molds around your body as you use it over the years. That wears in, instead of wearing out.
My inspiration for this bag should be clear, however the connection will deviate very quickly as the details become clear. The Duke is filled with a balance of my minimalist taste and features that make it a very useful bag for anything from a weekend to a week or more with proper packing. To start, the bag is fully lined with the same 10oz royal red fabric that lined the second Baron release. It adds a really nice feel and gives just the right amount of contrast to spot your stuff inside the bag.
Organization was key. I’ve had so many variations of a duffle like this and a lot of times they end up being a dump sack with very little organization, which can be ok, but is rarely very functional in reality. It was important to me that this bag not only look great, but actually solve real world problems. In addition to the main compartment, the bag features pockets on both ends, fully gusseted to the top and bottom of the bag so you can access the entire end panels quickly. Inside the bag, I added three more pockets on the long sides of the bag. One zip pocket for keeping small items safe and secure, and a pair of slip pockets on the opposing side. Flexible options that allow access to the items you need while keeping them secure.
As with anything, materials make all the difference. A well designed bag, made with the wrong materials will never work.
I took care to choose leather from Wicket & Craig Tannery. They’re in the US and they supply the same leather used in quite a few of my Hilts. It’s a well known leather that will be long lasting and age nicely with a little upkeep. The handles are designed to hang elegantly when not in use or fit perfectly inside a ROV Hilt. Matching black ones are coming soon, or you can add your own personalization from a prior drop.
I wanted to keep the black accents alive through my brand language and found some incredibly smooth black metal zips and matching black hardware to tie everything together. I poured over hardware choices; working hard to get those details just right and making sure the weight and color matched perfectly.
Lastly, the ballistic bottom panel. As with the Baron, the bottom needed some special attention. I love the ballistic Cordura. It adds a modern touch and gives you a confident way of grounding your bag. A prototype had the leather straps going over the panel but I quickly realized that would mean the leather wore out quickly and negated the benefit of the material. So we redesigned the straps to pass under and take advantage of the durability.
I’m proud to add that the Duke is made in the US and will continue to be. It matters to me that my products are made here and support US labor/manufacturing. The duke will make a beautiful addition to your carry choices and be a bag that has staying power in your rotation. I’m confident that you’ll be blown away when you get the bag in hand. Lots more great stuff coming from ROV. Stay tuned for even more coming soon!
Specifications
-21" Length x 12" Width x 11" Tall
-5.5 lbs
-38L
-18 oz Dark Green Rugged Twill with commercial water repellant
-10 oz Royal Red Liner with commercial water repellant
-1050D Ballistic Nylon Bottom Panel
-Wickett and Craig English Bridle Leather handles and accents
-#8 Black Metal UCANN Zippers
-PVD Black Metal Hardware
-2" Adjustable Cotton Webbing Strap with adjustable leather shoulder pad
-Made in the USA with globally sourced materials
Preorder goes live June 7 at 10am Central. $420/ea