Canvas Weekender Duffel

August means that summer is almost over but it also means that you’ve still got time for one last road trip. Whether it’s a weekend jaunt to the lake, or time in a mountain cabin, the Robert Mason Canvas Weekender Duffel is sure to be the only bag you will need.

The only thing better than this bag is the story behind it.

In 1993 Robert Mason Grimmet began a design business in his parents basement. He was 13 years old. In 1995 he opened his first office supply and copy store in Ravenswood, West Virginia. By the time he graduated from high school in 1998 he had already passed $100,000 in sales and eventually sold his business to his parents to finance his lifelong dream of attending art school in Chicago. It’s no wonder his brand motto is “Get Inspired.”

I sat down and talked with Robert last month and it didn’t take long to figure out that he loves what he does. He said, “I look for passion, creativity, and inspiration in all areas of my life.” After art school he continued to hone his craft while working with iconic brands like Bath & Body Works, Limited Brands, J. Crew, and Abercrombie & Fitch. It was during that time that he created a vision and brand persona that was “rooted in a sense and appreciation for vintage and nostalgia.”

Tragedy struck in 2014 when a fire destroyed his new retail location in Columbus, Ohio. At the time of the fire it had only been open for a year. Despite the setback, Robert continues to cultivate love for the products he curates and creates. He plans on opening a new store in 2015 (it’s hard not to draw a comparison to the phoenix rising out of the ashes).

The Canvas Weekender Duffel is as beautiful as it is tough. It has a huge main compartment that is 12 x 11 x 23. Canvas and leather handles as well as antique brass appointments set the entire piece off with a sturdy vintage vibe. There are two large zip side pockets as well as a front zipper & buckled pouch. The genuine leather zipper pulls add a level of sophistication. Available in brown and black, it’s the perfect blend of style and function.

On a personal note, I took this bag on a two-week vacation and it was an absolute workhorse. It was the only bag that I packed. I filled it up, weighed it down, and tossed it around. Even after being in and out of cars and hotels for a fortnight, this bag delivered in a big way. The canvas and leather design inspires confidence and reminds you that this one is built to last and up to the task.

In addition to messenger bags, backpacks, laptop bags, and duffels, the Robert Mason Supply Co. offers unique and stylish office, school & art supplies, paper, stationary, pens, journals, sketchbooks, vintage living accessories, lifestyle leather and canvas work accessories, and vintage watches.

While you’re browsing the Robert Mason website, be sure to find the RM Radio section and listen to some great indie artists spun by a DJ in Chicago.

Do you know of an awesome product out there that we should feature? Let us know via twitter @bandholz.

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