One of the things I truly enjoy about writing for Bespoke Unit is the opportunity to explore craftsmanship from around the world. We’ve covered shoes from India, cigars from Nicaragua, and now, we turn our attention to one of the most beautifully crafted bags from Cravar, a standout Indonesian leather brand.
Founded in 2013 through Kickstarter, Cravar has earned a devoted following for its dedication to quality and timeless design.
While Indonesia might not be the first place that comes to mind when discussing fine leather goods, it is, in fact, home to a thriving leather industry. Cravar works closely with a tannery in Yogyakarta to develop its proprietary vegetable-tanned leather—a testament to the brand’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship.
Unlike chrome tanning, which can transform hides in less than a day using chemicals, vegetable tanning relies on organic materials like tree bark and plant-based tannins to cure the leather over the course of two months.
The result? A more durable, richly textured leather that develops a deep, complex patina over time.
I’ve seen many online refer to Cravar bags as “heirloom quality.” Now, it’s time to put the C.O. Daytrip to the test and see if it lives up to that reputation.
Cravar DayTrip C.O. Bag Specifications
- Brand: Cravar
- Made In: Indonesia
- Style: Small Duffle Bag
- Formality: Everyday
- Material: Vegetable Tanned Leather
- “Sand” color
- Construction: Hand-Made
- Dimensions: W* H * D
- 17.3″ * 10.25″ * 8.5″ in.
- 44 * 26 * 22 cm.
- Weight: 5.5 lbs. / 2,5 kg (with shoulder strap)
- Price: $490 USD [Shop From Cravar.com]
As mentioned above, Cravar’s bags are manufactured in Indonesia. However, I’ll note that they use a DHL Express shipping service which had the bag on my doorstep in Portland, Oregon, in less than a week.
Cravar Duffel Bag Overview
The C.O. Line (which I assume stands for carry-on) features a trio of bags: a 15-inch briefcase, a larger duffle, and this—the Daytrip, the perfect middle ground. And just look at how seamlessly it fits into a TSA tray—it’s a thing of beauty.
The Daytrip strikes the perfect balance between a large briefcase and a compact weekender. It’s equally at home in a boardroom paired with a suit as it is tossed in the back of a pickup truck for a weekend getaway. Bravo, Cravar.
I specifically sought out this Sand colorway to put Cravar’s leather quality to the test. Darker leathers can easily hide imperfections, but with this lighter shade, every detail is on full display—and it’s flawless.
This particular veg-tanned leather has a subtler, less amber-toned hue than other natural leathers, making any scarring or stretch marks impossible to hide. Yet, despite the massive leather panels used in its construction, Cravar passes with flying colors.
A signature touch across all Cravar bags is the deep red acrylic lining. More durable and water-resistant than canvas, it’s a rugged choice that the brand itself calls “overkill”—a testament to the built-like-a-tank mentality behind their designs.
The Daytrip offers practical organization, with a well-sized front pocket featuring storage compartments and a laptop sleeve. The spacious main compartment keeps things minimal with just a discreet zippered pocket—ideal for folding clothes or stashing a pair of shoes.
One particularly thoughtful touch is the included removable luggage loop, which secures the bag to the handle of a rolling suitcase. And if that weren’t enough, Cravar even throws in a matching leather keychain and card wallet—because details matter.
Matching Leather Accessories
Carrying Experience & Usability
While Cravar’s vegetable-tanned leather is undoubtedly impressive, I’d argue that their real strength lies in their incredibly thoughtful design. Case in point: the handles.
Instead of being attached at a single point, they extend all the way down the sides and wrap around the bottom. This distributes the bag’s weight evenly and makes carrying it feel more balanced—something that’s often a weak point in smaller duffles or oversized briefcases.
Another standout feature? Silence. The Daytrip has zero metal-on-metal contact, meaning no jingling buckles or clanking hardware.
Personally, I skip the shoulder strap and use the included luggage loop to mount it on my roller board, but if you do use the strap, it’s well-padded, adjustable, and just as thoughtfully crafted as the rest of the bag.
Every single piece of hardware is shielded by leather reinforcement—even the zippers have bolstering to prevent scuffs.
That said, one small gripe: the zipper is chunky and rugged, which is great for durability but less great for your hands if you don’t open it wide enough.
If you’re carrying a bare metal MacBook or an uncased iPad, you might want to be extra careful. Still, I’d take a solid, heavy-duty zipper over a flimsy one any day. Every rose has its thorn.
Closing Thoughts
In the cigar world, it’s common to hear the phrase, “this blend is an expression of (blank),” referring to how a blender crafts a recipe to showcase the unique qualities of the tobacco.
The Cravar C.O. Daytrip is an expression of vegetable-tanned leather at its finest.
Not only is the leather meticulously tanned and aged, but the design itself is masterfully thought out—every detail feels intentional and built to last.
I enjoyed reviewing this bag so much that I went out and bought a Cravar backpack with my own money. These are true investment pieces, designed not just to last, but to age beautifully. Frankly, they’ll probably outlive both of us!
"The Cravar C.O. Daytrip isn’t just a bag—it’s a masterfully crafted expression of vegetable-tanned leather, combining rugged durability with timeless design."
Further Reading
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