The title of this blog post should probably say “weekends” plural because ever since I got my hands on this beautiful bag, it hasn’t left my side! The Tucker Tweed Tryon Travel bag was the perfect size for my long weekend at the horse show and what a bonus that the nylon material wiped clean because… you know… horse show. It also didn’t let me down at girls’ beach trip weekend when it let me overpack with three times as many outfits as I truly needed. It was a perfect chic carry-on companion on my week-long excursion to Italy, where it fits in nicely in the overhead compartment of the airplane as well as on the streets of fashionable Rome. If you have any doubts about whether to purchase the newest bag in the Tucker Tweed lineup (or add it to your holiday wish list), then this blog is for you!
THINGS I PROMISE YOU WILL LOVE:
The size. It matters. When I started packing for my beach weekend I was really surprised how much I fit in there. I wayyy overpacked for the 3 day trip, but every single unnecessary item I wanted to bring made it into that bag without a problem. Sidenote: it made me really appreciate the zipper on the bag too. It was sturdy, all leather and substantial. Sounds like a silly thing to comment on until you find yourself with a cheap or broken zipper which happened to me in Las Vegas once and it was horrible! Anyway, back to the size. It truly is the perfect size for a 3 day weekend, which means it would make a stylish horse show companion! The exact dimensions per the website are 24 x 8” x 12”.
The material. Like I mentioned above, it is made of padded/heavy duty 900D Nylon with smooth grain leather accents. It is durable and water-resistant. I love that it can wipe clean easily. I am sure many of you will be using this for horse shows because it is the perfect size for it, but it also is really convenient because with a damp cloth you can easily remove any dusty handprints or smudges you get on the bag. We all know it is nearly impossible to be around a horse for more than ten minutes without being covered in dust, dirt, and hair! Also, it is worth mentioning that the material is not shiny. Other bags of similar material sometimes look shiny and cheap. You do not have to worry about that with this bag.
The design. The design is sharp and simple, fitting in seamlessly with the rest of the Tucker Tweed fleet. Like with other styles, you are able to choose between your riding discipline or the brand signature logo. I had a hard time deciding between the all black and the black/chestnut, but I chose the black/chestnut because there is something so chic about it. I am a sucker for those rich colors – maybe because it reminds me of a bay horse, right Chloe? Inside you will find ample pockets. One is a large zippered area that is approximately 11″ by 7″, which I put my kindle, vanity kit and passport in on my trip to Italy. The other side has 1 large open pocket, perfect for things like a cell phone and a small wallet. Also, on the bottom of the bag to protect it from the ground or whatever surface you are sitting it on, are 5 tiny metal feet. I actually always forgot these were there until I had to sit it down on the hotel lobby or airport terminal. I was thankful they were there each time, because eww. It really is the little things, right?!
The adjustable, detachable strap. I love that Tucker Tweed did not skimp on the strap. It is well made with solid brass end snaps that detach easily. When I wasn’t using the strap I folded it up and stuck it inside the bag. The strap has a largely padded shoulder area that I really appreciated in Italy when Zach made me walk from the train terminal to the hotel. It also is adjustable (can drop 30 inches) so when I made Zach carry it back days later (on the reverse walk from the hotel to the train terminal – fool me twice…) he was able to quickly adjust it for his height and comfort.
Price. I still cannot believe this bag is currently priced at $215. I KNOW! What a steal! Seriously, what are you waiting for? You are welcome
All pictures by Shannen Smyth Photography.
*Andrea Wise graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2007, where afterwards she spent 7 years as a commercial real-estate attorney. In 2012, she launched the equestrian company, Pony Glam, which makes and sells the only colored hoof dressing for horses. She is also the voice behind the new equestrian lifestyle blog, Horse Glam. Andrea lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, Zach, two young children, cat and horse, Chloe.
