The Splurge Style Battle: Cole Haan vs. Duluth Pack

Cole Haan Montana II Duffle – $329.90* ($695) | Duluth Pack Medium Sportsman – $240.00

“I would like to have seen Montana” – Capt. Vasili Borodin

There’s something about a well designed duffle with those flap over buckles that screams luxury Western train travel.  Not that there’s much luxury train travel going on anymore, but you get the idea.

*Rue La La currently has the Cole Haan in Brown and Black.  C. H. is owned by Nike so there’s no telling where it’s made.  And despite the good looks, the leather, and the more than half off price, it’s still up there as far as cost is concerned.  (For more on Rue La La, head here.)

The Duluth Pack option gives you that same 19th century luxury feel at a relative bargain price.  It’s made in the U.S. (Duluth MN), guaranteed for life, and comes in eight different color options.  It might look a little less polished in shape and form, but a lot of us will like that.  It’s canvas but comes with a leather bottom.  And if you’re really looking for an all leather duffel?  They’ve got one of those too, in a larger size, for about the same price as the Cole Haan.

Both the C.H. and Duluth Pack are perfect for weekend trips, with about 2,000 – 2,500 cubic inches of space (with the Duluth Pack beating out the C.H. by about 300 cubic inches.)  If you plan on being gone for more than a few days, Duluth pack makes a much larger version for only $25 more.

So which one would you rather stuff your gear into?  The all leather dressed up Cole Haan?  Or the American made, guaranteed for life, canvas and leather stunner from the shores of Lake Superior?  I have a feeling this won’t be close, but still… leave your pick and why in the comments below.

The Medium Sportsman’s Duffel in Navy, “Great Lakes”, and Khaki