HerschelNovel Duffel Bag, Woodland Camo/Multi Zip, Classic 42.5L, Novel Duffel Bag

Got this to replace a trusty but increasingly worn-out gym bag. I was in two minds because the old one had a useful exterior pockets. But as soon as I used it, I was really glad I went with this duffel. It's the perfect size, and the sides and base keep their shape, enabling it to fit neatly in a locker, and making it easy to get at your kit when the zip is open. The zipped shoe compartment in works really well. Apart from shoes you can use it to separate wet swimming kit, or put your gym kit there so you can pull it out in one go if you're in a hurry.The faux leather on this model is much better than I expected, it's soft and not at all cardboard-like, and while it doesn't smell of real leather, it looks the part. Some photos make it look like the blue colour bleeds into the 'leather' straps, but that's not the case, it's very smart. The traditional Herschel red ticking interior is cheerful and it makes it easier to find my stuff (which is mostly black, and completely indistinguishable in the gloomy, disintegrating black interior I'm used to).The lack of a small exterior pocket is the one departure from perfection, but hasn't been a huge problem. It's quite easy to reach into the interior pocket (opposite end to the shoe compartment), and grab your gym pass or locker keys without fully opening the bag. I still think they could have a small outside pocket without spoiling the clean shape. Looking closely, it seems some models may have a sleeve between the two vertical straps, but if so, it looks like a side-effect of having a waistline design around the bag. Making that standard without having to have a two-tone bag would be my one suggestion!

Very disappointed Bag arrived with an orange stain on the zip. Had to return.

The bag arrived a few days earlier than estimated which was great for piece of mind in the lead up to christmas. My partner loves his mew duffel bag and has already taken it on holidays. The bag was even better than expected with a separate section at the side that can be used to store shoes. This section can be tucked away into it's own little pocket if not using. very happy with this purchase.

Multiple yellow and orange stains on the zip...

Leather straps would be much better