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For the past two weeks, I’ve been happily carrying my daily essentials around in a William J. Mills & Co classic duffel bag (a cobalt blue one sent over by the company after previously posting about it).

If you just look at the bag from a distance, you’ll think that there isn’t anything special about this duffel when compared to other duffel bags on the market. But behind this simple-looking bag is a company that has over 130 years of canvas sail-making history which has been passed down through 5 generations of sailmakers. And what began as a company that made bags specifically for boaters has blossomed over the years into a wonderfully straightforward and functional every day accessory for both boaters and city-dwellers alike.

With that said, you can bet that the classic duck canvas duffel from William J. Mills & Co. incorporates all of the years of quality canvas sail expertise into a bag that is water-resistant and durable enough to withstand the everyday assaults of a city like New York. Each bag is hand-stitched and checked so that it lives up to the standards that have made William J. Mills & Co. the longest continuously operating sailmaker in the USA.

The classic duffel can be worn hanging off of one shoulder, across the chest like a messenger bag, or simply carried in hand using its shorter hand-straps. If you’re not keen on the cobalt blue shown in the photos here, you can pick up the classic duffel in 12 other colors (see website for color choices and purchasing options).

Overall, I found the classic duffel to be versatile and fashionable and I can definitely see it being a part of my NYC outfit on a day to day basis. If you’re looking for a compact bag for yourself or as a gift for another, the William J. Mills & Co. classic duffel bag is a highly recommended choice.