Old World, Leather Design With Modern Capabilities

Fans of old world, lasting flight gear have a newly introduced option from flight gear specialist Lightspeed Aviation, the Duke Flight Bag. While cordura and nylon have made a lot of headway in becoming the de facto pilot bag standard, they lack the old world romance and tradition of leather. 

Lightspeed follows their series of bags named after notable aviators, this time bringing to the fore Neville Frederick Duke. The Second World War British test pilot and fighter ace later compiled his experiences writing stories Lightspeed hopes to recall with a full grain, oiled cowhide backpack. Like so much of Duke's wartime flying kit, the bag will develop authentic wear on its uncoated South American leather, building character by the day. A rich, supple patina will develop over time, exposing the distinctive grain and markings inherent to lived-in leather. 

The 4-pound Duke is made with gusseted pockets all around, one with a security clasp for a radio and transceiver, and one for a water bottle. The stitching is robust all around, ready to be manhandled in the cramped confines common to ingress and egress. Additional stowage for headsets, camera equipment, charts, logbooks, and tablets about within the spacious interior, as well as a zippered laptop compartment with smaller rider sections to place phones or similar sized devices in easy reach. Plus lined storage for glasses, as well as a velcro hanger for a headset, and smaller mesh pockets for pens, cards, wallets, and similar small accessories round out the outside for easy, quick access to common, vital travel accoutrements. A separate exterior strap can be used to hook the pack to roller bag luggage or to secure the backpack straps in place, with a rugged (yet wing friendly) PVC bottom to allow for unforeseen scuffs. Retail price on the bag is $269.

FMI: www.lightspeedaviation.com