Ghurka Cavalier Travel Bag - Khaki Twill

If a person was to imagine the feeling of emerging from the bustling streets of NYC and into the golden-lit promenade of Grand Central Station, and then attempted to match that experience with a bag - the Ghurka Cavalier would be it. Akin to the luxury weekenders offered by Gucci and Prada, the Ghurka duffle is wieldy enough to toss around (with brio) and, as David Colman once reported in the New York Times, the Ghurka is "one of three bags that could be found to meet specifications of practicality, plus look stylish enough to pass as a professional work bag for a man."

The kind of man who invests in the Cavalier, a status-y bag without question, is one who would like to show it to the world every day. Inspired by the Ghurka soldiers, who have been known since the days of the British Raj for their bravery, loyalty, and cheerful indifference to all difficulty, the bag carries with it an exceptional history. From east to west, from city to country. The Ghurka bag can operate in all worlds, equally and admirably.

It was Marley Hodgson who discovered the craftsmanship of Ghurka gear, and wanted to replicate it. At an antiquities auction in the 1970s, he bid on gear made for a Ghurka regimental officer stationed in India during the early 1900s. He went home with the 75 year old leather and used it to inspire his first Ghurka bag, a leather knapsack, which he gave to his son. 

Done in khaki twill with chestnut leather details and gold brass hardware, this bag pairs well - the way you would pair a bottle of wine with a meal - with the globe trotter who intends to rove with grandeur. Every detail has been well thought out, from the smooth, supple aniline leather edges, the shiny brass hardware, to the smooth signature check lining and the intricate Ghurka stamp with an individual bag number (every bag is unique). 

Since tweed is the ideal fabric for hiding wears and tears, certainly there will be a time when you accidentally spill something and need to clean your Cavalier II Duffel. 

As always, prompt action is necessary for combating a permanent stain.  Each stain is different: ketchup is a surface stain and easier to clean, while a more absorbent liquid such as coffee can burrow into the tweed and become real pain to remedy.

A few tips to remember when attacking a stain:

First scrape or remove any deposit away from the bag.  I would grab the nearest washcloth or clean rag.
Rinse stain with cold water.  Hot water will only cause the stain to permeate more vividly.

Soaking with warm water and soap will further your results.  If the stain is still present, looking into a stronger solvent or cleaner would be your next best option.

The British Army’s Brigade of Ghurkas have a very strong, dominating spirit, and are known for meeting difficult conditions with a punch and smile.  So, it’s no wonder why the Ghurkas inspired their own bags.

Handstitched on the front of this duffel, is a signature that will send you back to the Brigade of Ghurkas.  The center “G” was drawn from the original Ghurka regiment lettering.  The ribbon and belt motifs recall British military medals from the WWI period. 

The Ghurka collection is handmade by a group of talented artisans who are devoted to their long standing tradition of showing the world what exceptional craftsmanship, versatile functionality, and classic American style should look like.  Whether you’re in the jungles of Africa, the beaches of the Pacific, or are running errands all over the city, each Ghurka product is made for whatever your day brings.

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