Another pleasant surprise? After dozens of uses over the past two years, she’s held her darling shape and soft texture so well—it practically looks good as new, making it truly worth the splurge. And that same softness is surprisingly practical: The exterior has a cushioned feel that keeps everything inside protected when the bag is inevitably bumped around in the back of the car. I’m more comfortable packing daintier essentials, like perfume or hair clips, without worrying that they’re going to break.
The bag is also made with water-resistant recycled nylon, and it’s machine washable—a feature I haven’t actually tested yet, but one I’m very excited to have. And inside, it strikes a nice balance between organization and freedom: The main compartment has enough room for about four days’ worth of clothes depending on the season, while the see-through interior compartment is ideal for the little items I want to know I packed: undergarments, a quick-grab makeup product, jewelry, or smaller accessories that have a tendency to disappear in a duffel (where do all those hair ties go?).
Don’t get me started on the exterior water bottle holders: These bad boys are amazingly useful on road trips. My bottle finally has a designated spot rather than rolling around the car or getting buried beneath a sweatshirt. It works as a personal item when I fly, too, thanks to the hidden trolley sleeve that lets it sit on top of a suitcase. Another nice perk: There is an exterior pocket that keeps my passport handy.
There is, of course, a limit to how much weekend magic one duffel can perform. On ski trips, I bring two bags; the Portobello fits most of my clothes and softer gear, but it doesn’t hold everything I need for a full winter getaway. For a couple of nights in Montauk or a few days exploring upstate, though, it hits the sweet spot for me: enough room to pack comfortably, enough flexibility to fit into the car, and enough spruce that I can carry it straight from the trunk into a hotel without feeling like I brought a gym bag. In fact, I feel very stylish with her by my side.
