Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black Review

First Thoughts on the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black promises to be more than just a bag; it’s a statement of preparedness wrapped in a cloak of everyday elegance. Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with reliability and tactical prowess, steps into the realm of everyday carry with this intriguing offering, aiming to blend seamlessly into both professional and weekend settings. This tote boasts a CCW compartment, multiple interior pockets, and a reinforced base, signaling a harmonious marriage of safety and functionality.

I’ve long sought a discreet yet readily accessible way to carry my firearm without sacrificing style. I was looking for a bag that could seamlessly transition from board meetings to weekend getaways, without screaming “tactical.”

My initial impression upon receiving the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black was one of cautious optimism. The pull-up leather appeared supple and the antiqued metal hardware exuded a touch of class, hinting at a product designed with attention to detail. Unlike the overtly tactical bags I’ve previously considered – the 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 and the Maxpedition Falcon-II – this tote offered a more understated appeal. I was eager to see if it could live up to the Smith & Wesson reputation for quality.

My initial excitement was tempered by a slight concern: could this bag truly stand up to the rigors of daily use while maintaining its refined appearance? The concept was certainly appealing, and I was hoping that my initial cautious optimism would give way to complete satisfaction.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I first deployed the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black during a week-long business trip that included a visit to an outdoor shooting range. The range trip would be the stress test for its core concealed carry functionality, while the travel aspect would assess its practicality as an everyday carry.

The weather at the range was typical for the season: sunny and moderately humid, but the bag remained comfortable to carry. Accessing my firearm from the ambidextrous CCW compartment was surprisingly swift and intuitive. I discovered that practicing the draw at home with an unloaded firearm was essential to gain proficiency.

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black performed well, with the holster securely holding my firearm in place and the zippers providing smooth access. However, I noticed that the leather, while beautiful, scuffed fairly easily when placed on the rough concrete ground of the shooting bay.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily use, I’ve developed a more nuanced appreciation for the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black. The leather has softened nicely, developing a pleasing patina that adds character.

I have noticed some wear and tear, especially around the base where it comes into contact with various surfaces. Regular conditioning of the leather with a quality leather cleaner has proven essential to maintaining its appearance and extending its lifespan. Compared to my previous nylon bags, which were virtually indestructible, this tote requires more care and attention. Overall, though, I’m finding the trade-off worthwhile for the increased level of professionalism it projects.

Breaking Down the Features of Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black

Specifications

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black is more than just a stylish accessory; it is built with specific features. The tote utilizes pull-up leather construction and antiqued metal hardware.

• Dimensions: Exact dimensions are not explicitly stated, but based on typical tote bag sizes, expect a roomy interior capable of holding a laptop, documents, and other essentials.
• CCW Compartment: Features a centrally located, padded compartment with ambidextrous zipper access for concealed carry. The holster inside uses a hook-and-loop system for customization.
• Interior Pockets: Includes four interior pockets: two open phone pockets and a zippered pocket. Also, a 9.5-inch dog leash-style snap for keys is included.
• Reinforced Base: The reinforced base provides stability, allowing the tote to stand upright when placed on the ground.

These features work in harmony to create a bag that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The CCW compartment is a standout feature, providing secure and discreet carry of a firearm, while the multiple pockets offer ample organization for daily essentials.

Performance & Functionality

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black performs admirably as both a functional tote and a concealed carry solution. The CCW compartment provides quick and easy access to a firearm.

The interior pockets keep items organized and prevent them from shifting around during transport. However, the pull-up leather requires more care than synthetic materials.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black strikes a balance between tactical functionality and refined aesthetics. The quality of the materials is evident in the feel of the leather and the heft of the hardware.

The user-friendly layout of the interior pockets and the well-placed CCW compartment make this a pleasure to use. The reinforced base is a welcome addition, preventing the bag from slouching when placed on the ground.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black is crafted from quality materials. With proper care, it should last for years.

Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather will be essential to prevent cracking and fading. The reinforced base should withstand considerable wear and tear, but avoid exposing it to excessively abrasive surfaces.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black comes with a removable holster that attaches via hook-and-loop within the CCW compartment. The design allows for customization of holster placement and orientation.

Users can also purchase aftermarket holsters that are compatible with hook-and-loop attachment systems. Other than the holster, there are no further listed accessories or customization options directly from Smith & Wesson, but third-party organizers could be added to the main compartment.

Pros and Cons of Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black

Who Should Buy Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black?

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black is perfect for professionals who require a discreet and stylish way to carry a firearm. It’s ideal for those who value both personal safety and a polished appearance.

This tote would also appeal to individuals who appreciate high-quality leather goods and are willing to invest in proper care and maintenance. Those seeking a low-maintenance, rugged bag should probably look elsewhere.

A high-quality leather conditioner is a must-have for maintaining the appearance and longevity of the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black. A dedicated pistol holster designed for hook-and-loop attachment is another helpful accessory.

Conclusion on Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black

The Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black offers a compelling blend of style, functionality, and peace of mind. It delivers on its promise of discreet concealed carry within a sophisticated package.

At $139.49, the price is justified for the quality of materials and the unique combination of features. However, potential buyers should be aware of the maintenance requirements associated with the leather construction.

I would personally recommend the Rugged Rare Smith & Wesson Travel Tote Black to anyone seeking a discreet and stylish concealed carry solution. If you value preparedness without sacrificing elegance, this tote is a worthy investment. Take the leap and experience the peace of mind that comes with carrying safely and stylishly.