Saint Maniero Massimo Weekender Review

Whether you're looking to get away for the weekend or flying abroad, the Saint Maniero Massimo lives up to its name as a stylish duffel with plenty of space for your items. It's able to make itself smaller for those lighter days, offers good pocketable options, together with a shoe compartment for all-round usage.

The Massimo comes in either a grey or black version - the black looks smart and stylish, much like the grey; the latter offering a lighter palette for those summer days and leisure outings. It's largely built using water-repellent canvas like in their Sempre backpack and Fortuna briefcase. As a result, it is lighter than an all-leather duffel at 1.02kg. Massimo by design offers reasonable water-resistancy if you're caught out under bad weather for a short spell.

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Read: Saint Maniero Sempre Backpack Review

Bag of Two Proportions

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On the exterior, the leather handles are strong, comfortable and well-built, with further leather zip pulls, end trims and a vegan leather flap that adds to the character and aesthetic. It reminds me of the Sempre backpack which I felt was distinct and unique. The same is true here and stands out favourably that goes with any outfit.

By size, this is one big carry - coming in at 35cm wide, 55cm long and 25cm high, you won't be short of space. I had to rush packing for the road, putting everything inside without thought. Yet, the Massimo enclosed all of them with ease; the extra capacity flexes its muscles packing thicker clothes for the winter too.

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I'd say the duffel/ holdall/ weekender looks at its best in full load as it fleshes out the shape nicely, and the leather cover over the zipper buttons nicely too. You'll need to take care not to get it dirty as the canvas material will crease from movements and may stain if you spill anything. Best to keep it off the ground.

Read: Saint Maniero Fortuna Briefcase Review

Generous All-Round Space

Inside is the Saint Maniero crown-patterned interior lining, the same in their Viaggio garment holder. There are three deep, wide pockets for small accessories you don't want mixed in the main cavity. The Saint Maniero Massimo offers a lot of usable space, useful in any travel or cross-routine schedule - travelling on the road or plane, from the office to the gym, or going away for more than a weekend. The interior lining is on the smoother side made of polyester, with a super-wide access, thanks to the soft canvas and long zip track. The pattern surprisingly helps with visibility inside, which is a nice side effect.

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While many bags of this kind miss out on offering bespoke compartments for certain items, the Massimo doesn't. It has a dedicated laptop compartment held by a buttoned strap, extending along the width of the Massimo. It'll fit a very large laptop comfortably or a big set of documents and tablet with ease. But there's more. Behind the divider is a slightly shorter compartment affixed by velcro; an optional space for hiding accessories for your tech equipment like chargers and cables, even valuables out of sight.

Comfortable Handles and Strap

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The idea is neat, keeping those items separated from the three pockets, though find the mechanic somewhat odd. Zipper with a flap or an alternative that is less noisy and clunky as a velcro strap would be much better. It's quite glaring compared to the rest of the Saint Maniero Massimo that feels more refined. I like what they are thinking however, just not fond of the velcro.

You can pack everything you need in here, much more liberating than backpacks of a similar capacity as they get bulky. It comes with a leather padded shoulder strap which is comfortable and well-made using metal hooks. Naturally, it's detachable and can move between the two attachment points depending on volume. The leather handles make the Massimo easy and comfortable to hold so I prefer to carry it this way where I can.

Read: Waterfield Designs Executive Atlas Holdall Review

Viaggio Garments to Go

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What goes together well with the Massimo is the durable Viaggio, a garment holder to keep your smart outfits from creasing. It follows the same design as the Massimo and adds further features to stow your blazer, suit, trouser, necktie and belt. One pocket is deep enough for a pair of shoes, so you can have a full outfit in the Viaggio. If you prefer, the shoe compartment in the Massimo allows you to still bring everything within the two carries.

Viaggio is wide for multiple garments or outerwear, with the clothes hanger fastened in place. It's nice to see an exterior small pocket for a phone or wallet can be stashed there. If you travel with attire for special events, Viaggio complements the Saint Maniero Massimo greatly.

Read: Arcido Akra Backpack Review

Massimo by Size, Massimo by Nature

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There's no doubt, the Saint Maniero Massimo is a big weekender bag. At its largest, it will fit everything you need for a getaway in this one bag. No need for multiple bags or awkward movements handling them as you walk. It looks as seamless fully-packed as it is natural to walk. The fact it can heighten down to 41L makes it versatile for different kind of situations which is a bonus.

Overall, Saint Maniero blends function, utility and design into the Massimo, resulting in a great large carry option for almost every occasion. Pockets and compartments are plenty, alongside the generous spacing of the main compartment. It's best if you're packing a full load as even in its compact form, it's still big to carry around and folds in itself when using the shoulder strap. A better system to replace the velcro strap would bring consistency to what is a well-made, fashionable and functional large carry.

This was originally published on my One Tech Traveller website. Check it out: https://onetechtraveller.com/saint-maniero-massimo-review/