The Duo Bag is proudly manufactured in Wrexham, Wales , by a company with expertise in crafting high-performance bags for military and emergency services. By manufacturing in Wrexham close to our London UK Factory, we can work closely with the manufacturing team, iterate quickly and maintain a high quality. While it may not match the low pricing of mass-produced bags from overseas, we believe its durability and thoughtful design justify the investment.

Find out more about the company that produces these bags for us in the United Kingdom in Wrexham here: Riva www.rivauk.co.uk 

Introducing the DUO: The Bag That Dreamers Have Been Waiting For...

When we set out to design a new bag, we weren’t just looking to add another product to our line-up. We wanted to solve real problems faced by fencers juggling school, practice, and travel. After all, a great fencing bag is more than just storage - it’s a trusted companion.

The Spark: A Gap in Our Offering

While reviewing our website and bag collection, it struck me that some of our older designs no longer met the needs of today’s fencers, as some were formulated almost 100 years ago.  Over the years, fencing equipment, fencers' ages, and people's transport situations have evolved. Many bags were tailored for a purpose that no longer resonates with how our customers carry their gear.  
As part of our day-to-day work at the LP headquarters and Fencing Centre in London, we interact with a community of over 200 club members and 15+ professional fencers. Watching how they carry, use, and store equipment offered invaluable insights. One thing was clear: more and more people were relying on the top compartments of their wheeled bags or using minimalist compact solutions for convenience. There was a need for something versatile and space-efficient.

Designed and made in the UK

The DUO is proudly manufactured in Wrexham, Wales, by a company with expertise in crafting high-performance bags for military and emergency services. Wrexham, the town, has had a rival of late due to the hit Disney TV series Welcome to Wrexham. Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought the football club Wrexham and have transformed it into a winning team. See here for more information.  :en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_Wrexham

We love Wrexham here at Leon Paul, Ryan Reynolds is our 3rd favourite Ryan... after Andy Reynolds the fantastic UK fencing coach, and Ryan Gosling, who was in our London shop a few months back buying fencing gear with his wife Eva Mendez. He was lovely and spent time talking to fencers and staff when I am sure he is a very busy star. 

What Makes the DUO Special?

The DUO Weapon Bag & Rucksack is designed for a particular group of people who have a specific set of needs. We call this young fencer a dreamer. A young person dreams of becoming a sword fighter like in the films or an Olympic fencer like the heroes they see on TV. Here's why we believe it stands out for The Dreamers.

1. Divide and Conquer
The DUO splits into two parts:
* Weapon Bag: Perfect for holding multiple weapons, bodywires, and accessories. It can be used on its own for quick trips.
* Rucksack: Designed for clothing, shoes, and masks, with clever compartments ideal for organisation.

2. Compact and Space-Saving
The bag’s dimensions have been fine-tuned to fit seamlessly into school lockers, car boots, and even airline cabin hand luggage.

3. Versatile Carrying Options
Carry it on your back, like a classic rucksack or detach the weapon bag and use it like a briefcase. This modular approach means you can adapt the DUO to your day’s needs, whether you're commuting, cycling, or walking.

4. Ventilated Compartments
With separate, ventilated zones for shoes and masks, you can say goodbye to unpleasant odours. A drawstring compartment keeps your mask secure, while the top-loading design ensures logical packing.

5. Safety Features
Reflective paint on the bag enhances visibility, making it safer for cyclists and anyone travelling at night.

Tested by the People Who Matter Most

We tested the DUO with our families, including my children, who found the bag’s compact, modular design incredibly practical. It’s lightweight, beginner-friendly, and perfect for fencers just starting out. Plus, the DUO grows with you - start with the weapon bag or rucksack alone, and add the other later.

A Vision for the Future

The DUO is just the beginning. We’re exploring ways to make the weapon bag compatible with future products, like rolling bags. This modular approach could redefine how fencing gear is used and stored. Combined with our high-performance Apex and Vertex bags, we’re confident we’re creating the best fencing bags in the world. We can't go into too much detail but know that we are constantly improving our products and asking "How can we do it better?"

Ready to experience the DUO?