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People have many options when it comes to how to carry their passports. Some buy a travel wallet, others use a zippered bag, backpack, or inner jacket pocket. Then there are those who like money belts or neck wallets, and other kinds of carry-on organizers or tech pouches. It’s really about finding what works well for you. I won’t say that every method is just as good as another, because there are some products that truly are better than others. You’re probably reading this review because you are still looking for a passport carrier that works for you.
I’ve been testing the Ryan London Premiere Leather Passport Holder and used it on a recent international trip. I hope my review here will help decide whether this will be a passport wallet you should pick up or pass on. I do want to say that this product was gifted to me, and while I am grateful for that, this will not affect my honest and forthright review.
Table of Contents
What is the Ryan London Premiere Passport Holder?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- Very streamlined and well thought out.
- Intentional design for ease of use.
- Excellent construction.
- No real downsides.
The Ryan London Leather Passport Holder (Paid Link) is designed in London by a small-scale artisan team and is handcrafted with High-quality full-grain leather. The design is sleek and measures in at 5.7 x 4.1″ when closed. It comes in multiple colors and has subtle branding. The main compartment is for your passport, and includes additional slots for boarding passes, IDs, credit cards, or cash. This simple bifold passport holder has a timeless style with leather that will patina over time. There’s not much more to it than that.
What did I like about the Ryan London Passport Holder?
1. Streamlined
I like the fact that it’s streamlined, with one passport compartment, one other sleeve, and two card slots. This passport holder (Paid Link) knows what it is and is not trying to be something it’s not. The design is focused on simple and essential features. I’ve had other passport holders that are not simple, that tried to have every feature available, but at the end of the day, weren’t very practical or functional. This one is practical, functional, elegant, and without unnecessary extras.
2. Intentional Design
I like the intentional and thoughtful design of the card sleeves. The openings are curved and this makes it very easy (even while in a rush) to remove or add a card when needed. The cards don’t get stuck or catch on edges.
The sleeves for both the card slots and the passport are not overly tight or too loose. This may seem like a small thing, but traveling is stressful, like it or not, and the last thing I want while shuffling luggage and trying to find when and where to go is to have to fumble around with a passport holder. After taking this one internationally, I appreciated it’s thoughtful and intentional design.
3. Excellent Construction
Another thing that impressed me about this passport holder (wallet), is the construction, and by that, I mean the sleek profile (even when fully loaded) and the excellent stitching precision. With multiple cards, passports, and boarding passes, it was still slim enough to fit in my backpack’s hidden compartment. I was also able to carry it in my back and front pockets. The stitching is some of the best I have ever seen, as there are zero frayed threads or weird edges. This speaks to the excellent quality control and attention to detail from Ryan London.
What did I Not like about the Ryan London Passport Holder?
1. Nothing!
Honestly, I have spent the past 24 hours, while writing this review, thinking through everything I experienced while using this wallet, carrying it, or handing it to someone and I can’t think of a single thing that I don’t like about it. If you want a simple, reliable, and well-constructed beautiful passport holder I can’t think of a scenario where this one would fall short. So, let’s talk about who should buy the leather passport holder from Ryan London.
Who should buy the Ryan London Passport Holder?
1. The Efficient Traveler
If you value ease-of-use over flash and don’t want to fumble your way through 20 card sleeves or unnecessary features, and just want a reliable passport holder, you are really going to like this one (Paid Link). It’s not bulky and difficult to carry in hand while walking through lines or to quickly store in a hidden backpack compartment or jacket pockets. I think you’ll like how fast and efficient this will make you feel as you cruise through TSA, Customs, and Airport Check-In or your favorite cruise terminal.
2. The Quality Focused Traveler
Unfortunately, quality comes at a price. And this is certainly a premium passport holder with: full-grain leather, excellent construction, and attention to detail. The quality is not going to let you down. If you prefer spending time doing research and buying something only once, so that it lasts a very long time, then this is going to be an excellent purchase for you. The leather will patina over time, making it a product that increases in its visual appeal. Attention to detail means it’s going to last through many more hours in line and on flights than wallets made without the quality of this one.
Who should not buy the Ryan London Passport Holder?
1. The Budget Conscious Traveler
If you are not comfortable with spending more than $20 on a passport holder, then this may not be for you. Many passport holders under $20; are not made of premium leather or constructed as well. If these are not features you are concerned with that’s OK. If you value savings over craftsmanship, you may want to pass on this one. I’ve used my share of budget-friendly passport holders, and quite frankly, they did what I needed them to do, so no judgment here.
2. The Function Oriented Traveler
If you are unbothered, or care less about premium materials, brand names, or elegant extras, and want something that can carry what you need, this may not be the item for you. You can pick up a passport holder that is simple and affordable online every single day. If you tend to lose expensive gear, you will probably be much happier sticking with a product that is less expensive to replace than this one.
Where should you buy this?
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
- Very streamlined and well thought out.
- Intentional design for ease of use.
- Excellent construction.
- No real downsides.
