Inspired by the ingenious pocket games soldiers used during WWII, the handcrafted Travel Cribbage Board stands out as one of the most compact and portable cribbage boards available today. Perfect for adventurers and game enthusiasts alike, this meticulously designed board ensures you can enjoy a classic game of cribbage wherever your travels take you.
Smaller than a standard deck of cards, this travel cribbage board is ingeniously crafted to slip effortlessly into your bike bag, backpack, or even your pocket. Imagine setting up a game on a mountaintop, by a campfire, or during a long flight – the possibilities are endless. Each board is laser-engraved from birchwood and designed for 60-point games, complete with four pegs suitable for two players. These pegs are cleverly stored within an inset brass tube, secured with a high-quality cork plug, ensuring they remain safe and accessible on the go. The board is encased in rich, dark brown American leather, vegetable-tanned and hand-dyed, fastened with an antique brass closure, adding a touch of classic elegance to its practical design. For those new to the game or needing a refresher, a handy minibook detailing the rules of play is included with every travel cribbage board.
Crafted with pride in our Oregon workshop, each travel cribbage board reflects a commitment to fine materials and artisanal quality. We use premium hand-dyed vegetable-tanned American leather, chosen for its durability and beautiful aging properties. To make your travel cribbage board truly unique, we offer monogramming services, allowing you to personalize this exceptional piece, making it a perfect statement or a thoughtful gift.
Image alt text: Closed travel cribbage board in brown leather, showcasing its compact size and antique brass closure, ideal for portability and travel game enthusiasts.
Our collection of uniquely designed travel games is built on the philosophy that portability should not compromise playability. These games are designed to be lightweight and small enough for travel, yet substantial and legible for comfortable gameplay. Every travel cribbage board, along with our other travel games, is an original design, conceived and handcrafted by Geoffrey Franklin in our Oregon workshop, ensuring a unique and high-quality gaming experience.
Peg Options to Suit Your Style
We understand that details matter, which is why we offer two distinct peg options for your travel cribbage board:
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Crafted “wire” pegs: These are the ultimate choice for lightweight travel. Shaped to a fine point, these pegs are incredibly light and practical for travelers who prioritize minimizing weight. Should you ever need a replacement while on your adventures, they are designed to be replaceable with standard 14 gauge solid copper wire, readily available at hardware stores worldwide. Wire pegs are available in red and black solid copper.
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Solid metal “cast” cribbage pegs: For those who appreciate a more substantial feel, upgrading to our “cast” pegs offers a noticeable difference. CNC milled in America, these solid metal pegs provide a pleasing weight and a luxurious feel in hand. “Cast” metal pegs are available in black and brass. To delve deeper into the craftsmanship of our pegs, explore our blog post: Metal Fabrication 101: Casting vs Forging vs CNC Milling.
Choose Your Perfect Set: Board Only or Gift Ready
To cater to different needs and gifting occasions, our travel cribbage board is available in several configurations:
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“Board Only”: This option provides the essential travel cribbage board experience, including the birchwood board, your choice of pegs, and the rules minibook. Cards and a carrying bag are not included, making it perfect for those who already have these items or prefer a minimalist approach.
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“Gift Set”: Elevate your gifting with the complete “Gift Set,” designed to keep your travel cribbage board and cards organized and ready for play. This set includes:
- A 4″ x 6″ muslin carrying pouch with a double-drawstring, adorned with artwork by Portland illustrator Carla Bartow, adding a touch of local artistry.
- A deck of American-made BICYCLE® 1885 playing cards from the US Playing Card Company, known for their quality and vintage cycling theme.
- The assembled dimensions of the Gift Set are 5″ x 3.5″ x 1.5″ (12x8x4cm) and it weighs 4.8 oz (137g).
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“Ultralight Gift Set”: For the ultimate minimalist traveler, the “Ultralight Gift Set” offers a 38% lighter and smaller package. Ideal for backpackers and ounce-counters, this set includes:
- A smaller 3.25″ x 5″ muslin carrying pouch, also featuring Carla Bartow’s artwork.
- A deck of custom half-size linen Travel Playing Cards with Jim Golden art print, perfectly sized for portability.
- The Ultralight Gift Set assembles to 4″ x 2.5″ x 1.5″ (11x6x4cm) and weighs a mere 3.0 oz (87g).
Image alt text: Travel cribbage board gift set showcasing the board, playing cards, muslin pouch, and peg options, highlighting it as an ideal travel game gift.
Learn to Play or Brush Up on the Rules
New to cribbage or need a reminder of the rules? We’ve got you covered! Detailed rules of play can be found in our comprehensive blog post. Beyond traditional cribbage, this versatile board can also be used to keep score for other point-counting games like All Fives and Muggins, expanding its utility for various game nights on the go.
Spare Parts and Personalization
We offer spare parts to ensure your travel cribbage board remains in top condition for years to come. Replacement peg sets, with or without brass tubes, and replacement corks in different sizes are readily available in our Parts section.
For a personal touch, take advantage of our monogramming service. The leather of the travel cribbage board can be monogrammed with up to 4 characters using our 1/4″ brass alphabet set. Monogramming adds a personalized element, making it an exceptional gift or a cherished possession. Learn more about monogramming.
Materials and Dimensions: Crafted for Travel
The travel cribbage board is constructed from high-quality materials: birch plywood, hand-dyed vegetable-tanned leather, durable brass hardware, and a premium cork closure, ensuring longevity and a touch of natural elegance.
When closed, the board itself measures a remarkably compact 2″ x 3 7/8″ x 3/8″ thick (50mm x 98mm x 9mm) and weighs a mere 1.2 ounces (35g), truly embodying the essence of portable gaming.
In comparison to our other travel cribbage boards, the Mini Deluxe Travel Cribbage Board measures approximately 3.5″ x 2.25″ x 1″ when closed and weighs 1.5 oz empty, while the Deluxe Travel Cribbage Board measures approximately 5″ x 3″ x 1″ and weighs 3.2 oz empty, highlighting the exceptional portability of this travel cribbage board.
Leather Care for Lasting Beauty
To maintain the beauty and integrity of the vegetable-tanned leather on your travel cribbage board, we recommend following our leather care recommendations.
Designed for adults ages 14 and up, the travel cribbage board is more than just a game; it’s a travel-ready piece of handcrafted art, ready to accompany you on all your adventures.
Photography Credits: Erin Berzel, Broken Banjo Photography, Austin Goodman
Explore our full Games Collection >>> inspired by the history of soldier pocket games and designed for modern adventurers.
