Customer Reviews

A Chestnut Leather Briefcase, Backpack, Handbag "They'll Fight Over When You're Dead"

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I needed a new wallet and saw Saddleback on here, checked out the other goods they sold and found this briefcase. I have been looking for a leather briefcase like this for a long while, and finally found it!! I got it last week and used it yesterday to carry all the items I needed for a trial. The large is pretty big (which is exactly what I needed). It holds my 17 inch Apple MB Pro with a ton of space for whatever else you may need to put in a briefcase.

It is a sight to see! Soo beautifully made, leather is unreal and smells like you are sitting in a new car! Cant say enough about this bag! Check out their website when you get a chance, it is amusing and shows you why these products are more expensive than the other crappy leather goods out there. I can really see this bag lasting for 100 years!!

I purchased one of these cases directly from the company about 2 years ago, and have used it daily ever since. I am hard on briefcases, often over-filling them, but this one has withstood everything. I travel internationally as well as in the USA - this bag has been around the world with me, and often generates appreciative comments.

When I originally bought it, I had been looking for a solid bag that had the older, academic look of the flapover briefcase. Every other case that that I found had snaps, clips, or other hardware that would have broken within a year under my usage. This case has real hardware that will last and has lasted. Picking a color was hard, but I finally settled on the Chestnut, and haven't regretted it.

This case has full-grain leather, with rivets, and belt-type buckles. When I had problems with one of the buckles on my case I contacted Saddleback Leather and they replaced the buckle and strap for free. I wasn't absolutely sure that it wasn't my fault, rather than a material failure. But they stood behind their product without questioning.

The handle is large, and comfortable. I use the D-rings to clip things to (USB drives, keys, etc)and then let them drape inside the bag, beneath the flap. I also have a black nylon strap (actually, a nylon collar for a dog!) that goes through the circular ring on top, which I use to attach the briefcase to my roller bag when I fly.

I've found this briefcase to be flexible, durable, good looking, and reliable. This briefcase it one of only a handful of items that I have ever purchased which is actually better than advertised. I would definitely recommend it - and would buy again. In fact, I may actually buy a second one at some point...I have two children but only one briefcase right now, and I wouldn't want to cause a fight in 40 years or so. ;)

Honestly, I have to say that from the time of placing my order to receiving my bag (only 4 days later) has been one of the most satisfactory experiences I have had when ordering a product online. I purchased this bag as a college graduation gift for myself, and I am so happy I did. I was looking for a bag that was not only stylish, but that would also be durable enough to take an everyday beating. The price may seem a bit hefty, but I think this bag, combined with the company's awesome service, has been worth every penny. I fully expect this bag to keep up with the demands of my very active lifestyle as a graduate student and young professional.

For some specifics, the bag does indeed have a TON of room inside, plenty of room for notebooks,a textbook, laptop, charger, lunch, and a newspaper or two. The bag has been a bit stiff (as is expected of any thick-grade leather) but I fully expect it to become more supple with use. It's nice to have an accessory that is both completely user friendly, and gets better looking with use. Also, all the straps come with plenty of punched holes for full personalization, depending on how you want to wear the bag. I'd like to also add that the backpack function is really neat as well. Also, no worrying about cheap stitching as with other brands of all-leather bags. This bag uses metal rivet-like anchors and is VERY sturdy.

All in all, this bag is totally worth the investment. If you're looking for a cheap waste of money, look elsewhere. This bag is top quality, and is rightly priced as such. If you're on the fence, just do some research as I did. No matter where I looked I kept coming back to Saddleback. I'm sure you will too.

I didnt buy this bag from Amazon, I bought mine directly from Saddleback but there would really be no difference in the ordering, so go for it. This is the best bag I have ever owned and I have had more than a few. I have owned bags from Louis Vitton, Armani, Brioni, Zegna and several other "High Quality" Italian leather makers. This bag is cheap compared to all of those and is worth every penny. Its not only beautiful but it is as tough as they come, they are very serious about the 100 year warranty and I doubt that I would ever have to use it. I wonder if anyone really has had to use the warranty. I travel extensively and have been in some pretty harsh environments and have put this bag through pure hell and it has never faltered. If it gets scratched up, it doesnt matter because they disappear with some leather conditioner and a buffing cloth in minutes. I like the scratches on mine, I think it gives it more of a personality. I constantly have people from all over the world coming up to me asking where I got my bag and giving me nonstop compliments on it. The story of Saddleback is quite interesting and a lot of fun to read about, you should check it out. If you want the absolute best leather briefcase, messenger bag, luggage or accessories, you have found it!!!!

PS...Do not order one of these from Ebay, its almost guaranteed to be fake! I have seen one a friend bought from there. Hope this review has helped.

I recently bought the large Saddleback Leather briefcase in Chestnut after obsessing over it for months. Yes, it's heavier that any other work bag I've carried over the years. I've had backpacks, zippered briefs, laptop briefcases, and attache cases, all lightweight and reasonably priced, and none of them lasted as long as they should have. Some bags I retired when something broke on them, or because they looked scruffy, but not in a romantic way. That left me feeling cheated and sad. In the end, such disappointments are too expensive, even if they are bargains.

So I saved my money and bought the Saddleback bag. I hope it will last for the rest of my life. This bag is heavy and stiff when new, but it's so incredibly beautiful that it's worth it. Don't buy a bag like this unless you're willing to invest not only the money, but also the time and effort and care to break it in. That's part of the fun. High quality leather keeps improving with age, if it's cared for. And that's what I intend to do.

I've been using it for a week now. The shoulder strap, which first cut into my shoulder, is finally starting to come around, barely. I'm noticing the first scuff marks and subtle creases, and trying to remember how they got there. I'm figuring out how to store my gear, and learning from my mistakes. I tried putting my cell phone in one of the open pockets in the front compartment, with nothing else to keep it snug. Then I accidentally tipped the bag over, with the flap buckled, onto its back. The phone ended up in the rear compartment. At least it didn't fall out.

Next month I'll be using the briefcase as an overnight bag for a four-day weekend. Yep, I'm leaving my wheeled carry-on bag behind. I look forward to stuffing the Saddleback full and lugging it across the hotel lobby. It needs the exercise, and so do I.

UPDATE: Just got back from my mini-vacation and the bag was a complete success. I crammed in one pair of trousers and one pair of shorts (both rolled up and made from wrinkle-resistant cloth), four button-down shirts (also rolled up), a few t-shirts, underwear and socks, my toiletries, and a thick biography of Teddy Roosevelt. On the outside I tied a separate plastic bag that held a pair of shoes, sandals, and my Tilley hat. The d-rings made it easy to strap on the extra gear. I was surprised at how comfortable the shoulder strap had become, after only three weeks of break-in. I easily made the trek from my 15th-floor room to the hotel lobby to the parking garage without any pain in my shoulder. My advice: travel as light as you can, and let Saddleback Leather help.

I almost hesitate to write a review for my briefcase because I like the unique aspect of my bag. However, it's worth sharing.

I bought this bag for myself as a reward for getting a job. I work as an attorney and I'm frequently in court. Everyone from the courtroom security to the opposing attorneys ask me about my bag. When I travel, the airline employees always complement me. It's a great feeling to be recognized for having good taste.

I've had the bag just over a year now and it has only gotten better with age. The handle has softened and formed to my hand. The leather has started to acquire a patina/shine in areas I frequently put stress on. The scratches and creases add an air of ruggedness to the design. The straps, buckles, and rings still shine like the day it arrived in the mail.

In general, I couldn't be happier with my purchase and I'd fight a mugger if they ever try to take my bag.

My only complaints: the shoulder strap is not quite as adjustable as I'd like. I'm tall (6'4") and sometimes I can't arrange the padding to rest on my shoulder when I carry the bag across my body.

Bringing up my height reminds me of an important point: make sure you get the right size bag for your body. I am a big guy and a large is, if anything, a touch big. XL size should be reserved for NFL lineman, it'll look too big for anybody else.

In terms of capacity, my bag holds everything I need. I usually have a laptop computer, a padfolio, a lunch bag, an umbrella, a book (or kindle - in the saddleback kindle case), and a variety of pens, pencils, medicine, etc. and I'm not overly burdened by the weight. It's a substantial briefcase, to be sure, but I never refrain from taking it anywhere because of the size/weight. It doesn't weigh too much more than a simple nylon briefcase I had before, and the few extra pounds are definitely worth it.

If you can afford the bag, get it and be happy. It's versatile, durable, and attractive...what more can you ask for?

This is not a man purse. This is not a European Shoulder Bag. This is a satchel, a briefcase, a thing to be worn proudly. I realized a while back that I am no longer a boy, and was tired of carrying things around in a backpack.

I am 6'3" and weigh around 265ish, and I bought the XL big. It is big, but not so large that I feel like I am carrying a suitcase around with me. I am able to put my 17" laptop with accessories, a large frame revolver, clothes for an overnight, plus a bottle of whiskey if the occasion requires it.

The craftsmanship is superb. I admit the price was a little harsh, but now that I have it, I feel it was worth it. The site says you only cry once, and it is a true statement. I cried when I bought, but that has long passed and the bag is mine now and will be for quite some time. I get compliments almost daily, and the longer I have it, the better the bag becomes. Like a fine wine or fine woman, this bag is meant to be enjoyed for the remainder of my days.

I love this briefcase! I have had it over a year now and it has never left my side. It is big enough to hold everything; sturdy enough to take anywhere; and looks good enough to get rave reviews from people who see it.

I will warn; anyone that has not had a true leather product before may not understand how much better this bag looks after a week, month, year of use. I mean, it looks good the day you get it, then you get that first 'scratch' and you will feel sick, then suddenly you see how leather wears to be absolutely beautiful and rugged at the same time.

The price is nothing. This is by far the best value of anything I have ever purchased. My wife has spent more on her Coach bags that see a single season of use. I have been through countless number of briefcases. None of them can withstand the disaster I wreak on them like this bag. If you divide initial price by numbers of days of use, this bag will be the least expensive thing you have on your person in twenty years, your socks will have cost more the day you throw them out.

This bag is versatile. It goes from being the small, just the right size laptop carrier it needs to be to being the only bag I take with me on a three day business trip. That's right, get an eagle creek 'pack it' for this bag and it will expand big enough to hold my laptop and accessories, sales literature, 2 pairs of pants, 4 shirts and all necessary undergarments and toiletries. If you are accustomed to wearing a jacket, you will fly in style. It impresses people when I show up with just this brief for a weekend.

Has anyone mentioned that this bag turns into a backpack? Although not super comfortable like a hiking pack, but perfect for hopping on a motorcycle. I can scoot all over town with everything I need in the summer.

You can keep searching for another bag that even comes close to this bag. You will do nothing but look. Trust me you will come back to this bag. This bag is the perfect accessory for the interesting gentleman.

OK, I've had a few bags. May I name them?

- Hartmann - still my main luggage, in 'Belting Leather.' Nine pieces.

- Victorinox, in Nylon and leather. Two mongo briefcases.

- Porta Brace, in Cordura Nylon (yes, I'm a broadcaster)

- Think Tank, in Nylon and their very cool Pinestone Retrospective design

- RoadWired - a boutique brand that rose and kind of became obscure

- Lowe Pro - The DSLR mainstay, in both 'sling' and waterproof

- Billingham - the standard of excellence in England and the world

- Kona - who knew a bike company made such a cool backpack?

- Costa Del Mar - who knew a sunglasses company made such a cool backpack?

- Orvis - Geez Louise, they make so many cool bags, packs and duffles

- G. Loomis - OK, so who knew a fishing rod company made great luggage?

- Waterfield Designs - the old Apple HiFi case - wonderful.

- Jansport - several backpacks from this heritage company

- Not to mention the Apple iPad2 Smart Cover, and countless Casemate, Mophie, Vaja, and other stuff.

So, I'm a slightly experienced traveler, with a wide view of the available luggage and case options. But I'm now transitioning to Saddleback, and selling everything else on eBay.

The reason?

Not '75 pockets'

Not 'tuff nylon shell'

Not iPhone cable pass-throughs'

Nope- the reason? This is the real deal. Made to last a lifetime. Heavy leather, heavy stitching, precise workmanship. Flippin' gorgeous.

This stuff is made like a saddle. It's that tough. It's true, old West, bulletproof heavy leather gear. No funny fashion, no quirky NY stuff, no Tokyo anime. This stuff is made to last forever. It's that tough. And that beautiful.

When I look at the price of their best, most expensive pieces, it's still less than any of my 9-piece Hartmann belting leather pieces. Hartmann is amazing. But, having owned both, I now believe: Saddleback is better.

15 years ago, I bought a Rolex. It's still keeping perfect time, and still gorgeous, despite a decade and a half of abuse. I'll check back in after 15 years with my Saddleback gear. And I'll take any bet: It will be perfect.

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Great stuff! Excellent customer service dept. Bag was in excellent condition when it arrived, but I had to return it as it was too small, in exchange for the Large Coffee. Doing so invoked the Italian customs genie who further pummelled my already depleted funds. The bag is great. One of a kind, which justifies the huge amount of VAT and import duty.