I am new here, and I am considering purchasing a the medium satchel from Saddleback Leather. Just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with the bag or any other saddleback shoulder bags? I have read that the weight is really the only negative to the bags. Any input would greatly help! I currently use a red oxx rock hopper daily, and while it is a great bag, I have plans to sell it and purchase a more professional bag for work. Thanks!
Owned all kinds of bags. Had a medium briefcase at one time. Not too heavy if just walk from home to the car then from parking lot to work. I have one of their backpacks now. Not too heavy at all. I just love SBL. Made huge pieces of full grain leather, top notch constructions and rugged good looks. If you can get past they weight (and price), they are fantastic EDC bags.
I have carried kifaru, maxpedition, and many others. Recently I got turned on to Saddleback. Their leather pieces are very functional pieces of art. I am using the large classic briefcase for my laptop and other business necessities. Just got the large satchel for my edc. I have seen the weight of the bags brought up in many reviews as well. For me it is not an issue. In fact the weight is a sign of the quality and longevity of all the Saddleback products. I did spend a good amount of time deciding on the size of the satchel. For me I am very glad I got the large. It is about the same width and depth as my maxpedition fatboy with a water bottle in it. It is taller, but that allows me to easily fit my iPad. Watch on Dave's deals and you can save some serious cash. Good luck!
They're high class stuff. A friend of mine has had one for years now and it's like butter. He uses Dr. Glove (A baseball glove break in treatment) to keep it in good shape.
Just breaking in my saddleback large briefcase. I love it and I'm not bothered by the weight at all. They do look very professional, and I get compliments everywhere I bring it... Which is something that never happened while carrying nylon bags. I feel like the heavier this bag gets, the more it settles in and it just carries more comfortably.
Well... I could clarify... My timbuk2 loaded to the same weight just doesn't carry the same. The lack of structure and less forgiving nylon strap seems to dig quite a bit more into my shoulder. Do I wish the saddleback bag was three pounds lighter? Yes... But I feel like I would lose the structure and durability that these bags are known for... I don't want to turn this into another goruck thread ... Saddleback makes great bags.... professional looking, durable and the company offers amazing customer service... I called earlier this week and received a follow up email and phone call that was above and beyond friendly.
I have the medium satchel and yes its a top notch bag. very sturdy, very heavy , and very classy. i was expecting the capacity of the medium to be bigger and had i the chance again, i would have saved up a bit longer and gone for the large satchel instead. i will post some pics in a bit. on a side note, i dont treat the bag at all as i want it to show the signs of my abuse!
I have had a large briefcase for about 10 months now. I bought it used on ebay for a decent price. It is heavy, but I don't carry it long distances so it doesn't bother me. I really like the bag and think it looks great. A picture of mine for Schuey and rjg. And I know the chair is ugly, but it's comfortable and it was free!
Oops... just posted these in another thread, oh well... Med. Chestnut Classic BC, my sometimes EDC... Large DCB Satchel, my other sometimes EDC... just reconditioned (will be selling), as I wait for the Small Ltd. Classic BC to be delivered... Bandolier style carry with the shoulder strap, makes weight a non-issue with these beautiful & rugged bags! Count me a fan.
