Filson Vs. Saddleback Leather

[mastinomaven]

Gents, I am looking for a small leather or canvas bag of high durable quality that will hold up in most weather and last many years. I need it to hold a small video camera, a thermos, an iphone, keys, a book, and some other small stuff that is usually jammed in my front pockets. I fear the perception of carrying around something that looks like a pocketbook--yes, I fear buying what some consider a man purse, so I would prefer something that looks rugged. I found these two bags from reputable companies:

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092393&cp=2075128&parentPage=family

or

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/80


The Saddleback is over $100 more but it is made entirely of leather. Are there any others I should consider?

 

[betat]

You might also consider the No 37 Satchel from Colonel Littleton:
http://www.colonellittleton.com/?p=products&f=prod&cat=3&id=ls37

It is quite a bit more expensive than the Saddleback but the quality is outstanding and it will last a lifetime. They are also great people to do business with as I have met the Colonel in person at his store in Lynnville, TN.

 

[highball]

I have the Filson small and medium field bags, I have owned them for about 12 years. They are great bags and worth the cost. I dont think you can go wrong with the Saddleback or Filson bag

 

[blantyre]

I don't want to stoke your fear of a "man purse" but these sure look like purses to me. That said, I think they are practical and I would be happy with any of them. The Filson looks as good as any and is the least expensive so I would probably go with that.

 

[Tricky]

The construction and materials for the Filson products are of the best and sturdiest materials I can imagine. I have the medium and small duffel, the small field bag, and the toiletries kit and I am absolutely positive I will never need to replace any of them. The canvas cloth used is in credibly thick and very water resistant. I have had the duffles in a decent amount of rain and had no wet clothing. The leather is of a very high quality, yet pretty stiff at first. I used lexol to condition it to soften it up just a bit.


If you would like to consider another option, please look at this House of Hardy bag, or any of them actually.
http://fly.hardyfishing.com/en-us/products/accessories/luggage/

I use the Test bag going to and from work, because it is a bit more messenger bag than 'man purse'. It also sounds like the Brook bag may be another great option for you. The quality here is outstanding as well.

 

[Stubblefield]

I have owned a few of the Filson medium field bags--take it from me, you want the medium. The small looks a lot like a purse, and does not carry that much. the medium is much better overall, without being too big or purse-ish. And you can find them on the bay for less than retail.

 

[RCR]

I have had a Filson medium field bag for about 10 years. Extrememly well-made bag, old-school look and it has served me very well.

 

[Againsttheflow]

Thought I would jump in here as I just visited the #1 distributor of Filson goods in the world yesterday. (http://cranes-country-store.com). We're friends with Crane's on Style Forum and here's how they describe Saddlebac. "The Filson of Leather".

I checked out their Filson selection and was very, very impressed by the quality of the Filson goods. I have no doubt a Filson will last you for a very long time. They are also lighter than our stuff since they're made with the heavy-duty canvas versus our heavier leather.

Bottom line, I think it comes down more to style. If you were to go with a Filson, you couldn't go wrong with the quality.

 

[blacdisco2000]

The filson looks amazing!!!!!!!

 

[Denny]

Buy the Filson compartment bag, by all means! It's small, dividablle, light weight, durabble, way smaller than most of the recomendations here, and ideal for "pocket gear" and more. Highly recomended!

 

[Gruder]

I own a Filson briefcase and a Saddleback folio. Both are incredibly high in quality, both will last years and years and years. Honestly, this case really comes down to whether you want all-leather or not. Weight and appearance strike me as key factors (though the filson cloth is heavy, as well).

You're gonna' win, either way!

 

[mastinomaven]

Thought I would jump in here as I just visited the #1 distributor of Filson goods in the world yesterday. (http://cranes-country-store.com). We're friends with Crane's on Style Forum and here's how they describe Saddlebac. "The Filson of Leather".

I checked out their Filson selection and was very, very impressed by the quality of the Filson goods. I have no doubt a Filson will last you for a very long time. They are also lighter than our stuff since they're made with the heavy-duty canvas versus our heavier leather.

Bottom line, I think it comes down more to style. If you were to go with a Filson, you couldn't go wrong with the quality.

Thanks for your honesty and fairness in appraising a rival's products!

 

[ofelas]

You can't go wrong with either Filson or Saddlebac.

Having said that, look into the "Roots" tribe leather. Very good indeed.

 

[DHoffmeyer]

I too have a Filson medium field bag and can't imagine what could be better.

 

[proxymoron]

Another vote for the Filson. The things you've listed add up in weight--style points aside, I think the canvas is going to be more comfortable for being lighter.

 

[shamus]

Filson makes great rugged products and I use quite a few of these from the extra large rolling duffel bag down to the medium size field bag. IMO....the SMALL SIZE field bag might be too small for the items you intend to carry. The medium might do you much better or else the Filson Zippered Tote Bag might be another option.

http://www.filson.com/product/index...&cp=2065674.2065687.2065708&parentPage=family

I use the Filson Zippered Tote Bag quite a bit and now more than the Medium size field bag. I can easily carry a laptop in a padded sleeve inside the bag along with a Nissan Thermos in Stainless steel, Lunch, cigars, reading material, sunglasses etc and carry these with ease. The zippered tote bag in the Filson Tan picks up a great patina as it ages and wears like steel. The Filsons can be reconditoned with their wax when and if they no longer keep out the weather. The Bridal Leather and Brass Zippers along with the double bottom will last you for years with these Filson products. I gave up on the padded computer bags a long time ago and only use a padded sleeve, designed for a laptop, inside of my bag of choice to protect the computer. No problems so far.

http://www.filson.com/product/index...74.2065687.2065708&view=all&parentPage=family

Another option would be a Klein Tool bag in canvas and leather. These are also great and hold a lot of gear and still look masculine. They also have attachments for a shoulder strap if you need to use one.

Cheers.

 

[brucered]

Reviving and old thread as I have been looking at both of these bags (SBL & Filson) recently. Also looking at some of the LL Bean, Duluth Trading etc.

I want a smaller bag, doesn't come across like a female purse, rugged, durable, hold my lunch (ziplock containers flat), wallet, keys (work, home), cellphone, nail clippes, knife and the rest of the EDC stuff.

The SBL Messenger was high on my list, but I think it's overkill and going to be way too heavy. The Filson Medium Field looks good, but the double buckle system to get in and out, looks it bit awkward but probably easily accessible in a few seconds. The SMALL would likely fit my needs, but may come across like a purse (as stated above)

I'd prefer to stay away from MEC/REI type, vinyl, zippers etc and have it be a bit more classic looking and they only seem to last me a couple years before something breaks. I'm not 16 any more and need to get a big-boy bag .

My job does not see me taking work home, no papers to transport, no laptop or tablet being transported...just the day to day EDC things and my food for the day, until I get to work and can put it in the fridge.

Open to suggestions and especially pics.

 

[mrb7]

The SMALL would likely fit my needs, but may come across like a purse (as stated above)
[...]
Open to suggestions and especially pics.

The easy suggestion is don't worry about projecting an effeminate image. Get the one that's a good fit, and if anyone has anything to say tell them to look at something else. Function over fashion.

Of course, that's pretty easy for me to say without really knowing your circumstance. So it might really be useless advice. And my own personal experience is one of being a pretty regular boundary breaker anyway. So my level of tolerance for odd looks is pretty high. (I carry a purple phone.) And I'm old, so I really don't much care what anyone thinks anymore.

 

[brucered]

Good call @mrb7

I carry a bright red Messenger bag now and don't mind my buddies teasing me about it.

I am in the middle of typing up a canvas bag thread, so we will see if there are any other suggestions.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[August West]

Good call @mrb7

I carry a bright red Messenger bag now and don't mind my buddies teasing me about it.

I am in the middle of typing up a canvas bag thread, so we will see if there are any other suggestions.



Thanks a bunch!

Don't give up on the Barbour.