I've read Joels reviews on it and i've been checking out a few youtube videos on them. But let me take it to the masses. How are they? Pros, Cons, everything you can think of. I've got a little extra cash to spend on one and want to know if it's worth it. I've asked this question before but didn't get a lot of feedback on it, maybe there are a few more Saddleback owners now. First a little lifestyle info on me. I work on a tugboat or an ATB which is basically a tug and barge that stays connected all the time (no towing) kinda like a tanker and we operate in the Gulf of Mexico which means i drive, fly, drive, launch ride to tug, and board the tug so there are a lot of different weather conditions and they usually involve salt water. I need a sturdy briefcase for my laptop and credentials. I like the looks of the Mitchells Leather bags but they are a bit more pricey than i can afford. Any help would be appreciated here. I wish i could try one on before spending 600 bucks for something i can't test drive first so this is the next best thing.
Saddleback Leather Briefcases?
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I absolutely love my Large carbon black classic briefcase. It can hold everything I need it to and looks great doing so.
The only con I can think of is it's pretty heavy, especially when it's loaded up. I dont have to carry it long distances, so it's not that big if a deal. It's also pretty bulky, not necessarilly easy to stick under a desk or something. But, again, that's not a major problem for me.
If I have one regret it would be that I dint get it in the coffee brown color. I do enjoy the black, but lately I've been eyeing pictures if the brown ones. I guess I just need to buy another one!
Make sure you check out "Daves Deals" or eBay -you can often get a great price on a bag at wither place.
The only con I can think of is it's pretty heavy, especially when it's loaded up. I dont have to carry it long distances, so it's not that big if a deal. It's also pretty bulky, not necessarilly easy to stick under a desk or something. But, again, that's not a major problem for me.
If I have one regret it would be that I dint get it in the coffee brown color. I do enjoy the black, but lately I've been eyeing pictures if the brown ones. I guess I just need to buy another one!
Make sure you check out "Daves Deals" or eBay -you can often get a great price on a bag at wither place.
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- #3
There are a couple on ebay but they are the medium style. I like the coffee color also. I'm thinking more along the lines of the larger size too because of manuals and papers plus the laptop. Right now i have a Samsonite carry on which doesn't hold all my stuff so i usually have to bring anothor small bag or backpack. I figure the large Saddleback would hold all my stuff but as you pointed out the weight may be a little much. I don't usually have to go long distances (other than airport terminals) but i do have to climb over the side of boats and docks. That may be an issue.
I lucked out and got my large off eBay for about $300. I actually bid on a medium and they didn't have it in stock in Black so they bumped it up to a large. Top notch company!
The good news is that if you purchase it and the weight is too much you can return it.. Or even sell it to someone else. They don't seem to last long on ebay/etc.
Saddleback has a facebook page where you might be able to get some more feedback also. facebook.com/saddlebackleather
The good news is that if you purchase it and the weight is too much you can return it.. Or even sell it to someone else. They don't seem to last long on ebay/etc.
Saddleback has a facebook page where you might be able to get some more feedback also. facebook.com/saddlebackleather
I second everything here! I have a large Dark Coffee Brown one. I have a 15 or 20 minute walk to work, and at first it was way too heavy. Now though, it's just part of the walk and I don't really mind.
In your case though, I'm not really sure how the leather would hold up on a tug in the Gulf. You'd need some heavy duty protection for it- I use Obenauf's Leather Preservative which is used by firefighters to keep their leather gear in top shape. Should help some!
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- #6
Thanks guys. Let me ask you this. Do you fly with the bag and if so does it fit ok in the overhead bin? I see he has a Large bag that says it's good for flying, does the X-Large fit ok?
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- #7
I just bought the Large Coffee Brown briefcase. I went by the websites instuctions for selecting the right size for me. I keep hearing how big the XLarge one is so i'm gonna try to get away with a little smaller one. It's only a couple inches differance so maybe it will be fine. The only way to find out is to get it here and try it on. 
Congrats on taking the plunge! I'm sure you'll love it, and if not you'll be able to unload it easily in the B/S/T.
I just bought the Large Coffee Brown briefcase. I went by the websites instuctions for selecting the right size for me. I keep hearing how big the XLarge one is so i'm gonna try to get away with a little smaller one. It's only a couple inches differance so maybe it will be fine. The only way to find out is to get it here and try it on.
Congrats and thank you. I'm sure you'll love it. I think the Large is a good move. XL is very big. Be sure to let us know when you get it.
Thanks again
I just bought the Large Coffee Brown briefcase. I went by the websites instuctions for selecting the right size for me. I keep hearing how big the XLarge one is so i'm gonna try to get away with a little smaller one. It's only a couple inches differance so maybe it will be fine. The only way to find out is to get it here and try it on.
The large is....well it's big! It should fit in an overhead bin- I know it fits under a seat in an airplane with a little bit of coercion/force.
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- #11
If I knew you were on here I would have asked you a few questions.lol Now I know
I will definitely keep you posted....with pics!!I think i will. And you are correct about being able to sell it on BST but I don't think that will be necessary
That's what i figured. It says on the site that the large is a good air travel companion. Besides my laptop, study material, reading material and all my gadgets i figure the Large would be more than enough.
Thanks for all the help guys. Now I play the waiting game.....
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- #12
Just got the tracking number for my briefcase. Should be here in about 3 days.
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It has arrived!! With the holiday and everything it took a little longer than i expected but here it is. A very beautiful bag.
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That's a great looking bag. I've been eyeing these for a while...maybe next Christmas!
Now it's time to get that baby broken in! Or at least start the process; have had mine for 8 months and it's only starting to break in.
Congrats, looks way too pristine though
Get some scratches on that thing!
Get some scratches on that thing!
That's really beautiful. I'm hoarding my pennies to get a smaller bag--either a messenger or a satchel. Their work is absolutely fantastic.
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- #18
Congrats, looks way too pristine though
+1 Scratches begin tomorrow
There is nothing that can compare to the smell of opening that box, is there?
Looks great! I check out the Saddleback website about once a week. Eventually I'll give in...
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