WTB Messenger Bag

[jherm77]

Gentlemen,

I am constantly surprised and impressed with the amount of knowledge for everything better in life. I have been looking for the perfect messenger bag for 8 years now. I came close once; about 6 years ago I was in an airport (can't remember the country) and saw one that met all my expectations. I didn't buy it...hindsight is always 20/20. I was wondering if any of you intelligent chaps could enlighten me? Here are my requirements:

-Large enough to fit a laptop, although not generally used for it
-As little metal on it as possible - no zippers! maybe brass belt buckle on front
-Soft & Fatigued leather - NOT SHINY!
-preferably under $500, but exceptions exist

Thanks a bunch in advance!

One more requirement: no extra pockets (showing) on the outside. Very simple and direct.

 

[jumpo64]

Well, I'll direct you to The Saddleback Leather Company

They meet all your criteria, and in my opinion their leather is beautiful. Also, all their stuff comes with a 100 year warranty. It's the way I would go, unless you're concerned about your leather saying Louis Vuitton or something along those lines.

 

[jherm77]

This is one accessory I do not want to show off (no "look at me" labels like LV), but like a nice watch people just start conversations with you about it.

I am a little concerned with the thick leather, doesn't seem soft. Otherwise, great recommendation. Maybe I will give them a call when I get back in the US.

Any other recommendations?

 

[johnmrson]

David King does a nice distressed leather messenger bag as does Cole Haan. It's probably a bit shiny for you but Coach make a great leather messenger bag.

 

[azmark]

Saddleback!

 

[SRock]

Well, I'll direct you to The Saddleback Leather Company

+1 for Saddleback!

 

[jlanger]

Well, I'll direct you to The Saddleback Leather Company

They meet all your criteria, and in my opinion their leather is beautiful. Also, all their stuff comes with a 100 year warranty. It's the way I would go, unless you're concerned about your leather saying Louis Vuitton or something along those lines.

drooolll. very pretty. Though wicked expensive for a poor social worker. I might have to start saving up, though, especially for one of the briefcases. Nice!

 

[AndrewGWU]

drooolll. very pretty. Though wicked expensive for a poor social worker. I might have to start saving up, though, especially for one of the briefcases. Nice!

I like them too.... but also too expensive for this grad student

Perhaps one day

 

[jherm77]

Picked up a saddleback satchel, thanks everyone.

 

[adamant]

Picked up a saddleback satchel, thanks everyone.

Someday I hope it is that easy for me, too.

What sized laptops will fit in their satchel?

 

[jherm77]

Not really sure, I think the measurements are 13 X 12.75 for the large, gotta go back to the site to see. I will likely throw my netbook in there anyways.

 

[SRock]

Picked up a saddleback satchel, thanks everyone.

Someday I hope it is that easy for me, too.

+1

 

[DESkydiver]

+1 for Saddleback.



I own many of their products (the Messenger and Large Satchel only have 1 c.i.difference in space, the Messenger is longer and narrower while the Satchel is wider and shallower)

I also have the Duffel, the Backpack, and a Medium Briefcase (I gave my Extra-large Briefcase to my son-in-law), the Notepad, medium bi-fold wallet...

Like Dave Munson states on his web site, you only cry once.

If I had it to do all over again and limit myself to just one item (owning both the Medium and Extra Large Briefcases) I would get the Large Briefcase.

 

[Bastian]

I use a medium sized saddleback satchel as my dopp kit. Since I started wet shaving I carry nearly as much stuff as my girl. It's a great quality bag, I love to unload the bathroom stuff and use it as a man purse when on vacation.

 

[DESkydiver]

Someday I hope it is that easy for me, too.

What sized laptops will fit in their satchel?

I can fit a 15-inch Macbook pro w/power cord into the large satchel with little room for anything else besides a notepad.

If you want to carry a laptop regularly, I would opt for the briefcase rather than the satchel. The Medium is their smallest as they discontinued the Small, will fit a standard 15-inch laptop, their notepad and a couple folders in one compartment and the other compartment can carry many accessories / necessities, even your lunch.

 

[Maduro 5]

What about Tumi Albuquerque East/West Messenger at ebags. They are supperbly made.

 

[cvac]

I've heard some good things about CustomHide brand bags...but I've not used them myself. They're not as expensive as some of the other suggestions...

 

[jherm77]

The saddleback bag is awesome, a wonderful addition. I take it with me everywhere now. One thing of note, and not trying to stir up anything; I don't appreciate it when companies/retailers/sellers try to push their political and/or religious views on me by including them in the purchase. There was a pamphlet included in one of the sleeves, and probably stopped me from ever purchasing again from them/him. Bad form IMO.

 

[DESkydiver]

The saddleback bag is awesome, a wonderful addition. I take it with me everywhere now. One thing of note, and not trying to stir up anything; I don't appreciate it when companies/retailers/sellers try to push their political and/or religious views on me by including them in the purchase. There was a pamphlet included in one of the sleeves, and probably stopped me from ever purchasing again from them/him. Bad form IMO.

For what it is worth, SBL is a family run business and their dad is a Pastor, so if you have no need for the few verses of scripture in the 6 pages 1 inch by 1.5 inch, I'd just throw it away. As for me, I have most of their products already, and when they come out with their Dopp Kit I'll be getting that as well.