A Review of a bag that people will fight over when I’m DEAD.

[Salaryman Ryan]

Ladies and Gents, after many nights anticipation, the most expensive bag I bought has finally arrived on my door step! I feel like a girl because I love bags, well specifically laptop/gear bags - the ones you use for travel and I travel a lot! I have great bags from Crumpler, Timbuk2 and Brenthaven but nothing moved my heart more then seeing and touching a full grain leather coffee brown saddleback messenger bag in the flesh.

For those who are unfamiliar with Saddleback leather Inc, they are a company to produces top quality high end leather bags. Here is their website:

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/

When I mean high end I do not mean elegant Mercedes Benz high end but rather rugged Land Rover type gear high end. These are bags that are built to take a beating no matter where you go. The company is so confident with their bags that it comes with a 100 year warranty just in case you manage to actually break it (which is near impossible). In fact, the company website has tons of photos of its customers using and abusing the bag in really harsh environments like desserts, swamps and in oceans.

So just in case you missed it, this thread is a quick photo review of the Coffee brown Saddleback messenger bag. Disclaimer, I’m not a photographer of any means so forgive my poor shooting skills.


Initial impressions



Unlike Apple products, the bag came in just a brown box, nothing fancy.





As you can see from the picture, the bag is wrapped with brown paper and plastic - a far cry from the fancy Apple packaging we all grown to love.



Here she is, released from her plastic seal ready to be worn! The leather smells great and the skin is thick and has a very sturdy and tough feeling. Do take note that because it is leather, hits tend to leave marks but that is the nature of leather. No big deal, this will give the bag lot of character as it ages.



As you can see the buckle is quality and very sturdy. Take note that opening and closing this bag may take getting used to as it took me lot of effort (and time) to unhinge the leather strap from the buckle. Quite different from the easy to open/close canvas bags that uses zippers and straps. (It gets easier and faster as you get used to it!)





From the photo you can see the bag also includes a few extras like a key holder strap and a little pocket Bible! It seems the owner is a devout Christian and want to share his faith to his customers.



Another article inside the bag is a simple leather divider. The divider has no latches or straps to hold it in place inside, its just a stiff divider that is there to keep stuff apart!

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[hungryalien]

nice.. how much the shipping? been wanting one ever since i saw it online..

[Salaryman Ryan]

The leather divider also has a pocket where you can probably store thin books, papers, brochures and magazines. Take note that the back of the bag also has a large pocket where you can store magazines or thin books as well.




Now comes the moment of truth! Will it fit my gear? Or more specifically, will it fit my 13 inch Macbook with a ridiculously thick sleeve (which was actually meant as a tote bag). Find out in the next photo!



Why yes it does! Not only that there is enough space for my laptop and its sleeve but it has enough space to stuff in your textbooks, ipods/ipads and other accessories. You can even remove the leather divider to get even more space. From another review I read on the internet, the classic 15 inch Macbook Pro fits in it perfectly without a sleeve. But I would not recommend putting your precious portable Mac in it without a sleeve as leather tends to leave marks on things (in my experience, not sure in the case of my new Saddleback bag however).

A Few (okay, not a few) Final Words

This is one very beautiful bag. I brought it to my office and people instantly took notice and gave their compliments, something that was never done to my high end Crumpler bags. Yet when you go out on the streets its subtle looks keep it from standing out as much as a Gucci bag or a regular computer bag. I’m willing to bet that because of its thick hide, the Saddleback is probably much harder to cut through then your typical canvas bag. Also people do not assume leather bags are used to tote portable computers. The people who complimented the bag expressed surprise to find out that I carry my computer gear in it.

The edges of the bag are hard so I can imagine it can absorb and protect your Macbook from a moderate drop. Again, I have to emphasize that for maximum protection get a sleeve before you put your Apple portable or iPad in the bag.

Although the Saddleback messenger bag is a vertical bag, its a little wide - something I feared when I looked at its dimensions when ordering it because it might look awkward on little me. I’m 5’6, quite a short fellow but despite its size, I think it looks just right on me - at least compared to the monster Crumpler Horseman that I used to lug around when I go abroad.

I have two minor issues with the bag. First, the bag is quite heavy even empty - around 6 pounds! That weight adds up as I stuff more and more gadgets in the Saddleback bag. Second, the bag is not cheap, about a much as your mom’s or girlfriend’s Prada. I paid around 350 USD when I purchased it at Amazon.com and was charged around 50 USD for delivery and finally a painful 5,500 Php on custom charges. Next time I buy another one, I’m asking a relative to bring it with them.

Overall, I’m in love with this bag. Not only it is unique and beautiful but also very tough, practical and spacious. Of course quality at this level comes with a hefty price tag and hefty weight but if you are willing to overlook these two problems then this is probably the best rugged laptop bag you can get anywhere.

Edit: Forgive my grammar mistakes and spelling. I rushed the review and typed it on the fly. My break is over and now need to get back to work.

[soloworx]

Two characters come to mind: Indiana Jones and Jack Bauer. Congratulations on your new find!

[hungryalien]

50usd for delivery and another 5.5k for custom? ouch.. whats their basis for the 5.5k charge?

[Salaryman Ryan]

50usd for delivery and another 5.5k for custom? ouch.. whats their basis for the 5.5k charge?

According to my receipt the charge was divided between Import Duty, VAT and Excise Tax plus a few misc charges. No explanation how they calculated it though. Pretty stiff I tell you.

@soloworx

Thank you for the compliment sir. Indeed this is the kind of bag Indiana Jones would wear proudly.

[cyberathlete]

sign me up for the death match if ever you're giving that bag up.

[elbert]

Another great example of a cow not dying in vain.

Congratulations.

[essay]

I can see myself using this. It's just the 6 lbs weight I have to weigh.

But it's beautiful.

And your review, too. (Makes me drool with envy.

Thanks for your post. Nice find.

[ransom]

Am not a bag person, but even I'm able to see the beauty of this bag of yours!

But PhP5,500 for customs!? Major ouch! But that bag looks worth the extra moolah.