contemplating upgrading my messenger bag. saddleback - any examples on aging/color.

[2ltdjorn]

I am looking at the slim leather briefcase, or the thin front pocket leather briefcase.

https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-briefcase-slim

https://saddlebackleather.com/leathe...aptop-bag-thin

kinda torn on the color options. between the chestnut or dark coffee brown.

would I to see if anyone has either one, and maybe could share how they hold up with use. curious to see if patina develops.

thanks in advance.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

I am a fan of Saddleback.

I’ve had the XL Classic Briefcase in chestnut for 11 years. It’s seen a lot of use as I bought it when I started a job that kept me on the road for about 8 years. Since changing jobs I don’t travel near as much so this bag is semi retired, but I intend to keep it. It’s still my primary bag for weekend trips and my carry on for flights. Not a single stitch is out of place and I’ve had zero issues, it’s held up great and looks better now than when I bought it.

I bought the thin briefcase (no longer available on the website but can buy used off of eBay or other places) in tobacco brown about 3 years ago and it’s now my daily carry. The slim briefcase you’re looking at was the replacement for this one in their lineup. It hasn’t seen some of the same hard use that the classic briefcase has, so it’s holding up great as expected. It’s a perfect size for daily office use.

[Chewbacca]

Get a Sherpa and stop carrying your jerky.

[TheVTCGuy]

I heard there is a company out there… What was the name of it again? Toom… Toomeh…

Oh, I don’t know, something like that.

[TheVTCGuy]

By the way, the first one is my briefcase, absolutely love it. The second is another leather one I have used in the past.

[~JJ]

Been enjoying my Filson - https://www.filson.com/bags-luggage/briefcases.html

[AF_Rob]

I own a dark coffee brown satchel and tobacco medium simple backpack from Saddleback. I've had the backpack for about 8 years and use it quite often. I little shiny in places and darker, generally. It has also softened up quite a bit. LOVE it!

The satchel in dark coffee brown hasn't really developed much patina, other than a shine where it rubs up against my body. scratches show up a bit easier, than tobacco. I like it too.

I also had a chestnut wallet from them. If I had to pick a color between your two options, I'd go dark coffee brown.

[Rock]

As an older guy, long retired, I feel the need to have some sort of bag to hold a few items that I like to cart around with me when I go places.
These include Sunglasses, keys, wallet, phone, a biro and maybe a pocket for a small bottle of water. Most of the "man-bags" are way too big and heavy - I'm not carrying a change of clothes. I like leather but they can be very heavy - twice the weight of anything you put inside. Woven nylon bags are more practical and probably less attractive to thieves.

[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by Rock

As an older guy, long retired, I feel the need to have some sort of bag to hold a few items that I like to cart around with me when I go places.
These include Sunglasses, keys, wallet, phone, a biro and maybe a pocket for a small bottle of water. Most of the "man-bags" are way too big and heavy - I'm not carrying a change of clothes. I like leather but they can be very heavy - twice the weight of anything you put inside. Woven nylon bags are more practical and probably less attractive to thieves.

Thats exactly what I am looking for did you come up with anything?

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Thats exactly what I am looking for did you come up with anything?

I use a smallish camera messenger bag from Domke. It’s the F803, a waxed canvas bag that’s quite light. It’s just large enough for an iPad or 15” laptop, smaller mirrorless camera, some supplies, etc. It’s small, but not too small, and has a nice look about it that doesn’t scream “there’s a fancy camera in here!” It came with an adjustable padded divider that could hold a hydro flask instead of a camera and help divide the contents. It could definitely handle a lightweight jacket, snacks, etc. for a day trip and has some decent pockets as well to stay organized. I use mine all the time.
https://tiffen.com/products/domke-f-...14210764406826

[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

I use a smallish camera messenger bag from Domke. It’s the F803, a waxed canvas bag that’s quite light. It’s just large enough for an iPad or 15” laptop, smaller mirrorless camera, some supplies, etc. It’s small, but not too small, and has a nice look about it that doesn’t scream “there’s a fancy camera in here!” It came with an adjustable padded divider that could hold a hydro flask instead of a camera and help divide the contents. It could definitely handle a lightweight jacket, snacks, etc. for a day trip and has some decent pockets as well to stay organized. I use mine all the time.
https://tiffen.com/products/domke-f-...14210764406826

Thats it, thank you very much a very cool bag, I shall explore.

[Dr.Brian]

You could also roll like Indy with an original Mark VII British gas mask bag from the early 40’s on a leather strap. Everyone needs one of these and a pair of Alden 405s when it’s time to go on a little adventure.

[Rock]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Thats exactly what I am looking for did you come up with anything?

I had a look on Amazon and this is close to what I want.
It is small - approx. 22X18X6cm - Leather - for about A$43. shipping included.
I don't intend carrying books, Laptops/Tablets, Cameras etc. Just want something where I can 'centralise' all my bits and pieces so you don't leave stuff (like sunnies) behind when you go to a Cafe or visit friends.
Comes in several colours.

[Mifune]

Mulholland Brothers angler... the more weathered the better

[Speedbird-1]

http://www.billingham.co.uk/

[BroncoOne]

Away Anywhere bag. Just got one but used more for travel. It fits an insane amount of stuff and still qualifies as an airplane carry on

[brandrea]

I highly recommend Defy Bags (if you want something a bit more edgy, and non conformist).

You can buy this in Horween Calf Leather or ballistic nylon.

It will patina beautifully with age

EDIT: these bags are seriously over engineered

20230322_085937.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[m j b]

I have a Kenneth Cole messenger bag (I call it my man purse) that I've been carrying for over 10 years now daily with my laptop, wallet, phone, etc. in it and it's really great. I don't care that people call it my "murse" or other derogatory names, it's very handy.

It's also a light color leather, and has held up well with very little staining or darkening.

As @Rock mentioned above, some leather bags can get awfully heavy.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

I am looking at the slim leather briefcase, or the thin front pocket leather briefcase.

https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-briefcase-slim

https://saddlebackleather.com/leathe...aptop-bag-thin

kinda torn on the color options. between the chestnut or dark coffee brown.

would I to see if anyone has either one, and maybe could share how they hold up with use. curious to see if patina develops.

thanks in advance.

Check out Frank Clegg and thank me later. Stunning leather goods.

[Mifune]

Mulholland Brothers


the company originally outfitted the riders for the Pony Express... I still have my angler bag.
searching around though, I don't see them in business any longer, or the were sold.

weathered... this leather looks fantastic.

[dddrees]

Satchel Page has some great options and they come in vegetable tanned vs the crome tanned leather that Saddleback leather uses.

https://www.satchel-page.com/?gclid=...SAAEgLoM_D_BwE

[Calborn]

I've had the thin front pocket briefcase in chestnut for 7 years now (and their bifold wallet in coffee brown)

Pros:
- chestnut color is rich and gorgeous (my favorite - reminds me of horween chromexcel #8 with brighter red undertones). the coffee brown is the quintessential dark brown you see on many other dark brown leather goods (arguably their most conservative color)
- built like a tank
- aging quite nicely
- hardware is solid

Cons:
- briefcase is HEAVY. I only have my 13in Macbook Pro and my Bible in there and you really feel the weight
- D-rings are are super annoying and clank loudly when you walk, so I cut all off except for the two main ones that hold the shoulder strap



the briefcase definitely gets a lot of compliments

[Tri-Tip]

I purchased this Saddleback bag back in December and couldn't be happier, just waiting for it to get broken in.

[2ltdjorn]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

I purchased this Saddleback bag back in December and couldn't be happier, just waiting for it to get broken in.

what color? is that chestnut?

[Wcdhtwn]

I have the Thin Briefcase like Blackhorse 6’s. I also have the Deep Pocket Duffel, Big Mouth Leather Tool Bag, all in Chestnut. The bags are exceptional in every way. I’ve had the Thin Briefcase the longest, 10+ years and it still looks great, might even look better broken in.

I like the Dark Coffee color too, a few bags I think I prefer it over the chestnut, based on the pictures on the Website. I chose Chestnut for my first and decided to stick with that color for everything else, no regrets. Whichever color you decide you’ll love the briefcase.

Like buying a Rolex, don’t expect this to be your first and last Saddleback product. I also have 2 wallets, moleskin cover, slippers, and two coffee mugs (obviously not made from leather), and my eye on a few more things.

[TK-710]

I have a Defy Recon in chocolate horween that I like very much. But that was a limited run. The other one I’ve alway liked is the Buffalo Jackson Roosevelt in Dark Oak.

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

what color? is that chestnut?

Yes