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Home / Product Reviews / Saddleback Leather Satchel Review

Saddleback Leather Satchel Review

Published on December 4, 2014 by Brock · Product Reviews

May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Every man wants a big leather bag. The kind of bag that travels with you all over the world and gets all beat up. The kind of bag that ages gracefully and wears its scars proudly.

I’m talking about a bag that smells of musk and adventure, a bag you pass down to your children.

Saddleback medium satchel

Maybe that’s just me. I’ve always loved leather goods. Not the cheap bonded leather stuff, but the real thing. Whether it’s a wallet or a sofa, I just love the smell, durability and inherent manliness of cowhide.

So, naturally, when it came time for me to ditch the backpack and start carrying a real working man’s bag, I wanted leather.

Choosing the Right Leather Bag

There are plenty of options, from the slim and sleek to the big and bulky.

But most of the bags I liked were too big. I’m a small guy, and at just under 5’6″, most “manly” looking bags make me look anything but.

Saddleback makes some of the toughest, manliest leather goods in existence. How tough are they, you ask? Well, they come with a 100 year guarantee.

Born from necessity, they were created to withstand serious punishment. In fact, they become more handsome over time, no matter what you throw at them.

Needless to say, I fell in love immediately with the saddleback brand and the aesthetic if their products.

Saddleback medium satchel

satchel | shirt | sweater (similar) | pants | shoes

But I was hesitant to buy one because I thought it would too be big for my svelte frame. I work so hard to make sure my clothes fit properly and flatter my body type, so the last thing I need is some oversized bag dwarfing my 130 lbs frame.

However, I was surprised to discover that Saddleback actually carries several bags that are great for shorter men. Bags that are still tough and manly, but scaled down in size so they don’t look gigantic on smaller gents.

My favorite is the round satchel in size medium.

This is the bag Indiana Jones should have carried.

It comes in three different sizes – small, medium and large. The medium is 12 inches wide and 10 inches tall, which is big enough to carry most everything you need for daily travel.

It will fit a tablet. But if you wanted to carry a laptop, you’d have to size up or choose a different bag.

It can be worn across the body or as a backpack, and it comes in four gorgeous colors. I’m partial to Chestnut.

Saddleback medium satchel

It’s a rich medium brown with just enough red to add character without drawing too much attention. The hardware is a shiny chrome metal that feels very substantial.

This bag isn’t appropriate for formal business use. I wouldn’t take it to a job interview or carry it while wearing a dark suit. But it can definitely be dressed up a bit, especially if you ditch the strap and carry it like a briefcase.

Of course, it works perfectly with more casual outfits.

Saddleback medium satchel

This bag is great for those days where you’re going to be out and about – running errands, relaxing at a coffee shop or on a date around town. It will hold a tablet but not a laptop.

For example, here’s what I might be carrying around on any given day:

  • Keys
  • Notepad + pen
  • Travel coffee mug (I love this one)
  • Lunch (sandwich, apple, water)
  • Umbrella
  • Earbuds

The best thing about this satchel is the fact that it satisfies my craving for a tough, manly leather bag, without making me feel like a little kid carrying around his dad’s briefcase. It fits me, and when it comes to style, fit is everything.

If you want a bag like this one, check out Saddleback today.

Would you carry this bag? Leave a comment below!

Product Reviews Filed Under:bags, giveaways, leather 112 comments

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About Brock

Founding editor of The Modest Man, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his wife and family, traveling and creating great content. You can follow Brock on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. victorhlopez says

    December 4, 2014 at 11:55 am

    Great review. Hope I win!

    Reply
  2. Luis Cruz says

    December 4, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Now thats what I call a bag.
    Always loved leather bags but this one just speaks to me haha.
    Bring just under 5’5″ Most bags look like well gym bags on me. So something compact yet practical is just the perfect way to go.
    Plus being a computer technitian I move around a lot and I need to be prepared.
    Something like this would work well with a nice tablet pc I think. Not as big as a laptop but just right.

    Love the bag, love the blog. Keep on doing what your doing, cause for me at least, its helped a lot.

    Reply
  3. Allen says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Let’s hope I win!

    Reply
    • Allen says

      December 4, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      I would love to take this bag to Europe next year.

      Reply
  4. Michael Weaver says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    I’ve always been a big fan of saddleback. Glad to see the positive review, since I’ve heard some concerning stuff about a late drop in quality.

    Reply
  5. Calvin says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    What a sexy bag!

    Reply
  6. Thomas says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    The blog is great. Hope I’m lucky or fortunate enough to win.

    Reply
  7. Kenny says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Great review! My brother owns a bag from saddleback and has been telling me to take the plunge and get one. And I must admit I have been thinking about it. They are great looking bags, and he beats his up and it still looks great!

    Reply
  8. Cyrus says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    You need to be a professional model. 😀

    Great article. Going to try for the giveaway. Looks fantastic

    Reply
  9. Tom Chen says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:46 pm

    Love the blog, ordered multiple times from combat gent and keep forgetting to use the code, but then I bought during the Black Friday sales.

    Looking forward to reading more!

    Reply
  10. tab says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    That bag would look great on a short dude like myself.

    Reply
  11. David says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:13 pm

    That bag looks great!

    Reply
    • David says

      December 4, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      I’d take it with me to work every day; maybe the courtroom.

      Reply
      • Brock says

        December 4, 2014 at 3:20 pm

        Pretty sure you’d win every case.

        Reply
  12. Andrew G says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    I would take this thing to work every day and on all my travels. It would be hard NOT to take it somewhere!

    Reply
  13. Adam says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    Great review. Their bags look amazing

    Reply
  14. dictsonary says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    Great review and photos! Love the size of this bag. Really hoping to get my hands on a Saddleback product soon.

    Reply
  15. Jon Sabel says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    This bag would be a constant companion at client meetings, for sure!

    Reply
  16. Casey says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:28 pm

    I got my wallet from Saddleback. At first I didn’t like it but now it is growing on me. I just wasn’t used to the design at first but now I see how brilliant and convenient it is. I will never use anything else.

    I would love to buy a bag from them as well but there are one or two other things a little higher up on my priority list. (gray suit and boots)

    Thanks for the post- good stuff!

    Casey

    Reply
  17. Patrick Kane says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    I would take it to work, daily, and on business trips requiring less formal attire.

    Reply
  18. Paul71 says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    I would take this bag to everywhere. Time to say good bye to my old backpack!

    Reply
  19. Rob says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    I like it! Count me in.
    And thanks for the blog. It has definitely helped me improve my style decision making

    Reply
  20. Nick says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    Can’t go wrong with Saddleback!

    Reply
  21. Alex F. says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    Good looking bag! Can it hold a lunch box?

    Reply
  22. Kevin A says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    “This is the bag Indiana Jones should have carried.” I love this. Makes me feel like I can be high class and adventurous while exploring the outdoors.

    Reply
  23. Mountain Evan Chang says

    December 4, 2014 at 5:05 pm

    I wish they would make an offset strap (one end attaching on top, the other end attach on the side) as this keeps the bag from flopping around as much. Still… nice freakin’ bag!

    Reply
  24. ericher says

    December 4, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    I would take this to Taiwan with me.

    Reply
  25. Chad says

    December 4, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    What a great looking bag. It would go great will all 5′ 2.5″ of me!

    Reply
    • Chad says

      December 4, 2014 at 5:38 pm

      I travel all over the country for work and it would surely be with me.

      Reply
  26. Pat says

    December 4, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    I’ve been looking for a new work bag!

    Reply
  27. Jon says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Sweet bag

    Reply
  28. Harry says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    I have to agree. It is a great bag. Nice colour!

    Reply
  29. Stevie Munz says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Now that is a bag. A fab bag.

    Reply
  30. IronMike says

    December 4, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    I have always wanted a Saddleback bag, but just never pulled the trigger. With your help I won’t have to. 😉

    Reply
  31. Ian L says

    December 4, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    I’d take it to hell and back again . . . ok, maybe just to work everyday — but it’s pretty much the same thing!

    Reply
  32. Matthew Ferguson says

    December 4, 2014 at 10:58 pm

    That looks like a nice casual bag that match nicely with my green road bike and casual university wear.

    Reply
  33. ZackPyle says

    December 4, 2014 at 11:14 pm

    Yes, please!

    Reply
  34. gcalligrant says

    December 5, 2014 at 1:03 am

    +1

    Reply
  35. Seohyun says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:02 am

    I would take this to college classes.

    Reply
  36. yeonjoonhwang says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:55 am

    I love all leather goods (full grain only of course). The way they age and develop character is even better than raw denim. Wish I could afford Saddleback’s bags!

    Reply
    • Susan says

      October 20, 2016 at 3:12 pm

      If you stashed away $10 or $20 from every paycheck, before long you would have the money, and be able to basically pay cash (i.e., pay off your credit card immediately). I save for almost everything this way and it’s amazing how fast the money adds up when you stash it out of sight. Good luck!

      Reply
  37. Aik says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:36 am

    Nice post!

    Reply
  38. Brandon says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:31 am

    This would absolutely be a work bag for me. I don’t have to wear a suit, so this is perfect. This would definitely go to every client meeting I have. No more simple padfolio.

    Reply
  39. Jon Esslinger says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:33 am

    Looks awesome and I appreciate your style.

    Reply
  40. Justin M says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:42 am

    I have several Saddleback products and they’re simply unmatched.

    Reply
  41. Matt Hanshaw says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Great looking bag. I have heard so many great things about this company. Hope to get some personal experience with them one day.

    Reply
  42. Brady says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:49 am

    I would take this bag with me to law school next August.

    Reply
  43. Joseph says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Thanks for putting this together!

    Reply
  44. Raphael says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:15 am

    Immodestly stylish.

    Reply
  45. Andrew Terry says

    December 5, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Came over from Masculine Style. I would love to win a Saddleback satchel.

    Reply
  46. Josh says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    Great bag! This would be awesome to take to and from work each day.

    Reply
  47. Doug Hislop says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    What a great bag.

    Reply
  48. Chukwukere Ekeh says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    This would be perfect for grad school and work.

    Reply
  49. Ryan says

    December 6, 2014 at 8:58 am

    I’ve been coveting a Saddleback bag for years. Great giveaway Brock!

    I’d take this bag… probably everywhere around town. And then some.

    Reply
  50. rusthawk says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:03 am

    I would take it with me when I travel, anywhere!

    Reply
  51. Justin M says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:03 am

    This is the kind of bag that begs to be taken on an Indiana Jones style adventure. Awesome.

    Reply
  52. SameerN says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Looks nice

    Reply
  53. Chandrapaul Latchman says

    December 6, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    This bag looks awesome! Hope I win!

    Reply
  54. Ian L says

    December 6, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Hope I win!!

    Reply
  55. JohnnytSnow says

    December 7, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    This would become my go-to bag

    Reply
  56. rusthawk says

    December 7, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    I’d take it my next trip to New Orleans.

    Reply
  57. Mario Figueroa says

    December 7, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Excellent article!

    Reply
  58. Victor Turrado says

    December 7, 2014 at 8:23 pm

    Really awsome bag. And nice review! Perfect for take it around town.

    Reply
  59. giovanni Escobedo says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:04 am

    Great bag. I will check the rest of the bags out.

    Reply
  60. Joseph Daniel Talaiver says

    December 8, 2014 at 7:07 am

    I love my SBL and always talk about it’s quality to anyone I meet… If I had this bag it would go from the boardroom to the workroom to the back deck of a fishing boat and hiking too…

    Reply
  61. Alyssa W says

    December 8, 2014 at 7:34 am

    This is great! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  62. Davidnjee says

    December 8, 2014 at 8:26 am

    I’ve been looking at these bags for months. I’d take it with me to maine.

    Reply
  63. vanc says

    December 8, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Nice find.

    Reply
  64. Brady says

    December 8, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I have been looking for a bag that would fit my stature, for sure taking it to law school.

    Reply
  65. Andrew An says

    December 8, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Saddleback makes the most amazing products! Love their stuff!

    Reply
  66. Mark says

    December 8, 2014 at 5:34 pm

    As a seminary student, I would take this bag with me everyday to class. Products made with great craftsmanship and care are a joy to use!

    Reply
  67. rusthawk says

    December 8, 2014 at 9:00 pm

    Hm …I would take it to the great NW to visit my daughter.

    Reply
  68. Drew says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:21 pm

    That is a great looking bag.

    Reply
  69. Davidnjee says

    December 9, 2014 at 9:27 am

    Canada!

    Reply
    • Brock says

      December 9, 2014 at 8:53 pm

      Sorry 🙁

      Reply
      • Davidnjee says

        December 18, 2014 at 10:50 pm

        I’m not in Canada; I’d just take it there on trips 😉

        Reply
  70. rusthawk says

    December 9, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    I would definitely consider gifting it to my son, for use at his job.

    Reply
  71. Lou says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

    That bag is my new best friend. Let it be mine.

    Reply
  72. KnightOwl73 says

    December 10, 2014 at 10:52 am

    Where would I take this bag? To and from work, every day, plus on work trips.

    Reply
  73. Brady says

    December 10, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    This would definitely be a bag I can bring to work with me daily.

    Reply
  74. Davidnjee says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    Hiking these bags are awesome.

    Reply
  75. jaredbonnit says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:11 am

    Definitely an amazing daily use bag. It’d be taken pretty much everywhere.

    Reply
  76. WM Gardner says

    December 11, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Everywhere. I wouldn’t be ashamed of having to carry things around, just gentlemanly take work with me and so on.

    Reply
  77. Jonathon Byson says

    December 11, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    This is a sweet bag, great for my traveling needs!!!!

    Reply
  78. Davidnjee says

    December 11, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    To Africa

    Reply
  79. rusthawk says

    December 11, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    To visit my sister in the deep south.

    Reply
  80. Liam says

    December 12, 2014 at 12:37 am

    Man that sweater/jacket is pretty sweet. Looks like a harrington a bit. Dig the tab.

    Reply
  81. Davidnjee says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:35 am

    Everywhere. Everyday.

    Reply
  82. Jonathon Byson says

    December 12, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    Awesome Bag!!!!!

    Reply
  83. Anthony says

    December 12, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    Love the bag!

    Reply
  84. rusthawk says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    I would take it with me everywhere.

    Reply
  85. Davidnjee says

    December 13, 2014 at 9:08 am

    To the movies and the grocery store.

    Reply
  86. rusthawk says

    December 13, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    I’d be thrilled to own it and would use it constantly.

    Reply
  87. Davidnjee says

    December 14, 2014 at 8:29 am

    I can’t think of a place I wouldn’t take this.

    Reply
  88. Julie Baird says

    December 14, 2014 at 8:31 am

    I own a small one of these. This medium would be even more functional. I’d take it to the library.

    Reply
  89. Brady says

    December 14, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    I would take this bag everywhere.

    Reply
  90. Jonathon Byson says

    December 14, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Seems nice, and I like it

    Reply
  91. Davidnjee says

    December 15, 2014 at 7:12 am

    Today, I’d take it bird watching

    Reply
  92. Blake says

    December 15, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    Exciting. I never win things though. Always wanted one of their bags. SOMEDAY 🙂

    Reply
  93. rusthawk says

    December 16, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    I would take it with my pretty much everywhere.

    Reply
  94. Davidnjee says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    I think I’d take this with me to the library

    Reply
  95. Brady says

    December 17, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    I would take it to school every day.

    Reply
  96. Davidnjee says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    I’d take it on a night on the town.

    Reply
  97. rusthawk says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    I would carry it when I travel.

    Reply
  98. Davidnjee says

    December 18, 2014 at 7:38 am

    Final post. I’ve wanted one of these bags for years. I’d take it with me everywhere everyday. Here’s to good luck!

    Reply
  99. Chailattezz says

    December 18, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Awesome post Brock!

    Reply
  100. Jonathon Byson says

    December 18, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Sweet bag, to walk with class around town. Cheers to TheModestMan!

    Reply
  101. rusthawk says

    December 18, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    I’d take it on a road trip to new orleans.

    Reply
  102. Davidnjee says

    December 19, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    Who won?

    Reply
    • Brock says

      December 20, 2014 at 10:50 am

      John D. from Portland, OR!

      Reply
  103. Lenny says

    July 13, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    What about leather weekend bags? What size (dimensions) would you use for yourself? I’m about the same height and weight as you, Brock.

    Reply
  104. Adam says

    August 22, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    Great company. I’ve carried their slim wallet for years!

    Reply

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