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Home / Blog / Product Reviews

Saddleback Leather Satchel Review

Published on December 4, 2014 by Brock McGoff · 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 when 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!

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About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Adam says

    August 22, 2016 at 12:52 pm

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

    Reply
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. rusthawk says

    December 18, 2014 at 9:13 pm

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

    Reply
  5. Jonathon Byson says

    December 18, 2014 at 1:06 pm

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

    Reply
  6. Chailattezz says

    December 18, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Awesome post Brock!

    Reply
  7. 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
  8. rusthawk says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    I would carry it when I travel.

    Reply
  9. Davidnjee says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:22 pm

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

    Reply
  10. Brady says

    December 17, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    I would take it to school every day.

    Reply
  11. Davidnjee says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:53 pm

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

    Reply
  12. rusthawk says

    December 16, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    I would take it with my pretty much everywhere.

    Reply
  13. Blake says

    December 15, 2014 at 7:55 pm

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

    Reply
  14. Davidnjee says

    December 15, 2014 at 7:12 am

    Today, I’d take it bird watching

    Reply
  15. Jonathon Byson says

    December 14, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Seems nice, and I like it

    Reply
  16. Brady says

    December 14, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    I would take this bag everywhere.

    Reply
  17. 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
  18. Davidnjee says

    December 14, 2014 at 8:29 am

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

    Reply
  19. rusthawk says

    December 13, 2014 at 10:22 pm

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

    Reply
  20. Davidnjee says

    December 13, 2014 at 9:08 am

    To the movies and the grocery store.

    Reply
  21. rusthawk says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    I would take it with me everywhere.

    Reply
  22. Anthony says

    December 12, 2014 at 8:11 pm

    Love the bag!

    Reply
  23. Jonathon Byson says

    December 12, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    Awesome Bag!!!!!

    Reply
  24. Davidnjee says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:35 am

    Everywhere. Everyday.

    Reply
  25. 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
  26. rusthawk says

    December 11, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    To visit my sister in the deep south.

    Reply
  27. Davidnjee says

    December 11, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    To Africa

    Reply
  28. Jonathon Byson says

    December 11, 2014 at 12:53 pm

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

    Reply
  29. 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
  30. jaredbonnit says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:11 am

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

    Reply
  31. Davidnjee says

    December 10, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    Hiking these bags are awesome.

    Reply
  32. Brady says

    December 10, 2014 at 1:48 pm

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

    Reply
  33. 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
  34. Lou says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

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

    Reply
  35. rusthawk says

    December 9, 2014 at 9:23 pm

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

    Reply
  36. 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
  37. Drew says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:21 pm

    That is a great looking bag.

    Reply
  38. rusthawk says

    December 8, 2014 at 9:00 pm

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

    Reply
  39. 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
  40. Andrew An says

    December 8, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Saddleback makes the most amazing products! Love their stuff!

    Reply
  41. 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
  42. vanc says

    December 8, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Nice find.

    Reply
  43. 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
  44. Alyssa W says

    December 8, 2014 at 7:34 am

    This is great! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  45. 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
  46. giovanni Escobedo says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:04 am

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

    Reply
  47. Victor Turrado says

    December 7, 2014 at 8:23 pm

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

    Reply
  48. Mario Figueroa says

    December 7, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Excellent article!

    Reply
  49. rusthawk says

    December 7, 2014 at 6:48 pm

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

    Reply
  50. JohnnytSnow says

    December 7, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    This would become my go-to bag

    Reply
  51. Ian L says

    December 6, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Hope I win!!

    Reply
  52. Chandrapaul Latchman says

    December 6, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    This bag looks awesome! Hope I win!

    Reply
  53. SameerN says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Looks nice

    Reply
  54. 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
  55. rusthawk says

    December 6, 2014 at 11:03 am

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

    Reply
  56. 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
  57. Chukwukere Ekeh says

    December 5, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    This would be perfect for grad school and work.

    Reply
  58. Doug Hislop says

    December 5, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    What a great bag.

    Reply
  59. Josh says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:13 pm

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

    Reply
  60. Andrew Terry says

    December 5, 2014 at 1:49 pm

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

    Reply
  61. Raphael says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:15 am

    Immodestly stylish.

    Reply
  62. Joseph says

    December 5, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Thanks for putting this together!

    Reply
  63. Brady says

    December 5, 2014 at 10:49 am

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

    Reply
  64. 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
  65. Justin M says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:42 am

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

    Reply
  66. Jon Esslinger says

    December 5, 2014 at 8:33 am

    Looks awesome and I appreciate your style.

    Reply
  67. 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
  68. Aik says

    December 5, 2014 at 4:36 am

    Nice post!

    Reply
  69. 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
  70. Seohyun says

    December 5, 2014 at 2:02 am

    I would take this to college classes.

    Reply
  71. gcalligrant says

    December 5, 2014 at 1:03 am

    +1

    Reply
  72. ZackPyle says

    December 4, 2014 at 11:14 pm

    Yes, please!

    Reply
  73. 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
  74. 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
  75. 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
  76. Stevie Munz says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Now that is a bag. A fab bag.

    Reply
  77. Harry says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:02 pm

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

    Reply
  78. Jon says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Sweet bag

    Reply
  79. Pat says

    December 4, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    I’ve been looking for a new work bag!

    Reply
  80. 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
  81. ericher says

    December 4, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    I would take this to Taiwan with me.

    Reply
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. Alex F. says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    Good looking bag! Can it hold a lunch box?

    Reply
  85. Nick says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    Can’t go wrong with Saddleback!

    Reply
  86. 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
  87. 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
  88. 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
  89. 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
  90. Jon Sabel says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:26 pm

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

    Reply
  91. 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
  92. Adam says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    Great review. Their bags look amazing

    Reply
  93. 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
  94. 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
  95. tab says

    December 4, 2014 at 3:07 pm

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

    Reply
  96. 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
  97. 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
  98. 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
  99. Thomas says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:39 pm

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

    Reply
  100. Calvin says

    December 4, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    What a sexy bag!

    Reply
  101. 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
  102. 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
  103. 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
  104. victorhlopez says

    December 4, 2014 at 11:55 am

    Great review. Hope I win!

    Reply

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