The Modest Man

Saddleback Leather Satchel Review

by Brock · Product Reviews

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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!

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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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Comments

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

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