Comments on: Saddleback Leather Company Messenger Bag Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:50:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: J.J. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-134254 J.J. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:21:03 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-134254 Forgot to say, Thanks for your reviews, Julie! Forgot to say, Thanks for your reviews, Julie!

]]> By: J.J. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-134253 J.J. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:19:09 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-134253 I have the large briefcase, I bought the passport wallet and I bought my daughter a pouch to use as a purse. Next on my wish list the messenger bag; Love the briefcase, but looking to shave 2.5 lbs off my everyday bag. I have the large briefcase, I bought the passport wallet and I bought my daughter a pouch to use as a purse. Next on my wish list the messenger bag; Love the briefcase, but looking to shave 2.5 lbs off my everyday bag.

]]> By: Charles http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-131243 Charles Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:17:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-131243 Yeah the bag looks and smells awesome! Very high quality product. I'm confident that it will last a lifetime. Only thing I wish is that it had a couple more internal pockets. Yeah the bag looks and smells awesome! Very high quality product. I’m confident that it will last a lifetime. Only thing I wish is that it had a couple more internal pockets.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-131218 Julie Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:21:36 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-131218 @Charles thanks for letting us all know. So, how do you like the messenger bag? Happy with your purchase so far? @Charles thanks for letting us all know. So, how do you like the messenger bag? Happy with your purchase so far?

]]> By: Charles http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-131217 Charles Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:19:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-131217 Julie - I received the messenger bag and have verified that a newer (2010) 17" Macbook Pro DOES fit inside the messenger bag. The sides will show a little but it is not that noticeable. The buckle straps up to the third hole from the bottom. Hope this helps. Julie – I received the messenger bag and have verified that a newer (2010) 17″ Macbook Pro DOES fit inside the messenger bag. The sides will show a little but it is not that noticeable. The buckle straps up to the third hole from the bottom. Hope this helps.

]]> By: Charles http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-130139 Charles Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:48:57 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-130139 Thanks Julie. I appreciate you taking the the time to answer my question. I did contact Saddleback and they *think* it will fit, however the sides will be exposed to the elements. I originally purchased the large briefcase thin, but it looks way to big on my frame (I'm 5'8" @ 155 lbs). So it is on the way back to them in exchange for the messenger. I'll repost after I give it a try. Thanks Julie. I appreciate you taking the the time to answer my question. I did contact Saddleback and they *think* it will fit, however the sides will be exposed to the elements. I originally purchased the large briefcase thin, but it looks way to big on my frame (I’m 5’8″ @ 155 lbs). So it is on the way back to them in exchange for the messenger. I’ll repost after I give it a try.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-130012 Julie Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:28:55 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-130012 @Charles Going to Apple's site and comparing the dimensions of the 15" and 17" Macbook Pros, I *think* a 17" MBP would fit in this bag. But, since I don't have one or the bag anymore, I can't be 100% certain. You can email the guys at Saddleback and ask. I'm sure they will know the answer. I'll also email and ask them post back here once I get a response. @Charles Going to Apple’s site and comparing the dimensions of the 15″ and 17″ Macbook Pros, I *think* a 17″ MBP would fit in this bag. But, since I don’t have one or the bag anymore, I can’t be 100% certain. You can email the guys at Saddleback and ask. I’m sure they will know the answer. I’ll also email and ask them post back here once I get a response.

]]> By: Charles http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-129979 Charles Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:37:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-129979 Hey - I'm wondering if you think the messenger bag will fit a 17" macbook pro. It measures 10.5" x 15.5". Is there enough strap left to close the bag around the laptop? Hey – I’m wondering if you think the messenger bag will fit a 17″ macbook pro. It measures 10.5″ x 15.5″. Is there enough strap left to close the bag around the laptop?

]]> By: Matthieu http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-112706 Matthieu Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:49:53 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-112706 I am one of those people who actually do travel the world in swashbuckling adventures, and I can tell you that this is the finest bag you will ever find, period. It is rugged enough to go with me through some of the planet's roughest terrains, and it holds up perfectly. The price is a bargain for what you get! I am one of those people who actually do travel the world in swashbuckling adventures, and I can tell you that this is the finest bag you will ever find, period. It is rugged enough to go with me through some of the planet’s roughest terrains, and it holds up perfectly. The price is a bargain for what you get!

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-109838 Julie Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:25:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-109838 @eugene No, I don't think that size was too big for me... just a bit too bulky/heavy for my taste. @eugene No, I don’t think that size was too big for me… just a bit too bulky/heavy for my taste.

]]> By: eugene fabian http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-109818 eugene fabian Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:58:43 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-109818 hi Julie, Thanks for the awesome review. I was just wondering if you think the bag is too big for your frame? I'm around 5"8 and I've been eyeing saddleback bags coz of it's design. Although I don't want it being too big for me then looking ridiculous in it. Sadly I can't see the small briefcase in the site anymore and was thinking of getting the messenger instead. thanks again! hi Julie,

Thanks for the awesome review. I was just wondering if you think the bag is too big for your frame? I’m around 5″8 and I’ve been eyeing saddleback bags coz of it’s design. Although I don’t want it being too big for me then looking ridiculous in it. Sadly I can’t see the small briefcase in the site anymore and was thinking of getting the messenger instead. thanks again!

]]> By: riffraff http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-97083 riffraff Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:14:22 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-97083 "...they wont be making the light tobacco ones in the future." Really? Good thing I just received my light tobacco large classic briefcase this January of 2011, huh? And my light tobacco medium gadget pouch for my NOOKcolor. On order: light tobacco mousepad, light tobacco Moleskin cover, and light tobacco narrow wallet. :-o “…they wont be making the light tobacco ones in the future.”

Really? Good thing I just received my light tobacco large classic briefcase this January of 2011, huh? And my light tobacco medium gadget pouch for my NOOKcolor. On order: light tobacco mousepad, light tobacco Moleskin cover, and light tobacco narrow wallet. :-o

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-76527 Julie Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:49:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-76527 @genny Yes, their interpretation of a messenger bag isn't the same as what I think of. When I think of a messenger bag, I think of the Timbuk2 bag (horizontal). And yes, I don't think Saddleback makes ANYTHING that is light weight :) @genny Yes, their interpretation of a messenger bag isn’t the same as what I think of. When I think of a messenger bag, I think of the Timbuk2 bag (horizontal). And yes, I don’t think Saddleback makes ANYTHING that is light weight :)

]]> By: genny http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-76365 genny Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:27:58 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-76365 Hi Julie, thanks.Not bad at all in design, only thing is the messenger seems to be a more vertical design right? I believe the weight would be pretty close to the medium satchel that i have (about 5lbs). Actually today, i stuffed the satchel (my ebook reader; some wet yoga gear) etc, so i rather suffered through the weight. It is heavy! So i read your remark on "lightweight'' with amusement. the bags arent lightwt..! Thanks.. Hi Julie, thanks.Not bad at all in design, only thing is the messenger seems to be a more vertical design right? I believe the weight would be pretty close to the medium satchel that i have (about 5lbs). Actually today, i stuffed the satchel (my ebook reader; some wet yoga gear) etc, so i rather suffered through the weight. It is heavy! So i read your remark on “lightweight” with amusement. the bags arent lightwt..! Thanks..

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-76245 Julie Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:28:39 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-76245 @genny The bag will soften with time and use. Yes, the messenger does have a similar design to the satchel. Is that bad? :) @genny The bag will soften with time and use. Yes, the messenger does have a similar design to the satchel. Is that bad? :)

]]> By: genny http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-76200 genny Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:03:22 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-76200 hi julie , i read your earlier review of the satchel, and i ended up buying one! i like it v much - it is a bit stiff (hope it softens) and it is rather heavy. but i was a bit surprised - when i first got it i thought it may not fit all my stuff, but it did, and some more. i can actually put a 0.65ml water bottle in on top!(horizontal). Now i am tempted by the messenger - what holds me back is the look is so similar to satchel (you think?) and also the weight! i found my satchel not that easy to convert to backpack (maybe leather stiff).. hi julie , i read your earlier review of the satchel, and i ended up buying one! i like it v much – it is a bit stiff (hope it softens) and it is rather heavy. but i was a bit surprised – when i first got it i thought it may not fit all my stuff, but it did, and some more. i can actually put a 0.65ml water bottle in on top!(horizontal). Now i am tempted by the messenger – what holds me back is the look is so similar to satchel (you think?) and also the weight! i found my satchel not that easy to convert to backpack (maybe leather stiff)..

]]> By: Byron http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-68086 Byron Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:39:42 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-68086 I have to say I am the proud owner of 7 (yes SEVEN) Saddleback products and have found the quality on each to be excellent. I still have several more on my wish list, just waiting for that winning lottery ticket to come in. There GREAT products and I LOVE that REAL leather smell. Great reviews Julie. I have to say I am the proud owner of 7 (yes SEVEN) Saddleback products and have found the quality on each to be excellent.

I still have several more on my wish list, just waiting for that winning lottery ticket to come in.

There GREAT products and I LOVE that REAL leather smell.

Great reviews Julie.

]]> By: Carl T. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-51100 Carl T. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:20:07 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-51100 Julie: Thanks for running an honest and transparent website...good for you and good for us. If you check the Saddleback website now, you"ll find that all their light colored products are on sale...they explain why on the site...they wont be making the light tobacco ones in the future. Julie:

Thanks for running an honest and transparent website…good for you and good for us.
If you check the Saddleback website now, you”ll find that all their light colored products are on sale…they explain why on the site…they wont be making the light tobacco ones in the future.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-51097 Julie Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:22:35 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-51097 @Carl T. I can only review what I've been sent. I can't assume that they send me a best example of their product and then send crap to everyone else. I really do like the workmanship of their bags, but as I have said in my reviews, they are too bulky and heavy for me. But others leave comments to the reviews saying that they are completely in love with the bags, bulk and all. I don't screen the comments here as you can tell by the fact that yours are being listed :) It's good to hear all sides. @Carl T. I can only review what I’ve been sent. I can’t assume that they send me a best example of their product and then send crap to everyone else. I really do like the workmanship of their bags, but as I have said in my reviews, they are too bulky and heavy for me. But others leave comments to the reviews saying that they are completely in love with the bags, bulk and all. I don’t screen the comments here as you can tell by the fact that yours are being listed :) It’s good to hear all sides.

]]> By: Carl T. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-51096 Carl T. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:11:20 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-51096 Julie: I have taken pictures of the medium wallet......i sent it to them and they agreed in their e-mail that it was "awful". ...... perhaps the darker colored ones look good since you wont notice the black glue smeared on the rough edges. Also it could be quality control. I was disappointed with the product and the service, but I do have their other products such as the briefcase and messenger bag which are good and which I can recommend. Anyways I think your reviews are good and fair, although till a bit too positive. They probably send you the highest quality ones just as they screen their feedback on their web page to show only the ridiculously gushing and positive ones. Julie:

I have taken pictures of the medium wallet……i sent it to them and they agreed in their e-mail that it was “awful”. …… perhaps the darker colored ones look good since you wont notice the black glue smeared on the rough edges. Also it could be quality control.

I was disappointed with the product and the service, but I do have their other products such as the briefcase and messenger bag which are good and which I can recommend.

Anyways I think your reviews are good and fair, although till a bit too positive. They probably send you the highest quality ones just as they screen their feedback on their web page to show only the ridiculously gushing and positive ones.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-51080 Julie Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:01:59 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-51080 @Carl T. It's strange that you should say that their wallets are not any good. I just received one to review and upon first inspection it looks quite nice. @Carl T. It’s strange that you should say that their wallets are not any good. I just received one to review and upon first inspection it looks quite nice.

]]> By: Carl T. http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-51079 Carl T. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:51:53 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-51079 There is a lot of hype about Saddleback leather products. They make a good robust product.....but it is heavy, stiff and not refined...its crude sometimes but mostly acceptable. I have a messenger bag and it is heavier than the nettop I place in it ! I recently bought a wallet from them and it was terrible...the edges were discolored and real ugly...it took several weeks for them to give a store rebate after it was returned. Dont buy their smaller products as a rule and their lighter colors. Black and coffee brown are the most decent ones. There is a lot of hype about Saddleback leather products. They make a good robust product…..but it is heavy, stiff and not refined…its crude sometimes but mostly acceptable. I have a messenger bag and it is heavier than the nettop I place in it !
I recently bought a wallet from them and it was terrible…the edges were discolored and real ugly…it took several weeks for them to give a store rebate after it was returned. Dont buy their smaller products as a rule and their lighter colors. Black and coffee brown are the most decent ones.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-49197 Julie Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:06:52 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-49197 @John Are you sorry you purchased the bag based on the weight of it? @John Are you sorry you purchased the bag based on the weight of it?

]]> By: John http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-49194 John Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:28:41 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-49194 I'm with Julie on her weight comments - "light"? WOW. Weighs a ton and with a notebook added - DOUBLE WOW. Otherwise very nice. Appreciate Julie's pictures..should have had those on Saddleback's site, especially the conversion to backpack. With all the rings wasn't sure how this worked til I saw the picture. Thanks Julie. I’m with Julie on her weight comments – “light”? WOW. Weighs a ton and with a notebook added – DOUBLE WOW. Otherwise very nice. Appreciate Julie’s pictures..should have had those on Saddleback’s site, especially the conversion to backpack. With all the rings wasn’t sure how this worked til I saw the picture. Thanks Julie.

]]> By: Gustavo viteri http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-48693 Gustavo viteri Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:19:31 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-48693 I followed Tim's advice and conditioned my new messenger bag with Kiwi Mink Oil. It gave it a nice patina while darkening it a bit. Now a beautiful bag looks even more gorgeous, if that is possible. I followed Tim’s advice and conditioned my new messenger bag with Kiwi Mink Oil. It gave it a nice patina while darkening it a bit. Now a beautiful bag looks even more gorgeous, if that is possible.

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