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 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:39:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Chuck http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-148096 Chuck Sun, 20 May 2012 17:11:09 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-148096 Thanks, I'm not as concerned about the bag standing upright as I am about the water bottle not falling out. Sorry for the misunderstanding. And thank you for your reply! Thanks, I’m not as concerned about the bag standing upright as I am about the water bottle not falling out. Sorry for the misunderstanding. And thank you for your reply!

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-148085 Julie Sun, 20 May 2012 14:26:34 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-148085 @Chuck this particular bag is tall and does not have a very wide base, so its ability to stay upright is dependent on what you place in the bag more than the water bottle pocket on the outside. If you want a bag that always stays upright, I don't think this is the bag for you. @Chuck this particular bag is tall and does not have a very wide base, so its ability to stay upright is dependent on what you place in the bag more than the water bottle pocket on the outside. If you want a bag that always stays upright, I don’t think this is the bag for you.

]]> By: Chuck http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-148034 Chuck Sun, 20 May 2012 04:16:15 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-148034 If I may ask, does a water bottle fit nicely into the exterior pocket of the messenger bag without typing over from being too top heavy? I have a fairly tall LLBEan stainless steel bottle. Thanks! If I may ask, does a water bottle fit nicely into the exterior pocket of the messenger bag without typing over from being too top heavy? I have a fairly tall LLBEan stainless steel bottle. Thanks!

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-146797 Julie Fri, 11 May 2012 14:39:03 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-146797 @BO glad you're still loving it! @BO glad you’re still loving it!

]]> By: BO http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-146796 BO Fri, 11 May 2012 14:35:41 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-146796 The Messenger is starting to break in - I felt it was noticeably more comfortable on my back this morning. Clearly, it isn't an ergonomic backpack experience, but I don't think that it's meant to be. Regardless, it's a very cool bag! This isn't the bag you'd carry on an extended bike ride - plus, I don't think sweat and leather mix well. But it's fine to carry if you're riding around town and not breaking into a sweat. The Messenger is starting to break in – I felt it was noticeably more comfortable on my back this morning.

Clearly, it isn’t an ergonomic backpack experience, but I don’t think that it’s meant to be. Regardless, it’s a very cool bag!

This isn’t the bag you’d carry on an extended bike ride – plus, I don’t think sweat and leather mix well. But it’s fine to carry if you’re riding around town and not breaking into a sweat.

]]> By: BO http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-146409 BO Tue, 08 May 2012 01:22:57 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-146409 hmmmm...that would be one approach...or I could beat it with a hammer! :) I'm also wondering whether their classic briefcase might be more appropriate for my needs. It seems big from the pictures and reviews, and that's why opted for the Messenger bag. But I'm guessing that if it's broken in by the time I'm dead and gone, that it will grow to the size my kids need it to be when they're carrying more stuff, and sort of collapse when they aren't carrying as much! ;) Right now, I have it pretty full with my 13" Macbook Air, the AC adapter, some cables/adapters and such, a camera, hand sanitizer and hand lotion. If I'm reading a hardback book, I would have a challenge fitting it in there. If the weather is nice tomorrow, I'll ride my bike and carry the messenger bag as a backpack and start the break in process! hmmmm…that would be one approach…or I could beat it with a hammer! :)

I’m also wondering whether their classic briefcase might be more appropriate for my needs. It seems big from the pictures and reviews, and that’s why opted for the Messenger bag. But I’m guessing that if it’s broken in by the time I’m dead and gone, that it will grow to the size my kids need it to be when they’re carrying more stuff, and sort of collapse when they aren’t carrying as much! ;)

Right now, I have it pretty full with my 13″ Macbook Air, the AC adapter, some cables/adapters and such, a camera, hand sanitizer and hand lotion. If I’m reading a hardback book, I would have a challenge fitting it in there.

If the weather is nice tomorrow, I’ll ride my bike and carry the messenger bag as a backpack and start the break in process!

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-146403 Julie Tue, 08 May 2012 00:47:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-146403 @BO You could run over it with a truck 50 times :) @BO You could run over it with a truck 50 times :)

]]> By: BO http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-146402 BO Tue, 08 May 2012 00:08:03 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-146402 Hi Julie, So, I just got the Saddleback Messenger, but I'm having mixed feelings because it isn't very comfortable worn as a backpack. I don't think it's the weight, as I've travelled with heavier packs in comfort (think: walking around a city for a day with a Tom Bihn Aeronaut on your back). I'm sure it's a matter of breaking it in. Any suggestions on how to help that process along? Thanks! Hi Julie,

So, I just got the Saddleback Messenger, but I’m having mixed feelings because it isn’t very comfortable worn as a backpack.

I don’t think it’s the weight, as I’ve travelled with heavier packs in comfort (think: walking around a city for a day with a Tom Bihn Aeronaut on your back).

I’m sure it’s a matter of breaking it in. Any suggestions on how to help that process along?

Thanks!

]]> By: Chris http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/09/14/saddleback-leather-company-messenger-bag-review/comment-page-1/#comment-136249 Chris Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:06:38 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=21563#comment-136249 I have the Messenger and while I love the look and the durability, I simply can't deal with the weight and lack of pockets as an everyday bag. I'm 6'1" and when the bag is loaded with an iPad (not even a laptop), 2 moleskins a couple of pens and a spiral notebook, the bag weighs in at over 10 lbs! And thats with NO LAPTOP. Just an iPad. Also, as an everyday bag, I long for an easy to get to pocket on the front to carry my wallet and phone. It's a hassle to have to stop, take the bag off, undo the buckle and the dig around in the bag for my stuff. My only other suggestion (whine) would be that Saddleback add loops to hold the excess strap when it is not being used as a backpack. The excess strap is very annoying. I ended up taking a piece of wire and creating a loop. Just some thoughts. I have the Messenger and while I love the look and the durability, I simply can’t deal with the weight and lack of pockets as an everyday bag.

I’m 6’1″ and when the bag is loaded with an iPad (not even a laptop), 2 moleskins a couple of pens and a spiral notebook, the bag weighs in at over 10 lbs! And thats with NO LAPTOP. Just an iPad.

Also, as an everyday bag, I long for an easy to get to pocket on the front to carry my wallet and phone. It’s a hassle to have to stop, take the bag off, undo the buckle and the dig around in the bag for my stuff.

My only other suggestion (whine) would be that Saddleback add loops to hold the excess strap when it is not being used as a backpack. The excess strap is very annoying. I ended up taking a piece of wire and creating a loop.

Just some thoughts.

]]> 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)..

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