I’ve given up on any hope for a paperless future, so I might as well carry all the documents I need for my day job in style along with the electronic devices I need. For that, the Staad Attaché from Waterfield Designs suits my requirements. It’s built to accommodate the iPad Pro, but until I win the lottery I’ll be using it with tablets us mere mortals can afford.
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As I’ve written in other posts, I’ve come to the point in my life where quality trumps price. It’s nice to have something that is not only functional, but also exhibits good craftsmanship and uses first class materials. The Staad fulfills these requirements for me.
Features:
- Flap is double-sided full-grain leather
- Fully-padded built-in iPad Pro or MacBook pocket
- Easy-to-see gold liner
- Two front angled pockets for faster access. Can fit iPhone 6s Plus or similar.
- Includes removable, padded, non-slip, adjustable color-matched Suspension Strap.
- Dedicated pocket for the Apple Pencil
- Pocket in the back for quick access
- Convenient wheelie handle slip
- Waxed Canvas or Ballistic Nylon body for durability (review unit is waxed canvas)
- WWII-era ammunition buckle
- metal snap hooks and D-rings
- 14 inches x 3.5 inches (at bottom) x 10.5 inches
I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of storage space available in the bag. The pocket in the back is fully lined and is meant to carry the tablet.
The side zippers allow access to the pocket from either side. There is also small sleeve inside the pocket for a cell phone.
On the back there is a document size compartment on the top and a sleeve for attaching to a roller bag on the bottom.
The included strap connects to two D-rings and the clips swivel making it easy to adjust the strap symmetry. My one issue with the bag is exhibited in the above photo. In order to access the side pockets, the front flap has to be opened. While not a big problem, if you carry your phone in the bag, be aware.
The ammunition buckle is unique and somewhat mitigates my concern about getting at the side pocket. Just pull on the top of the buckle and it unlatches quickly and it remains secure when closed!
For the past several weeks I’ve been carrying the Staad bag on an almost daily basis. Interestingly enough, its gotten a work out because the weather has swung between unseasonably warm and down right frigid with various forms of precipitation thrown in. When getting out of the car one day, I dropped the bag into some slush and the contents were no worse for wear. The waxed canvas seems to be water resistant. I’ve also carried it in the rain and haven’t noticed any water damage.
Yes, it lists for $229 and I’m sure I’ll receive some comments about the price. However, when I review products I usually ask friends and colleagues to give me their impressions and what they think it might cost. In the case of this review, I was receiving price estimates between $200 and $250. So, if you’re looking for a high quality, USA made practical messenger/iPad Pro/tablet bag, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Staad.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Waterfield Designs. For more information, visit their site.
Product Information
| Price: | $229 |
| Manufacturer: | Waterfield Designs |
| Requirements: |
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