Is this Saddleback backpack recommend? Alternatives?

Submitted by Sweeneysmithy t3_121n3ez in BuyItForLife

Hey! Recently, I've been looking to invest in a good quality leather backpack that would last.

I have seen this Saddleback leather backpack which looks great to me and for a fair price too. That being said, it does seem a bit oddly priced, seeing how their other bags cost at least twice as much.

Now, I don't know much about the different types of leather and have seen mixed opinions here about Saddleback. That being said, I haven't seen any other similarly priced backpacks from reputable companies (my budget is around 200-300 USD).

I have seen many nice looking bags on Etsy within that budget but as I've said, I don't know much about leather and don't know what to look for in terms of quality. The prices there are all over the place so it's even harder for me to differentiate the good from the bad.

Also worth mentioning is that I'm not from the US, and I know that there are many good American leather workshops but unless they ship globally, they are unfortunately out of reach for me.

So I'm hoping to hear from your experience!

Edit: So apparently, this particular bag is made of pig leather and is also "lightweight" (which I take as "somewhat flimsy") and that could explain the price difference. Because of that, I unfortunately don't think that's for me as I'm looking for something with a bit more back support. Would love to hear about more options! Second-hand is welcome as well!

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nops-90 t1_jdmpbq2 wrote

I have a bunch of saddleback products - all good. Never seen this particular bag, but it does have the 100 year warranty, which they do honor.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmq6s5 wrote

Thanks for the reply!

So I've seen their other products as well, all look great, but for some reason this particular one costs way less (the front pocket backpack costs almost three times as much for example). What could be the reason? I'm just trying to figure out if there's some hidden catch here.

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nops-90 t1_jdmr0ow wrote

Probably the type of leather. Saddleback uses very thick full-grain leather which can be a bit heavy, and this one advertises that it's "lightweight." Worst case, just keep the receipts and packaging and return it if you don't like it.

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vesati t1_jdmzp36 wrote

That is from their Hogsback line, which is a thinner and lighter weight leather than their more known Saddleback line.

It will likely be more durable than the average questionable leather bag from an online source, but it likely won't be as durable or heavy as the regular Saddleback line.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdn08io wrote

Thank you! I actually don't mind the thinner leather per se, just wish it had some sort of back support.

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Environmental-End691 t1_jdptvx8 wrote

Couldn't you put something inside the back wall to give it the support you're looking for? Or are you looking for something akin to a waiststrap for back support?

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdpwubb wrote

>Couldn't you put something inside the back wall to give it the support you're looking for?

I guess I could. But at the same time I feel that if I'm already investing in a quality bag then I wouldn't want to DIY it. It is a good Idea though.

>Or are you looking for something akin to a waiststrap for back support?

No, just some extra padding.

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babyrabiesfatty t1_jdmsqq4 wrote

My spouse has a few pieces from them and they are super heavy and super durable. He’s had them for years with virtually no wear.

If this one says it’s more lightweight it’s probably a less substantial leather and so less expensive. But if it has the warranty I’d say get it and send it back if it does wear quickly if needed.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmtey3 wrote

Thanks for the input! I think this one isn't for me after all, seeing how it seemingly has no back support. Do you know any alternatives?

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gnyfsen t1_jdmtyz5 wrote

I don't have this particular bag but do own a few of their products.

My backpack and satchel are both indestructible but also on the heavy side.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmus59 wrote

Thanks for the input! I'm expecting a leather backpack to be on the heavier side. Glad to hear they are indestructible!

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RamblinWrecked17 t1_jdn534l wrote

I have one of their messenger bag/briefcases and it’s a tank. A bit on the heavy side but I’d definitely put it in the BIFL category.

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hessmo t1_jdms2vq wrote

That bag is made from pig leather. Still durable but much thinner and less structured. I haven’t seen any particularly good or bad reviews on it.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmsfqx wrote

Oh I see, thank you!

>less structured

Do these bags usually have any form of back support? Or is it basically a sack which you could feel the contents of against your back?

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hessmo t1_jdmsm3h wrote

Best analog I could think of is a non waxed canvas backpack. Just a sack on your back

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmt422 wrote

That's a big oof. I have purchased a nice looking canvas bag before and I'm disappointed with how uncomfortable it is. You could just feel its contents protruding against your back with no support whatsoever. Guess it's not for me then.

Thank you!

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hessmo t1_jdmtfti wrote

Yeah. Depends on what you are carrying. When I’m carrying bumpy or heavy loads, I always grab my goruck gr1. Excellent bag and I’ve never been able to justify the cost to get a leather one because of how good it is.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmtxt6 wrote

I've heard nothing but great things about Goruck bags from lurking a bit in this sub, and while I have no doubt that they are great, they look too utilitarian/tactical for me.

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Seer434 t1_jdmxqk4 wrote

I've got a few of their items and have been pleased, not this one though. Right off it looks very different to their normal style so I would say all bets are off.

Saddleback does this thing where they keep trying to expand beyond the rugged classic original look and I personally don't care for it.

It might be great though. If they maintained the level of craftsmanship I think it would be fine. I've always been happy, even with stuff I got in mystery boxes or as a markdown due to flaws.

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ClownDiaper t1_jdn4f24 wrote

I have the simple backpack from Saddleback and it is without a doubt bifl. I don’t know about this particular line. The backpack I have is pretty heavy and not super comfortable for long periods of time like hiking or biking, but walking across a college campus from class to class it was great.

ETA - I have a few other items that are also great. The only item I own that I don’t think will last is their leather bifold wallet (I believe it’s been discontinued).

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oldbaldgrumpy t1_jdq55ik wrote

Saddleback makes extremely high quality goods, I own their stuff, as does my wife. Excellent company .

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_jdsz9ft wrote

I have the same doubt. I want to buy a backpack but I am between Briggs & Riley and Saddleback Leather. I think GORUCK style would not match my style and I could not find RedOxx nor Osprey packs that had many divisions and were able to be used as a personal item when traveling by plane. What do you think about it?

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jduci0o wrote

Hmm, I checked out these brands and they all look vastly different from one another. Personally, I'm after a vintage style leather backpack, and the closest I found is Saddleback (but the prices is way too much for me right now).

Honestly I'm trying to figure out whether this $200-300 budget is even realistic for a good leather backpack.

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Potential_Wave_3662 t1_jdv73y5 wrote

So, what I think is really good about Saddleback is their warranty. If you have a issue 30 years from now, they would solve it without any problem. I have never found a leather backpack with this warranty

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jwronk t1_jdmxkq7 wrote

I can’t speak on this particular brand, but I have purchased similar leather products from a brand called Portland Leather. My wife has had her oldest for a number of years now and it shows no wear whatsoever. The leather is thick and sturdy, and all the fasteners and stitches appear strong. The prices can be steep (similar to what you mentioned in your original post) but they also have a “less than perfect section” where you will find excellent discounted pieces. Don’t tell my wife but I mostly shop the less than perfect category for her (she can’t tell the difference).

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmy48g wrote

I just checked, they unfortunately only ship in the US. Thanks though!

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jwronk t1_jdmz624 wrote

Ah too bad. Good luck shopping!

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Maryfarrell642 t1_jdn17ov wrote

I have a different leather backpack from saddleback and it is super heavy - I mean really really heavy. I have never used it. I have a couple of other bags from them that I have used for years and they look barely broken in.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdn2hs9 wrote

Thanks!

>have a different leather backpack from saddleback and it is super heavy - I mean really really heavy. I have never used it.

Excuse me for the question or if it's against the rules, but are you looking to sell it?

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Muncie4 t1_jdnja2q wrote

You taking lightweight as somewhat flimsy is ignorant. That bag has a 10 year warranty...you will not get that off etsy or the used market.

You, nor 99.9% of humans know different types of leather as there is no ISO standard for leather, so we consumers can't use that as a differentiating factor. That bag is pigskin, ergo lighter. Want more warranty and heavier? Get a cow leather bag.

There are no mixed opinion on Saddleback, only mixed up people. All their leathergoods are 100% rock solid.

And you keep mentioning back support. That's not a thing. Want back support? Buy a brace. Want a backpack? Get one.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdnlc9p wrote

>You taking lightweight as somewhat flimsy is ignorant.

I accept that. Like I said, I don't know much about leather.

>And you keep mentioning back support. That's not a thing. Want back support? Buy a brace. Want a backpack? Get one.

Perhaps I've not been clear enough, let me explain. As far as I'm aware, the more "classic" Saddleback models have a thicker layer of leather where the back is, in order to support the inner contents and prevent deformations. This makes sense, since backpacks contain your things, and you don't usually want to feel them protruding against your back. This is what I meant by "back support".

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Muncie4 t1_jdp39i0 wrote

I didn't know this was a thing as I've had like 20 backpacks in my life and all sans a backer. If this is a thing for you, then DIY it....Make a cardboard template of any backpack. Trace this onto sheet Polycarbonate from Home Depot. Install with industrial Velcro.

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nasanu t1_jdmnjqh wrote

Do you ride an elephant to your job taming lions? If not then that brand doesn't seem to be for you.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmppnb wrote

What makes you say that?

I just love the look and durability aspect.

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nasanu t1_jdmqbde wrote

lol did you look at their marketing? Those are backpacks for men who board ships destined to let the natives in far lands know what's what.

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Sweeneysmithy OP t1_jdmqogf wrote

Yeah it's funny marketing I guess. Nevertheless I don't see why their bags wouldn't fit in an urban environment.

Edit: And I'm open to alternatives anyway!

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