This website is made possible by readers. I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links in this article at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Details
- Price $649 at saddlebackleather.com
- Material Full grain leather, pigskin lining, custom stainless steel hardware, industrial marine-grade polyester thread
- Weight 6 lbs / 2.72 kg
- Dimensions 16.0" (w) x 12.0" (h) x 6.0" (d) / 406 (w) x 305 (h) x 152 (d) mm
- Made in Mexico
Overview
Saddleback Leather built their reputation on a simple promise: leather goods so durable, “they'll fight over it when you're dead.” Founded by Dave Munson with the philosophy of creating heirloom-quality pieces, the company emerged from frustration with disposable modern goods. Their Saddleback Flight Bag Briefcase embodies this no-compromise approach to construction.
I plan to use this as my daily office bag as a salaryman in dreary Tokyo, carrying mostly just a 14-inch MacBook and accessories. My office is somewhat casual, so the bag might be too much of an overkill, but I'll see how I feel using it over the next few months.
Style
The aesthetic screams vintage aviation with an unapologetic masculine edge. The aviation heritage shows everywhere, from the wide-opening Gladstone closure to the complete absence of zippers, magnets. This briefcase feels like it has been designed for pilots, and not corporate zombies that want to “stand out”.
I'll be honest, I chose to review this piece because it has a black version, where most Saddleback products don't. At the same time, the black offers the most professional appearance in Saddleback's lineup while maintaining that distinctive, rugged character.
The studs are black, but the buckles are stainless steel, and two odd studs are bronze. While I prefer if they could have them black as well, this feels intentional, and I guess not everyone is obsessed with black like me.
Branding has been kept to a minimum. There is an indented logo on the front and the back.
The hardware deserves special mention—316 marine-grade stainless steel that feels like it belongs on a yacht rather than a briefcase. The buckles operate with satisfying precision, and the custom D-rings for the shoulder strap show incredible resilience. Everything has a purposeful, overbuilt quality that either appeals to you or doesn't.
The carbon black finish shows remarkable resistance to scratches. I've accidentally scraped it against concrete, dropped it on gravel, and subjected it to typical business travel abuse without visible damage. However, it is leather after all and is not immune to white marks, but looks relatively subtle given the matte texture.
However, the raw edge construction means the unfinished leather edges will eventually develop some fuzzing. It's not a defect—it's part of the design philosophy—but worth noting if you prefer polished, refined aesthetics. The raw edges are mostly black, but the natural leather of the middle layer peeks between the black outer layer edges.
The black version differs significantly from Saddleback's other finishes. Where the chestnut and tobacco develop rich patina over time, the carbon black maintains an almost stubborn consistency. This looks virtually identical after extended use, which can be both a blessing or a limitation, depending on your perspective.
This used to be an ad.
But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.
Material
The leather thickness immediately sets this apart from conventional briefcases. At roughly 6mm thick, it's more than double what you'll find on premium competitors. This full-grain chrome-tanned leather comes from LeFarc Tannery in León, Mexico—one of the few remaining facilities that produce this grade of thick, industrial leather.
What makes this Mexican leather superior isn't just thickness, but the tanning process and hide selection. LeFarc specializes in boot leather for work environments, producing hides that must withstand long-term abuse.
Saddleback Leather built their reputation on a simple promise: leather goods so durable, “they'll fight over it when you're dead.” Founded by Dave Munson with the philosophy of creating heirloom-quality pieces, the company emerged from frustration with disposable modern goods. Their Saddleback Flight Bag Briefcase embodies this no-compromise approach to construction.
When I first held the Saddleback Flight Bag, two things struck me immediately: the ridiculous thickness of the leather and the surprising heft. At 6 lbs (2.7 kg) empty, this isn't a briefcase you casually sling over your shoulder. It's a statement piece that announces its presence before you even open it.
The aviation heritage shows everywhere, from the wide-opening Gladstone closure to the complete absence of zippers, magnets, or any hardware that might fail at 30,000 feet. This is a briefcase designed by someone who genuinely understands what pilots need, not what corporate executives think they want.
I plan to use this as my daily office companion in the Japanese salaryman tradition—carrying essential EDC items, my 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and a 14-inch MacBook to the office. The professional aesthetic and conversation-starting design should work well in formal business environments, to the point that it might even be to put together, given my office has a casual environment.
Usage
When I first held the Saddleback Flight Bag, two things struck me immediately: the ridiculous thickness of the leather and the surprising heft. At 6 lbs (2.7 kg) empty, this isn't a briefcase you casually sling over your shoulder. It's a statement piece that announces its presence before you even open it.
Daily carry reveals both strengths and limitations. The 6 lbs (2.7 kg) empty weight becomes tiring during extended periods. Adding my 14-inch MacBook brings the total to over 7 lbs (3.2 kg), which feels substantial during airport connections or subway commutes.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
The internal organization is deliberately minimal—one large compartment with a loose laptop sleeve and that famous false bottom. The 15″ x 5.5″ x 9″ (38 x 14 x 23 cm) interior easily accommodates my 14-inch MacBook and 12.9-inch iPad Pro simultaneously, along with my daily essentials. It'll even fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro and a 14-inch MacBook Pro if you want to double-wield laptops.
There is also a key loop within the main compartment. As someone who uses a smart lock, I wish it could be detachable as I rarely use it.
The Gladstone opening mechanism is both a blessing and a limitation. You pull it apart by tugging on the two tabs in the middle.
It opens wide and stays open, making its contents easy to sieve through at a glance. However, it requires two-handed operation and can't be quickly accessed while mobile.
Closing it can be done with one hand, but you have to kind of press a few times along the opening to close it completely.
This distinctly old-school approach either suits your workflow or creates constant frustration, but it certainly makes a statement.
The two front pockets (6″W x 7″H x 1.5″D or 15 x 18 x 4 cm each) handle pens, business cards, and small items adequately. The rear magazine pocket works well for documents or even your laptop. The hidden false bottom provides discrete storage for passports or emergency cash, though accessing it requires emptying the main compartment.
Comfort varies dramatically by carrying method. The handles work well for short distances, but the detachable shoulder strap becomes necessary for longer walks.
The handle seems relatively short, but I could tell it was intentional to prevent excessive swing. You won't be able to use it like a tote, though.
The strap itself is robust—thick enough to use as an emergency tow rope—but the weight distribution creates shoulder fatigue during extended use.
The laptop sleeve deserves special mention. While loose by modern standards, it easily accommodates both my 14-inch MacBook and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with room for documents. The pigskin provides cushioning without the bulk of modern padded compartments.
I'm not used to buckling pockets each time, so I like that each buckle comes with a loop. The loop is meant to keep the strap tidy, but they are sturdy enough to secure the strap in.
Conclusion
The Saddleback Flight Bag Briefcase delivers on its promise of extreme durability, but at 6 lbs (2.7 kg) empty, it's a commitment that demands honest evaluation of your daily carry needs. This briefcase either perfectly matches your priorities or completely misses the mark—there's little middle ground.
The Saddleback Flight Bag Briefcase succeeds brilliantly for users who prioritize extreme durability and authentic materials over lightweight convenience. The black version particularly appeals to professionals seeking low-maintenance luxury that maintains a consistent appearance across years of use.
However, the 6 lbs (2.7 kg) weight creates real daily carry challenges that one might underestimate during purchase. This briefcase works best for car-commuting professionals, occasional travelers, and users who value conversation-starting aesthetics over practical functionality.
At $649, it represents fair value for the materials and construction quality, though the weight and minimal organization limit its practical appeal. The 100-year warranty provides real peace of mind for users planning decades of ownership.
This briefcase is for you if: You prioritize durability over everything else, appreciate vintage aviation aesthetics, drive to work, and want a conversation piece that will outlast your career.
Look elsewhere if: You walk/bike commute regularly, need sophisticated organization, or prefer lightweight mobility.
The Saddleback Flight Bag isn't trying to be everything to everyone—it's unapologetically engineered for specific users who share its priorities. I respect what it accomplishes, even when questioning whether those accomplishments align with my daily needs.
Like this review? See all of my in-depth reviews.
Also, consider supporting me by being a Patreon. Every cent given will go back into improving the content of this website.