For the next few weeks, MacRumors is running a special giveaway event, which will see us highlighting and giving away high-quality luxury bags from manufacturers like Pad & Quill, Intrepid Bag Co, Whipping Post, and Saddleback Leather Company. We've got all of these bags on hand so we can give clear details on construction, quality, utility, and more.

For today's giveaway, we've partnered with Saddleback Leather Company to give away one of the company's medium-sized Thin Front Pocket Briefcases made from a rich tobacco-colored leather.

saddlebackbriefcase1
Measuring in at 15 inches by 11.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the Pocket Briefcase is not a small bag, so it's big enough to hold a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a Retina MacBook, a 13-inch MacBook Pro/MacBook Air, or a 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. I was able to fit multiple Apple products inside, along with all of their accessories.

The Pocket Briefcase is made from a super thick, rugged full-grain leather and features a saddle-style buckle and two outer pockets that also clasp with buckles. When new, the bag is rigid and the main buckle is a bit hard to work with, but it should soften up within a few weeks. The outer leather looks like it'll weather nicely, gaining a lot of character over time from scratches and bumps, and it's undeniably sturdy, made from just a few pieces of leather with careful stitching.

Aside from the two outer buckle pockets, a pen pocket, and a rear pocket large enough to hold papers or magazines, there's one main pocket on the inside of the bag, roomy enough to hold the aforementioned laptop along with accessories and anything else you might need to carry. There are two hidden side pockets within the main pocket, sized to hold items like pens, pencils and flash drives, and there's a leather key fob.

The padded leather strap can be used to wear the briefcase as a messenger bag or as a backpack depending on how it's buckled, so can be worn in whichever way is most comfortable. The shoulder strap can also be removed entirely so it can be used as a traditional briefcase with just the padded hand strap, and no matter how you're using it, it's going to get compliments. This is a stylish, rugged briefcase.

saddlebackbriefcase2
At 5.35 pounds, this is not a lightweight bag, but the craftsmanship is superb and it looks like it'll be able to stand up to a lot of abuse while still looking great. Saddleback Leather Company offers a 100 year guarantee on its products, so this is a bag that you buy for life.

The Thin Front Pocket Briefcase is normally priced at $489, but one MacRumors reader will win one for free. To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner and send the prize.

You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The contest will run from today (September 2) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9. The winner will be chosen randomly on September 9 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

Top Rated Comments

GLS Avatar
112 months ago
Actually, I have a Saddleback briefcase - the 'classic' (in chestnut) and a medium size.

They are beautiful, soldily-made, heavy, hefty, indestructible, and, I am frankly envious of whoever gets to win this. (I am unable to enter as - most of the time - I am in Europe). Anyway, it is a gorgeous briefcase.
Several years ago, I was walking in an airport and saw that bag. Liked it so much, I came home and purchased one for myself. Incredible bag, unbelievable build quality and construction, and when new...a simply wonderful smell. When I carry the bag, people will ask about it. In a world of cheap backpacks and briefcases, it stands out.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scepticalscribe Avatar
112 months ago
I am in the UK and was thinking to buy one of these bags when I am in the US in October. I have other Saddleback goods and love them (esp. my travel document holder).

But the story should read that it DID sell for $489, until they provided one for the MacRumors giveaway (the price was $489 on 17 August). Now they start at $700!!!

Saddleback should be happy to have new buyers led to the site, but to jack the price like that is shameful. Their business, my money. No sale.
Over the past two months, they sent out a number of emails to those on their mailing list - I am one as I have been a customer for a few years - warning in advance of the proposed price increases.

Their argument is that their prices have been at the same level for a number of years (which is true, as I have bought stuff in 2013), and that they have been advised that this is economically unsustainable, above all, if they wish to continue to build products of quality.

In fairness, from what I can see, the price increase has nothing whatsoever to do with the MR giveaway.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
unibility Avatar
112 months ago
Over the past two months, they sent out a number of emails to those on their mailing list - I am one as I have been a customer for a few years - warning in advance of the proposed price increases.

Their argument is that their prices have been at the same level for a number of years (which is true, as I have bought stuff in 2013), and that they have been advised that this is economically unsustainable, above all, if they wish to continue to build products of quality.

In fairness, from what I can see, the price increase has nothing whatsoever to do with the MR giveaway.
I have purchased their Square Backpack several years ago and it's top notch. Bought it in black, the inner lining is also black. Beginning of the year I bought the thin briefcase in black too but the inner lining is tan. They are cutting cost, even the gamuts used are not matching anymore.

And their supposed "One of s kind" collection is not one of a kind, it's leather that imperfect and they try to pass it off as one of a kind.

Even my envelope clutch i bought to hold my 2015 MacBook, the black dye is starting to wear off too. I had to send it back for repairs since it has a 100 year warranty.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GLS Avatar
112 months ago
Oh, yes.

I am abroad at the moment, - and the briefcase is with me, often it accompanying me to meetings; people always ask about it, some will fight for the dubious honour of carrying it, and many admire it.

It will take the rough and tumble of anything you throw at it.

Glad you like yours, and hope you get plenty of use from it: Is yours the 'classic' or one of the other bags?
Classic Briefcase, medium, in Chesnut
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scepticalscribe Avatar
112 months ago
Actually, I have a Saddleback briefcase - the 'classic' (in chestnut) and a medium size.

They are beautiful, soldily-made, heavy, hefty, indestructible, and, I am frankly envious of whoever gets to win this. (I am unable to enter as - most of the time - I am in Europe). Anyway, it is a gorgeous briefcase.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
112 months ago
Thought I would look into buying one of these then saw the prices! I am certain that it is beautiful and quite something to own but I would be too nervous to take it anywhere. I still have a Hugo Boss jacket that I bought 6 years ago in its hanger in the cupboard for the same reason. :(
There's a certain joy inherent in using really well-made things. If you like the jacket, take it out and wear it (if not, sell it or give it to someone who will use it). Worn, you will enjoy it, and it will keep you warm and clothed. It may get a scrape here and there, yes, but that will be part of its charm. Hanging in the closet, however, it serves no purpose except to make you nervous. To me, it's never about "hey everyone, look what I have / can afford" - I'm much too self-centered to care about that - it's all about me enjoying using the item. And this isn't just about the jacket, it applies to the bag being discussed here (Saddleback Leather does very fine work), and anything else you own.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iCloud General Feature Redux

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive a New Perk

Thursday March 20, 2025 12:01 am PDT by
If you pay for iCloud storage on your iPhone, Apple has a new perk for you, at no additional cost. The new perk is the ability to create invitations in the Apple Invites app for the iPhone, which launched in the App Store last month. In the Apple Invites app, iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations for any occasion, such as birthday parties, graduations, baby showers, and more. Anyone ...
Generic iOS 19 Feature Mock

iOS 19 Coming in June With These New Features

Thursday March 20, 2025 2:04 pm PDT by
While the first iOS 19 beta is still more than two months away, there are already plenty of rumors about the upcoming software update. Below, we recap the key iOS 19 rumors so far. visionOS-Like Design In January, the YouTube channel Front Page Tech revealed a redesigned Camera app that is allegedly planned for iOS 19. According to Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser, the Camera app...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro teal 1

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Coming to These 8 U.S. States, But Rollout Remains Slow

Wednesday March 19, 2025 6:55 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly. It has been three and a half years since Apple first announced the...
Windows Vista

Apple Might Be Having Its Windows Vista Moment, Says Analyst

Thursday March 20, 2025 6:52 am PDT by
Is Apple experiencing a "Vista-like drift into systemically poor execution?" That was a question posed by well-known technology analyst Benedict Evans, in a recent blog post covering Apple's innovation and execution, or seemingly lack thereof as of late. He is referring to Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, which was widely criticized when it launched in 2007 due to software bugs,...
iPhone 17 Pro Render Front Page Tech

Latest iPhone 17 Pro Dummies Highlight Apple's New Part-Glass Design

Thursday March 20, 2025 5:27 am PDT by
Seasoned leaker Sonny Dickson has shared more dummy models of Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series, with the latest lot revealing a noticeable shift in Apple's iPhone Pro model design that goes beyond the much-talked-about new rear camera bar. Dickson points out that the iPhone 17 Pro dummy models feature an outlined area on the back, beginning just below the camera module and extending to the...
iOS 18

Top 5 New Features Coming in iOS 18.4

Friday March 21, 2025 3:26 pm PDT by
We're not getting new Siri Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.4 as expected, but the upcoming update does have quite a few new additions that will be worth upgrading for. We've rounded up the five best features to look forward to, and if you're not running the beta, you can expect to get access to these in early April. Priority Notifications If you have an iPhone or iPad that supports...
airtag orange

Apple's Next Product is Likely an AirTag 2 With These New Features

Thursday March 20, 2025 2:30 pm PDT by
Following the introduction of the iPhone 16e, new iPads and Macs, and some new accessories over the past month, what will Apple's next product announcement be? Based on rumors, a second-generation AirTag item tracker is likely next up. Last year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that a new AirTag would be released around the middle of 2025. More recently, a leaker known as Kosutami claimed...
airpods pro 2 gradient

AirPods Pro 3 Launch Now Just Months Away: Here's What We Know

Tuesday March 18, 2025 9:13 am PDT by
Despite being released over two years ago, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 continue to dominate the wireless earbud market. However, with the AirPods Pro 3 expected to launch in 2025, anyone thinking of buying Apple's premium earbuds may be wondering if the next generation is worth holding out for. Apart from their audio and noise-canceling performance, which are generally regarded as excellent for...
iPhone 17 Air Fanned Feature

First iPhone 17 Air Case Has Camera Bar, Camera Control Button Cutouts

Wednesday March 19, 2025 5:29 am PDT by
Serial leaker Sonny Dickson today shared an image of what he claims is a first look at a third-party case for Apple's iPhone 17 Air. "If you didn’t know an Air was coming, you'd swear it was a Google Pixel case," he said. Case manufacturers often obtain design specifications of upcoming iPhone models before their release by collaborating with Apple through official partnerships or...