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.
/article-new/2016/08/saddlebackbriefcase1-800x516.jpg)
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.
/article-new/2016/08/saddlebackbriefcase2-800x376.jpg)
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.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Actually, I have a Saddleback briefcase - the 'classic' (in chestnut) and a medium size.
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.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.
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).
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.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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
Oh, yes.
Classic Briefcase, medium, in ChesnutI 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?
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.
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.