Saddleback Flight Bag Review: Rugged Leather Briefcase for Life
For those who know my day job, I am an accountant. Of course, I use my bag to commute. On top of that, I love to go to the gym and stay healthy, so I often have packed lunches and gym clothes in there too. I found these amazing briefcases from Saddleback Leather. This is a Flight Bag Leather Briefcase from Saddleback Leather (click to purchase). The bag is designed for those who demand a piece of gear built to last a lifetime. Whether you’ve been eyeing this iconic bag or simply curious about artisan leather goods, this review dives into everything you need to know: history, craftsmanship, functionality, and real-world usability.
About Saddleback Leather: Built to Outlast You
Honestly, the story about the brand and the founder is really worth reading, so I will post a link HERE.
TL DR: Founded by Dave Munson in 2003 after designing his own indestructible bag in Mexico, Saddleback Leather Co. has become synonymous with over-engineered, heirloom-quality leather goods.With a strong focus on craftsmanship, they operate a factory in Leon, Mexico, supplying full-grain, highly durable chrome-tanned leather and robust stainless-steel hardware—backed by a 100-year warranty. Their mission? Create products so tough you’d “fight over it when you’re dead”.
I think it’s amazing that Dave has shared an amazing story about his life and how he came to build it. It gives more credit to the brand and great public relations.
Design & First Impressions: Antique Aesthetic, Modern Use
I don’t want to be that Youtuber who makes up stories, but honestly this happened on the first day I got this bag. I was in the elevator with a guy from my office that I never talked with. He saw my bag for a bit and he told me the bag looks really nice. It was very weird as I have never chatted with him and he said that to me. I mean I said thanks, but was surprised that it would get attention straight away.
The Flight Bag draws inspiration from mid-1800s Gladstone-style pilot cases and sports a retro silhouette with functional charm. The dimension of the bag is: 16″ × 12″ × 6″, with a length adjustable shoulder strap. The main compartment is compact yet roomy, it has a laptop storage pocket as well that fits up to 17” laptops. There are two front pockets, which are perfect for keys and my gym membership and other various stuff. I would say there is enough room for any office needs. But also if you want to travel with it, it’ll hold a lot of things inside. There is also a Key strap inside the bag, which I am yet to use. The wide mouth opening system is very interesting, and something I have never seen before. It’s explained online as a 1800s English style Gladstone bag, but as you can see from the picture, it’s a bit different. The two hinges overlap perfectly and it closes the bag. It seems very durable for now, but I may be a bit worried that overtime, the hinges may get weaker. But of course that’s just speculation, and there is also a method to tighten it myself if it gets loosen.
There is an extra strap with holes extra to the gladstone bag style closing, so it really won’t open if both fastening methods are used.
The metals used in this bag are made of stainless steel, so the metal won’t become dirty easily. I have seen so many antique bags with nasty metal bits that I feel like I will get tetanus by touching them, so I think it was a great design choice.
There are three hidden pockets to this bag, can you tell? This is something I didn’t notice until I read the description of the bag online. But there are two hidden pockets behind the front pockets as they are sewn into the main body of the bag. Also back of the bag, I thought it was also sewn, but turns out there is a magazine pocket too. I feel like I would have never found out. But this is an awesome surprise.
Materials & Build Quality: Over-Engineered Perfection
The Material used to make this briefcase is quite astonishing:
- Leather: Thick full-grain hides from LeFarc tannery in Mexico—tough, rugged, and destined to develop a patina with time.
- Lining: Durable pigskin interior avoids tearing and hides, giving stamina where it matters
- Hardware & Stitching: Heavy 316 stainless steel and UV-resistant marine-grade thread paired with brass rivets ensure structural integrity even under extreme loads
Pros
Nearly everything I’ve mentioned so far could be considered a pro. The materials, durability, and tactile robustness of the Flight Bag inspire confidence—it’s the kind of bag you can truly rely on, whether you’re commuting daily or traveling across the world.
One of the standout features is the 100-year warranty offered by Saddleback Leather. Realistically, I’ll be about 130 years old when that warranty runs out, so here’s hoping my kids can take advantage of it if it ever needs repairs. It’s a genuinely reassuring commitment to quality.
Also worth noting: this bag is seriously over-engineered—in the best way possible. From the full-grain leather to the marine-grade thread and stainless steel hardware, every element is built with longevity in mind.
Cons
The only area I found slightly inconvenient is the fastening system. It’s not difficult, but it does require both hands and a bit more time than a typical zipper or quick-clip. For example, I used to be able to open my old backpack one-handed while holding a coffee this bag isn’t designed for that kind of quick access. That said, with regular use, I suspect muscle memory will take over.
The weight may also be an issue for some. At around 6 pounds (roughly 3kg) empty, it’s noticeably heavier than your average modern briefcase. But that’s part of the trade-off for using thick, full-grain leather and heavy-duty hardware.
Lastly, there’s the price $649 (or $584 for members). However, as an accountant, I can’t help but justify it this way: if the bag truly lasts 100 years as promised, that works out to about $6.50 per year, or just over 50 cents per month. Considering how much high-end bags from other brands cost—and that they often need replacing after a few years. I genuinely believe this is a smart, long-term investment.
Quick Takeaways
- Heavy (~6 lb) but built to last a lifetime.
- Thick, rugged leather with a timeless, travel-ready design.
- Strong interior pigskin, tough thread, and stainless hardware.
- Beautiful patina develops over years of use.
- 100-year, no-nonsense warranty.
- Minor trade-offs: weight and slim internal organization.
FAQs
- Does the Flight Bag come with a warranty?
Yes—Saddleback backs it with a 100-year warranty covering defects and failures - Is it suitable for daily laptop carry?
Yes, but the internal laptop sleeve is loose—dog-ear corners might be needed for support. - How heavy is it?
About 6 pounds empty, packing strength rather than lightness. - Will the bag show wear?
Absolutely—it ages beautifully, developing a rugged, story-rich patina. - Where is it made?
At their Old Mexico Manufacturing facility in Guanajuato, Mexico
