Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Saddleback Review – Thin Briefcase, Three Years In

March 24, 2014 By Ben Madeska | | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Saddleback Leather Co. Medium Thin Briefcase – $461.00

Editor’s Note: Dappered correspondent, Ben Madeska, has owned his Saddleback thin briefcase for three years now. Head here for the growing archive of these annual updates.

Entering the fourth year with the Saddleback Thin Briefcase in Dark Coffee Brown, there’s really no novelty left in using it. It’s firmly entered “favorite old pair of jeans” territory. After three years of regular use it just works. It’s comfortable. I know what it can do, and what it shouldn’t do. The leather is really starting to break in in places and take on some character, but still is solid overall, even rigid. A loose thread I noticed in the previous review hasn’t even loosened any further.

3rd year Saddleback Review on Dappered.com

Having moved once again since the last update, this is now the third city and second state in which I’ve had this briefcase. It’s been used on multiple day and weekend trips. I probably won’t be taking it with me on long vacations anymore. I’ve taken it on a few longer trips, and it seems to be simultaneously too small and too big. It’s too small to be really useful for overnights, much less long-term travel, and I find it too big to be a handy second bag while on vacation. The classic briefcase would probably be a better choice for weekend getaways. This may just be me talking myself into getting a second bag from Saddleback.

I like using this as a daily briefcase. I no longer work in an office and don’t attend many meetings, but I still consider it my “commuting” bag. When I first reviewed this after one month of use in 2011, I wrote:

On a daily basis I carry:

  • My ancient 14″ laptop and assorted cables
  • Two notepads
  • Small notebook
  • Calendar
  • Two pens
  • Pencil
  • Magazine
  • Miscellaneous papers

That list is rapidly looking archaic (Spiral bound paper calendar? Really?) but it’s not too far off from what I still carry. The laptop’s smaller and lighter now, and I carry fewer paper files with me. If anything, this briefcase is better able to accommodate my needs now than when I first got it. It’s the perfect size for trips around the city if I’m meeting people for lunch, going back and forth to my studio, or hitting a coffee shop to do some writing (as I currently am).

Softening Saddleback Leather: A Review on Dappered.comFlexing and getting softer with age. Still tough as nails.

This briefcase hasn’t really been abused Indiana Jones style, but in three years it has been tossed around, been in the rain and the sun, survived a few polar vortexes, and handles the bus and subway just fine. It has always protected its contents admirably.

This is still a bigger, heavier bag though. I’m 6’4″ so I tend not to notice the bulk, but other people comment on it (coworkers making exaggerated groans of effort when I ask them to hand it to me). According to Saddleback, with my height I could use the large size, which adds a couple inches to the dimensions and about a pound to the weight. The medium suits my needs just fine though, and I haven’t regretted choosing it over the large.

97 years to go.

A piece of art - Saddleback Brief on Dappered.comTwo heavily used items. The case, and the easel.

Filed Under: Accessories, Reviews Tagged With: 1-day sale, saddleback, saddleback 100 year test

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Join the discussion on Facebook, hit us up on Instagram, or reply on Threads.

DON’T MISS ANYTHING

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Threads, Facebook, and Instagram.

NEW HERE?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.
J. Crew: 40% off select full price for Members (30% off for non)

J. Crew: 40% off select full price for Members (30% off for non)

Sweaters. Topcoats. Boots. It’s J. Crew’s first big one since autumn began.

Allen Edmonds: Rediscover America Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Allen Edmonds: Rediscover America Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Club members get a head start. From timeless dress shoes to weatherproof boots. One of their two big sales per year.

Double Time: The Affordable Two Watch Collection – Under $350

Double Time: The Affordable Two Watch Collection – Under $350

Our continuing series for those who want all their style bases covered by two watches. It’s a double dose of Orient automatic watches this round.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

MEN’S FASHION OR AFFORDABLE STYLE?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe’s measurements
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

MOST POPULAR ON DAPPERED

  • Half off GAP Khakis, Half off J. Crew Cords, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Suits, Seikos, Sweats, and more
  • Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Dressed Up
  • Win It: The Baltic Aquascaphe Classic
  • Steal Alert: 30% off Target All in Motion One Day Sale
  • The Dappered Space: Most Wanted Affordable Home Style October 2023

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.