Large Quality Leather Messenger Type Bags for <$500

[jd2010]

I know that there are a billion threads on this, and I did search quite a bit, but I think my requirements are at least a little unique, so figured Id start thread # 4532.

Here we go:

1) Must be high quality leather that will last a decade or more with near daily use.
2) Must have a relatively timeless professional look that will still work many years from now.
3) Must be able to hold more than most bags I've found - a laptop, potentially a very small projector, tablet, external HD, cords for all these, chargers, pens/markers/etc, as well as a 2" binder or so worth of documents.
4) Must have shoulder strap and able to be carried comfortably.
5) Budget is <500 per bag.
6) Looking for both brown and black. Brown can obv be a little more casual looking than the black. Would like to be able to use brown for everything. Black will prob end up being almost strictly for work.


I am new to this game, so I don't really know what quality brands are, and who would make something that would fit my requirements.

Thanks in advance.

 

[burningbright]

Saddleback Leather is what you're looking for.

Their version of the messenger bag is simply called a thin briefcase and although it comes in different sizes (S-XL), it may be too thin if you're looking to fit a projector along with a laptop. Their classic briefcase on the other hand is wider and may be able to fit all the items you mentioned (also S-XL).

Here's a link to both:

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/130-briefcase-category

Dave, the owner of Saddleback, is a great guy and his products are built to last (who else has a 100 year warranty?). I own the thin briefcase (size large) in tobacco and absolutely love it. The only drawback that you consistently hear about these though is how heavy they are. The leather is very thick, the primary reason why they last so long. The classic briefcase will put you over your $500 mark by about $20-50 but it will literally be the last leather bag you'll ever need.

Only hard part is trying to decide on a color.

 

[Yachting Man]

Burningbright set this thread off very nicely. Saddleback makes some great products.

 

[jd2010]

Spot on what I was looking for. Thanks for the post.

For future posters, anything else like this that may be less expensive, maybe a little less heavy? If not, I'll pull the trigger on a couple of these babies.

 

[ddonicht]

I got one a few years ago from http://www.customhide.com/ and just love it. I believe mine was a Ranger Laptop bag and it still looks almost as good as new. Cost is just over $300. Good luck on your search.

 

[HomerJ]



3) Must be able to hold more than most bags I've found - a laptop, potentially a very small projector, tablet, external HD, cords for all these, chargers, pens/markers/etc, as well as a 2" binder or so worth of documents.

That's 20 lbs of stuff in an 8 lb leather bag (Saddleback XL) carried on a shoulder strap..

 

[jd2010]

That's 20 lbs of stuff in an 8 lb leather bag (Saddleback XL) carried on a shoulder strap..

Laptop: 4 lbs
Projector: 2 lbs
tablet: 2 lbs
cords/chargers: 2 lbs
Misc/Documents: 2 lbs

Prob around 20 lbs, bag inclusive.

 

[Melvin Udall]

I would recommend the J. Peterman mail bag!