Simple Backpack

i received the simple backpack (large size) and it was so perfectly well made. it was a work of art,the size, balance & the craftmanship are well made that will last many years of usage . dave, keep the good work .
God bless you. thank you...

I purchased this backpack about 8 months ago and love it. I am a student/TA at a local university and carry a lot of books and a 17 inch macbook pro. Not only is this bag tough enough to handle it, but it also looks (and smells) terrific. The leather looks more and more beautiful over time.

I am confident the bag will hold up and live to be what they advertise. Would I buy it again? Yes. But with the quality and beauty of this bag, I'll never have to buy another one again.

What an awesome pack. Lots of compliments and it gets better with age. I traveled with it and have use it as an every day pack. The quality is top notch.

Three words to sum it up : LOVE MY BACKPACK !!!

And it smells good !

Thanks Dave.

This is simply the best backpack available. Solid, soft, accommodating and rugged. It's those great locking straps that give me the confidence that NO ONE will mess with my stuff. The quality of the bag keeps my electronic gear protected and safe. (Of course I have those wrapped in Saddleback also) Never disappointed with Saddleback. I am glad she got it for me, get one for yourself.

I have been " Sattlebacker " since my son introduced me last year. The backpack is awesome, its size and features make it the best pick for accompanying me as I go through my day. I would highly recommend this bag to anyone and speaking of which, my wife is now interesting in getting one in Tobacco Brown. (mine is Chestnut).
Dave , keep up the good work in offering such highly prized products!

I orginally discovered Saddleback Leather back in 2009 while looking for a replacement for my trusty college pigskin backpack. At the time, only one true backpack was offered by Saddleback Leather, and it wasn't quite what I was looking for. Last fall, the Simple Backpack was released, and I bought it without hesitation. It's exactly the backpack I've been looking for. The size is perfect for fitting underneath the front seat area on an aircraft, I can fit a 15" Macbook Pro in it, the shoulder straps are extremely comfortable once broken in, and the color is really phenomenal. I've used the bag exclusively for the past few months, and everytime I open it, I want to tell Dave "Thank you for making this."

I rarely buy things on a whim. I research most of what I buy, because, as Dave says: buy nice, or buy twice. Therefore, the fact that I choose to buy a large, chestnut Simple Backpack is a compliment in itself, but the tale does not end there. I have had it in one year now, and have taken it everywhere. From long walks on the beach in sunny, summer France to skiing, here, in cold Lillehammer, Norway. This backpack can take any challenge you throw at it. It can carry enormous amounts and will be you're best friend during every or any travel you may embark on, ever.

Ordered this in dark chocolate for my birthday treat. My wife is getting worried about me as I seem to buy a lot of bags, and that should be a feminine activity! Anyway, after a long anticipated wait (I live in Scotland and customs takes ages and charges the world! In fact I think that may be their motto?) it arrived. Straight out of the box I was impressed, the smell, the look, the quality.

I had been worried that the bag would be too small and was going to wait for the 17" version, but just couldn't help myself. On size, the bag is excellent. I think that the 17" would have been too big. I can get my work laptop (a Dell 15" Latitude) in with my private laptop (Dell 14" XPS), my filofax (A5 size), my BIG Saddleback wallet, a large Oakley sunglasses case (yes, the sun shines in Scotland), chargers and there is still space, it does not look over stuffed. Not that I would normally carry all that, but needed too on one particular day. The bag showed no signs of strain, like a good workhorse it accepted the load gladly.

This is easily the best bag I have ever owned and will likely be the last backpack I ever buy. All the others, Eastpak, Northface, etc are all going on eBay. Wonder of wonders, my wife likes the bag! That is a first. This little baby is in for some travel this year - up Ben Nevis, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and South Africa for now. I'll take some pictures as I go lol

One thing that was funny is that I have never seen a Saddleback case in my travels in the UK. The day before I received the backpack I was on a trip to London from Edinburgh airport with my trusty Saddleback Messenger bag when I noticed in the security queue someone with a nice looking black briefcase. As we got closer, I saw that it was a Saddleback logo. Unfortunately I did not get to meet the gent with the bag as I had to rush to board my flight - rushing at ungodly hours seems to have become a past time.

Anyway, I cannot say how impressed I am with this bag. It is truly a work of art and I look forward to it wearing in and developing more character. In the couple of years that I have had my messenger bag I have had two people comment on how nice it is. The backpack has already surpassed that. It is comfortable, not bad weight wise, very useful in the minimal pockets (no opening silly zips into nasty little pockets that seem to lose things) and has a rugged class to it. For those of you that have read the Dark Tower series, this is what Roland's gunna must have been, crossing the ages and the wastes with him. It is known in the household now as my gunna. I even happily gave my Barbour bag to my daughter as her gunna.

Right, I'll shut-up. In short - great bag - buy it.

This backpack is amazing. A true and rugged work of art. And it will only get softer with time. The more tough love it gets, the more character it will develop. At first I was unsure about what to go with, the satchel or this backpack. But being more of a backpack type of person in general and owning many of them over the years, I went with my gut and chose this. I'm glad I did. I really like that it is indeed simple with just the 2 side pockets and one big "hole" on the inside. It's much bigger than I expected it to be and is very generously sized. It will probably outlast me. And it smells good, too. Even my cats think so. GET ONE.

I picked up the large simple backpack in tobacco and can honestly say it has exceeded my expectation. We just returned from 2 weeks in Spain and used this on an almost daily basis. Very comfortable and well balanced for a bag this heavy when fully loaded. The tobacco color is beautiful and the leather feels almost velvety.

Simple Pack, Lg,Chestnut
Read SBL site ( and Google others), to learn about how high quality leather is supposed to be processed, tanned, dyed, and worked. Dave is no B.S er. Well, at least not about leather.
The shoulder straps *alone* are designed with more care than many ENTIRE $1000 bags. Every detail is functional, and made superbly. There are plenty of attachment points to tailor your bag
for your gear, and for the uses of your choice. Honor a cow; get
this bag. Use your attention to deal with other issues during your
travels; you sure won't have to worry about a Saddleback!

If simple means excellent design, workmanship and utility this bag exceeds expectations. It can go anywhere, anytime...it looks great and can bill filled with anything from my camera gear, to computers, to business papers.

I am thrilled to own this and eager to indeed pass it along to the next generation. While it is not inexpensive, it is certainly higher in value.

Keep up the excellent work an don't be tempted to ever cut corners. This is the first place I will look fr my next leather products!

I started with Bifold leather wallet. I could not stop there, bought Simple backpack. Simply amazing, great quality and smell of leather is awesome. And fits in so much inside.

Had an opportunity to take best backpack on to Mt. Fuji which is now registered as World Heritage.

Cannot wait for it soften more.

Thanks Dave :)

One of the things I love about Saddleback products is that they introduce me to my favorite possessions, and this is one of my favorite of all of them. This backpack rocks, and there is nothing you can't do with it, and no place you can't take it. It works if you are backpacking to a new rock climbing spot or carrying your laptop to Starbucks to study. For those of you who are new to SBL, this product is the highest quality that you will probably ever come into contact with. Beautiful and long lasting. I have had this backpack in tobacco brown for about 4 months, and I have literally nothing to complain about. It is the perfect product. I made a video review that features this item along with some others, and you can see it here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuOe2JxFylc

The simple backpack is simply beautifull.
I love everything about this backpack. Its lightweight and the combination of soft bag and rigid flap, the plain front part and those really sweet pockets...
Also the straps and the option to use them with or without the pads..
The size is perfect for just anything. I can fit my largest laptop in it and all I need for a weekend. It is really comfortable to carry.
I live in Europe and paid 20% extra to customs to own this bag, but it is absoluetly worth it.
I am sure this bag looks great in any color, I got mine in tobacco and think it is the perfect color to get this beautifull worn "in the wild" leather look after some use..
I can highly recommend this backpack, I am extremly happy with it.

I started with Bifold leather wallet. I could not stop there, bought Simple backpack. Simply amazing, great quality and smell of leather is awesome. And fits in so much inside.

Had an opportunity to take best backpack on to Mt. Fuji which is now registered as World Heritage.

Cannot wait for it soften more.

Thanks Dave :)

I just got my simple backpack (medium) and it looks and feels great. Every time I check the website I am always taken back at how expensive the products are. However, everytime I finally decide to make the plunge I realize there is a reason for the price...because Saddleback sells the best quality bags and the best leather. I have previously purchased a medium duffle and it has aged amazingly well. I can't wait to see how well this will age with time. I expected the backpack to weight a lot but I have to say its much lighter than I expected. I think the raw lining has made a huge difference in the overall weight. Love everything about this bag. Oh and the smell is to die for...if your into that kind of stuff.

I've been looking for a good leather backpack for a long time. Saw the large coffee brown simple backpack in Dave's deals section at 10% OFF. Went ahead and ordered it. Got it yesterday and to my amazement, I could hardly find a fault in the pack. I like the texture and feel. I have no regrets and this is gonna last me a long long time. Worth the investment, and most of my friends were envious of the pack. It's stylish too.

Thanks, Dave for making such superior quality products. I like the fact that part of the price goes into helping the needy in Rwanda. You are a blessing to these orphans.

My backpack has been with me for about 4 months now. It's been to several trips with me and I was abusing it LOL - so it can soften up faster! :) At first my friends were afraid to toss the bag in the trunk because they said it looks fancy and didn't want to break it. I was wondering the same thing so I told them we can give it a try during this trip. The bag got so many compliments after the ski trip. It was holding up so well and showed no signs of wear!!

I'm 5"2, about 100lbs, and my bag is medium simple backpack in chestnut (just in case if you guys are having a hard time picking the size). It looks a bit big on me for every day use, but when I go travel it's just the right size. That being said, I'm planning to get a medium satchel as my EDC now.

Great leather is very addictive. You might end up buying more stuff than you were looking for =P

I have used (and loved) a medium classic briefcase, a medium satchel, and a large tote for my every day carry. I was researching the old boomerang backpack straps to use with my briefcase when a friend recommended a medium simple backpack. I purchased one (sort of on a whim), and I can't even believe how much I love this bag. It seems to hold twice as much stuff as the large tote or the medium briefcase, but is so light and easy to carry. I was skeptical about how comfortable the straps would be, but they are soft and mold perfectly to the shoulders without any pressure spots. The bottom of the backpack is padded where it sits on the lower back and it doesn't dig in or cause any discomfort there either. It's the perfect size for me, and I am 5'2".

I recommend this bag to anyone who will listen. As with all of my SBL pieces, it garners attention and compliments everywhere it goes. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it ages and softens up over time. The medium simple is my new favorite bag!

Here's the thing about no zippers ... its expandable. You can intellectualize the concept, understand that there will be metal to break, but until you are in a hotel room and need just that last few inches I don't think you grasp it.

The 14" lays incredibly lightly across your back, is beautiful and functional, and depending on your shoe requirements carry 2-3 days of wear. I've added this to my gorgeous, large chestnut water bag, and a handsome large classic briefcase and between them any pairing will cover me in almost every travel arrangement.

I have the medium simple backpack in carbon. This bag is so versatile. It holds so much stuff!! I can put two cable bags (one carbon and one tabacco), medium bifold (also carbon) gloves, a 6 inch knife, a multi tool, a flashlight, my 3ds, a carthartt duck jacket (rolled up), a thermos, my overflowing keychain, and a dry shirt and socks and still have room for anything extra. I have the medium!! I can only imagine what the large will fit. I've had this bag for roughly 2 months and I carry it every day. The leather is really starting to soften. It feels amazing! I've never weighed the bag fully loaded but I guess 20 lb. The stitching shows no sign of stress. If your worried about the weight then you should look elsewhere. This backpack is designed , excuse me, over engineered to pack a load. It begs to filled and used. It doesn't want to sit in a corner and gather dust. It craves adventure. Oh, and if you do decide to purchase this backpack, do yourself a favor and order the chamberlain's leather milk. I treated mine yesterday with it and that stuff is sorcery. There's no sense spending this kind of money on fine leather ond not taking care of it!

I bought the Simple Backpack prior to a cross country trip, it was delivered a few days before I left. I bought the medium and its cavernous. The amount of stuff you can put in the pack is truly amazing. This was my carry on for the trip. It being new the straps etc are a bit stiff, but that's s a short term issue, the more I use it the more the leather soften. I waited a long time before I ordered this bag as it is somewhat costly, it was worth the wait and the cost.

I had been dying to add this backpack to my collection of Saddleback items for several years. When I purchased the large front pocket backpack for my husband I just had to get myself the simple backpack in medium. The leather is beyond compare! I tried to purchase a leather backpack from a similar custom leather website in hopes that I could get a comparable product for less money...bad idea! The other "top hide" leather felt very waxy and cheap compared to SBL. Listen to the man, Dave, buy nice or buy twice! It's very true. I'm a 5'3 female and the medium was the best choice for me, I can fit so much into it and the weight feels great thanks to the padding in the back and shoulder straps. I love this bag & would highly recommend that you treat yourself to one too!