High End Briefcase Comparo Solo, Saddleback, HLASKA and Mitchell Leather- Part 1 of 3

[Dripp]

I'm not sure if this timing is good or not, but my ebay special I bought 6 years ago finally died last week and I need a new bag. I've looked at the mithchel in the past with admiration. I'm also very interested in a M&W traveller. Really I just want a classic bag made with horween leather that will last, and will carry all of my stuff. That probably is indeed the mitchell, but that's a big pill to swallow.

[Compulsion]

I wish the Saddleback Thin Briefcase could have made it into this comparison. I didn't see this thread until today and I would have liked to see how it compared.

I have the Medium Thin briefcase and it is perfect for my needs. It holds my Lenovo W510 15.2" laptop (the same size as joel was using in his comparison), an iPad, two A5 notebooks and my penwrap containing 7 pens. That's all I need to carry on a given day.

[joel]

Well, Joel, you have sold me on a Mitchell. Pending SWMBO approval, I will be ordering one very soon.

You won't regret it!

[joel]

I wish the Saddleback Thin Briefcase could have made it into this comparison. I didn't see this thread until today and I would have liked to see how it compared.

I have the Medium Thin briefcase and it is perfect for my needs. It holds my Lenovo W510 15.2" laptop (the same size as joel was using in his comparison), an iPad, two A5 notebooks and my penwrap containing 7 pens. That's all I need to carry on a given day.

Me too - but it still wouldn't have won. The build quality, design, stitching, attention to detail and leather quality are not on par with the Mitchell.

[cpeter47]

Wow this site is not good for the bank account.

[drawonme]

If anyone would enjoy a beautiful, rare, saddle leather Ghurka briefcase that sold for over $1200 20 years ago, I would send it for a contribution to our local foodbank.

[lestergillis]

Gentlemen,

After shopping around for briefcases I think I have settled on the Saddleback but I do have some questions since I cannot physically put my hands on one to find out for myself. Will the large size fit under the seat in front of me on most planes? I travel a lot and I carry my luggage as well as a briefcase on board. The large size seems to be the smallest one to fit my 15-1/4 x 11 laptop and all the other items that usually carry.
Also, does anyone have suggestions for organizing things inside the cavernous interior? I've thought about buying a couple of these...
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-U...s=amazonbasics

Joel, this post is several years old but it is the most informative review of bags I have found on the web. My hat off to you, sir.

[vegasvics]

Will the large size fit under the seat in front of me on most planes? I travel a lot and I carry my luggage as well as a briefcase on board.

Not in coach

[krisbarger]

I have the saddkeback large briefcase, medium water bag,large water bag, 2 medium travel cases, my wife has the large tote,wallet, business card holder... I have had these for about 1 year and the experience is amazing. There products cannot be beat.

I'm a convert!!

[avsmusic1]

been seeing a fair amount of saddleback love around here lately so i wanted to bump this up for those considering taking the plunge into briefcase bliss

[cadomniel]

I've had my dark coffee brown saddleback briefcase - medium size for about two and a half years.
I only use it on trips mostly and agree with other posters in this thread the main negative it has is that it is bulky and heavy. The buckles can be a pain when trying to get stuff out, ie airport security, or meetings with clients.
Other than that the bag has been awesome and got tons of compliments.
the medium bag won't fit my 15.4'' laptop but my 13'' macbook fits.

I might get a medium thin briefcase in carbon black to use more as a go to daily briefcase

[JeffJ]

The Solo bag lasts about a year with constant use and moderate travel. The magnetic clips on the non buckle side ripped out of the fabric from the strength of the magnets. It is a bag that looks great and is very functional.