There is an extensive use of rivets (copper and aluminum) and most are doubled up. Where Filson puts a single brass rivet, these guys use two side-by-side copper or a single massive aluminum rivet. The belting is all doubled leather with a nylon webbing reinforcement. I believe the shoulder strap could easily support my weight if I had to hang from it. Additionally, the belts are made extra long to allow items to be strapped on either the top or bottom of the bag.

It like the interior being only two compartments. It is 9″ deep which allows each compartment to be used for more than just papers / folders. My Nikon SLR fits perfectly face up in the rear compartment. I’ve even used it to carry a few grocery items in from the store like a 1/2 gallon milk. The inside pockets are high enough that items don’t get lost. They are big enough that you aren’t limited to just a calculator or cell phone or pens. I carry a point & shoot, harmonica, large swiss army knife, first aid kit, and flashlight. The outside pockets could be slightly larger IMHO to accommodate water bottles easier but they serve the purpose as they are for cell phone, notepad, etc. The inside leather strap is strongly riveted to the divider and has a strong clip for keys, etc. I have a USB drive on mine.

Inside is lined in pig skin which seems really durable when I use a simple scratch test. The handle is beefy. I was impressed to see that they lined the leather used for the handle although it will never see the light of day.

In the end, you could use this for just about anything. I could see using it for an overnight business trip: in one compartment change of shirt, razor, toothbrush, toiletries, and change of tie. In the other: laptop, chargers, papers. I could also see using it for a tool bag on a 4×4 trip just about anywhere!

PS- 16″ size works great for legal-sized docs.

This Saddleback briefcase is great. Rugged and distinctive. It IS heavy. While it can hold everything but the kitchen sink (and you might be able to squeeze that in!), I’m not sure I could pick it up once loaded. This thing weighs 6.5 pounds empty, but it did say that clearly on the Saddleback website. Nonetheless, it is definitly the nicest (and the LAST) briefcase I will own, and I’m thrilled with it. I also think the weight/cardio program to increase upper body strength to be able carry it is an added bonus…..
really…. It’s a great bag and I will keep it and enjoy.

The bag is darker in colour than the pictures published. I like that. The hidden compartment in the bottom is a real bonus, especially since it’s in the unexpected part of the bottom (on the inside, in the back). What pleases me most is the thumbs-up from my wife and kids. (They usually call my other bags “murses” or man-purses.) This seems like it will wear well with both of the sexes without discrimination. Finally, Saddleback did not lose their cool when I kept pestering them with what seems now like unnecessary questions. Kudos to them.

also, as far as the quality, dave, el presidente as they put it, is always reviewing the quality of every bag and that is where the “seconds” come from. if the bags have a mis-measured strap or flap or excessive marking on the leather, they are offered at an additional discount BUT with the SAME great warrantee. this is amazing and shows that the company stands behind their product no matter what it looks like.

take this as you may, but this is an amazing product and company and worth the purchase.

First of all, it’s a great bag. I should have purchased a size bigger, but it’s better this way. I won’t pack so much stuff. It was a “second” because the flap was cut long, which was exactly what I was looking for. I knew I would load up the bag and the long flap has work out well.

Second, yea the company seems odd. The dumb stories remind me of J. Peterman from Seinfeld. These bags are really made in Mexico, not in the owners back shed. So just remember, you aren’t buying a US product. I also have seen their odd attempts at pricing on Ebay which is why I waited for a long time on a cheaper “second”.

Lastly, I’ve had great luck with mine thus far. No issues. A few “hey where did you get that” at meetings. I carry a small laptop so it works as I planned.