MacRumors Giveaway: Win a High-Quality Leather Briefcase From Saddleback Leather Company

[MacRumors]

For the next few weeks, MacRumors is running a special giveaway event, which will see us highlighting and giving away high-quality luxury bags from manufacturers like Pad & Quill, Intrepid Bag Co, Whipping Post, and Saddleback Leather Company. We've got all of these bags on hand so we can give clear details on construction, quality, utility, and more.

For today's giveaway, we've partnered with Saddleback Leather Company to give away one of the company's medium-sized Thin Front Pocket Briefcases made from a rich tobacco-colored leather.

Measuring in at 15 inches by 11.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the Pocket Briefcase is not a small bag, so it's big enough to hold a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a Retina MacBook, a 13-inch MacBook Pro/MacBook Air, or a 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. I was able to fit multiple Apple products inside, along with all of their accessories.

The Pocket Briefcase is made from a super thick, rugged full-grain leather and features a saddle-style buckle and two outer pockets that also clasp with buckles. When new, the bag is rigid and the main buckle is a bit hard to work with, but it should soften up within a few weeks. The outer leather looks like it'll weather nicely, gaining a lot of character over time from scratches and bumps, and it's undeniably sturdy, made from just a few pieces of leather with careful stitching.

Aside from the two outer buckle pockets, a pen pocket, and a rear pocket large enough to hold papers or magazines, there's one main pocket on the inside of the bag, roomy enough to hold the aforementioned laptop along with accessories and anything else you might need to carry. There are two hidden side pockets within the main pocket, sized to hold items like pens, pencils and flash drives, and there's a leather key fob.

The padded leather strap can be used to wear the briefcase as a messenger bag or as a backpack depending on how it's buckled, so can be worn in whichever way is most comfortable. The shoulder strap can also be removed entirely so it can be used as a traditional briefcase with just the padded hand strap, and no matter how you're using it, it's going to get compliments. This is a stylish, rugged briefcase.

At 5.35 pounds, this is not a lightweight bag, but the craftsmanship is superb and it looks like it'll be able to stand up to a lot of abuse while still looking great. Saddleback Leather Company offers a 100 year guarantee on its products, so this is a bag that you buy for life.

The Thin Front Pocket Briefcase is normally priced at $489, but one MacRumors reader will win one for free. To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner and send the prize.

You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway​

The contest will run from today (September 2) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9. The winner will be chosen randomly on September 9 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

Article Link: MacRumors Giveaway: Win a High-Quality Leather Briefcase From Saddleback Leather Company

 

[MacDawg]

Looks nice
I entered

 

[Amazing Iceman]

I entered, but not with high expectations. I have done it since these contests started, and so far... nothing

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Actually, I have a Saddleback briefcase - the 'classic' (in chestnut) and a medium size.

They are beautiful, soldily-made, heavy, hefty, indestructible, and, I am frankly envious of whoever gets to win this. (I am unable to enter as - most of the time - I am in Europe). Anyway, it is a gorgeous briefcase.

 

[BeefCake 15]

Done!

 

[RootBeerMan]

I entered. My wife would love that briefcase.

 

[CarlJ]

Saddleback Leather makes some seriously nice stuff, top quality leather and craftsmanship. Best of luck to those entering and congratulations to the winner!

 

[GLS]

Actually, I have a Saddleback briefcase - the 'classic' (in chestnut) and a medium size.

They are beautiful, soldily-made, heavy, hefty, indestructible, and, I am frankly envious of whoever gets to win this. (I am unable to enter as - most of the time - I am in Europe). Anyway, it is a gorgeous briefcase.

Several years ago, I was walking in an airport and saw that bag. Liked it so much, I came home and purchased one for myself. Incredible bag, unbelievable build quality and construction, and when new...a simply wonderful smell. When I carry the bag, people will ask about it. In a world of cheap backpacks and briefcases, it stands out.

 

[Tastannin]

Nice contest, nice prize! However, @jclo - seems to be a typo in the giveaway details. Giveaway starts today (Sept 2) and runs thru Sept 9. However it says the winner will be drawn on Sept 2 (today)?

 

[kostamoose]

Tastannin just stole my thunder - @jclo I think you mean winner drawn Sept 9.

 

[jclo]

Nice contest, nice prize! However, @jclo - seems to be a typo in the giveaway details. Giveaway starts today (Sept 2) and runs thru Sept 9. However it says the winner will be drawn on Sept 2 (today)?

Yes, thanks. It's been fixed.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Several years ago, I was walking in an airport and saw that bag. Liked it so much, I came home and purchased one for myself. Incredible bag, unbelievable build quality and construction, and when new...a simply wonderful smell. When I carry the bag, people will ask about it. In a world of cheap backpacks and briefcases, it stands out.

Oh, yes.

I am abroad at the moment, - and the briefcase is with me, often it accompanying me to meetings; people always ask about it, some will fight for the dubious honour of carrying it, and many admire it.

It will take the rough and tumble of anything you throw at it.

Glad you like yours, and hope you get plenty of use from it: Is yours the 'classic' or one of the other bags?

 

[npmacuser5]

I entered, but not with high expectations. I have done it since these contests started, and so far... nothing

FYI, the prizes are awarded. I won the Plugable USB-C hub, works great. Thank you very much MacRumors.

 

[melendezest]

Nice bag.

It's heavy though, at least for Mac users that complain about a 6lb laptop being heavy...

I wish it could hold my 17", but my 15 would be fine!

 

[timja]

Beautiful looking thing - would love to own this one!

 

[rattydog]

I am in the UK and was thinking to buy one of these bags when I am in the US in October. I have other Saddleback goods and love them (esp. my travel document holder).

But the story should read that it DID sell for $489, until they provided one for the MacRumors giveaway (the price was $489 on 17 August). Now they start at $700!!!

Saddleback should be happy to have new buyers led to the site, but to jack the price like that is shameful. Their business, my money. No sale.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I am in the UK and was thinking to buy one of these bags when I am in the US in October. I have other Saddleback goods and love them (esp. my travel document holder).

But the story should read that it DID sell for $489, until they provided one for the MacRumors giveaway (the price was $489 on 17 August). Now they start at $700!!!

Saddleback should be happy to have new buyers led to the site, but to jack the price like that is shameful. Their business, my money. No sale.

Over the past two months, they sent out a number of emails to those on their mailing list - I am one as I have been a customer for a few years - warning in advance of the proposed price increases.

Their argument is that their prices have been at the same level for a number of years (which is true, as I have bought stuff in 2013), and that they have been advised that this is economically unsustainable, above all, if they wish to continue to build products of quality.

In fairness, from what I can see, the price increase has nothing whatsoever to do with the MR giveaway.

 

[rattydog]

Over the past two months, they sent out a number of emails to those on their mailing list - I am one as I have been a customer for a few years - warning in advance of the proposed price increases.

Their argument is that their prices have been at the same level for a number of years (which is true, as I have bought stuff in 2013), and that they have been advised that this is economically unsustainable, above all, if they wish to continue to build products of quality.

In fairness, from what I can see, the price increase has nothing whatsoever to do with the MR giveaway.

I am not on the mailing list and fully appreciate that they need to ensure their company can continue to grow and produce high quality products. They have increased prices slightly over the years. I have noticed this between looking at items and deciding to buy them (and a quick perusal of pages on the Wayback Machine can confirm this). Whether it is wise to increase the price of some items by over 40% is another thing entirely, and time will tell if such a jump was a wise move. It is not my company and I was not necessarily commenting on that...

However, my comment was more directly aimed at the fact that the MacRumors post went up on 2 September saying the price was normally $489 and then I click through to the site on 4 September and the price is $700. The timing of the jump in price may be the result of an error on the part of the MacRumors team – the price went up before the post and the made a mistake and posted the old price – or it may be purely coincidental. I do not claim to be able to reconstruct the events in question entirely, but I think they are certainly worthy of a healthy dose of suspicion.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I am not on the mailing list and fully appreciate that they need to ensure their company can continue to grow and produce high quality products. They have increased prices slightly over the years. I have noticed this between looking at items and deciding to buy them (and a quick perusal of pages on the Wayback Machine can confirm this). Whether it is wise to increase the price of some items by over 40% is another thing entirely, and time will tell if such a jump was a wise move. It is not my company and I was not necessarily commenting on that...

However, my comment was more directly aimed at the fact that the MacRumors post went up on 2 September saying the price was normally $489 and then I click through to the site on 4 September and the price is $700. The timing of the jump in price may be the result of an error on the part of the MacRumors team – the price went up before the post and the made a mistake and posted the old price – or it may be purely coincidental. I do not claim to be able to reconstruct the events in question entirely, but I think they are certainly worthy of a healthy dose of suspicion.

Candidly, in this instance, I don't think your suspicion is justified, and I think that the MR giveaway and the price increase are purely coincidental, - in that they happened to take place at the same time, - little else links them.

Saddleback notified those on their mailing list in late July, or early August - weeks and weeks before the MR giveaway - of the impending price increase, and followed it up with a last email at the very end of August.

Off hand, I seem to recall that I received at least three such emails from them over the past two months.

Besides, for those looking for a discounted price, Saddleback also offer the 'Dave's Deals' section, where discounts ranging from 10% to 25% are often available on certain products.

 

[unibility]

Over the past two months, they sent out a number of emails to those on their mailing list - I am one as I have been a customer for a few years - warning in advance of the proposed price increases.

Their argument is that their prices have been at the same level for a number of years (which is true, as I have bought stuff in 2013), and that they have been advised that this is economically unsustainable, above all, if they wish to continue to build products of quality.

In fairness, from what I can see, the price increase has nothing whatsoever to do with the MR giveaway.

I have purchased their Square Backpack several years ago and it's top notch. Bought it in black, the inner lining is also black. Beginning of the year I bought the thin briefcase in black too but the inner lining is tan. They are cutting cost, even the gamuts used are not matching anymore.

And their supposed "One of s kind" collection is not one of a kind, it's leather that imperfect and they try to pass it off as one of a kind.

Even my envelope clutch i bought to hold my 2015 MacBook, the black dye is starting to wear off too. I had to send it back for repairs since it has a 100 year warranty.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have purchased their Square Backpack several years ago and it's top notch. Bought it in black, the inner lining is also black. Beginning of the year I bought the thin briefcase in black too but the inner lining is tan. They are cutting cost, even the gamuts used are not matching anymore.

And their supposed "One of s kind" collection is not one of a kind, it's leather that imperfect and they try to pass it off as one of a kind.

Even my envelope clutch i bought to hold my 2015 MacBook, the black dye is starting to wear off too. I had to send it back for repairs since it has a 100 year warranty.

I bought quite a few bits and pieces from them in 2013-2014, all of which were extremely well made (the classic briefcase that I referred to above, a trifold wallet, a bag that I am not sure is made any more - akin to the small gadget bag, some leather card holders, and so on), but haven't actually bought anything since then.

However, I am saddened - but not terribly surprised - to learn that the same care (and costs) might not be put into their products to quite the same degree any longer.

Re 'One of a Kind', Colonel Littleton - who also make nice stuff - try this sales pitch, too.

At that price, I will cheerfully forego 'one of a kind' for something that is not quite as 'perfect' as it might be; put another way, at that price, I'll forego imperfection as advertised.

 

[CarpalMac]

Thought I would look into buying one of these then saw the prices! I am certain that it is beautiful and quite something to own but I would be too nervous to take it anywhere. I still have a Hugo Boss jacket that I bought 6 years ago in its hanger in the cupboard for the same reason.

 

[Bob Zimmerman]

I am in the UK and was thinking to buy one of these bags when I am in the US in October. I have other Saddleback goods and love them (esp. my travel document holder).

But the story should read that it DID sell for $489, until they provided one for the MacRumors giveaway (the price was $489 on 17 August). Now they start at $700!!!

Saddleback should be happy to have new buyers led to the site, but to jack the price like that is shameful. Their business, my money. No sale.

You may want to take a look at Kendal & Hyde bags. I have one of their original-design "Classic Satchel" bags, and it is both beautiful and exceptionally well-built. The redesigned version looks like it will last even better. The appearance is purely a matter of opinion, but I prefer it to the Saddleback bags I have seen.

Thought I would look into buying one of these then saw the prices! I am certain that it is beautiful and quite something to own but I would be too nervous to take it anywhere. I still have a Hugo Boss jacket that I bought 6 years ago in its hanger in the cupboard for the same reason.

As long as you condition and weatherproof them, they'll last an extremely long time. Leather is far more durable than most people realize. Just about the only thing that kills it is lack of use. It's skin, but without the oils a living creature creates to maintain it. As you use leather goods, your hands leave oils behind. Conditioners help lubricate the leather fibers as well. When you don't use leather, it dries out and it can crack.

 

[GLS]

Oh, yes.

I am abroad at the moment, - and the briefcase is with me, often it accompanying me to meetings; people always ask about it, some will fight for the dubious honour of carrying it, and many admire it.

It will take the rough and tumble of anything you throw at it.

Glad you like yours, and hope you get plenty of use from it: Is yours the 'classic' or one of the other bags?

Classic Briefcase, medium, in Chesnut

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Classic Briefcase, medium, in Chesnut

Ah, the exact same as mine is, then.

I am working abroad at the moment, and brought that briefcase with me; not only does it stand out, inviting admiring questions from all and sundry - and is virtually indestructible - but it holds a surprising amount of stuff, too.