Road Test

Saddleback Leather

Bags are like tools: there's a right one for any job at hand. Weekenders, duffels, rucksacks—they all get used for specific purposes. One area we're always rotating in new contenders is for the daily commute. A few months ago, we decided to try out a briefcase by Texas-based Saddleback as a potential daily companion. Hand made from full-grain leather, lined with pig skin and riveted at all stress points, the bag comes with a 100-year warranty. We can now see why. The Saddleback has been a revelation in quality. After three months of daily beatings, it's only gotten better with wear. It easily carries a 15" MacBook, a few magazines and multiple notebooks. It even converts into a backpack for extremely heavy loads. I've yet to take it somewhere and not received multiple compliments and inquiries to its origin. Add in the secret "compartment" and I'm happy to carry a bag even Indiana Jones would lust after. - Jon Gaffney

$519, at Saddleback Leather Co.