Deep Pocket Backpack

Deep Pocket Backpack

Chestnut
$599.00
Sale price  $599.00 Regular price  $0.00
Club Member Price: $539.10
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Deep Pocket Backpack

Saddleback

Deep Pocket Backpack

$599.00
Sale price  $599.00 Regular price  $0.00
Club Member Price: $539.10

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40 reviews

Color Chestnut

SKU 01-20-0013-CH

QUANTITY:Inventory status:In stock
100 Year Warranty
Returnable within 30 days

Dimensions (W x H x D)

  • 16" x 12” x 7"
  • Weight: 6 lbs.

Designed For The Smithsonian

There is no luck in designing and building a high quality leather backpack, and this Deep Pocket Leather Backpack is no exception.

I nerd out on the details of all of this down the page, but I designed this high quality leather backpack with the expectation of it being on display in the Smithsonian 100 years from now. As you know, quality starts in the design room, so let me tell you a little about that.

High Quality Design

Designed For The Smithsonian

There is no luck in designing and building a high quality leather backpack, and this Deep Pocket Leather Backpack is no exception.

I nerd out on the details of all of this down the page, but I designed this high quality leather backpack with the expectation of it being on display in the Smithsonian 100 years from now. As you know, quality starts in the design room, so let me tell you a little about that.

No Breakable Parts

Imagine you have a rabid cat in your livingroom, growling and hissing at you and foaming at the mouth. The logical thing would be to remove it permanently so it doesn’t bite you in the butt later. If it does, then life will get real inconvenient real quick. My design thinking is the same. If we remove breakable parts then… well… they won’t bite you in the butt later. Therefore, I design with no breakable parts like zippers, snaps, magnets, buttons or velcro.

Toughest Materials We Can Legally Buy

Like everything else I design, I chose to build it with the toughest boot leather we can buy, lining that is stronger than the leather, super-strong industrial-strength thick German thread and with the hardest and strongest hardware that is pretty much impossible to break.

Over-Engineered Design

I over-engineered the patterns and seams to never come apart and built in polyester straps at all stress points and reinforced them with rivets and extra stitching for if, one day, your life depends on it. But who cares if it lasts that long, if it looks dumb. So, I worked pretty hard on that part too.

As Few Seams As Possible

My longterm thinking is the same when it comes to the patterns of all of my designs; with as few pieces as possible. Logically… if seams are where bags start falling apart first, then umm… let’s just have as few seams as possible. Makes sense to me. Let me explain in more detail. A sewing machine is really a perforation machine because the needle pokes a bunch of little holes in the leather and each needle hole is the start of a tear. The more little tears the needle makes, the more likelihood one of those tears will grow bigger. So that’s why I designed this leather backpack to be constructed out of just two big huge pieces of leather. Plus, the way water gets into a cow is the same way water gets into a backpack, through one of the holes, not through the skin itself. So, the fewer holes it has, the less likely water is going to seep into the backpack when it is pouring down rain.

Only 5 Stitches Per Inch

And then we stitched it at 5 stitches per inch instead of 7 or 9 per inch so that those needle tears would be as far apart from eachother as possible. The thinner that little piece of leather is between the neighboring needle holes, the more likely it is to tear. We intentionally stitch all large designs at 5 stitches per inch and smaller or finer looking designs firmly at 7 stitches per inch, but on those we use a thinner, super strong thread which allows us to use a much thinner needle that pokes a super small hole, which, in turn, leaves a lot of leather between the holes.

High Quality Materials

Full Grain Leather

When I say "Full Grain Leather" I mean that it still has the full amount of all of the tough, tightly woven fibers on the top of the hide still there. The grain layer is the strongest and most dense part of the hide and it holds the moisture in and doesn’t crack or stain easily.

We line it with pigskin, which is stronger than the cow skin at the same thickness. It's rare for a low quality company to use full grain to make a leather backpack because cutting corners and making all the money they can, is all they care about.

Seriously Strong Hardware

I know that using 316 Stainless Steel custom hardware is kind of like killing a fly with a shotgun, but we did it anyways. Somewhere a metallurgist just cried a tear. The large pieces of hardware on our leather backpacks are rated strong enough to hold a 751 lb. bag of cats over a 1000 ft. cliff before the rope breaks. Seriously, you should google 316 Stainless Steel to understand. If your life needs to depend on a metal buckle, let it depend on our 316 Stainless Steel one.

This Thread Holds This Leather Backpack With Pockets

We sew it all together with thick and strong German Polyester thread. It's industrial strength and doesn't deteriorate with exposure to the Sun's UV rays like Nylon thread does. This Deep Pocket Leather Backpack is very strong because of

A Genuine Leather Backpack is Missing the Strength

There are 4 grades of leather, from strongest to weakest: Full Grain, Top Grain, Genuine (Suede or Split leather) and Bonded, which is the PT Cruiser of the leather world. Most companies shave off the scars and blemishes from the top of the hide, but in doing so, shave off the strongest and best part of the hide (the grain) while doing it. Kind of like shaving the shingles off of the roof.

When a hide doesn’t have any grain left on the top, it’s called Genuine, Split or Suede leather. They do it so they don't have to cut around the scars, bites and marks, which saves them A LOT OF MONEY. We just cut around them and throw about 25% of each hide into the trash. They only throw about 10% away. Their genuine leather backpacks still have leather fibers, so they’re WAY better than any low class petrochemical based backpack made of nylon or the joke of the century, trashy Vegan “Leather”, but they will never patina and are missing the beautiful characteristics of full grain leather.

Adjustable Shoulder Straps

We want this leather backpack to be easy to carry on and off your back, so we made the most comfortable straps that are easily adjustable and with pads that are removable if you like. Keep your bag looking its best for decades with our full-grain leather care guide.

From a Brown Leather Backpack, to a Black Leather Backpack, you have options

We know not everyone has the same style. So this leather backpack with pockets comes in four different colors. The light tan color (called Tobacco) develops the most beautiful patina over time. There's also Dark Coffee Brown, Chestnut (reddish brown), and Black. Each color has a type of person who likes it.

Low Quality Trashy Materials

A Vegan Leather Backpack is Plastic Garbage

The term “vegan” leather is so deceptive and ridiculous that it’s illegal to use in marketing in Italy. It doesn't even make sense. It's usually polyurethane or PVC, which is a plastic with a thin layer of some naturalish material sprayed on and bonded to the top. Do you want to wear a plastic trash bag backpack on your back?

First, let me say, I am a person for the ethical treatment of animals and God wants us to be too. I am fiercely against anyone causing the intentional suffering of animals and those in charge of certain animal farms that I’ve seen documentaries on. They should be put in prison. They are a shame to their children and history will forget them. Secondly, if you choose a vegan diet for health reasons, I am 100% behind you. I really hope it helps.

Facts about Vegan Leather

According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition, the word leather is defined as:

Animal Leather

  • The dressed or tanned hide of an animal.
  • Any of various articles or parts made of dressed or tanned hide, such as a boot or strap.
  • The flap of a dog's ear.
  • A collagen, which is a protein.

Vegan leather

A type of material made without any animal products using a synthetic petrochemical material like polyurethane or polyethylene as a base layer, with a thin layer of plant-based source such as pineapple, cactus or mushrooms on top. It serves as an alternative to traditional leather and therefore much effort is put into making it look like leather.

*It is illegal to use the term 'vegan leather' in marketing in Italy because it has been ruled as a deceptive marketing practice.

Veganism definition:

“Veganism is a way of living which excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, and includes a reverence for life. It applies to the practice of living on the products of the plant kingdom to the exclusion of flesh, fish, fowl, eggs, honey, animal silk, and it’s derivatives, and encourages the use of alternatives for all commodities derived wholly or in part from animals.”

Vegan “leather” is a lie straight from the pit of hell and horrible for the Earth, animals, your health, bank account and self-esteem. It is one of the thousand intentional little cuts deceptively forced onto our society that is bleeding us to death. Now you know what I think.

  • 5 stars: 40 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
T
Timothy S
Big Mouth

The highest of quality and durability as far as leather bookbags go. I do wish a few things were different but those are just personal preferences and a tendency of wanting to improve things.
I do believe this bag will outlast its warranty with recommended care. That doesn't mean abuse it and see where it will fail but it is a titan among bookbags.
Like a divorce lawyer, money well spent!

B
Brandon Burk
A Must Have

A rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic that really stands out. I love how easily the top opens and how accessible everything inside is. The durable, rugged design is a big plus too.

M
Magd Zalok
Excellent Backpack

Great compact design and, as expected from SBL Co., wonderful craftsmanship. I am happy with my purchase.

D
Dr. Mark Barrett
Just recieved

My wife and I just returned from a trip. We were carrying several bags onto the plane. I realized we needed one bag we could back with a lot of stuff. The Big Mouth backpack was the answer. Love it! This is my 4th saddleback bag. I currently use the flight bag for work, which I love.

S
Sadig Alizada
Just got this!

Seems to be very tough, and boy, it's so freaking heavy! I guess that's what is meant by quality.

I'll try to use it at work, don't know how this will end up haha. No need to carry my lunch-bag separately anymore!

I've fitted everything that I need to the office, and still there is huge amount of space left.
Time will tell, hope to leave this to my grand-grandchildren.

C
Christopher Clinton
Big Mouth Leather Backpack

I'll put it this way for anyone who may be on the fence about purchasing this bag...BUY IT!!!! I was once enamored by all the bags with secret compartments, zippers etc., but I found myself always looking at other bags because something was missing. What was missing was the simpliciity of having a well crafted, superbly designed backpack that does what it needs to do...carry my items, protect said items, while looking amazing. This bag does that. My wife, son and all my coworkers are coveting after this bag.

This bag gets all the STARS!!

J
Jared
Great pack

My first pack from Saddleback Leather after contenting myself with wallets, and I love it. Very well-made, and the “mouth” mechanisms are perfect. I do wish it was a little narrower (I’m 5’10”), but it’s nowhere near a dealbreaker. If you’re shorter than me or thinner than me (140lbs), then you might have to punch extra holes in the straps, because I’m on the last holes. And on that note, I wish there were straps on the bottom to tuck away the excess strap length.

Those are minor nitpicks, though. Overall I’m very happy with this backpack.

H
Holli H.
Perfect size for all my EDC needs .

It is my favorite backpack from saddleback . Due to the look is gorgeous with the Gladstone opening , the size is just right for my laptop , journals and all my travel art necessities . The access is the best feature in that it is easily opened and things can be gotten to quickly. My favorite feature is the front wide mouth opening pocket . It also gives it the perfect look . Best design so far in my opinion. Loved it so much I ordered the small mouth .

M
Michael B.
Super-boss backpack

I bought it for when I commute to work on my motorcycle. It's good and sturdy. I'm looking forward to watching from beyond who fights for it when I'm dead.

J
Jason B.
Fabulous

This is a very well engineered backpack. I have been using a Saddleback Flight Bag and loved it. However, I really wanted a backpack with the same type of opening as the flight bag. This is that bag - slots for a laptop and tablet and made with the quality we’ve come to expect from Saddleback.

D
DAVID Z.
It is my 8th bag

It is my 8th bag and it is wonderful just like all the others

E
Ellen F.
Beautiful bag a bit large

Beautiful bag a bit large

J
James P.
100% Saddleback Leather Quality and Craftsmanship

It is exceptionally well made. Sturdy and substantial. Heavyweight and Heavy Duty. It will be a welcome addition to the collection that I have.

R
Robin W.
Perfect bag...for real!! I always

Perfect bag...for real!! I always have trouble looking inside backpacks for my stuff due to floppy tops, but THIS bigmouth solves that problem! Love this backpack!!

S
Stanton C.
Top notch product

Absolutely phenomenal design, well thought of engineering. Coming from someone that owns several bag packs, including three different styles of saddleback backpacks, this is absolutely stunning. It seems like the more you add to the mouth the better it feels. So comfortable.”Trust they will fight over it when you’re gone. absolutely worth the fight. I’ll have to put this down as an absolute favorite. You did it once again SADDLEBACK. I’m not surprised. 5 Stars for sure. Definitely happy I got my hands on this particular one.

R
Rodney N.
Incredible quality. This was a

Incredible quality. This was a gift for my wife and she loved it. Unfortunately it was a little big on her so we sent it back and choose a smaller one. I was tempted to just keep the big mouth for myself. Thank you Saddleback Leather Company for making such quality products.

S
Suhas K.
"Dad, you have a whole cow there"

Have been waiting to buy a leather backpack from Saddleback. Finally got the Gladstone Backpack.
Very impressed with the quality and workmanship. Love the smell of real leather. I am only 5' 5" and 132lbs. This well proportioned bag sits snug on me without the shoulder straps digging into my armpits.The wide mouth really stays open so putting stuff in and getting out is no problem. And the strap over the mouth gives it added security so no one can 'dip' into the backpack when you travel in some crowded European cities! Loads of space.
When my son saw the bag the exclaimed, "Dad you have a whole cow there!" Thanks Dave. Looking forward to years of travel with this.

C
Cade
The tank with an upgrade

Recently purchased this for my wife. She has been a "tank" user for quite some time. I am a flight bag enthusiast and doctors bag when traveling. I love the gladstone closures. I initially wanted to purchase in DCB for myself. I am a DCB person and all my SBL stuff is DCB. I either missed the initial allotment or they haven't been released yet. My wife is a Tobacco fan, so she received her first. It is an awesome bag to say the least. We have 6 kids so my my wife packs her "purse" the tank quite full. Having the Gladstone closures makes it easy to access contents and locate the Basketball jersey, random mouth guard etc. with plenty of room for her items. I cant wait to get mine. Hurry up SBL I need my DCB Bigmouth.

S
Scott w.
i have several bags and

i have several bags and briefcases love this one for the easy access design as usual built like a rock. The only thing i would have done different is cover the reinforcement for the handle with pigskin like the other bags i own, looks a little strange and slightly unfinished with it exposed, great bag love your products.

A
Allan R.
My Search for the Perfect Bag is Over!!!

I have been searching for the perfect bag for years...and I mean years...but my search is over. If I can't get it in this bag I really don't need it - the size is perfect and the pockets make it highly versatile! Of course the exterior is both tough looking as well as cool, but I also love the pigskin on the inside, and the Gladstone bag closure really makes getting in and out of the bag with two free hands so easy. Add the fact that it's a backpack with two super strong straps, and that's why I'm completely content with this bag and will be for the duration. It's built like a tank and I've had people come over and tell me they had been admiring it from a distance. Bigger than it looks in the pictures, I was a little surprised at first sight - but I have been thankful for the space. Great job Saddleback!!!

D
Daniel R.
Just perfect

Just perfect

S
Scott B.
I have several Saddleback bags

I have several Saddleback bags and this is my favorite.

M
Michael M.
This is the backpack I

This is the backpack I have been waiting for. The gladstone closure makes it perfect, as I am able to get to needed items quickly. It has become my go to EDC.

T
Teresa T.
It’s perfect. I love it.

It’s perfect. I love it. The fact it opens easily and completely is just what I wanted. I fits all my important office needs.

D
Douglas W.
Own several pieces of Saddleback

Own several pieces of Saddleback leather and have traveled all over the world with them. Love this big mouth backpack! I love the room, the pockets, and the arrangement as well as any bag I have owned. Between this and the Flight Bag, I just don’t know what else could top the quality and design!

D
Douglas K.
Big mouth review

Excellent love it. A tad heavy, but a great bag.

D
Duncan D.
I have bought more backpacks

I have bought more backpacks that I care to remember. Both for backpacking and business. While this backpack may not work for a thru-hike on the AT, it definitely works for business trips and EDC. The Gladstone opening is fantastic, and of course with all thinks Saddleback Leather the quality is bar none the best!

J
John H.
A masterpiece!

A masterpiece!

M
Matthew R.
Perfection

I love the big mouth backpack. It is exactly the kind of backpack I have been looking for. Inside, as well as outside pockets are amazing.

Being able to open the Gladstone opening and see everything, is what I've always wanted in a backpack.

My first trip with it was to the zoo with my family. I was able to fit water bottles on the outside pockets, as well as the two inside ones, with no problem.

Coming with the tubes for the straps was a big bonus too. It fits so comfortably on my 5'10" frame.

The size of the main compartment is astounding. This bag will be coming with me for years to come.

T
Tom J.
Nice velvety tobacco finish. Very

Nice velvety tobacco finish. Very nice backpack.

A
Allison P.
I bought folded wallets in

I bought folded wallets in tobacco and monogrammed them for my nephews and brother n laws for Christmas. They love their wallets! I got my son the backpack for Christmas and you can tell by the smile on his face that it is win!

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