So I'm going to nursing school after 20 years in print journalism. Easy to guess how that turned out.



Anyway, my large satchel, my first Saddleback bag, wasn't cutting it. All the clutter of VERY IMPORTANT items in the main compartment made it difficult to insert big textbooks. I needed a bag with front pockets. I had picked up a canvas Indy maybe a couple months prior, and really liked it, so I decided to give the FPGB a try.



It took some getting used to. It's much bigger than the large satchel, and drape of the flap struck me as weird at first. But after a week of toting to work and school, I'm utterly sold. The pockets are bigger than anything on a leather bag, and I can fit three notebooks and a massive A&P text into the main compartment. The wider canvas strap always falls untwisted over my back, and it looks great.



If it needs anything, it's a dedicated internal space just for pens and pencils, like the Indy has.



But this is a winner, an A-plus for school purposes.

Have had a couple Saddleback bags over the years. Have followed Dave/Saddleback since his selling bags on EBay days (even recall him selling his Land Rover I think...?)

Picked one of the Front Pocket Gear bags to replace my Saddleback Medium Satchel that was and still is an exceptional bag, I just needed a tad more space... This bag, size wise and layout wise is ideal, similar to the satchel. I have several Waxed Canvas bags for different needs from the several of the better makers (Duluth and Frost River) and I know they last and take a beating. This bag will even out last them judging by the construction and the slightly heavier weight of the canvas, which is quite simply amazing!

If there is one critique I have, I MISS the extra external D-Rings that are on the satchel.... Used those all the time.... Something to think about, Saddleback, just saying, for future designs.... : )

Love all these waxed canvas bags.

The fact they fit my crocs from 1998 was a big bonus!

I didn't expect to like the Mountainback line more than the Saddleback leather bags, but lord help me this bag has converted me to waxed canvas.



One of the trade-offs of owning an amazing Saddleback piece is weight. The leather bags are heavy empty. Fill it up to capacity and they become unbearably heavy and can cut into your shoulder when carrying them.



With Mountain back bags, you lose some of the extra weight without loss of any of the quality. The FPGB is a piece I exchanged out after buying the Indiana, falling in love with Mountainback and wishing I had purchased a slightly larger bag for my EDC.



Comfortable to wear, even when full with a laptop, ipad, books and art supplies. Front pockets are simple, jet functional and ingenious in design. The gaps behind the pockets are perfect for books, kindles, etc. Lots of places to tuck little odds and ends here and there.



Love this bag, I think I finally found my perfect piece.

Wow! It is a Saddleback so I was expecting to get a quality bag, but what I got was totally unexpected. First, the Canvas Gear Bag is heavy. Not in a bad way, but in a sturdy and substantial way. The canvas is thick--a bit like a fireman's turnout. The leather is thick--much thicker than I expected. The fit and finish is outstanding. The bag is new but it feels like one I've had for years. You could say it was comfortable. It is rugged looking, yet subtlety sophisticated.



I do not typically write reviews, but I couldn't resist on this bag. If you like a more casual looking, rugged, substantial feeling, and one that is unique, you will love this bag as much as I do.



I look forward to living with this bag for many years and I appreciate buying from a company that's on a mission!