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Front Pocket Leather Backpack

$579.00
(234 reviews) Write a Review
100 Year Warranty
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  • 12" X 17" X 7"
  • Weight: 6 lbs

(234)
5 Stars Write a Review
  • 5
    Love the bag, could have done without the Jesus.

    Got my DCB Large Front Pocket backpack on Wednesday and finally got to put it through its paces today. First off, the bag is absolutely gorgeous. I was wigwagging between the Dark Chocolate Brown and the Chestnut for this and I'm absolutely ecstatic I got the DCB. Damn thing is just breathtaking. I did about 7 miles hiking around Seattle with the bag today and was surprised how comfortable the bag was right out of the box. It's also cavernously large. I was able to stuff my laptop, kindle, snacks for the day and (when I got a bit warm) my big-ass winter coat into the bag and still have room to spare for other stuff. The "expandable" height of the bag is awesome and the attention to detail and craftsmanship rock. This thing isn't cheap, but I really can't imagine needing another backpack any decade soon. My only "complaint" would be about the religious proselytizing I stumbled upon when I reached into one of the side pockets. Now, if you watch any of Dave's videos or read the Saddleback site it's very obvious that he and his family (and quite a few of his employees) are devout Christians. For some folks that's probably a selling point of doing business with them, for others it's probably a negative, and for me it's decidedly neutral since Dave and co seem to be of the "Sweetness and light" type of christians as opposed to the less savory types who get all the press. Couldn't have cared less one way or the other about their beliefs . . . Except . . . When I reached into one of the pockets I found a little booklet that says "Personal Bible Verses of Salvation, Assurance And Comfort" with the Saddleback branding on it. And the little booklet goes on to talk about the infallibility of the bible, how the bible has no contradictions (which is a little funny since it's pretty easy to find inconsistencies and contradictions in the bible, but that's neither here nor there) and a bunch of verses. Now, on the one hand I've got absolutely no problem whatsoever with a privately held company using the platform they develop from their business as a way to spread their beliefs. Dave and company have every legal right in the world to proselytize and to stand up and say they're a Christian company and they're obviously very passionate about doing good in the world and believe that spreading the message of the bible is a way to do that. But, as a non-christian customer who's spent a fair chunk of change on this backpack and a few other items finding that little tract definitely put a sour taste in my mouth. For those of you who are religious who might be reading this, imagine if instead of having my experience of finding bible verses in my bag, you instead were enjoying your new purchase, wondering at the craftsmanship and found a little booklet that said "Wonder without religion. Secular sayings to find comfort and joy without god." on the cover. No matter how positive the message of such a booklet it would still probably strike you as inappropriate or worse, especially if the booklet had a very obvious mission of trying to "convert" you to its way of thinking. So . . . * The bag is awesome. I'll have it for a lifetime and will bring it on all my heathen adventures. * Customer service with Dave and Co. is great and they seem like 100% solid people who are doing business the right way. * I totally respect Dave's personal and business values and his right to have them and guide his life and business by them . . . * The booklet seemed a step too far for me. When I bought the bag I was purchasing a bag and didn't think I was lining up to be preached to. But you know what, it takes no faith at all to realize this is a really, really nice bag. =-)

  • 5
    One of the best purchases you will ever make

    A good friend introduced me to Saddleback Leather a couple of years ago and I have since purchased the front pocket backpack, thin briefcase, round satchel (as a gift), and belt. As I speak I have the leather mat ready for purchase in my shopping cart! EVERY purchase from Saddleback has been an absolutely great buy! The quality of the materials is unmatched, and I have no doubts that the leather will last MULTIPLE lifetimes. I get compliments on my gear wherever I go, and I'm pretty sure that my family really WILL fight over this stuff when I'm gone. Heck, they're fighting over it now! I highly recommend purchasing any of Saddleback Leather's awesome products. You will NOT be sorry!

  • 1
    Gotta be honest

    Gotta be honest, for the price, this should have lasted more than 2 weeks without having to go through warranty. The rivets were loose and quickly fell off within a couple of days and when i tried to fit my laptop in it, the bottom and straps broke. Not impressed.

  • 5
    Fantastic!!

    I bought here, but put a review on Amazon...figured I should put the review here too. I bought the, new model, large. The only difference is it is 17" tall, as apposed to 14" on the medium. The bag is OUTSTANDING in quality, craftsmanship, and utility. I'm 65yrs, 6', 200lbs, and have walked to town, 14 mile round trip, with the pack fully loaded, three times (the first two times the bag weighed 30lbs.) The bag is fitting like a glove the more it breaks in. On the third trip to town, overloaded fully as though camping, I threw in an extra 15lbs of lead shot bags from my diving weight belt. The bag, at 53lbs (ridiculous I know, but I wanted to really test myself and the bag,) felt comfortable, riding well on my back. I have to say the bag did better than I the last three miles or so. OK, OK, been a long winter at 8,300ft and I'm just getting into shape. One thing to note, it did get hot between my back and the bag. I doubt, in normal usage, I would ever be carrying 30lbs, let alone 53lbs......I wish I had this bag decades ago. It's an investment, sure, but it will pay dividends in the years to come. The bag is a bit heavy compared to modern material bags, but was easy for me to get used to. I've been using Jandd, Ultimate Directions, and a Gregory, of similar capacity, for thirty years. I doubt if I will ever use them again. Not only will you have a lifetime of use with this bag, you'll be the classiest person out there. It gets folks talking to you, as they recognize the quality from a distance. The fear of the price will quickly be overcome by the smell, quality, looks, and the creaking of the leather, of this functional, tough, piece of art.

  • 5
    Last backpack you will buy!!

    I had a previous "tank" style backpack which didn't get a lot of use so I decided I would get a 14" front pocket style backpack. Pulled the trigger ordered this from Dave's Deals and upon arrival and initial inspection I could not find any imperfections with it!! Took this along on our annual vacation to Antigua so I loaded it up with my 13" MacBook pro in a Saddleback sleeve and my iPad in a Saddleback cover along with the assorted chargers and a change of clothes and other misc. stuff. This backpack can hold an amazing amount of stuff, it fits real nice and very comfortable on your back. I'm not a backpack person until now, it was used everyday to go to the beach, going out on daytrips and horseback riding. After a week of regular use it is already starting to get broken in just nicely. It's a great size for everyday use and can hold quite a bit, the pull strap around the opening is nice for the added bit of security. The front and side pockets are the perfect size for holding chargers, glasses and smaller items. I use the opening behind the side pocket is perfect for holding a bottle of water or my Kleen Kanteen. Now that the nicer weather has finally come to Ontario I will be using it for carrying my DSLR camera and gear, out on mountain bike rides and going back and forth to our cottage. Like the previous reviewers I rate this a 5 out of 5, it will be the last backpack you will own. Derek