A removable shoulder strap is included and is my preferred method of carrying the bag if I have any length of walking to do.

Shoulder strap attachment points are the one major points of weakness for any loaded-down duffle bag, and I’ve had several bags with stitched attachment points rip clean off the bag during normal use.

I have no such concerns of failure with the Saddleback products as the attachment points are secured to the bag by both stitching and rivets. Furthermore the strap is quite comfortable and secure on shoulder even with the bag loaded to capacity.

Inside, the no frills approach continues. The duffle has one shallow pigskin pocket on each side and the toiletry bag has one shallow pocket that spans the internal width across the back.

That’s it and that’s all. I’m not wholly sure what Saddleback intended these pockets to be used for, but in practice I find them largely useless.

Stuffing them with things only serves to reduce interior volume that you could otherwise utilize. I don’t use them at all in the duffle and I only use the toiletry bag’s internal pocket to separate my toothbrush from the main compartment (but could easily do without a pocket here as well).

The Styling

Styling is an extremely subjective metric, but I find these bags to be incredibly handsome. This review features Saddleback’s tobacco color–a very rugged and raw finish which picks up scuffs and scratches quite easily.

Saddleback also offers a dark coffee brown color which has a similarly well-worn vintage aesthetic but in a darker, oiled finish. I specifically chose the tobacco finish as I wanted a bag that would highlight the wear and tear I put it through over the years.

For those wanting something less vintage-inspired and more refined, Saddleback has black or chestnut brown options that would look perfect even in the most classy, professional settings.