I have the TANK for four years now. Must be one of the lucky ones who doesn't have a problem with the dreaded seam at the lower back. The seam falls exactly on my belt line, and sits directly onto the belt. I use a pretty wide belt (1.75") so I think that helped. That said, there is an aftermarket padding, also made of leather and color-matched, that is specifically made for the Tank.
I own a carbon black tank...the ridge on the back of it that rubs on your lower back is very uncomfortable. However, I took a plain, thin, white t-shirt and folded it a couple times and stuffed it in the back pocket at the bottom. I car barely tell the t-shirt is there and I cant get that ridge to touch my back in any way shape or form. To give you an idea of how well the t-shirt fix works, I am paranoid about taking the shirt out for fear I could not get it to work the way it currently does. I love my tank backpack :D
Hi TJ, great review. I have been an admirer of Saddleback leather for quite a while. I am going to hike the El Camino De Santiago trail (500 miles) next June. I am wondering if this type of pack would be comfortable enough, to take on the trail. I realize, that this backpack is not your normal hiking pack. However, I think it would be nice to take along. What is your opinion on the subject? Would this pack be suitable? Or am I better off with one of the high tech (and half the weight) packs? I can handle the extra 4 lbs. I'm just wondering about comfort. Thank you
I have the Squared Backpack in Chestnut, beautiful backpack, great size, flexible enough to keep stuffing it, very comfortable and just an awesome bag. I recommend this bag for outdoors, office and even diaper duty use. Its a fantastic bag.
Awesome. Yeah, I have the older version. It definitely is a tank but it's so hard to fit much in it. It seems like mine not only has a smaller capacity but because it's so rigid, it limits what you can put in there even more. It's kind of like having a box on your back. Great quality but it seems it can't carry any more than my classic medium briefcase from Saddleback leather. I'm playing with the idea of upgrading but am also thinking about the front pocket backpack.
That was my conclusion as well J.B.. You can't get much in the Tank while the Squared has 1/3 more capacity. It's still no hiking pack but definitely better. Let us know what you decide on!
TJ, thank you so much for doing these reviews! I'm looking at upgrading my every-day bag to a Saddleback. I've been carrying a Samsonite laptop backpack for a few years and really like it, but I've noticed a good deal of fraying of seems and, now that I'm working in finance, want something that conveys a different message when I sit down with folks. I really like carrying a backpack, but I am curious about the Saddleback briefcases - do you have any opinions? Also, in your experience, what was the max size laptop you could safely carry in the Square? I have a 15" macbook pro and want to be sure that it can fit in the bag.
Just a first impression from what I see. The older version looks much better then the tobacco version. The leather of the front pocket (on the left) seems much weaker than the chestnut version. If I would choose one it would be the chestnut version because it still looks awesome where as the tobacco looks a bit too tattered for me. (I get it that leather wears and adds character, but for me it comes down to the 'weaker' look) I'm a leather newb, so I could be wrong ;) Nice review.
Hi TJ, I have the Squared Backpack in chestnut and absolutely love it. It's my daily carry bag. Some people bellyache that its too heavy but I think this is the trade off of having a bag that is much more durable and manly than so called "European" styles--think Seinfeld. I for one, although a proper metrosexual male, do not take pride in my effeminate stylings, so I appreciate this masculine, functional, and fashionable accessory. On a final thought concerning its weight, I posit that this issue is easily forgotten to the fact that once this bag is broken in--quickly I might add--it feels very comfortable. The organic material of leather seems to hug my back. Also, in reference to the straps at the top opening of your bag, I suggest you simply remove them as I have done with my bag. I have no issue with the bag having a lean to it as it sits and in time your bag may gravitate back to center if you remove that strap. Instead, I loop the strap around a corner D-ring and use it as a key holder with a carabiner style clip. Thanks for the review and keep em' coming!
Hey there Peter, thank you for the feedback! I removed that strap and I like it much more. PLUS, I now have a utility strap. We have a lot of exciting reviews on the way! Thank you for stopping by!
I want one so bad but it's so hard to justify the price of a backpack. I know I'll feel awesome removing my laptop from it and sending it through the scanner. And, you know that guy RU-vids these bags too and recognizes yours.