Tank Backpack

This thing is a beast and has everything I want. It’s substantial, has exterior pockets, comfy straps and has plenty of room. Exterior pockets on a backpack are essential to throw items in going through TSA and that’s why I got rid of the 16” Drawstring backpack. Love it!

I am a club member and own several pieces of Saddle Back Leather products. I use them in rotation and when I received the Tank Backpack I fell in love all over again. Saddle Back leather never disappoints. I love the room and structure of this backpack and all of my Saddleback Products are my favorites. Thanks Saddleback for another great product.

This bag is a rugged, standout tool that becomes an extension of yourself and a part of your identity

As its name suggests, this thing is built like a tank. Just like the assortment of other SBL products we own, this bag looks great and is made to last. The pocket/compartment layout is simple but effective. The design and general utility of this backpack makes it a great multi-use bag—work bag, out-and-about bag, travel bag/carry-on, diaper bag, etc. Without a compartment on the back, the bag stays/wears fairly thin even when fully loaded. The deep side pockets help with additional storage without adding bulk.

I wanted to update the last review I left, just about five years ago. I still use this every day. I still get questions and comments about every time I go on a trip. I bout mine on August 29th, 2012. So I am coming up on 14 years. My son got so impatient waiting for me to die, I bought him one! I feel safer now :)

I just recently got this backpack and after wearing it for just a day out hiking, I know already that I'm going to love it. Yes It's big, a bit on heavier side but it's durable, very tough, and just looks amazing. Folks complain about the shoulder straps and I can understand that but I don't find them uncomfortable at all. I don't think i'll need another work and/or travel backpack again for the rest of my life. This thing is built to last!! TY

I've had backpacks all my life, but this one transcends all categories of backpacks, from corporate meetings, workout sessions, international travel, farming, and everything else in between - I have used it in all these environments!

I love this bag. It has been all over Europe with us and survived a lot of heavy loads. We’ve carried kids in it on hikes, multiple laptops and all the gear that goes with working remotely, and clothes etc for weekend trips. It looks great and has aged beautifully. Couldn’t be prouder that this was my first Saddleback bag and to support such an amazing company. Great quality and functionality.

After traveling recently, I decided to move beyond rolling luggage that lasts but a couple years. This backpack was the obvious choice. Spectacular workmanship.

My new prized possession !!!

I’ve had this for years but never used it until now because it weighs around 9 pounds, empty. Now need a backpack so I pulled this bad boy out and started to use it (and building muscles at the same time). It holds a ton and my only limitation is the how much I can add to the weight of this, full of books, journals, the extra large Saddleback wallet (also in Tobacco) and still carry it without falling over. I love the original wrap around shoulder straps and they are breaking in, slowly. I am an avid Saddleback customer and the quality of their products is top notch. I don’t yet know how to break in the body of the Tank… the leather is so beautiful and thick. But it’s just fine being stiff. Saddleback is the place that I shop for myself whenever I need to give myself a present. And after all these years, the leather smell is still terrific. By the way, I am a 5’3” 71 year old woman and it’s not too big at all.

This is my second purchase from saddleback….it was like Christmas when I got the delivery. And I wasn’t disappointed when I opened up! Website pics don’t do it justice— it is even better in real life! I was going to get a different colour than my first saddleback (flight bag) but I’m glad I chose the dark espresso brown again. It’s a classic. Well done saddleback!!

First off I like to say that owning one of Dave's bag is like belonging to a special group of folks that for whatever reason have ignored the naysayers, skeptics, and the purely uniformed. What I mean to say is that I bought this most excellent bag/backpack one year and four days ago and have never looked back, my wife's first words when it arrived were" that things so big and heavy how are you going to carry it around" I smiled and knew from that moment forward I would never have to worry about her "borrowing"my bag. This bag is bullet proof! it can take anything you can dish out (short of abuse) and you will look marvelous while you are doing it.I have had nothing go wrong with my bag no issues whatsoever no defects no Cons, or regrets.

I have had countless compliments, I mean I get them from young and older folks that love the rugged style and quality of the bag. I was waiting for the BART train( commuter train in bay area CA.) where you will see many people caring many different kinds of bags and I still get asked "where did you find that bag!" I let them know it's a SADDLE BACK bag and those who know what the good stuff is give me the "Thumbs Up" and the ones that don't are a little puzzled why anyone would pay out that much money for a leather bag.I recently got on the train and as I took a seat across from me to my left something catches my eye, I turn and see a gentleman typing on his laptop with a bag at his side that made me take notice (once you own a saddle back bag you start comparing your bag to everything else you see out in the world) and I notice him looking at me. I turned and at the same time we both say " SADDLEBACK!" and start laughing, the gentlemen had a " THIN BRIEFCASE bag" same coffee brown color as my "SQUARED BACKPACK". The gentleman stated he loved the backpack and had seen me before but before he could speak to me he had reached his stop and got off the train. We talked for about 10 minutes about how we loved our bags, their quality and how we are BOTH will be purchasing another saddleback bag. The man asked me how long I had he bag I told him little over a year. He stated the bag looks very good to be a year old. I told him it has a few scuffs and scratches from everyday use. The man replies you are "still breaking it in" I replied yes and the more I use the bag the more comfortable it feels. I found it quite interesting that out of all the people on the train toting leather bags around from many different makers, that I ran into only 1 person with a saddleback bag. The bag does everything well, it has pockets that will hold a ton of stuff and you don't worry about the bag splitting at the seams from over stuffing it on occasion. I do recommend that you use the chamberlains#3 water repellent if you take your bag out in the rain, I have been caught in a few downpours and I am glad I treated my bag with this stuff, it worked like a charm, when I get in out of the rain I let the bag air dry and its good to go. I told my son when I get tired of carrying my bag around he can have it no need to fight over it!!!

The TANK is amazing. It's beautiful to look at and handles so nicely. It was a present for my husband for our anniversary and he was so excited to receive it. It's the perfect size for him for traveling. It looks modern and yet it is a classic at the same time.

I owned a classic briefcase for 7 years - it was a capable and sturdy companion, but it was getting too heavy for me. Trudging through the airports with my laptop and books in it started to get to me... throwing my back out et al. So, I sold it off and got a squared leather backpack in black. Boy am I happy! It gets more use as it's super convenient, balanced on my back and that earlier back strain? Gone, gone, gone. I love this backpack and its always with me, doing its job. Go 'head and pull the trigger - get one. You won't regret it.

The Squared Backpack is quite improved over the original version known even at Saddleback as "the Tank". I ordered the previous one a year ago, and loved the look of it, but it was too big, too heavy, too rigid. I sent it back, disappointed. Was glad to see this new version which is slimmed in various ways: lighter, less lining, and more flexible but still structured. I was still concerned about the weight, but one can remove the inner leather divider (makes a nice mousepad) and save almost a pound, etc. For carrying clothes, use an inner rectangular pack-it cube about 11x17; there will still be room for other things, and clothes won't bunch. Pockets behind the strapped exterior pockets expand carrying capacity (they fit a large water bottle or like). Suggestion: add a waist/hip belt to shift some of the weight off the shoulders. This can be done with an alternative strap (even the one included to cinch the top of backpack), but would be great if Saddleback included such a belt as an option for long hauls. Great looking bag. Love the leather: the new tobacco brown is richer and darker. For those who may be deciding (like I was) between this and smaller utility duffle, choose the backpack. Holds just as much and more versatile.

Great bag! It’s my 6th piece and like everything else is awesome. The bag fits well, holds its shape nicely and is comfortable to carry. I took it out snowshoeing with me recently and it did great. The shoulder pads fit comfortably and there are lots of pockets to hold everything. Like all their bags it’s a bit heavier than some wimpy tech bag, but this thing is bomb proof. I get stopped everywhere to be asked about the bag. Definitely a purchase you won’t regret.

Medium Bifold wallet and the squared backpack “Tank” are fantastic.

Gorgeous back pack. Straps that go around shoulders can be maybe a little wider, but that warranty keeps me with a peace of mind. Compliments everywhere I go. Ill be back for more products!

Like all quality items in life the Saddleback products stand alone and cannot be compared to any similar product. I ordered the backpack and was in total shock when I opened the package! I expected a quality bag but I was surprised to see the trophy like product. The bag demands your attention and you absolutely must touch the leather. At 72 years old I have purchased lots of product in my life but have never been more pleased and satisfied. I just wished I would have had this when I was piloting in the world theater as baggage was extremely valuable and necessary. My only problem with the bag is deciding which Grandbaby to leave it to as it will have at least a couple of years left on the 100 year warranty when I am through using it!!

Getting the bag was a bit of a debacle. I had ordered a front pocket that left the factory with some unfinished stitching, after sending it back I waited a little while for a replacement. The second one was scratched by whoever packaged it, with the serrated edges of a tape roller. I didn't bother unwrapping the plastic, sent that back too. After getting in contact with customer service there was an indefinite wait on the front pocket, so I switched to this one. I will say that SBL customer service is exemplary, if not for them I probably would've given up. Finally, after several months of back and forth I received a perfect bag, and it is PERFECT. All the preceding drama aside, it is phenomenally built. The quality of materials is top notch, it can't be argued. I already owned a couple small pieces of SBL, so I had an idea of what to expect, but what a tank. I admit, I'd still prefer a Front Pocket, but this one suits all my needs. It's a general purpose and school bag. Basically I take it everyday, something of a "murse" if you will. The front sleeve is a really cool feature, I keep my ipad and a wireless keyboard inside. The side pockets are large, and one fits my SBL Paul Bunyan wallet perfectly. The interior pockets are a nice addition, but I don't really need them so much as I need the interior space. Which is kind of why I'd prefer the Front Pocket. It's ever so slightly bigger than this one. Also, Dave, kudos on the outside pocket design. I stuff crap in those hidden pocket areas all the time when I don't feel like taking the bag all the way off. Overall I can't say enough good things, quite an impressive bag. I only have one suggestion. I'm broad shouldered and barrel chested, but only about 5'9. The shoulder straps have a tendency to slide outwards on my chest. Tightening the straps or changing the nipple rivet hole don't help here either. It would SO helpful, if there was a horizontal strap across the chest to keep the straps (and by extension weight) more centered on my core. Maybe a two piece design that could slide off the shoulder straps if some people don't like/need the chest strap. I've rambled long enough. Great bag, great quality from SBL.

This is one beautiful backpack! The leather is the finest I have seen, and the craftsmanship is outstanding. Just like a new pair of shoes, it is going to take some breaking in, and I am going to have a great time watching that happen. I am 64 years old, so I'm thinking my GREAT-grandkids will be fighting over it. I love the values your company represents.

It’s fabulous! One of best pieces of quality work I’ve ever seen in a long time, especially lately where there are so many companies selling cheaply made products at premium prices. It’s definitely worth every penny. I highly recommend it and it’s completely true that people or my family will be using it and fighting over it for generations.

I call it "My ridiculously over-engineered leather backpack" and I tell everyone it is bullet-proof. So far no one has doubted me. My backpack is now about two years old and has been all over the US with me. It's just the right size to hold my Macbook Pro 15", power supply, a portfolio and some folders in the main compartment, and all the iPhone charger cables, business cards, etc in the accessory pockets. My IPad goes in the front deep, narrow pocket and my aircard and two small notebooks go in the side pockets. The quality, fit, and finish of this backpack cant be beat. The acid test? The folks who comment on the most are TSA agents, who see thousands of bags a day. Takes something special to get a rise out of them!

Love this backpack for toting computer and other gadgets around to meetings, almost always get a compliment. Especially when it's raining... One person told me it looked like I should be wearing it in on a Harley - motorcycle... Superb quality

I bought my Chestnut backpack on August 29th, 2012. Yes, Two Thousand Twelve, which I suppose makes it a version 1.0? Well, after nine years of daily use, >1,00,000 of air travel and 16,000 on my motorcycle, one of the D Rings gave out after several thousand heaves with a laptop, a power paraphernalia and anything else I can stuff in it. I called Saddleback, they sent me a packing label, and just over a month later it is back with all new strap hardware but all my old scars! I even received a nice note (written on Chestnut leather) from Lindsay, "the repair lady". I was shocked to realize how much I missed it while it was gone. My coworkers even missed it since they use it as my "presence indicator". Anyway it is back just in time so it will come with me on my next trip which means it hasn't missed one in 9 years (+/- a month).