Built Ford Tough

We instantly fell in love with the Rugged Safari iPad bag when we saw it. Appropriately sized for commuting, the bag is 10.5” x 10.5” x 4” which is more than enough to hold your iPad and anything else you might need for your daily commute. Constructed from thick but soft and supple leather with plenty of shiny bits and pieces, it’s the kind of bag you want to take with you to see the world. As the name implies, it’s built for a rugged safari on the African plains, or a weekend camping trip with the guys. The leather is a full grain water resistant stone oiled leather. It is stitched with a heavy duty UV resistant thread and is covered in gleaming heavy duty hardware. What’s not to love?!

The bag closes with three sturdy snap button straps and has a handle on the top for easy moving. It won’t open up unless you want it to, that’s for sure. There is a quick access rear pocket to get to anything important in a flash as well. The heavy duty hardware gleams and can be used to turn the bag into a backpack with a few quick modifications. Our unit came with the upgraded leather strap and found it to be immensely comfortable and appropriately sized. The heavy duty hardware gleams in the sunlight and lets everybody know that you are carrying one stinking awesome rugged man bag.

Inside there is a large main compartment and a dedicated iPad pocket as well. The naked iPad fits very tightly into the pocket, perhaps too tightly, so it won’t come out unless you really want it to.We’re sure that once the pocket gets worn in a little more it will work great. There is also a nicely sized pen pocket next to it. One of the cooler features of the bag is the false bottom for hiding cash, ID, or a passport. As avid travelers, we love this feature.

Perfect Imperfections- It’s All Part Of The Charm

Everything about this bag is hand made, and it shows. As the included pamphlets say, the bags are “rugged with perfect imperfections. The scars, scrapes, uneven stitching and brand marks give every Copper River Bag its own unique character. No bag is the same, but every bag is crafted to last a lifetime.”

We can vouch for the quirky and interesting imperfections that come with every bag. The stitching is indeed uneven at times, though never in way that will negatively affect the durability of the bag. The edges of the leather are a bit frayed, like it’s been well used. There are a number of scars and scratches and marks that come on the leather of the bag, but that all just adds to the charm. This isn’t a mass produced product made in some factory in China, this is hand made in the US and has the personality to prove it.

Perhaps the most attractive feature of Copper River Bag Co’s bags is the price. The Rugged Safari Bag is only $89.95. That’s the best price we’ve ever seen for a leather bag of this caliber. Their larger bags are only marginally more expensive and well South of what a typical Saddleback bag would cost. Which brings us to the elephant in the room…

We Love Them Both… Differently

“It looks like a Saddleback bag!” That’s the first thing we said when we saw it. Any fan of the blog knows we are huge fans of Saddleback’s products. Saddleback makes one of the coolest leather iPad cases on the planet and one of the best leather iPad bags around. Their quality and construction is unmatched. But the pricepoint can be quite high. This is where Copper River Bag Co has found it’s niche.

Saddleback’s bags are made from a slightly tougher leather that takes some breaking in, the leather has no scars or scratches on it when it ships. Copper River’s bags come with a much softer leather that is already broken in. Saddleback has double stitching with marine grade thread on all the seams, every stitch is perfect and in line, and there are no frayed edges. Copper River’s bags are single stitched on most seams and has uneven stitching here and there, and the leather edges are a bit frayed from being hand cut. However, Saddleback’s iPad Satchel’s cost between $200-$300. You are paying for the quality, durability, and perfection- a jewel of a bag that will last a lifetime. Copper River’s bags cost half as much, usually between $89-$150. You are buying a rugged bag that is full of charm and personality that you can take anywhere and everywhere.

Obviously, we love them both very much, but differently. The nice thing is that Copper River Bag Co backs their bags with a 100 year warranty as well, so if it falls apart (highly unlikely) then they will replace it.

You can pick up the Copper River Rugged Safari leather iPad bag for $89.95 right now in either Brown or Black leather.

Check out the Copper River Bag Co website for more info.

Surprisingly there is not a whole ton of good looking bags made specifically for the iPad. There’s plenty of ugly iPad bags out there, but to find the truly manly bags, we’ve had to broaden our search to bags not specifically made for the iPad but that will fit it nice and snugly while looking cool at the same time. Get rid of that murse once and for all and pick up one of these to experience the true testosterone rush owning a manly iPad bag can bring!

Who says there’s no manly bags for the iPad? Now you may thank us. Hopefully the pure virility and ultramasculinity of these bags didn’t completely blow your mind when you read this post. Unfortunately, these bags will not come with man cards, if you don’t know where to get one of those… we can’t help you here. Main thumbnail image is courtesy of ArtOfManliness.com

Rough as Heck, Doesn’t Take Crap From Anybody

(a quote on a novelty John Wayne toilet paper roll)

Our friends at Saddleback were kind enough to send us a review unit of their leather iPad sleeve a while ago, and have now sent us their pride and joy for the iPad: the Saddleback Medium Leather Satchel.Where to start with a bag of this scope? First, let’s get the biggest hurdle out of the way (put your beverage down before continuing)- it costs $310. Ok, if you just squirted *insert beverage here* out of your nose after reading that, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Yes, this bag is a whopping $310, but what a bag it is!

Made from ridiculously thick completely tanned full grain boot leather, stitched with industrial strength marine grade polyester thread, riveted up to high heaven, and engineered more than some space shuttles, this is a leather bag that will take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

In fact, Saddleback Leather Co backs all their products by a 100 year warranty. As their slogan states: “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead!” This bag practically begs to be abused. It wants to be thrown around, punched in the face, slammed into walls, dragged around the world twice, and used as a shield in any number of bar fights. Any scars that it receives will only add to its character and style. Let’s just say this is a bag Isaiah Mustafa would use.

Let’s Talk Specifics

Enough fawning over the pure rugged manliness of this bag (for the moment), let’s talk specifics. The medium leather satchel is reasonably sized at 12” x 9” x 4.5” and will fit your iPad perfectly. It’s heavy, it weighs about 3 lbs. But that shouldn’t be a problem with all those man muscles you’ve got going on. Inside this bag is lined with pig skin (one of the most durable leathers on the planet). There’s one large and one small interior pocket which can be pressed flat when not in use. The iPad fits perfectly into the smaller pocket with a thin case, leaving plenty room for more stuff in the main compartment. There are also two small interior pockets to hold your cell phone or water bottle as well as a handy key holder.

On the outside is another series of pockets- one full sized magazine pocket on the back, and two side pockets for even more stuff. This thing has more hefty D-rings on the outside than we can figure out what to do with. If you need to haul around tons of gear on your journeys, this rings will let you tie on blankets, tripods, or really whatever you manage lash to your bag. All of this is secured with a hefty leather buckle that just begs a pickpocket to dare to open it quietly, and fail. Ain’t nobody messing with your stuff in this bag.

The sturdy handle on the top is riveted to a an aluminum bar underneath to add to the rigidity. And the heavy duty leather shoulder strap not only looks good, but it’s very comfortable as well. You may have noticed from the pictures one oddity on the exterior of this bag: A large metal O ring on the top. That’s because this bag converts into a backpack as well using the detachable shoulder strap, an O ring, and a couple D rings. We told you this thing is engineered more than some space shuttles!

Finally this bag comes in four different colors- Tobacco light brown, Carbon black, Chestnut reddish brown (pictured), and Dark coffee brown (our personal favorite). Be sure to check the “common questions” tab for help in picking out a color based on your personality.

Ok, that’s enough specifics. The Saddleback website is chock full of amazing tidbits and details on the construction of these bags, why they use the leather they use, how to convince your spouse that you absolutely need one of these, videos of these bags in action, a story about a dog that will make you cry slow man tears, and more. Check it out!

In Conclusion

Smart people who know stuff say “we don’t dress just to cover, we dress to identify.” If that’s true then this bag embodies a lifestyle of adventure and travel. It’s quality of construction is reminiscent of a bygone era, and it’s features are a culmination of real world experience and obsessive love being lavished upon it. As hard core globe trotters ourselves, we give this bag our stamp of approval and admiration. It’s expensive, but it’s the last bag you will ever need. As they say “Buy the best, cry once.” Check out the Saddleback Medium Leather Satchel for yourself, and dream of all the adventures that lie just over the horizon for the both of you. Check out the Saddleback Medium Leather iPad Satchel now!

What follows is an exerpt from my personal favorite poem “Ulysses” by Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson (we’ve taken artistic liberties with the last line… sorry Alfred):

“I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees: all times I have enjoyed
Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone; on shore, and when
Through scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vest the dim sea: I am become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart
Much have I seen and known; cities of men
And manners, climates, councils, governments,
Myself not least, but honoured of them all;
And drunk delight of battle with my peers;
Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.
I am part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breath were life. Life piled on life
Were all to little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this gray spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
With my Saddleback leather satchel in hand.”

At last! A laptop bag that’s actually as useful and functional as it is cool looking! This is a bag designed with the traveler in mind. One of the most annoying parts of any airport experience is having to remove your shoes at security. Ok… so this doesn’t solve that problem (hint: flip flops solve that problem), but the second most annoying issue at airport security is having to remove your laptop from the bag and make it go through separately. This bag complies with the TSA guidelines for a checkpoint friendly laptop and iPad bag. Just unzip it and lay it flat on the conveyer belt, and you are good to go. No need to remove the laptop or iPad anymore!

Recharge your iPad On The Go!

If that weren’t exciting enough, how about adding in an external rechargeable battery gadget dock that can charge up to three USB devices at once! Yup, while you are traveling you can be juicing your gadgets so they are fresh upon arrival. We can’t tell you how useful this would have come in countless times! The worst thing about traveling is when you run out of juice halfway through your 14 hour plane ride to Japan! You can only read SkyMall so many times! The gadget dock has mesh pockets to hold the iPad, iPhone, PSP, Camera, or whatever else you may be carrying with you. Plus, you don’t even need to remove the gadget dock to plug it in, you literally plug your backpack into a wall outlet to recharge the battery!

More Pockets Than A Pool Table!

The backpack itself is stock full of storage space and useful features. There’s a laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 15” Macbook, a front pocket for all your cords and additional necessities, a top quick access zipper pocket for sunglasses or passports, and a gadget pocket on the shoulder strap as well! You can even lash whatever additional things you might be carrying with you onto the back via the bungie cord. This bag truly has it all, and we’re so excited that we have finally found the ultimate laptop bag! We’ve already reviewed some other exciting products they’ve made like the Quirky Cloak iPad Case, the iPad Cradle Lap Desk, and the flexible surge protector Pivot Power. Chock this one up to another epic win for the innovative folks at Quirky!

Make your geeky loved ones happy this year and give them a gift that keeps on giving! Check it out for yourself! Take Charge with the Trek Support available for presale right now for $130!

These leather iPad cases are some of the best selling cases online right now. Store, protect, and carry the Apple iPad with this CaseCrown Genuine Leather Flip iPad Case. This is the best carrying solution as it provides optimal utility and style. Slide your iPad easily into the framed carrying slot for form fitting protection. You can still access all of the iPad’s features even while it’s still installed in this case, including charging! The case is made from premium genuine leather to provide durable protection from scratches, dust, and fingerprints and also a great aesthetic! There’s an interior elastic band that has slots to carry cards, ids, and papers to hold it in place during travel. This is a great, and affordable, carrying solution for your iPad! CaseCrown’s Leather iPad Case is available for $25 right now!

Genuine Leather iPad Horizontal Flip Case

Similar in styling to the vertical flip case, this is one of the most popular iPad cases online right now. It’s got utility and styling all wrapped up into a low low low price. The iPad is held inside of a form fitting leather sleeve which allows access to all the features, and the cover has multiple pockets and elastic bands of holding for keeping business cards, ids, and whatever else you can fit in there. This is yet another great carrying solution from Casecrown. You can get the Horizontal Leather iPad Case for $24.92 now!

Similar in style to the Apple iPad case, but a good deal cheaper, this is a great protective cover and stand all built into one. It’s ultra slim design means no added bulk, and it’s tough canvas material will keep your iPad protected and safe. This is a great choice if you are looking for a low cost and super slim iPad sleeve that adds almost no additional bulk or weight but protects the iPad’s screen and back like a charm. You can score the Canvas Horizontal Flip iPad case for $19.21!

CaseCrown Preppy Horizontal Flip Case

This case is a styling horizontal flip case for the iPad that looks great and is priced to move. The iPad is held in place by four elastic bands with natural leather strips and the case is made from a premium cotton blend that is colorful and professional looking at the same time. This case will protect your iPad in all the right ways while still giving it plenty of breathing room so it won’t overheat. The overall preppy asthetic is complimented with the portfolio style elastic enclosure to keep your iPad secure and safe. This is the stylish, and cheap, way to protect your iPad! Get the Preppy Horizontal Leather iPad Case for $20.92 on sale now!

This CaseCrown faux suede sleeve case is the stylish way to protect your Apple iPad! The exterior is a soft yet extremely durable faux suede that’s nice to the touch and eyestriking.

This case will protect your iPad from scratches, dust, fingerprints, and damage without adding bulk. An easy access zipper allows quick access, and an external pocket lets you keep your small accessories close. These iPad sleeves come in a large variety of colors and styles from suede to neoprene sleeves. A few of these models also come with shoulder straps for easy carrying and traveling.

CaseCrown Double Memory Foam iPad Pouch

A more stylish iPad sleeve and/or purse, these look like the upgraded versions of the above cases. You can protect your new Apple iPad with this eye-catching CaseCrown Double Memory Foam iPad Case. This case is lined with shock absorbing double memory foam to keep your device safe from both superficial and mechanical damage. The pocket allows you to store small accessories to keep your belongings organized. Secure your device with the internal bands to keep it from shifting and rubbing the seams. There’s a lot of chic and eye catching designs available for this iPad pouch, any hip chic will probably find one to her liking!

Mod Stripe iPad Case

Clinically proven to make your iPad go faster, the Mod strip iPad hard case adds a cool racing stripe to your beloved tablet. This hard case snaps on the back and is lined with a non-scratching cloth material that keeps your iPad safe and sound. The faux leather material and the super cool nylon fiber stripe center really make this case pop and stand out. It’s the perfect companion if you’ve already got an iPad sleeve or iPad screen protector. This super cool iPad hard case is available for $27.95. This case is on sale using this coupon code on their website: Get 10% OFF your iPad Case!!! Use coupon code IPAD10OFF and SAVE!

Vertical Multi Pocket iPad Messenger Bag

The Vertical Multi Pocket Messenger Bag is the perfect protection for your laptop. It has many pockets to accommodate laptop and other needs. The laptop compartment has excellent padding to protect your laptop from unwanted damages and velcro closure to secure it. Perfect use for professionals and students! Features a separate laptop slot with excellent padding and secure velcro closure. Tons of pockets: a front, back, interior, side, and flap pockets to accommodate laptop and other accessories. And a stylish vertical design. You can score one of these sweet Casecrown iPad bags for $39.19 today!

These CaseCrown iPad accessories offer affordable and immediate solutions to your iPad carrying needs. This company continues to innovate and come out with trendy and very cool looking accessories! Did we mention that on their website you can now save 15% off ANY CaseCrown product!! Use coupon code ‘Enjoy15OFF’ during checkout.

These bags are more than accessories, they are designed to be your sidekicks that you can rely on everywhere you go. Check out what Timbuk2 offers, and let us know what you think!

ieCase iPad Case Is Almost As Multifunctional As The Apple iPad!

ieCases’ new iPad case is going to be a hot seller we are sure. It is multifunction and highly affordable! As an iPad portfolio it features a tri-flap design that holds a pen, documents, accessories, and business cards.

The secondary flap folds over to protect your iPad’s screen from any abrasion that may come from the accessories you are carrying. It’s a sweet little setup. As an iPad bag, the case features a detachable padded shoulder strap so you can easily carry your iPad with you wherever you decide to go for quick and easy transportation. As an iPad stand, there are three different viewing modes and angles you can choose from for easy viewing and typing on your virtual keyboard or watching movies. The case also comes with a screen protector to protect the face of your beautiful tablet.

This is a great budget option for a very slick iPad portfolio that has almost as many functions as the iPad itself! It looks very professional, and will fit right into the corporate world. Plus, you can’t beat the price! You can order the ieCase iPad Case for $39.95 on Amazon right now!

I Think I’m Turning Japanese…