They say “Good Enough” is the enemy of “Great” and that’s why this redesign took so long. We passed “Good Enough” 2 years back and hit “Great” this past summer. 

 

The Mountainback of Saddleback Leather is a collection of soft and sturdy leather bags wrapped in thick excessively quality Scottish waxed canvas. A construction inspired by those who sail the seas; a design for those whose survival depends on it. This 3 year redesign was one of the hardest mental challenges I’ve had in my life and I’m a better man and designer because of it. And you’re going to love the 4 coolness features.

Here’s to the curious, never satisfied mind. I’ve designed being inspired by sailing and explorers in mind. Throughout history, they weren’t looking to save a buck, franc or a shilling when they were gearing up. When your life depends on it, spend the money and buy the most faithful equipment you can find… for just in case. A lesser mindset is what separates the men from the boys and the quick from the dead. 

 

There are a lot of canvas bags with leather accents, but I didn’t find a single one that had a complete aesthetic the way I prefer. Some had great features but lacked other complimenting details to make it great. In the corporate world, there are design calendars and production deadlines to hit in order to get their bags out to the masses. I’m sure many a frustrated designer was consoled with the sad words, “Don’t worry, it’s good enough”. 

 

Most bags looked generic or hectic to me for several factors. This is my mind.

All historical explorers of consequence, with few exceptions, started their journey into uncharted territories on a ship. Anywhere of significance that could be walked to was already discovered by people after they finished Sunday lunch. 

 

And every explorer, without exception, used heavy canvas and/or full grain leather gear to keep them alive. Hat tip to Sir Edmund Hilary for getting to the top of Mount Everest with only canvas and leather gear.

I asked Martin Wigglesworth, the owner of Halley Stevensons of Scotland, if he made the best waxed canvas in the world. He responded. “I don’t know if we make the best, but I don’t know anyone who makes it better”. 

 

Waxed canvas was invented on The North Sea, centuries ago, when the sailors in the herring fleets would cover torn sailcloth with linseed oil and use it as a cloak to keep the rain and seawater off. And we don’t use the thinner standard 18 oz. version. Ours is the hard to find 24 oz. weight.

 

In New Zealand, I learned from an old sailmaker how he reinforces where the sail transfers all of the energy of the wind attached to the mast of the ship and on to propel the ship forward. It all goes through small grommets of the sail anchor. I designed with that cool method of construction to build the shoulder strap anchor to not ever fail since the first place to tear on any bag is where it gets the most stress.

 

This is the material used by sailors around the world. It is the best against corrosion and is stronger than most other metals you can buy. It is like killing a fly with a shotgun, but I like it like that.  

 

This continuous filament Polyester thread is what sails on ships are sewn with because it doesn’t deteriorate with UV light or pull apart with the constant energy of the wind like the lesser Nylon thread does.

So much thought went into these designs and I’m sure I forgot a few small details. But I truly hope these Mountainback leather bags wrapped in canvas will raise your standards for quality design and construction. If it happens, it will force average companies to raise the standards of their offerings, which will be good for everybody.