Apple has released new iPad Pros and iPhones, but where should we put all of these cool new gadgets? Certainly the new iPhone SE should not be relegated to a mere back pocket or the new iPad Pro to be stored in an unpadded backpack. This is where WaterField Designs SFBags.com comes in, with their handcrafted bags, such as the Staad Attaché, to match fit and finish.
WaterField’s Staad Attaché was designed with elements from their Staad Backpack, that I reviewed earlier, in the shape of an easy to carry messenger type bag with a leather top. Each size is made to fit the iPad Pro 12.9”, Surface Pro 4 or 13” MacBook.
Features:
It comes in six finishes for each of the three sizes. They offer a waxed canvas or ballistic nylon base for the bag. There are three colors of leather to choose from such as chocolate, grizzly and black. I like a mix of old and new styles, so I went with the ballistic nylon bag and black leather.
The black leather flap reminds me of those old world style bags that were made to last many years. The leather top can be ordered with the ballistic nylon textile. I have another ballistic bag that continues to last since its purchase, which was around the same time as when the original iPad was released. It still looks like I bought it yesterday.
Some of the elements from the Staad Backpack have carried over to the Staad Attaché, like the WWII-era ammunition buckle and leather top flap design. Waxed canvas looked nice enough from their website, but I have more experience with how ballistic nylon holds up over time.
The nylon used for the Staad Attaché is tightly woven and looks great with the double-sided full-grain leather top. Inside of the bag has a very nice golden color fabric.
Under the flap and on the front of the bag, there are angled pockets that nearly span its width. Its two zippers have a protective seal to keep water out. On one side of a front zippered pocket there is a soft inner pocket, for large smartphones like the iPhone 6S Plus.
Around back, the bag has a large pocket and a wide handle slip, to make transporting it easier with a wheeled carryon. Most messenger style type bags do not have a handle slip, so this is a welcomed design element for travel.
The metal used to keep the suspension strap connected is thick and is made to last. Each suspension strap is color-matched to the bag ordered through WaterField Designs. Its handle is made of leather and has been stitched to endure many years of use.
Inside of the bag, there is a dedicated pocket for the Apple Pencil, a fully padded pocket for a 13” MacBook or iPad Pro, two equally sized pockets for chargers and the remaining space can be used for storing other items.
Overall, the Staad Attaché is a bag with style to impress, while simultaneously being highly functional at keeping expensive Apple or Microsoft gadgets safe. Anyone traveling with this attaché should enjoy it for many years.
WaterField Designs has expertly paired a modern textile like ballistic nylon and double-sided full-grain leather into yet another wonderful bag. Apple gadgets, with their highly engineered aesthetics, will look right at home in it.
MacBooks, iPad Pros and Microsoft’s Surface will be protected from bumps and drops while inside of the Staad Attaché. For those times this bag cannot be carried via its nice leather handle, a padded color-matched suspension strap is included.
There are a multitude of bags and sleeves to carry modern gadgets on the market. WaterField Designs makes some of the best, hand crafted bags today. I like that they mix and match various colors and textiles to “bridge the gap between a messenger bag and the briefcase” with the Staad Attaché priced from $229.
Rating: 4.5/5
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Disclosure: I received a WaterField Staad Attaché at no cost for review. I have not been compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos are courtesy of WaterField Designs.
