There are a lot of products out there with an added value beside the actual product itself. Anything you get from Saddleback Leather comes with a story, a dream and a romantic connection to the Wild West. The company has made it clear that they are passionate about their products, and that they want to share the dreams and stories associated with establishing the brand. It is exciting just reading about the adventures of Dave, the man who started it all, and the many testimonials from fans across the globe. In the end it is also clear that what it all comes down to is making excellent leather designs. Made from the highest grade leather available these products are built to last, and the slogan states it clearly:
“They’ll fight over it when you’re dead”
My Dark Coffee Brown pouch on day one.
Made from full grain leather the Small Gadget Pouch is thick, heavy and filled with character. Most leather cases, and pouches age poorly. All previously tested pouches and leather cases have been made from an inferior leather, and with usage they tend to get less attractive. The opposite goes from the Small Gadget Pouch that gets better with age. Cuts, drops and general abuse gives it character without ever reducing it’s structural integrity.
When the Small Gadget Pouch arrived it was flat, and it was hard getting an iPhone 4 into it. For a couple of weeks it has expanded, and it is now easy to use. It is possible to use a case for the iPhone, and expand the pouch. Most snap on cases work, as do most bumpers and other thin designs. Don’t expect to fit an OtterBox Defender in it, and really there would be no reason to do so.
Made from a single piece of full grain leather the pouch is sturdy. All seams are perfect, and made from high grade thread usually used by the marine. It comes with a 100 year warranty, and I can understand why. The lining is made from pigskin. When the phone is taken from the pouch it emerges with a fresh screen even though the lining isn’t tight against it.
For protection the Small Gadget Pouch is perfect offering 100% coverage for the front, and back glass. The impact protection is excellent, and it can withstand quite hard drops. The top of the phone is vulnerable due to the large cut-out at the top of the pouch. Fully inserted there is still some leather standing in the way of direct impact.
A great thing about this pouch is the open bottom allowing for both the ringer to be heard, and access to the charge socket. The open bottom is used for extraction by simply pushing the iPhone using a finger. It is a simple, and genius extraction method. There is no way to accidentally push it out.
Aged for two weeks.
I must caution you before venturing on, and purchasing a Small Gadget Pouch. You will probably get hooked on their leather products. You will probably have a great experience with their quick, and friendly customer service. You will probably start feeling like a cowboy once you use the Small Gadget Pouch. All of these things happened to me, and now I ponder whether I need a new wallet or a new briefcase or both. Looking at forums, and testimonials it is easy to see that there is a large crowd all hooked on these excellent products.
The Small Gadget Pouch from Saddleback Leather is an awesome product. The question is not whether to get one, but whether to get it in Tobacco, Dark Coffee Brown, Carbon Black or Chestnut. If you want to have a pouch that protects your precious well, and to attract a lot of attention this is the way to go. It will last longer than your iPhone 4, and then you can let it form to suit whatever device you can fit into it. To me that is a good investment.
Final Rating
Small Gadget Pouch at Saddlebackleather.com $31
