Waterfield Staad Attaché

Yes, Waterfield, one of my favorite bag and case companies, has done it again. The Waterfield Staad Attaché takes its cues from the Staad Backpack Judie and I reviewed some time back and brings its amazing design features to an attaché case that is small and easy to carry but large enough for your iPad Pro or MacBook Pro 13″.

I really love this bag. The version I was sent has a ballistic nylon body and a full-grain, premium leather flap and handle. (There’s also a version with a waxed canvas body and the same full-grain premium leather flap and handle. Both look great and both will only gain personality with time. The bag measures 14″ x 3.5″ (at bottom) x 10.5″. It weighs in at 1.8 lbs.

As Waterfield puts it:

“Ready to Serve. The Staad Attaché bridges the gap between the messenger bag and the briefcase. Named after the ever-reliable foreign diplomatic attaché, this bag is always at your side carrying the basic necessities. Light and compact, it holds an iPad Pro 12.9″ or 13″ MacBook, an Apple Pencil, sketchpad, notebook, smartphone, earbuds, or power cord. Can be worn over the shoulder or carried by the handle.”

Crafted in the company’s in San Francisco, the bag reflects the many years of experience Waterfield has gained making bags that are aesthetic, functional and ready to put up with the wear and tear of the real world. It is designed to fit these devices:

• iPad Pro 12.9″ Naked
• iPad Pro 12.9″ with Apple Smart Case, Logitech Keyboard Case, or other 3rd party similarly-sized cases.
• 13″ MacBook Air
• 13″ MacBook Pro Retina
• 11″ MacBook Air and 12″ MacBook will also fit although not sized specifically for it.
• Surface Pro 4

The body of the bag I was sent is made from ballistic nylon. It looks and feels great but is light thanks to the material used in its creation. The full grain leather flap adds character to the bag and reflects the bumps and bruises of the road. With time, it will take on a level of character that is as unique as the person using the bag.

The full-grained leather is also used to create the grab handle. It is comfortable to hold and incredibly sturdy. It makes picking up the bag simple.

Metal D-Rings on either side of the bag let you connect the included padded, non-slip, adjustable color-matched suspension strap. Because the strap can be removed you can easily use the bag as a hand-carried briefcase.

Connect the shoulder strap and you can carry the bag with ease AND keep your hands free.

There are two front angled pockets that give access to a shared pocket intended for items to which you want fast access. On one side there is a soft inner pocket that can hold a phone as large as an iPhone 6s Plus. This pocket is reflective of the Staad backpack and is a fantastic feature.

Inside is a gold liner that makes it easy to see what is inside. There is a padded pocket sized for either the iPad Pro or a 13″ MacBook Pro. There is also a larger pocket for other items you might want to carry.

On the back of the bag is a thin, open pocket for a few magazines or papers and a trolley handle pass-through. I’ve already found this passthrough to be a huge use when rushing through an airport.

Finally, there is an unusual buckle that secures the flap in place. It is a “WWII-era ammunition buckle” and it really works.

It takes some finagling to secure the flap in place but once you learn how to use it the buckle makes it easy to quickly free the flap and gain access to what’s inside.

All of these various parts come together to create a bag that will get the job done in style.

Here’s our video review:

Features:

• Flap is double-sided full-grain leather
• Fully-padded built-in iPad Pro or MacBook pocket
• Easy-to-see gold liner
• Two front angled pockets for faster access. Can fit iPhone 6s Plus or similar.
• Includes removable, padded, non-slip, adjustable color-matched Suspension Strap.
• Dedicated pocket for the Apple Pencil
• Pocket in the back for quick access
• Convenient wheelie handle slip
• Waxed Canvas or Ballistic Nylon body for durability
• Full-grain premium leather Flap and Handle
• WWII-era ammunition buckle
• Metal snap hooks and D-rings

The bag has an MSRP of $229. That might sound like a pricey prospect but, as I find myself noting whenever I review a Waterfield bag, you get what you pay for. Yes, the Waterfield Staad Attache is pricey, but its awesome. Check it out!

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Great design; Superb materials used in construction; Unique clasp that holds tight and releases with ease; Trolley handle pass-through; Padded compartment for iPad Pro or 13″ MacBook Pro; Detachable shoulderstrap.

What Needs Improvement: Some may find it a bit too pricey.