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The saddle bag takes its half-moon shape from riding gear. The Ripley is cut in full-grain leather with a curved flap, a solid brass turn-lock and an adjustable crossbody strap that sits the bag flat on the hip.
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The Ripley
The Ripley
The Ripley
The Ripley
The Ripley
The RipleyThe shape comes from riding gear: a curved flap over a rounded body, made to hang from a saddle without catching. As a handbag it is the half-moon crossbody that sits flat on the hip. The Ripley keeps the curved flap and closes with a solid brass turn-lock rather than a buckle, so it opens with one hand.
A satchel is straight sided with a rectangular flap and usually a top handle. A saddle bag is rounder, smaller and worn crossbody. Choose the Ripley for a hands-free day with only the essentials. Choose the Rydal satchel when you need room for a tablet.
The Ripley is 8.75 by 7.5 inches with a 2.75-inch base, and its strap adjusts up to a 22.75-inch drop, so it sits at the hip on most heights.
| Style | Width | Height | Depth | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashby shoulder | 12.5" | 9.5" | 4" | 9.5" |
| Hollis hobo | 15.75" | 11.75" | 4.75" | 9.75" |
| Selby slouchy | 16.25" | 11" | 4.25" | 10.75" |
| Kendal bucket | 9.75" | 9" | 4.75" | 11" + crossbody |
| Rydal satchel | 12.5" | 9" | 3.25" | 4" handle + long strap |
| Ripley saddle | 8.75" | 7.5" | 2.75" | up to 22.75" |
| Tilly mini | 8.75" | 6.25" | 3.5" | 4" handle + crossbody |
| Mabel clutch | 11" | 7.5" | 0.75" | wrist strap |
Saddle bags come from riding gear, so they need a firm leather that keeps its curve. The Ripley's flap is cut from a denser full-grain panel that holds its arc.
The curved flap is the hardest piece to sew, and it is stitched by hand around a curve with no straight runs. The turn-lock is solid brass, set through a backing plate so it never loosens.
Tan and cognac are the classic saddle colours, the same tones as riding tack. Chocolate and black look more modern, and olive and oxblood give a heritage look.
Initials fit on the curved flap under the turn-lock, at no cost. It ships in 5 to 7 working days, with 30 days to return.
The flap takes the most wear, so condition it first. Hang the bag by its strap or lay it flat. Don't store it with heavy things on top, or the curve can flatten.
A saddle bag is made to be worn crossbody, sitting on the hip with the curved flap facing out. Shorten the strap so the bag sits at your waist for city walking, or let it out to hip height with a long coat. On the shoulder it looks more formal. Because the Ripley is shallow, it sits flat against the body and doesn't swing. That's why riders used saddle bags in the first place.
Saddle bags are small by design, and the curved shape means less room than a rectangle of the same width. At 8.75 by 7.5 inches with a 2.75-inch base, the Ripley is a little larger than many saddle bags around 7.5 inches wide. That's enough for a large phone, a card wallet, keys, a lipstick and slim sunglasses. It won't take a tablet or a water bottle. If you need a crossbody with more room, the Rydal satchel wears crossbody too and fits a tablet.
Saddle bags use either a buckle strap or a turn-lock. Buckles look traditional, but they're slow to open, so many brands hide a magnet underneath. A turn-lock is a twist catch that opens with one hand in a second and stays shut when twisted closed. We chose a solid brass turn-lock for the Ripley because you reach into a crossbody bag often, usually on the move. It's set through a backing plate inside the flap, so it doesn't loosen with use.
The Ripley suits people who want a hands-free bag for walking, sightseeing, markets and evenings out. It's small enough to wear all day without noticing and secure enough for crowded places. It isn't for anyone who carries a tablet, a bottle or a full wallet. If that sounds like your day, look at the Rydal satchel or the Hollis hobo instead.
See also leather satchels, unique leather handbags, travel purses or go back to all leather handbags.
A curved-flap crossbody bag whose shape comes from equestrian saddle bags.
It adjusts up to a 22.75-inch drop, enough to wear crossbody on most heights.
With a solid brass turn-lock on the curved flap.
Phone, card wallet, keys, lipstick and sunglasses.
Tan or cognac, the colours of traditional riding leather.
Any bag can come back within 30 days, unused, including one with your initials on it.
Returns and exchangesEvery bag is cut, stitched and finished by the same small team. Nothing here is bought in and relabeled.
Our storyThe outer layer of the hide with nothing sanded off or sprayed on. Panels are cut around weak spots, never across them.
What full grain meansStitching covered for life; hardware covered for five years. We repair rather than replace.
The warranty