Briefcase

[goaliechris]

Greetings - I am in the market for a new briefcase for work. I travel a couple of times per month so looking for something more utilitarian than fancy (but not cheap). I like an external pocket or two for stashing items that I want quick access to and a back luggage strap to attach to roller bags. A lighter weight option is preferred. I carry a 15” laptop, chargers, occasionally a paperback, and a notebook.

Any suggestions? Lately have looked at Stuart and Lau, Topo, Filson, and Patagonia. Not really interested in Tumi. Struggling to find one that checks all the boxes. Budget is flexible (to a point).

Thanks - Chris

[manitoujoe]

Check out goforthgoods! Handmade stuff and really good people

[Captdave]

I use Filson. Found it meets my needs. It isn’t light weight though.


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[pbj204]

I have a Vermilyea Pelle. Really great stuff. Waxed canvas or Horween options.

[jtbenson]

we have family in fort collins, so i've handled most of the topo packs in person at the store and own a klettersack.
my b-i-l owns their commuter brief and likes it a lot. (he went from a filson because the exposed sharp brass zippers were nicking up his dressier clothing. also stopped using the canvas filson garment bag for the same reason.)

[BacoNoir]

You day no Tumi, but I’ve had this one for 15 years and travel a lot. I’ve replaced the shoulder strap and that’s it. The ballistic nylon holds up incredibly well and it’s a classic style unlike a lot of the trendy bags that are “in” for a few years and the “out”.

It has a zipper in the middle to expand when needed and a zippered slot on the back to open and slide over the handle of your carryon.

The closest model they currently sell is called the Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief. On sale right now for $315

https://www.tumi.com/p/expandable-organ ... -026141D2/

[goaliechris]

Good options - thanks for the ideas!

I had an issue with a Tumi messenger bag a few years ago and it kind of soured me. However, I know they have a very good rep overall.


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[DrWapenshaw]

Another vote for ballistic Tumi. I left Tumi for a while, dont care for their leather anymore as I dont like how it ages. Their ballistic is still top notch.

[JBZ]

Some good suggestions already. I've had good luck with my Orvis Battenkill overnight bag. I don't have the briefcase, but if it's made to the same quality I think you'd be happy with it.

https://www.orvis.com/p/battenkill-briefcase/4x8x

Orvis also carries some all leather varieties, but they're significantly more expensive.

Or, go crazy:

https://www.swaineadeneybrigg.com/colle ... s-chestnut

[deepcdvr]

+1 for filson

Rugged bags that age well

[dukerules]

Filson. Been using one or another for years and they are indestructible. I now own about 7 of them. I do like Topo as well, and own a klettersack.

[TSD]

I've had good luck with my Orvis Battenkill overnight bag. I don't have the briefcase, but if it's made to the same quality I think you'd be happy with it.

I’ve carried a Battenkill briefcase for the last 15 years, and the Mrs. just got me a new one. Orvis guarantee is nice. They will take them back and fix them without too much hassle.

[DrWapenshaw]

Zip

Orvis guarantee is nice. They will take them back and fix them without too much hassle.

Thanks for mentioning their guarantee. I have an Orvis jacket I was planning on taking to my seamstress today to fix, it broke a month or 2 after purchase last year. Now I will instead head over to Orvis. To see what they say after looking at their policy online.

[goaliechris]

Zip

Orvis guarantee is nice. They will take them back and fix them without too much hassle.

Thanks for mentioning their guarantee. I have an Orvis jacket I was planning on taking to my seamstress today to fix, it broke a month or 2 after purchase last year. Now I will instead head over to Orvis. To see what they say after looking at their policy online.

Orvis is a good company - they back their gear well.


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[BlueSky]

Nordstrom has a decent selection and some are on sale. I tend to trust their reviews.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=ke ... position=1

[BacoNoir]

Nordstrom has a decent selection and some are on sale. I tend to trust their reviews.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=ke ... position=1

That Briggs and Riley one looks nice!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/briggs-ril ... olor=black

[Ryeguy]

I’m a frequent traveler and a bit of a bag whore. I’ve used a Timbuk2 commuter for years. It works well, doesn’t look too bike messenger-ish.

Recently a friend sent me a Barbour Thornproof Tarras waxed canvas bag to try out. It is a much simpler design than the ballistic nylon Timbuk2, but it works well for my laptop, iPad, notebook, and noise canceling headphones (my airplane travel EDC). The Barbour offers pretty heavy duty construction with canvas, leather, and solid brass hardware, but is fairly light weight due to the simplicity of the design.

[Ryeguy]

Barbour bag for reference.

The only thing it doesn’t offer is the luggage sleeve, but it rests well on my Pullman bag and I just loop the shoulder strap through the luggage handle for security. Works fine for me.


BTW- my luggage is LL Bean ballistic nylon (not certain if they still make it, but that gear really gets top marks for ruggedness.)


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[goaliechris]

Barbour is cool.

What do you think about this? Leaning this way.

https://stuartandlau.com/collections/t ... -and-black






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[Ryeguy]

I really like that one.

I really like bags designed by frequent travelers for frequent travelers.

I also have to think about the fact I travel in various class seats depending upon the route, etc. The bag needs to work in a 90 seater as well as a 200+ seat rig.

On edit: the only thing that concerns me about this bag is the design using a rubber layer bonded to the nylon material. I’d be worried about the rubber cracking and separating.

I’m of the opinion that in some items, old tech like canvas and leather are better than new school tech. Just my .02 for what it’s worth.

I do, however, really like he design. Make that design in waxed canvas or ballistic nylon, and I’m 100% in.

[matt.wu]

You day no Tumi, but I’ve had this one for 15 years and travel a lot. I’ve replaced the shoulder strap and that’s it. The ballistic nylon holds up incredibly well and it’s a classic style unlike a lot of the trendy bags that are “in” for a few years and the “out”.

It has a zipper in the middle to expand when needed and a zippered slot on the back to open and slide over the handle of your carryon.

The closest model they currently sell is called the Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief. On sale right now for $315

https://www.tumi.com/p/expandable-organ ... -026141D2/

I use the exact same one, just the newer version. I’ve had it for a few years. I've tried a few different, and this one is the one that fits my needs.

For one-night business trips, I don't even need to bring another suitcase. I can fit everything I need in this along with headphones, laptop, etc...

[BacoNoir]

You day no Tumi, but I’ve had this one for 15 years and travel a lot. I’ve replaced the shoulder strap and that’s it. The ballistic nylon holds up incredibly well and it’s a classic style unlike a lot of the trendy bags that are “in” for a few years and the “out”.

It has a zipper in the middle to expand when needed and a zippered slot on the back to open and slide over the handle of your carryon.

The closest model they currently sell is called the Expandable Organizer Laptop Brief. On sale right now for $315

https://www.tumi.com/p/expandable-organ ... -026141D2/

I use the exact same one, just the newer version. I’ve had it for a few years. I've tried a few different, and this one is the one that fits my needs.

For one-night business trips, I don't even need to bring another suitcase. I can fit everything I need in this along with headphones, laptop, etc...

Yup. Me too. I have been through a couple of messenger bags, laptop backpacks, and Timbuk2 TSA compliant bags, and this is the one that stuck. It just works and is durable.

[Captdave]

Nordstrom has a decent selection and some are on sale. I tend to trust their reviews.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=ke ... position=1

That Briggs and Riley one looks nice!

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/briggs-ril ... olor=black

Colleague carries a Briggs and Riley. They’ve used it for years and they’re very happy with it and it still looks great.


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[jtbenson]

I really like that one.

I really like bags designed by frequent travelers for frequent travelers.

I also have to think about the fact I travel in various class seats depending upon the route, etc. The bag needs to work in a 90 seater as well as a 200+ seat rig.

On edit: the only thing that concerns me about this bag is the design using a rubber layer bonded to the nylon material. I’d be worried about the rubber cracking and separating.

I’m of the opinion that in some items, old tech like canvas and leather are better than new school tech. Just my .02 for what it’s worth.

I do, however, really like he design. Make that design in waxed canvas or ballistic nylon, and I’m 100% in.

this post reminded me of the tom bihn bags.
i have the aeronaut carry-on and love the versatility, practicality and quality of construction.
their briefcase selection is wide and look similarly well thought out and constructed.

[stonehead887]

I used to have a briefcase/ messenger bag for years but the shoulder strap drove me nuts. If you are out and about and need to grab your bag (so to speak) from the car, I always found the shoulder strap had fallen underneath the bag, making it awkward to lift out.
I have now gone for a Samsonite rucksack type laptop bag as it has a grab handle at the top is is very easy to lift out of car and sling on to shoulder, especially if hands are full with other stuff.
Mine will hold a 15.5" laptop, 10" tablet, all cables and enough space to hold to folders and pockets for everything else.

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