Briefcase
- goaliechris
- Posts: 1853
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:24 pm
- Name: Chris
Briefcase
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
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
- Posts: 3443
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- Name: Mark
- Location: Louisville, KY
Re: Briefcase
Check out goforthgoods! Handmade stuff and really good people
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Re: Briefcase
I use Filson. Found it meets my needs. It isn’t light weight though.
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Re: Briefcase
I have a Vermilyea Pelle. Really great stuff. Waxed canvas or Horween options.










Last edited by pbj204 on Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:04 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Briefcase
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.)

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.)


Re: Briefcase
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/




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
- Posts: 1853
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:24 pm
- Name: Chris
Re: Briefcase
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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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
- Posts: 822
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2014 6:08 am
- Name: J
- Location: South East USA
Re: Briefcase
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.


Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?
Re: Briefcase
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
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

Re: Briefcase
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.
Re: Briefcase
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
- Posts: 822
- Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2014 6:08 am
- Name: J
- Location: South East USA
Re: Briefcase
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.
Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?
- goaliechris
- Posts: 1853
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:24 pm
- Name: Chris
Re: Briefcase
Orvis is a good company - they back their gear well.DrWapenshaw wrote: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.
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Re: Briefcase
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
https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=ke ... position=1
Re: Briefcase
That Briggs and Riley one looks nice!BlueSky wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 12:54 pmNordstrom has a decent selection and some are on sale. I tend to trust their reviews.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=ke ... position=1
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/briggs-ril ... olor=black
Re: Briefcase
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.
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.
Re: Briefcase


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
- Posts: 1853
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 12:24 pm
- Name: Chris
Re: Briefcase
Barbour is cool.
What do you think about this? Leaning this way.
https://stuartandlau.com/collections/t ... -and-black

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What do you think about this? Leaning this way.
https://stuartandlau.com/collections/t ... -and-black

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Re: Briefcase
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.
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.
Briefcase
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.BacoNoir wrote: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/
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...

Re: Briefcase
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.matt.wu wrote: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.BacoNoir wrote: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/
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...
Re: Briefcase
Colleague carries a Briggs and Riley. They’ve used it for years and they’re very happy with it and it still looks great.BacoNoir wrote:That Briggs and Riley one looks nice!BlueSky wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 12:54 pmNordstrom has a decent selection and some are on sale. I tend to trust their reviews.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?origin=ke ... position=1
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/briggs-ril ... olor=black
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Live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse.
Re: Briefcase
this post reminded me of the tom bihn bags.Ryeguy wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 3:40 pmI 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.
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
- Posts: 1802
- Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2014 11:57 am
- Name: Jeremy
- Location: Northamptonshire, England
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Re: Briefcase
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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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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