Briefcases

 

Briefcases.  I’ve been using my Filson 256 for years.  While I like it, my attention span is getting short.  I think I’m ready for a change.  For my next bag, I want something a little dressier (if that makes sense).  Maybe all leather.  I’ve made a resolution to dress up a little more this year (more sport coats vs. vests), so a nicer briefcase would fit the bill.  Here are a few that I’m considering:

From top left:

1. Mission Mercantile Theodore Leather Attache:  This one is really high on my list.  The value proposition is outstanding on this one.  I really like the leather (it’s called ‘shrunken cowhide’), and the size is just right.  Perfect for the Macbook Air folks.  They also offer a briefcase that’s just a touch larger for the pack mules.
2. Lotuff Leather English Briefcase:  The classic briefcase.  I feel like I need a British accent to carry this one.
3. Vermilyea Pelle Tan Waxed Briefcase:  A waxed cotton briefcase that I’d consider.  It is very minimalistic, but has plenty of bells and whistles.  I like the leather handles and the shade of canvas.  It’s good.
4. Moore & Giles Miller Standard Attache:  This ranks #2 behind the Mission Mercantile.  Super cool design and the orange zipper details keep it grounded.  Moore & Giles leather is really great, and this one would last for years.
5. Colonel Littleton No. 37 Satchel in American Buffalo:  A little different look than the rest of the roundup, but that’s good.  The old satchel look is a throwback, and the Littleton bison will break in beautifully.  This would be a great option for the
6. Wren & Ivy Randle Dispatch Case:  A great option for the more refined rugged approach.  The canvas and leather option is a nice touch, and will keep this light.  The size is spot on, and the logo is cool.

What are you carrying these days?

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17 Comments

  1. Nick
    01/30/2019 / 7:26 AM

    Timely post. I carry an otter green Filson 256. It has a tear in the corner and I’m at a loss for what to carry if I send it in for repair. I am probably going to pick up an Orvis Battenkill to hold me over and see which I like better. I work in a casual office and full leather might be a bit dressy when most of my colleagues carry a backpack.  Cheers! 

    • Fritz
      01/30/2019 / 10:28 AM

      What could cause the corner of a Filson 256 to tear?

      • Nick
        02/01/2019 / 11:53 AM

        I have no idea how it happened. It tore at the seam of the outside pocket so it continues to get worse. I just avoid using that pocket and will have Filson repair it. 

  2. Kaleb
    01/30/2019 / 8:27 AM

    I’ve had a Saddleback bag for six or seven years now, and I love it. It has a little bit of a casual look (if a full leather bag can). No moving parts or internal frame..it will last me, and one day my son, forever. 

    • Dean Goodrich
      02/02/2019 / 8:57 AM

      I have one as well. Been carrying it since 2011. I love it. It replaced my well loved filson

  3. Andy
    01/30/2019 / 8:37 AM

    I’ve had a Saddleback 10 years, it will last another fifty years. Patina is excellent and scratches add plenty of character. 

  4. Madison Roberts
    01/30/2019 / 8:43 AM

    I second the Saddleback (https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-briefcases).  I have the Classic Leather Briefcase, but it sometimes is a bit too much of a bag.  So, you may want to check out the slim version.  The whole piece, inside and out, is made of leather and the stitching is solid. I’ve punished mine, so I can attest that will truly last a lifetime.  Aesthetically, it looks sharp right out of the box, but what is great is how it patinas.  (Just know, you will likely not begin to see great patina markings for a couple of years).

  5. Nacho
    01/30/2019 / 9:03 AM

    I had a Filson 256 for about 10 years, and retired it too.  I picked up a Lotuff Triumph about 6 months ago and it was money well spent.  I was disappointed though that they rolled out the “Rasa” limited collection after I bought mine.  I love vegetable tanned leather and how it ages over time, and would have loved to have picked up that vs. the tan I purchased.  https://lotuffleather.com/collections/raw-rasa-collection/products/raw-rasa-triumph-briefcase

  6. NOH
    01/30/2019 / 9:37 AM

    Littleton No. 1 Saddlebag is in my heavy rotation. If I had to do it again, I’d go with the Buffalo.

  7. Lee
    01/30/2019 / 12:04 PM

    I’m surprised you don’t have Saddleback on your list?  I have a “dusty” tobacco satchel, and it’s the perfect combination of rugged & refined.  I also have a green Filson, a classic black Tumi, and a Cravar (small Kickstarter brand) that I love.  Each one has it’s pro’s & con’s, but the Cravar & Saddleback are the two I keep going back to. 

  8. sksnipes85
    01/30/2019 / 3:55 PM

    Buffalo Jackson makes some high quality briefcase/messenger bags. I’ve had my attaché from them for almost 5 years and it’s held up superbly. Gets lots of compliments and has an Indian Jones vibe to it. 

  9. KB
    01/30/2019 / 4:07 PM

    Picked up the Lotuff Leather Zip-Top Briefcase almost a year ago and love it. A tad larger than I would like, but nevertheless timeless and quality is amazing. Going to age great. 

  10. JD
    01/30/2019 / 8:06 PM

    Check out Travelteq. I also use a Filson Original depending on my dress for the day.

  11. MICHAEL
    01/30/2019 / 9:11 PM

    Check out the JW Hulme “Charles Messenger Briefcase in the darker brown “American Heritage” color. I get comments all the time. Excellent quality. One of the best qualities is the latch system. Looks like buckles but has a very  good brass turnbuckle style latch for easier access. 

  12. Nem
    01/31/2019 / 8:38 AM

    I fly commercially a bunch every month.  I see fewer briefcases carried aboard than I do backpacks.  I resisted replacing my Filson mid-sized briefcase for a while but eventually went with a laptop backpack for air travel.  The two strap shoulder carry option is more comfortable when hustling through a terminal than a single strap brief, to me.  And getting items out of and back into my pack is a cinch when seated or from within the overhead.  These beautiful leather jobs are probably great for an easy daily commute.  Anyone toggle back and forth between two bags?

    • JAG
      02/02/2019 / 1:38 AM

      That’s always my struggle. I hate backpacks when I’m wearing a suit/sport coat but for travel it’s just so easy. I have a TUMI backpack that is great for it but get paranoid using it unless I’m dressed casual. I still can’t find a balance. I traveled with my leather briefcase from Lotuff and Witt one from Mulholland a few times and it’s a hassle. I don’t think there ever will be the right balance. 

  13. GEM
    01/31/2019 / 1:00 PM

    I went with Satchel & Page.   Loved their story and so far it’s been awesome!  (one year and running)

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