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?
P L E A S E S U P P O R T O U R P A R T N E R S :
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!
What could cause the corner of a Filson 256 to tear?
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.
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.
I have one as well. Been carrying it since 2011. I love it. It replaced my well loved filson
I’ve had a Saddleback 10 years, it will last another fifty years. Patina is excellent and scratches add plenty of character.
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).
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
Littleton No. 1 Saddlebag is in my heavy rotation. If I had to do it again, I’d go with the Buffalo.
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.
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.
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.
Check out Travelteq. I also use a Filson Original depending on my dress for the day.
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.
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?
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.
I went with Satchel & Page. Loved their story and so far it’s been awesome! (one year and running)