For those of us that carry a briefcase everyday – specifically for a laptop – here are some options:
(Clockwise from the top left):
1. Orvis Battenkill Briefcase
2. LL Bean Maine Guide Waxed Canvas Briefcase
3. J.W. Hulme Overnight Graystone Canvas Briefcase
4. Filson Briefcase
5. Boyt Shoulder Briefcase
6. Clava Briefcase
Here’s mine:
It was given to me as a gift on Christmas 2007. I really like the leather and canvas combination. I’m not very tough on it; I do not travel with this briefcase – which probably helps. Notice in the details how the canvas edges are starting to age, and the quality leather is starting to ‘shine’.
Anyone familiar with Battenkill knows how great they look after years of use:
Nice fade… (Image: Google)
My briefcase has served me well for almost three years. This one is a keeper for a long time.
Love that Battenkill. I got the Filson 257 for graduation and start work on Monday. Looking forward to putting some miles on it.
I've been looking for a new case… mine is shot! I like the canvas & leather look.
Manifolddestiny — I wish you nothing but good fortune in your new career.
I carry that same Battenkill for work for over a year now. Travel with it. It hauls a lot of stuff, including a laptop, and despite having its ass kicked on my daily commute it is holding up strong. I'm also seeing that fade in the canvas on the edges, which is my favorite feature.
The last is a vintage bag made by Gokey.
Manifold – You should take a picture today, then a year from now, then in another year…just to show the wear.
SR – Give it a try…
Ox – have you seen a lot of additional wear by traveling with it?
TIC – True. The wear will be similar.
RCS – Not really. The long handles get bent up in the overhead compartment but are in fine shape when I take it out.
Interesting post. It's timely for me, too.
I have a leather Johnston & Murphy that's over 20 years old. (That predates laptops, at least in my life.) My dad, who never went to college, gave it to me as a high school graduation gift. Of course, he didn't realize that I couldn't use it in college. He just thought an educated man carried a briefcase. I have been carrying laptops in it for about 7 or 8 years. Is there a point where "patina" gives over to "ruined"? If so, I belive it's close. Where can I find that Gokey bag?
I am a big fan of the filson one. Actually shopping right now for a more professional laptop bag because the one I have is a little too outdoorsy for the office.