If you’re looking to invest in a beautiful leather bag that will develop a lovely patina over time, the Carl Friedrik Palissy will handle day-to-day loads with unmatched sophistication. Photo: Michael Hession. ECOSUSI Briefcase for Women Laptop Bag for School Briefcase Crossbody Messenger Bags Vegan Leather Satchel Purse Fit 14 Inches Laptop, Black 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,981 $46.99 - $59.99 And if you’re not already carrying a briefcase, you may be considering getting one for more convenience or to improve your professional appearance. We expect this handle will soften with a bit more use, but that it needs a break-in period is a tad annoying. Best Vintage: Texbo Cowhide Leather Shoulder Briefcase Made of a water-resistant nylon, the Taygeer laptop bag includes expandable sides that add an extra 1.3 inches to the body of the briefcase for increased storage space. We looked for bags that weren’t more than 5 inches thick but that could still hold a 13-inch laptop, an e-reader, a book, a notebook, an umbrella, pens, a USB battery pack, a pair of headphones, and associated charging cables. We then narrowed the list down to 25 bags based on specifications, aesthetics, materials, and price; we were able to dismiss some of the bags out of hand when we received them. The lightweight locking telescopic handle has … Like the Palissy bag, the Vallance is made from vegetable-tanned leather, and we expect this bag to look just as good with a blazer as it does with a puffy jacket. Despite its compelling price and decent size, the AmazonBasics’s handles were uncomfortable to wear, and its material felt scratchy. This bag is water-repellent, with a storm flap to make doubly sure your laptop doesn’t get splashed. Photo: Michael Murtaugh. However, it was the heaviest bag we tested—4 pounds, 3 ounces empty. The shoulder strap is padded enough that you shouldn’t experience any discomfort while carrying the bag, even if you fill it to capacity (the Cary fits a laptop, an e-reader, a notebook, a pair of over-ear headphones, an umbrella, a portable USB charger, several charging cables, and a pen and pencil, and still has room for more). The Mygreen Convertible Backpack Messenger can be used as either a briefcase, messenger bag, or a backpack depending on where you place the generous number of straps. The bag also lost its clean, rectangular shape when loaded with our daily work essentials—the lack of external structure made it balloon when full. The Balance Small Business uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Vallance’s shorter zipper won’t open up as wide as zippers on other briefcases we recommend, but it does add to the bag’s slim and sleek aesthetic. It is important to note that although the briefcase is advertised as a 17-inch laptop bag, it's best used for laptops 15 inches or smaller. Even though we enjoy the previously recommended Knomo Hanover for its upscale aesthetics and small-but-comfortable size, our current budget recommendation, the Knomo Princeton, offers a similar vibe for around $40 less. It’s crafted for durability with premium materials and this tactical briefcase includes several multi-purpose pockets that can store and organize small items such as smartphones, pens, keys and more. These are two great options that other leather briefcases at this price point don’t provide. It’s comfortable to carry with either the soft leather handle or the shoulder strap. This simple-looking leather case has a large capacity and lots of organization, and it weighs significantly less than other leather bags its size. But we’ve done all the hard work and rounded up all the top-tier options on the following list of the 20 best messenger bags for men. The Solo Classic Rolling Catalog briefcase is designed with a sturdy carry handle that extends to 24 ½ inches, making it easy to transport your items quickly and easily through the airport, around town or through office buildings. Plus, Stuart & Lau bags are all guaranteed by a lifetime limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Pockets and organization: The Haskell’s two zippered pockets are well organized: One of them has a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a larger canopy; the other pocket features a few smaller sleeves for slim books, e-readers, or incidental cables. If you can still find it, it’s a good briefcase. And though we appreciate the bag’s colors, it’s a little bit too thick to serve as a good briefcase. The Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase has a professional appearance and spacious design. The bag’s looks don’t suffer for its organizational capabilities, either: It’s nearly as svelte as the smaller Knomo Hanover (a similar but slightly dressier—and more expensive—case we liked). If you’re a fan of compartments, you’ll love this briefcase that much more. Though the Smith features a similar number of internal pockets, and we appreciate the inclusion of a zippered pocket for a water bottle or thermos, the waxed canvas bag’s lack of internal structure and rugged, bulky design would make it look out of place in a more-formal office setting. This bag’s leather handle is also a little more rigid than those on many of the other bags we considered. The Timbuk2 Hudson Laptop Briefcase 2015 was our previous top pick in this guide. The adjustable nylon shoulder strap is long enough to be carried over the shoulder or across the body. Some cases—like the Linjer and Fossil models we tried—use softer, more forgiving chrome-tanned leather. The briefcase is 5.5 inches, which provides a lot of space for storing a laptop, iPad or tablet, documents and other business essentials. We were underwhelmed by the Timbuk2 Smith Briefcase, compared with the Stuart & Lau Cary Single Briefcase we recommend. Other minimalist briefcases we tested suffered from an overly soft structure, a limited zip, or an uneven hide, but the Palissy manages to deliver in all of these categories for less than $600. The pocket is flat but deep, which means you may have to stick your entire hand in to retrieve anything. Because briefcases serve as status symbols more than, say, backpacks and messenger bags do, and since they tend to be popular among those in higher-income professions, they carry price tags to match. If you don’t want to spend too much and you need a small bag that’s nicely laid out, the Knomo Princeton will work well for light loads. A low budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or functionality. Justin Krajeski is a staff writer reporting on everyday carry at Wirecutter. Why it’s great: The Carl Friedrik Palissy is a functional and beautiful briefcase for a more-formal office. Photo: Michael Murtaugh. The Bellroy Slim Work Bag’s canvas exterior seemed hearty, and it appeared to have decent organization. The CityLite is an efficient and affordable briefcase with room for up to a 15.6-inch laptop, along with dedicated pockets for business cards, pens, and other paraphernalia. We’ve heard of people returning their bag because they just couldn’t, erm, handle it. Small-to-medium size seat bags for your riding necessities When it comes to picking materials, a laptop case made of genuine leather is one of the best options you can choose. If you try to load one up with a water bottle, your gym clothes, and a hardback novel, you’ll be very displeased. The briefcase is made of genuine leather and measures 19 x 14 x 4 inches, but can be expanded an additional inch for increased storage. Despite the name of the Topo Commuter Briefcase, it has backpack straps that add unnecessary bulk and make it harder to carry at your side. We appreciated the robust internal organization system of the Bellroy Classic Brief bag, but we found its shoulder strap and handle uncomfortable. Our top choice is Samsonite’s Leather Expandable Briefcase – its genuine leather, with a stylish, professional look and multiple well-designed compartments make it the absolute best briefcase we’ve come across. Who is this for: Someone who wants a refined leather briefcase—for a formal or business setting—that looks as good as bags costing thousands more. Though the Princeton’s removable strap is unpadded, this bag was still comfortable to wear. Inside includes a large storage area, plus expanding file folders and an organizer section for keeping all the business essentials separate, organized and easy to access. Why it’s great: The Carl Friedrik Vallance is, in a word, chic. If you plan to get a briefcase, you’ll be happiest and most comfortable if you keep in mind that these bags are designed for short trips between car, office, and boardroom, or for commuters who travel light. The Frank Clegg Leather Computer Briefcase felt buttery-smooth on the outside—and that’s not PR jargon, it actually feels soft and supple. The waterproof leather ensures your briefcase and contents are protected from rain or spills. We’ve tested 25 briefcases over the past three years—loading them up and then walking, running, commuting, biking, and flying with them. Unfortunately, the bag has only a limited, one-year warranty that covers “defects in material or workmanship.”, Size and weight: 13 by 16 by 3½ inches; 2 pounds, 10 ounces. The Princeton’s herringbone pattern and leather detailing elevate it high above other affordable bags we tested. The best laptop bag is one that's comfortable, durable, and has enough storage space for all your devices and daily carry needs. But it didn’t hold up against the Carl Friedrik Palissy: The Linjer didn’t open as wide, and it had fewer pockets for organization. On the back, the Cary hides an easy-to-access but discreet zippered pouch for your cell phone, and there’s another large sleeve with a magnetic closure. Beyond these basic features, the bag is chock-full of little extras, including a magnetic dock for keys and a sleeve that slides over a rolling suitcase’s handle, for easier travel. You can find well-known brands whose entire product lines sit above that ceiling, but we’ve seen enough great bags for less than $600 to be confident that spending above that is more of a style choice. It has also two pen pockets and a little external pocket, which really won’t be useful for much beyond your keys or an office key card. Filson’s lifetime warranty covers regular wear and tear, so if anything goes wrong with the bag—even with advanced wear—the company will cover you for repair or replacement. So take a look below to find the best men's briefcases to buy today. Tall or small, the briefcase has to look like it’s always been resting on your hand. You can choose from four sleek, professional colors to match your professional persona: black, coffee, absolute black and absolute coffee. You can distinguish a briefcase from other bags because it’s designed to be carried primarily by a hand strap or handle. But we expect that it will soon become difficult to track down. We loaded the remaining bags with the above-mentioned gear and carried them while walking for anywhere between 30 minutes and four hours, alternating between using the top handle and the carry strap, when applicable. Photo: Michael Murtaugh. Buy from Bloomingdales. And for $65 more you can add a pass-through attachment, to secure the bag to luggage. During testing, the Palissy’s symmetrical design and the smooth, deep tone of its leather immediately stood out. Inateck Travel Carry on Luggage is our top pick for the best travel luggage The first thing that must be noted about the Inateck Travel Carry on Luggage is the fact that despite its impressive size and dimensions it still counts as carry on compatible for most of the world’s major airlines. The Vallance looks pristine, and it’s easy enough to open and close, as long as you’re carrying only the essentials—a laptop, your wallet, and a road map for your glamorous, wind-swept road trip along the coast. But the Massachusetts-crafted briefcase has no inner lining, nor was it built to stand on its own. The inner compartment includes a generous amount of storage space, making it versatile for work and travel purposes. Unfortunately, Timbuk2 has informed us that the Hudson is being discontinued. The pairing of nylon and leather gives the bag aesthetic flexibility. Who this is for: Someone who needs a good-looking briefcase with ample space—one that can be used with almost any outfit, from a suit to jeans and a bomber jacket. Its precise stitching, firm structure, wide zipper pattern, comfortable handles, options for customization, and handsome leather make the Palissy’s price easier to swallow. You can also personalize the bag with your initials (either inside the main compartment or on the shoulder strap) for an addition $35. Of all the Samsonite luggage pieces, this is by far the best looking. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. You don’t have to strain your shoulders or deal with back pain from carrying around a heavy backpack. Instead of the heavier-duty straps that line the sides of the Palissy briefcase, the handles on the Vallance touch only the top of the bag. According to The Telegraph, the best messenger bags for men should be worn high and across the body. Doing this may seem like a more efficient use of space, but it’ll just make the already heavy Cary unpleasant to walk around with. The Palissy is constructed of vegetable-tanned leather; the process produces tougher leather that’s more prone to showing scratches but that also leads to a pleasing patina over time. He carries things every day. We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. The internet is littered with stories of people’s excellent interactions with Filson repairs. Plus, neither its handle nor its shoulder strap are particularly comfortable (the shoulder strap has no padding whatsoever). Although it’s definitely on the casual end of the spectrum for a briefcase, it’s still good-looking enough—with a certain rustic charm—that it won’t seem totally out of place accompanying a tweed coat or a blazer. Timbuk2 Smith Briefcase. The briefcase can fit under airplane seats and measures 17 x 14.5 x 7.5 inches. 8 Of The Best Travel Bags For Men. It’s a beautiful bag, but we recommend the Carl Friedrik Palissy briefcase instead. Regardless of your career, there’s a chance your daily work attire includes a briefcase. Photo: Michael Murtaugh, The Vallance’s handles attach to the top of the bag, and its zipper stops short of the sides. Ideal for extended trips, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a durable and lightweight option that can handle the airport’s toughest treatment. There's very little that unites the vast array of beautiful designer handbags for 2019 apart from the fact they are, indeed, the best designer handbags.These days, rather than one overarching silhouette or finish leading the charge for all bags, you'll find that each high-fashion brand has the style that most suits its unique aesthetic. Knomo offers only a two-year warranty for the Princeton (as well as for the Hanover). You can store a … Unfortunately, once we began testing, it became clear that the structure and comfort of the other bags we reviewed were superior to this bag’s. We’ve found 14 backpacks that will suit every taste and need. Who this is for: Someone who wants a simply styled, high-capacity leather bag that doesn’t weigh a lot. Not only does this eliminate a lot of the association with purses, it also says you’re a man of action! Check out our reviews of the best briefcases for men! Why it’s great: The well-priced Knomo Princeton is our favorite slim briefcase for carrying light loads. And even though this bag seems luxurious, the Frank Clegg is mostly a headache to continually set up. This beauty has a full-capacity design that offers tons of space for your belongings. The Haskell has an understated design that can fit most situations. He has been with Wirecutter since 2012, and previously headed our cameras section. Tim Barribeau is the editor in charge of pets and carry coverage (the latter is anything you might take with you on the way out the door to work). Also, this bag doesn’t have a shoulder strap. None of the internal pockets have closures, and if you’ve ever accidentally upended an open bag, you know that a snap or zip can be very handy. The briefcase is 5.5 inches, which provides a lot of space for storing a laptop, iPad or tablet, documents and other business essentials. It also doesn’t offer as much customization as the Palissy; the Linjer comes in fewer colors, you can’t opt for customized detailing, and you can’t add a pass-through for attachment to a carry-on bag handle. © 2021 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, Best large, all-purpose briefcase: Stuart & Lau Cary Single Briefcase, Best small, inexpensive briefcase: Knomo Princeton, Best tough briefcase: Filson Original Briefcase, Best refined leather briefcase for daily use: Carl Friedrik Palissy, Best minimal leather briefcase for light loads: Carl Friedrik Vallance, Best inexpensive leather briefcase: Fossil Haskell Double Zip Briefcase, Amazon Basics 15.6-Inch Laptop Shoulder Bag. Made of genuine leather, the outer frame is sturdy and maintains the briefcase shape no matter how much is stored inside. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes Personal Shopper may receive a small share of that sale. A zipper underneath the briefcase can be unzipped to expand the storage area so you can fit more items in the briefcase without compromising the integrity of the seams. Why it’s great: The Filson name has long been associated with items of rugged quality, and the Filson Original Briefcase is part of that legacy. Our Top Picks. As long as you’re aware of what you’re packing, you should have no trouble holding the briefcase by its handles. Compartments. By the time you load up this bag with all your gear, it’ll be exceedingly heavy. The Princeton bag has a second outer pocket on its back, to hold a wallet or passport. If you want a briefcase that will stand the test of time and troubles, wait until you have the money to buy one of our more expensive—and higher-quality—recommendations. Inside the spacious briefcase, you’ll find a zipper pocket, a phone pocket, wallet pocket, main pocket and computer pocket. Size and weight: 11.7 by 15.4 by 2.4 inches; 3 pounds, 2 ounces, Colors: cognac, chocolate, navy, black with a choice of gray or orange lining. The briefcase itself weighs about five pounds when it’s empty. Most laptop bags come with a variety of pockets as well, allowing you to fit not just a laptop, but also a notebook, battery pack, pens, water bottles, and other items. Knowing what to look for in the best briefcases for men can be tricky. Read on for our list of the best checked luggage. Pockets and organization: Inside the main section, the Filson Original has two full-length laptop or folder pockets, as well as a series of smaller internal pockets for miscellanea. The Balance Small Business is part of the. It can also fit … The roomy inside compartment is divided into two sections, one of which can be used to hold a laptop up to 15 inches. 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