There are brands that live and die by the times, the trend chasers who we can’t bother ourselves with in the future. Then, there’s ironclad victors who continue outputting innovative designs, and beyond stellar functional pieces. Filson has been making killer briefcases for over to one-hundred twenty years, and this is their glory hour on Gear Hungry.
The Best Filson Briefcase
1Original Filson Briefcase in Otter Green
One of our personal favorites, the Filson original briefcase comes with a rain resistant coating to protect you from the elements on your morning commute, and durable canvas construction that takes a serious beating. You’re moving through the smoggy streets, and your clothes retain exhaust and the odors of the city. The easy-to-clean original briefcase is far more resistant to picking up unpleasant scents along the way, and withstands whatever you throw at it.
New and empty, this bag weighs just over three pounds, and comes with a locking lanyard to prevent the zipper from opening, which is especially helpful on dodgy commutes. Blended stitching and beautiful leather handles give you a feeling of great import from the moment you pick your briefcase up, to the minute you drop it off at the end of your day. For those who are curious, this can hold up to a 17” laptop.
Canvas construction
Briefcase weighs 3.30lbs (empty)
Rain resistant build
- BrandFilson
- Model70256-pp
- Weight3.31 pounds
2Padded Laptop Filson Briefcase
When the classic cut won’t do, the second-in-command ultimate Twill Padded Filson briefcase fills its place. You’re a man who wants additional space, a unique appearance that thrift store businessman on the other end of the train won’t have; let’s dive into it. This bridle leather construction sports interior divider compartments for smaller items, as well as four stow pockets for a tablet, phone, and things of the sort. Those dividers are crafted with Filson’s very own TIn Cloth (more on that at the end of this post), stuffing a little piece of history into the mix.
You’re able to comfortably fit up to a 15” laptop, with plenty of room for legal pads and files. Some of our favorite touches include the YKK zippers, as well as the detachable 46” leather shoulder strap if it doesn’t quite tickle your fancy. Everything about this briefcase shouts purpose, while staying low enough in cost to keep your wallet happy. As our editor’s choice briefcase, the Twill Padded hits every mark.
Comes with three interior dividers
Four stow pockets for small items
Saddle-grade bridle leather construction
- BrandFilson
- Weight5.1 pounds
3Dryden Filson Briefcase
The Dryden comes pretty dry-cut, but leaves a favorable taste in your mouth when you see the attractive price tag. While it’s a bit smaller than its predecessors, this newer cut from Filson hits home with certain stylistic elements, and a dual set of exterior pouches that add a certain layer of depth to the whole thing. Storage isn’t a problem, and neither is separating electronics. Tablet in one bag, up to a 13” laptop in the central compartment, and plenty of space for everything else you’ll need.
Empty, this bag only weighs a little over two pounds, and packing some serious rain resistance thanks to the rough nylon construction. The ballistic weave build fortifies the canvas, ensuring that you’ll have this bag on your first day of the job, and the day you retire. Filson’s not trying to be your next briefcase; they’re trying to be the last one you’ll ever own. Even with a few of our personal biases for other brands, you can’t deny the lasting nature of Filson. You may also be interested in some of these stylish and practical leather portfolios for men from our list. Check them out.
Primary nylon construction
Ballistic weave for maximum durability
Dual exterior pouch design
- BrandFilson
- Weight2.2 pounds
424 Hour Briefcase
Heading into the city for the night? Planning on getting away right after work? Whether you need to pack for the night, walk through a horizontal rainstorm, or all of the above, the 24 hour briefcase isn’t just a clever name; it’s a promise. Thanks to the cotton leather build, you get excellent resistance against the elements, allowing you to move with confidence and swagger, when everyone else is flipping a lid over a few drops of rain.
Those two bulky exterior pouches come with dividers, crafted of Filson’s signature Tin Cloth, making them water resistant and tough as nails. Bridle leather makes up the tote straps, allowing you to keep this as close as possible to protect your 15” laptop. If you’re not too crazy about the green, you’re in luck; these also come in navy blue and dark tan. Just when you thought they couldn’t output another killer idea, right?
Cotton leather construction
Two exterior pouches w/ organizational dividers
Storm flap w/ strap closure
- BrandFilson
- Weight3.8 pounds
5Unisex Tablet Briefcase
Last but not least, we have the Unisex Tablet briefcase that’s short on features, small on the price tag, and designed for the minimalist businessman who only brings the bare necessities. You’re able to stash a full-sided Kindle Fire HD in here, with additional room in the exterior flap for cords, deployable power banks, or anything you can think of. Crafted of water-repellent nylon, this briefcase brings you protection and durability, all in one fell swoop.
If you’re all about keeping work in the United States, it’s just one more reason to go with Filson. Everything from the accessory strap to the signature Tin Cloth lining is all apart of the Seattle brand you’ve come to know and love. It’s been too long since your last Filson briefcase, and now that we’ve made it easy for you, continue reading to learn a little more about America’s most-trusted briefcase brand.
Padded and lined to cradle a tablet or eReader
Water-repellent finish
Extremely lightweight; excellent carry-on bag for a flight
- BrandFilson
- Weight2.3 pounds
Filson Briefcase Buying Guide
If you’ve ever wondered what makes this unique brand tick, you’re in for a quick and thrilling ride. They keep it simple, because they don’t have time to get caught up in the bells and whistles. They’re all about quality, and getting you what you need.
About the Brand: Filson, Since 1897
Over one-hundred twenty years is a long time for anyone to be in business, so how’d they do it? It’s all about sticking to your guns, and continuing to blaze the trail. From 1897, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, this brand is responsible for some of the most innovative materials of the 19th century, including Mackinaw Wool, and Tin Cloth. While they make some of the best briefcases around, they’re actually more centered on the outdoors, and those who prefer nature to the humdrum of the cityscape.
Anglers, sailors, hunters, they all have one thing in common: Filson. They create some of the most-trusted durable jackets to face the elements in, gloves, hats, boots, and more, all with the idea that the working man doesn’t need to be concerned with quality and longevity. They already figured that out, and stick with the same methods to this day.
Briefcases May Differ In:
Size - Briefcases and laptop bags are different stories. With modern manufacturing, you’re able to be told how many inches of a laptop screen will slip into the bag. With Filson, you get fine-tuned measurements.
Material - Filson uses a blend of different materials. You’ll be able to feel the quality build, and see it as the materials gently age, but never fade. Through their custom means, they make every bag built to last.
Color - Depending on the opaqueness or dark shade of color, you may get a slightly different hue of the color you selected at the purchase point. Because everything is dyed by itself, you still get a thorough consistency, albeit with a few shades darker or lighter.
Padding - They’re solid on padding across the board, ensuring that when your briefcase knocks against your knees on the morning train, you’re not going to feel your iPad hitting you directly through the material.
Style - You’re a dapper gentleman; unique style is part of the game. Filson takes a creative twist on the traditional, so expect to see fresh designs that aren’t common department store looks.
