Filson vs Cravar - who makes the BEST briefcase?

The Filson Original Briefcase is legendary, but there is always a new challenger for the title. The Cravar CO might be the best Filson alternative I've seen in years, and it costs significantly less!
BUY HERE:
Cravar CO: bit.ly/3bkIzsD
Filson Orig. Briefcase: bit.ly/3qzNPzP
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#Carlmurawski #filson #cravar
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Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well and allows you to own less and own better.

[@dhanslee]

Cravar bags are really well made. 2 years ago I visited the store and I had the chance to meet the owner personally. We chatted for an hour and he is very friendly. Anyway, eventually got myself the D.S crossbody bag and I love it 🤟

[@christianbejarano2963]

I recently ordered their C.O Duffle and DayPack in waxed twill (same tan color as Filson) and it has been one of THE BEST invesments for luggage/travel I made. I highly recommend this brand and Yoki really top notch with his customer service. I’m glad Cravar and Indonesian bootmakers are getting the recognition they deserve! Thanks Carl!

[@CAzAReY3XD]

Definitely glad I got my Filson Briefcase before the price jump. I use it for everything, I get teased all the time for having a “man purse” working in a foundry, but the thing is perfect for pretty much everything besides a 3 day backpacking trip. lol

[@dmutomo]

Glad that I got my Filson for $240 during a black Friday sale in Australia in 2021, and I am really happy with my bag. But because of your videos, Cravar bags look really enticing. I am very likely to pay a visit to their store during my Indonesian trip later this year!

[@mattfrizzo6473]

I got a Cravar bag based on your content. I've had it for 2 years and it's been great, I'd highly recommend it. I did have a problem with a buckle breaking, they took care of it - no questions asked, couldn't have been a better experience.

[@g.shumway5925]

How/why did the buckle break? Extreme duress? I ask because Im looking at the leather FC (or the Filson briefcase).

[@saschawolf8663]

As a Filson dealer since 2003, I have witnessed the dramatic development of Filson. It hurts to see what is happening to such a great brand with a long tradition and solid clientele.

[@michaellumpkinss7368]

I also have the Filson bag , and bought new with tags on Mercari for 200$ !! 😅 For me , I enjoy the patina / vintage look and I carry the bag every and usually wearing my Filson SLC tan jacket ! Great video ! Always enjoy them !

[@exxie1]

I have a FC 11 Cravar bag and it's worth every penny I spent on it. It has a lifetime warranty for a reason because it's really built to last without any problems. Considering, the FC doesn't have zippers or moving parts, of course it's going to last forever. And Yoki is a swell dude. Gave me a discount because the bag was my second purchase from him. Also, I'm biased since I'm also Asian and I will always prioritize Asian craft. But really, Cravar or Indonesian leather goods are top top value

[@carlosacosta6564]

I just buy I Filson briefcase made in USA and I’m happy for that. Because now they move the production to Rumanian. And I like the fact they are made in the USA.

[@TheFrontyer]

Just bought the CO15 in leather. Owner was incrediby helpful. Looking forward to receiving it.

[@albertmanuel5028]

I bought a waxed canvas weekender from Gustin. It is American made with Horween Leather trim. $130 and the build quality is excellent. I just had to wait a few months for it to get made.

[@waterfordrs22]

Nice bags. Bleu de Chauffe has some bags I’d probably choose over either. I’ve got their roll top Cabine travel bag which is great. Their Remix Business bag looks worthy of a review. It’s got a similar closure system. After years of bicycle touring with Ortleib panniers, I guess I’ve simply developed a fondness for that style of bag. They have several other self described business bags, some in different materials at different price points. They look both very functional and stylish without being fussy looking. That said, rather than a briefcase, I’d likely gravitate towards more along the lines of a postal bag. Their Lucien is large, well priced and has quick release straps along with no dividers inside. The Eclair Postal is the other catching my eye. I’d be curious as to your thoughts on briefcase style versus postal bags. When it comes to American made waxed cotton bags, NutSac is probably where I would look first.

[@GammaBlack]

Been Saving up for a Kravar for a while now. The reviews seem like it’s great value.

[@aslamc9288]

Cravar all the way for me. I mean, for the price of the Filson, you could jump up to one of Cravar’s full grain veg tan leather bags if you felt like it and that’s wild to me. The level of craftsmanship for the price of the Cravar seems out of this world, and probably largely due to the fact it’s made in Indonesia. But artisan made is artisan made and I don’t think you can look at the level of detail and thoughtfulness and say it’s not artisan made. If Cravar just happened to be Italian or English, it would three times price. I’m kind of smitten with these brands and the company.

[@g.g.vanrooyen5576]

I recommend trying to flip the connectors on the ends of the strap to your Filson bag around so that the round portions are facing inwards when you pick it up. I have mine like this and the bag never tilts over.

[@markjacobo1991]

Thanks for this, I’m going to try this on my filson briefcase!

[@stephenbayley1441]

I'm torn between two beautiful duffle bags: 1) Cravar C.O. Travel/Olive - Waxed Twill 2) Ruitertassen Guardian Duffle Bag Neither website mentions the gauge of the fabric. Based on build quality alone, which do I choose?

[@alui5362]

yup, I can endorse yoki and the cravar team. I got their leather backpack (workpack size), and I use it for rucking (carrying heavy weights and doing walks/runs). I currently carry 20kg (bag inclusive) for my rucks and it holds up no problem, i.e. it can hold more, I just haven't pushed it there. I came back for a tote for my significant other. If I didn't already have so much shit, I'd definitely get their waxed twill stuff because they look really enticing.

[@JavaJunky]

The Filson Original Briefcase is now $495. I swear the prices go up every time I blink.

[@briansanchez1740]

Would love to see a patina update video on your Heirloom Messenger bag.

[@johnnyc.3261]

I use a Carhartt briefcase/messenger bag and it’s decent but would really like something heavier and possibly waxed. Just found your channel just because we have a lot in common on the brands we support, good stuff my dude.

[@lupuscorvus841]

From what I can tell on the pictures, Bradley Mountain makes one similar to Filson with all of the old features Carl prefers and for less money at almost $100.00 less at $365.00.

[@brucemurray2520]

I've purchased several Red Oxx bags as gifts. Made in Montana. No leather, but excellent workmanship.

[@WelderVp]

I'm glad to have Filsons older wool and canvas. they're going away from what I want, entirely. Awesome video, CM. Thanks

[@marlenakauer5262]

I bought their briefcase second hand on eBay for under $140 with shipping about a year and a half ago and I love it. But for $450 knowing most of that is going to folks at the top, hell no. It is an awesome bag tho and look forward to having it for years to come. Hopefully as a nice diaper bag in a couple years haha! Dunno how to tag channels but evergreen organica did a review of their tin cloth pants and looks like they’re made in Sri Lanka now. He recommended Red Clouds Collective for waxed pants and I don’t have a need for waxed pants but look like a solid option for any folks here looking for some and a USA made option.

[@chrishudson4198]

The nutsac is hands down the best bag and the backpack rules

[@hmoobmikah]

I once bought my filson from Brooks brother for $69 when they had a sale for $200 off $500. They were on retailed for $269. I returned something on the phone and customer support told me the coupon applied only to filson, so I only paid $69 for the briefcase.

[@TommySG1]

Hey Carl, I’m a fan of Filson products but they’ve really gotten so damn expensive. I used an original briefcase to work for about 7 years before I worked a hole into the bottom of it. I wound up buying a second one during their winter sale about 2-3 years ago and it was about half price so I lucked out before they were sold out. I love their thick twill as well as their beautiful bridal leather appointments too. For me it’s Filson all the way here although I m biased. Dig your channel man, please keep doing what you do and thanks 🤙

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you for the kind words brother! Lets hope Filson finds their way back to being a solid value in addition to making great products.

[@mitahapsari4960]

Thanks for making this review. My bro have the Cravar CO and I have the FC 11 leather. I do think the CO's still more practical, it also dress up better. Occasionally we would still lust over the idea of owning Filson briefcases at some point in the future, just because the heritage and that they are classics. But price wise and everything like you mentioned here keep me putting off that consideration.

[@matthewcartlidge3564]

Customers need value. Given their inflated prices, it’s hard to find value with Filson. Have a great day Carl!

[@Ives1776]

Gustin sometimes makes briefcases too. I want one but I don’t need one so 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@CarlMurawski]

BUY HERE: Cravar CO: bit.ly/3bkIzsD Filson Orig. Briefcase: bit.ly/3qzNPzP

[@markdunn1931]

Cravar is BLOODY GREAT !! Great quality, awesome customer service.

[@DeeM-wv1wp]

What is the weight of the canvas?

[@RagingHamster8330]

Great video! To my mind, the Cravar wins!

[@MABOedc]

Minnesota made Frost River is my go to for waxed canvas bags. Less expensive than Filson while still American made.

[@kongmw]

Can’t say I have ever had any issue with the Filson bag flipping over when I pick it up. But that zipper is something I am constantly concerned about when it comes to scratching my watch. It is what it is and I still wouldn’t trade the Filson for anything else.

[@johnharper3257]

Sorry if already mentioned, but have looked at Bexar? The Land Messenger.

[@startoku8054]

Hey Carl, do you happen to know if there's padding in the laptop slot on the Cravar briefcase? I heard that the FIlson has no padding and requires a sleeve to have some padding

[@barrilitomusic]

Got myself a Filson briefcase in navy on eBay, in near mint condition for less than $300.

[@howcanimiss]

A lot of times a Filson wins for me is because you can don’t zip it up, the storm flap and the giant front and back pockets are more practical than I imagined

[@jeanvanderstegen]

What about the french brand “bleu de chauffe” ? I’ve got one of their waxed bags, it’s just soooooo great

[@mattforss239]

Can you recommend a book on terminology of leather crafted bags and accessories? I'm interested in learning about the construction, so something more indepth than a photobook.

[@Jordz711]

Does anyone reckon you'd squeeze a 16 inch Macbook pro in the Filson?

[@WelderVp]

Hey, CM, may I ask you something? What's your favorite work boot that's available at the moment? Thank you!

[@camrock8]

Long time viewer! The content gets better and better Carl, keep up the excellent work, I try my best to share your channel on the job site. Quick question, have you checked out ShipJohns Wagoner duffle bag? Not a briefcase, but a waxed bag none the less, just curious. Thanks for your time! Cam Mathews 🐝General Contractor

[@CarlMurawski]

Hey Cam, I haven’t tried it but Ship John is very high quality stuff. No doubts that it’s fantastic.

[@StVenify]

In Europe the Filson bag costs 525 euros, that's 560 dollars! this brand truly has become a fashion statement and it really is sad.

[@BwBumbar]

How would you stack up Duluth pack’s offering against these? I have an older one and love it.

[@hsientsay]

The Duck Unlimited Folsom bag is still 325 and I am so tempted to get that….would that be better than the Cravar in ur opinion?

[@rickc4317]

Another excellent, honest review, thanks, Carl.

[@dnguyen9747]

I'm glad the bought Filson bags years ago.

[@tanksouth]

Thank you sir!

[@marcus4471]

I own the Satchel and Page Aviator Brief and it’s great! Perhaps the Aviator Brief and the Associate are better value in a similar price bracket?

[@CarlMurawski]

Oh I agree, but I just tried to find the most comparable option for this video. Satchel & Page is fantastic though, I've never regretted a purchase from them.

[@shaunporento6548]

Love my filson. But why would they get rid of the pen pockets and the other two pockets? I would not keep a new one. Go with Duluth pack executive bag.

[@CarlMurawski]

I'm not really sure why they keep taking things away from the bag. I suspect that its a way to reduce the production cost since they're all very useful features.

[@limjazzdedragonheryadi1290]

I've sold all my Filson collection... 256, 258, 232 and rucksack..... And now I have 5pcs CRAVAR instead...

[@jakub_bartler]

I think you should check out Polish brand called Sartolane, as it makes bags for a similar price, but I would say better quality

[@EastofVictoriaPark]

I assume you are Polish and thus support Polish companies. After a cursory look at the website I see only leather bags. No twill. Prices are more than Filson. Understand that leather is more expensive than twill but this is not a similar price, at least not to the Cravar bag. I cannot comment on quality from an image. The aesthetic is quite a bit different and far dressier and looks more like its European contemporaries.

[@benvieira3895]

I see Carl Murawski in my feed and I click

[@MythDealer]

The 256 looks so much better tho

[@calebmorse]

If you still want to stick to USA made then Vermilyea Pelle is the way to go. Way higher quality than Filson and some configurations are still cheaper.

[@turtlemaster9000]

Problem with Vermilyea Pelle is that their bags are always sold out, their current collection is also very ugly in my honest opinion (Pendleton Wool/Black Phoenix Leather Doctors Bags) which just SCREAMS grandma energy. I just wish they would stop messing around and remake their Navy Waxed Canvas/Black Japanese Pink line Selvedge that have been discontinued some time ago.

[@navy4735]

@@turtlemaster9000 they no longer in business. they shut down a few months back.

[@cordovanhobbyist895]

Is anyone else eager for Carl to cover WeatherWool?

[@cdakskid]

I've never seen one in person, but have heard only great things about the quality.

[@cordovanhobbyist895]

@@cdakskid So have I. People have claimed that Wearherwool has a tighter weave than the Mackinaw. However, two advantages that Filson has over WeatherWool is: mass production & virgin wool. I can't recall precisely what sheep that WeatherWool sources from, but part of it is a merino blend. The general assumption with softer wool is a compromise in longevity. Filson has 100 years of history to showcase the Mackinaw's durability.

[@gabepaz2640]

Filson is now 495

[@asterling1989]

After I saw your Cravar video, I ordered a Cravar FC10 in Leather. But this waxed twill version looks really good, but I’ve never had a bag with this material before. How does their waxed twill hold up? And is it easy to maintain?

[@g.shumway5925]

According to Stridewise’ blog page, twill is similar but more durable than canvas. Cravar’s twill look very nice, but I’m leaning towards their espresso leather since I’d like it for suit/tie situations as well

[@yehoshua77]

Vermilyea Pelle FTW

[@matts6551]

Carl, FYI, you can still find NOS quality Filson items on places like eBay for far less then what Bedrock Filson is charging. For example I have a new-like mid 90’s and early 2001 Filson briefcases. I also have a new with tags preserved 1960 Filson Style 16 Cruiser. Each purchased for less then $300. Patience is a virtue. Also Filson continues their longtime relationship with USA leather Tannery Wickett and Craig.

[@jaredweiman2987]

Filson is smart for not using lining on the inside. Almost every bag I've seen that has lining turns into a rats nest on the inside after about ten years. While I hate their shameless price increases, the fact that it has its own aftermarket speaks for itself.

[@CarlspacklerJr]

I’d rather order a Vermilyea Pelle and support small US made business

[@matts6551]

Vermilyea Pelle is a great company but even the founder has admitted to ripping off the Filson design. Personally I’d rather have a well preserved 1990’s or early 2000’s Filson briefcase that was made by a craftsman instead of the current assembly line process. It might take some patience but these bags still exist on eBay. Recently found a basically new Filson 258 Large Briefcase made in 2001 for less then what a new one costs with lesser quality materials and build.

[@jimmybalantyne5545]

How you don't know where the leather on the Filson bag is from says a lot about how little you know.

[@CarlMurawski]

Brilliant.

[@FullyAdamatic]

Filson jumped the shark for me.

[@michaelsutanto5269]

Lets be honest there is nothing like Filson. You either get Filson or you are not. Any other brand that you try to consider and compare with Filson or try to find a flaw from Filson is just an excuse to justify to get something cheaper or Filson-ish looking bag. No hate on other brand. Filson does not have the most practical and ergonomic design but at the end of the day you will get Filson. The legendary brand which all workwear nerd will drool over.

[@alui5362]

basically go with the filson if you want the brand. go with cravar if you want actual value.

[@JJ-zr6fu]

Craver looks cheep overall I could not see myself paying that much for something that looks like that. Filson while it might be overpriced looks and feels like the price.

[@g.shumway5925]

I’m not sure it looks cheap, but I do agree that the filson looks better. However, Cravar’s leather stuff (especially espresso) is beautiful, and I’m considering that or the Filson green version (same price)

[@JJ-zr6fu]

@@g.shumway5925 I just looked at it again and it looks really cheap.

[@matlindell5022]

Are you kidding me?🤡Filson all the way without any shadow of a doubt 🤩💪👍

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Probably made by the same companies overseas that sell waxed canvas bags on Amazon for $40 that smell like homeless feet. I'll never buy Filson's if they're going to be charging US Made prices for stuff they're building for pennies on the dollar. No character at all in that.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

It said in the video it's US made. Did you watch it?

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

@@EssenceofPureFlavor That one is, but that's an old one. Almost all Filson's product materials have been outsourced to overseas manufacturers with far lower quality standards than their US counterparts. Didn't YOU watch the video? 😆 #FilsonSucks

[@geoffoprandy7920]

Stick with Filson’s made in USA 🇺🇸

[@TheFrontyer]

Nah fuck them

[@bonoos]

absolutely incomparable things.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

Although I hate that Filson now chooses to outsource so much of their line up. The biggest part of the problem is people comparing the price of an American made product vs one made in a 3rd world country. People want cheaper stuff, even if it isn’t as well made. Then these people complain about the decline of American companies. They complain about the jobs moving overseas. It’s hilarious really. You are part of the problem.

[@zman8340]

Indonesia vs USA ? I mean come on dude

[@TheFrontyer]

Indonesia wins any day. Both in boots and in bags.