The Best Briefcases for Men From $90-$2,000 | Briefcase Round-up 2020

When it comes to a great outfit, nothing can make or break a good look like a sub-par bag or briefcase. Whether you're a frequent traveler, road warrior, or office commuter a good bag can really make a difference in your productivity and style.
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0:00 - Video Chapters
1:35 - Overall Criteria
3:30 - Budget
4:38 - What to look for when shopping
5:25 - My Briefcase Criteria
8:25 - Best Entry Level Bags
9:20 - Stuart and Lau: thekavalier.reviews/Stuart-Lau
9:05 - Bellroy: thekavalier.reviews/Bellroy
9:55 - Briggs & Riley: thekavalier.reviews/B-R-B
9:40 - Tumi: thekavalier.reviews/Tumi-B
10:40 - Filson: thekavalier.reviews/Filson-B
10:50 - VeganWear: thekavalier.reviews/Veganwear
11:35 - Best Entry Level Leather
11:52 - Daniels: thekavalier.reviews/Daniels
12:00 - Italic: thekavalier.reviews/Italic-B
12:02 - Beckett Simonon: thekavalier.reviews/Beckett-Bags
12:05 - Cravar: thekavalier.reviews/Cravar
12:20 - Best Overall Value
12:28 - Carl Friedrik: thekavalier.reviews/CarlFriedrik
12:37 - Satchel and Page: thekavalier.reviews/satchel-page
12:40 - Daveed: thekavalier.reviews/Daveed-Slim
12:27 - JL Rocha: thekavalier.reviews/JLR-B
13:36 - Saddleback: thekavalier.reviews/Saddleback
14:06 - Vocier: thekavalier.reviews/Vocier
14:20 - Faire Leather: thekavalier.reviews/Faire-Lea...
14:28 - Archibald London: thekavalier.reviews/Archibald...
Hook and Albert: thekavalier.reviews/HookAlber...
15:15 - Luxury
Smythson: thekavalier.reviews/Smythson
Prada: thekavalier.reviews/Prada-B
Montblanc: thekavalier.reviews/Montblanc-b
Il Bisonte: thekavalier.reviews/Il-Bisonte
Gurkha: thekavalier.reviews/Ghurka
Burberry: thekavalier.reviews/Burberry-B
Frank Clegg: thekavalier.reviews/Frank-Clegg
The Buttoned Up Podcast - Modest Man x The Kavalier
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My Family: ShanahanClan.org
For reference, I am 6’4 usually 190lb. Typical sizes of clothing:
Wrist Size: 6 1/4 in (15.875cm)
T-shirts: S
Long sleeve shirts/button downs: M
Dress Shirts: 15.5 x 35
Pants: 32 x 34
Dress Shoes: 12
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[@charlesjohnson8106]

"fewer, nicer things"

[@dan83to]

Loved this round up! Nice reviews and recs! Will def take into account when getting mine! Thanks Jon for your constant effort to provide us the best real opinions! Highly appreciated!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks for the shoutout! I really didn’t care for that Daniels NYC bag much, but one I’d like to add is Moosebrand Leather. One of the most thoroughly considered bags I’ve ever used, and absolutely gorgeous leather.

[@celticsftw90]

Great video as always, I think these roundups are your strongest videos! Would also love to get your thoughts on Lotuff as well since it used to be Lotuff & Clegg.

[@topsynkladjarern3037]

Love it that you give more apotlight on the lesser known brand.... as much as I love established brands, we all know they tend to be overpriced! I literally just subscribed to your channel because of this fact! Cheers!

[@Tailyn222]

Great recommendations I love these type of videos

[@The_Kavalier]

Thank you Johnra!

[@KG-td9wf]

Back in his element! Good to see this again!

[@garrettbredell1314]

Love to see Satchel & Page get more coverage. I have their Aviator Briefcase (mostly canvas construction) and the Port 2.0 and adore both. Not much opportunity to use either these days, but they were incredible for office days back in the winter.

[@N_Quantum_Meruit]

Very nice review! Loved it! 👏🏾👏🏾💯💯

[@jllore1917]

Great video 👌

[@EldenLord84]

Really appreciate your content. I’m thinking of purchasing the 4-way briefcase from Satchel and Page. There’s not a single review of it on KZbin it seems, but I love the aesthetic. If you need an excuse to buy another bag from them, you’d be the first to review it!

[@Parker_Miller_M.S.]

I'm loving my italic membership. Love the mission statement and getting everything at cost is great and definitely worth the annual fee. I got the black waterproof backpack and love the minimalist design and build quality. Waiting for the cadence sneakers (basically common projects) and trunk underwear to come back into stock.

[@The_Kavalier]

I have some Italic stuff I ordered pre-membership model but it's a very interesting move!

[@jasonrivera4180]

Surprised to not see Coronado Leather and JW Hulme. Both in that "sweet spot" category with excellent materials, function and aesthetic.

[@kennethboehnen271]

Coronado Leather for sure

[@Mr1Musiclover]

More video footage of the bags were needed in this video

[@nicholasjohnson5944]

Your videos absolutely ROCK!!! :D I just got a leather Coach bag, and it is stylish and functional for me!! I love the Stuart Lau bag- perfect color, size and I may have to get one for the future!!! :D As always, be fantabulous, be your spectacular self and I send extra sparkles, rainbows and care to you and your family this Pride season!!!!! :D

[@michaelhoppe3436]

Any of the Saddleback Grandfather cases are amazing.

[@125kevo]

I have a Kodiak Leather Messenger Bag. I recommend them!

[@rantingcullinarian]

I have a Jansport. It’s super nice, I’ve had it for years.

[@melodinew.9754]

Great vid, really informative. Are you familiar with the McKlein brand?

[@pb.j.1753]

I also have an eye on french brands such as Le Tanneur and Leo et Violette

[@TheFrontyer]

Cravar is 100% the best value brand!

[@zachhockey]

I bought a Satch & Page bag. Got to use it twice before COVID closed offices and halted travel... There's always 2021?

[@monsieurlechevalier]

Fantastic info, Jon. I travel a lot overseas to often austere locations in Africa. The Tumi brand sounds like it light be best for me. I need something that can stand up to heat, rain, sand, that can hold a laptop plus all my other stuff. Your thoughts? Thanks, man.

[@bkcpisme]

I bought the wax canvas Satchel and Page because of this video

[@stanleyhwang7520]

Have you ever done a video about rainproof backpacks? If not maybe in the future? Need info....

[@MatthewDobos]

So glad to see Filson made this list- I've had the navy one for years and love it. Any thoughts on the Tecovas leather briefcase? Looks like a great value.

[@Pearljr77]

Coronado Leather is one that I love. They have very nice bags and they also make jackets, vests, wallets, belts, folios & others. They are in the $500+ range but going from Kodiak to Coronado, in my opinion, it’s not even a fair comparison.

[@steverocksyo]

I just bought a women's Michael Kors pebble leather brown large tote bag and swapped out the pink handles! Men's tote bags are crazy expensive cause it's a niche product.

[@vladdefence1447]

The Bridge Firenze 1969 is of very good quality in the 300-500 Euro price range. I agree 100% about Archibald. All their products are very high quality made in Italy by real artisans, not Chinese slaves imported there by fashion houses subcontractors in order to be able to write on the leather goods 'made in italy'. Virtually every LV, D&G, Gucci, Prada, Hermes made in italy is made by such slaves.

[@henryho2293]

I purchased the Buffalo Jackson Roosevelt Pilot bag. The leather is water buffalo full grain and I am amazed with the quality and their design. Love my bag, although it's more on the rugged side of the spectrum but I live in Denver so it fits my lifestyle perfectly. You should give Buffalo Jackson a shot, they are might not be at the Frank Clegg level but for the entry-level bag category, I think they are a solid choice.

[@Corndog4382]

Probably one of the best companies for the saddleback rugged look but at a far more approachable price.

[@discgolfboy9]

Nutsac Satchel Pro is easily my favorite non-leather bag. Amazing waxed canvas plus some beautiful full-grain leather accents! Definitely one to check out. Carl Murawski has some great reviews of their products over at his channel

[@turtlemaster9000]

lol nutsack I just can't take that brand name seriously🤣

[@gojira747]

I'd love to see your thoughts on Shinola and Killspencer in the luxury section of a future video. I'd love to support a company with an American-made product. Thank you for all the great work you do, Jon!

[@rizwanahmed2015]

Have you looked at the Leather Shop of Seattle? I love their work

[@danielhakimi]

Linjer gets a lot of love, check them out.

[@Am-iz9di]

Surprised not to see the Linjer soft briefcase mentioned here-it checks all of the boxes for a luxury briefcase and is $489. Also, please do a briefcase care video:)

[@jamesthewineguy]

What brand is your shirt? Great colour!

[@SuperHoboSlayer]

Great video, just surprised Lotuff Leather did not feature in your vid. I love my Lotuff briefcase! Best decision I’ve made.

[@The_Kavalier]

I'm always looking for more brands! Thank you for the tip!

[@Stan_sprinkle]

@@The_Kavalier Yeah I think I posted the same thing a while back on your Clegg review. Lotuff and Clegg were partners for a long time and then had a falling out. Lotuff had rights to his designs, but has slowly started to transition to their own new styles. My wife has two of their bags, I have a duffle and a retired canvas and leather briefcase style from them. But this bag will be my next briefcase - the Triumph lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/the-triumph-briefcase

[@Stan_sprinkle]

And just an interesting fact, there's a fake copycat Lotuff brand in Korea. I lived there for 7 years and once I was out for lunch, saw an interesting looking briefcase from a distance in a shopping center, looked at the tag and they had stolen Lotuff's exact logo for their own brand, stole their website design. I got in touch with the real Lotuff marketing guy, Greg, who I was already acquainted with, and he said they were well aware and frustrated by it, but legally there's not much they can do. Copycats are really common in Korea, but it's so weird that they chose Lotuff, a brand that hardly anyone knows. Anyway, thought you might find it interesting.

[@ianclegg]

​@@Stan_sprinkle I’m afraid that’s not quite right.

[@iu1191]

Watched this video for the fourth or fifth time now, and I get so much out of it. I am also grateful that you took the time to make it. The points you make are crucial for people spending real money on a bag they will use in the real world and want to be impressive and functional. A leather briefcase is a special thing and a workhorse. It is a category all its own and deserves special treatment. Thanks for giving it that. ] I wonder, have you ever heard of the Moosebrand Leather Heirloom Messenger 2. I really think this is possibly the best leather bag made, but it is a specific aesthetic. People will either like it or hate it immediately. However, the craftsmanship is amazing. I would love to get your thoughts on it. The same is true of the Heirloom backpack from the same company. Your thoughts on that would be great also.

[@NaturesSoothingSoundscapes]

Do you have any experience with Jackson Wayne? They seem to have some interesting designs and high quality material.

[@xavieraguilar2740]

Do you have a segment on wearing vest, sweater vest for casual wear at work?

[@smhne8]

Saddleback??? Cue Carl Murowski 🤣

[@samirmehta5614]

Another brand worth considering is Troubadour

[@raulsaavedra709]

Was expecting to see the Fossil Defender messenger bag at least mentioned. It is full grain leather, and size, looks, quality , and price are all pretty nice. Here in Germany there is also the brand Picard, which has some very nice full grain leather bags in that sweet spot of prices or less.

[@Corndog4382]

At the $300 pricepoint Fossil is not even near the top of good suggestions. Really sub-par lining, straps, and hardware, and questionable leather. Fossil as a whole is probably better to avoid.

[@arash77youtification]

Great video. What do you think about the Belroy leather briefcase. I believe it’s now $450 CAD

[@stealthworx4371]

Opinions on Korchmar? Found a guy selling his practically brand new top grain briefcase super cheap. What caught my eye was it says “made in America”.

[@davidceron3114]

How about Jack Georges Briefcases? Very curious about them seem very good quality but don’t see much about them.

[@sq4766]

@TheKavalier -- For the Satchel and Page bag, over the years using the shoulder strap carry, have you found that it causes the top center of the bag to fold in due to the stress points on where the shoulder strap is connected to the bag? Has it creased and collapsed in the middle on itself?

[@corensam]

Filson is the bag to beat in Seattle baby

[@momez9139]

Can anyone speak to fitting "large" laptops in these bags? Heavily considering but would hate to order/return multiple bags that I know I'd fall in love with because my laptop is on the larger side

[@miketam82]

What polo shirt are you wearing in this video? Thanks.

[@iu1191]

Hi there again, I was also wondering where you rank Tumi on this list?

[@dgomez007]

Your orange polo is nice! Where is it from?

[@fedtartexterminator2431]

nice video. would recommend to hold the bag as you speak, rather than flash it up and down

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

Have you considered doing a bag 💼 giveaway for a lucky viewer? ☺️

[@RMD147]

if you do not want leather go for 5.11 or Maxpedition

[@leonardotansil1643]

What do you think about allen edmonds' briefcases?

[@JM-qc3hw]

I live in Seattle where it rains a lot. The options your provided - will they get ruined in rain?

[@alxskouras]

Thoughts on Tuscany Leather?

[@jackprick9797]

I really like high quality leather goods. However i feel like this can potentially draw unwanted attention. I prefer to buy something like the Stewart and Loa.

[@tystake557]

Surprised not to see Coach in this list. I know it's a designer brand, but it's still one of the best bang-for-your-buck leather retailers out there (especially their Metropolitan 1941 line)!

[@bkcpisme]

I bought a Coach leather briefcase in 2014 and I never once enjoyed having it.

[@tystake557]

@@bkcpisme welp.....sorry to hear that. lol

[@homosapien5156]

What do you think about cenzo ?

[@MultiKdizzle]

Bennett Winch!

[@eric.ko.]

Can’t seem to find the Bellroy bag in stock anymore….?

[@CreightonMiller]

Surprised no Beckett Simonon, esp considering the price for full grain.

[@mariocobos2001]

I would love to see this one made with watches- at what price are you paying more for brand than craftsmanship. Probably impossible to do , unless you get watchmakers’ consensus.

[@a3zth3tikz]

The $2000-$5000 is the sweet spot in my opinion. Seiko, Tissot, and Longines are some of the good brands that have history and craftsmanship but don't break the bank.

[@TheThaiTerror]

Have u ever tried any products from Bosca?

[@pocketsizedroddy6973]

it breaks my heart that I don't think i will ever be able to get a daniel's briefcase😭😭😭😭they have been out of stock for months so i think they maybe are out of business

[@eddiepalomares7639]

Just curious are you gonna do a review on all birds men boxer briefs?

[@The_Kavalier]

Does seem very on brand for me...

[@eddiepalomares7639]

The Kavalier they were released last Friday I think,I went to order some and my size is all sold out in the 4 colors. Maybe you have connections to get a review pair ;)

[@villagranvicent]

Never talked down Mexican leather or Mexican craftsmanship. Lots of high-end brands produce their goods there.

[@RedFlyingFox007]

Tbh for a brief mcase wouldn't cow leather be bettthe calf since it is more structured

[@chrislacey89]

Great video and first comment! I got my first satchel and page bag a few months ago and I don’t believe they offer an integrated or included luggage loop anymore. They have a separate accessory that you can purchase to drape the suitcase over your luggage handle. There is no longer a pass through option like in the model you have.

[@jedwardoo]

What backpacks do you recommend if you would wear leather shoes or boots?

[@Corndog4382]

Lots of the companies he mentioned also make backpacks, go check out their websites.

[@markalexander774]

Is anything top grain leather? I have only ever seen full grain and genuine. I feel like most brands either go all the way cheap or all the way good.

[@mikeg8276]

Yes. Main line Coach and I believe Longchamp use top grain leathers. If you like all leather bags but want something lighter than full grain leather, they are a great choice. These leathers are processed to be very durable.

[@mundeepseithi7492]

What's your view of Tumi laptop bags?

[@joblo2277]

Deff recommend checking out Buffalo Jackson and their messenger bags.

[@ashveermohadeo2921]

Jekyll and hide should be on this list

[@glennlee4028]

How do you think monogram briefcase like LV or Gucci? I want to buy it but wondering if people think it's not very professional

[@ivanlasic5699]

They are usually not leather as far as I know which means it will not last as long

[@Bigbeardfpv]

Where does Korchmar fit Into this?

[@montewalker]

Anyone know anything about Lotuff Leather?

[@technolotree5690]

No love for your boys at Allen Edmonds? I have almost bought their single gusset briefcase when it comes on sale several times. I have a great Filson Medium Field Bag, so I could never justify the expense.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

I don't justify expenses anymore when buying something. If I can afford it, and it's what I like over anything else I've compared it with, I purchase it. Otherwise, I won't purchase anything, and just wait until I can buy what I want. Like that old saying.....if you don't like it now, you definitely won't like it later.

[@technolotree5690]

@@GlobalAdventurer That sounds like justification to me.

[@technolotree5690]

@@GlobalAdventurer And a Leather briefcase is different then a sturdy, canvas field bag. No use for a nice leather briefcase since Covid has us out of the office.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

@@technolotree5690 Actually, I bought my leather briefcase to use as a personal item with my carry-on roller bag. And it's big enough to use as an overnighter too. I still travel every week or two. Haven't stopped but the two months in March and April I was on lockdown.

[@jamespalsson746]

Saddleback is used to be good, but they've opted for cheaper leather as of last years. Stay away from them

[@DGFishRfine1]

Gotta disagree with the $89 mark. You should absolutely just go onto eBay and grab a preowned, USA-made Coach briefcase. They're spectacularly-made, and cheap!

[@Faustvonholle]

I've found quite a few smaller makers on Etsy that make what appear to be really quality bags- hand stitched full grain leather. One of the makers I'm looking at is Oplich Leather Goods, but they say their leather is "full grain crazy horse leather", which best i can tell means it full grain waxed leather. Have you heard of this type of leather? Any thoughts?

[@montewalker]

Anyone know anything about the quality of Lotuff Leather?

[@mikeg8276]

Yes. They use amazing full grain leather. Their bags are heavier than others because they use solid brass hardware and more leather than other companies. Their vegetable tanned leather is softer and has a more visible grain than their harness belting leather, which is smoother and stiffer. If you are interested in the harness leather I recommend looking into Frank Clegg as Lotuff charges a higher premium for that leather type. Hope that helps!

[@aznlemonboy]

*diplomat is the name of the satchel and page bag..... Not Gladstone

[@aznlemonboy]

Also sadly I don't think they have the strap that attaches to the briefcase anymore

[@challengeronrift]

What do you think of Bobbies?

[@ianclegg]

Thank you for the mention. “Frank Clegg”

[@jackshutzman5134]

Are you familiar with Karl Friedrik ?

[@kongmw]

Admitted my briefcase game is pretty weak. I got a filson Original a year or two ago and basically couldn’t find an excuse to get anything else 😂

[@The_Kavalier]

You only need one! Sounds like a great choice though

[@hew34]

Actual bags start at 9:08

[@ricardowilson8572]

Lotuff ... or your list kinda matters less

[@Anti-Taxxer]

The main problem with the more affordble leather bags (under $600 or so) is that they look like just like the cheapest options but made out of nicer materials. I think that the point of diminishing marginal returns is much higher, probably closer to $1,500.

[@tystake557]

I don't know about that. I have a $500 coach briefcase which seems to be doing way better than my $3600 prada one.

[@MikeHaggarKJ]

I'm seeing way less sand-the-edge-and-fold-over edge finishing than what should be excpected at these prize ranges.

[@ciscosstudio3170]

Mexico leather not being as good as italian leather is not true. Mexico more specifically Leon, Guanajuato is well known around the world for its leather goods and craftmanship especially shoes. Alot of the higher end boots in the US are made there and the town in Coco is even inspired from Guanajuato.

[@The_Kavalier]

It's the finishing. Surely just as durable

[@Hexsyn]

Don't forget pocket knives and pens as accessory options! I'm personally deep into the weeds of the culture of both XD

[@danielhakimi]

Filson got ten seconds? It's one of Reddit's favorite briefcases. It's expensive for non-leather, but it's the least you can spend on a BIFL briefcase.

[@desmondding7405]

The introduction is a little too long. I was sitting in front of my screen, just waiting and waiting for you to get to the list. Well, besides that, good work as always. Cheers.

[@sayoshinakamario]

Don’t like the round purse-like handles..

[@geronimopoletto3282]

Avoid anything that announces its newness, its cost, or its distinctiveness....

[@MrDocmonkey]

thats a long video. you should had made it a brief case

[@theabstract4936]

🥁

[@benko7ab]

So the $1000 bag is the most economical option. Ok😀