Rugged Twill, bridle leather, and brass hardware. This is the briefcase your grandkids will fight over.
8.3
KADS SCORE
Quick Take
The Filson Original Briefcase has been the buy it for life briefcase for decades, and it earns the reputation. Industrial strength Rugged Twill shrugs off rain and abrasion while bridle leather handles age beautifully. At $499 it costs more than ever, but one customer logged over a million travel miles with his.
Loves
- Rugged Twill shrugs off water and abrasion
- Bridle leather handles and strap age beautifully
- Fits a 15 inch laptop with room to spare
- Made in the USA with legendary durability
- Solid brass hardware throughout
Not For
- $499 is a steep climb from its old price
- Heavy before you load it up
- Waxed canvas needs occasional rewaxing
- Minimal padding for delicate gear
The Details
Full Review
Quality
Filson builds the Original Briefcase from Rugged Twill, a tightly woven cotton canvas from British Millerain with tear strength exceeding 1,400 pounds, lightly waxed to shed water. Handles and the removable shoulder strap use saddle grade bridle leather, the same stuff as horse tack, and the zippers are heavy duty YKK solid brass behind a storm flap. Tin cloth bound seams and a double layer bottom finish a bag that is made in the USA and built to outlive its owner.
Value
Five hundred dollars is real money for a briefcase, and the price has climbed hard over the years. But amortized over the decades these bags actually last, it beats replacing a $150 bag every few years. If you want heirloom build without the heirloom price, Filson’s Dryden briefcase costs far less, though it gives up the twill and the romance.
You’ll Love It If
Commuters and travelers who are done replacing bags and want the last briefcase they will buy for a very long time.
Skip It If
Ultralight travelers and anyone who needs serious laptop padding should look at modern ballistic nylon briefcases instead.
FINAL VERDICT
The Original Briefcase is less a purchase than a pact: you pay once, and Filson carries your stuff for decades. The price stings more than it used to, but nothing at this price looks this good while taking this much abuse.
8.3 / 10
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