Jacket guys/gals, what briefcase do you carry? Do you match or change bags?

[Dickie Teenie]

Sadly this isn't mine. I'm looking at some Thedi leathers but until then i have a Thedi leathers wallet that should be here any day.

 

[A-1]

I’ve got a Seil Marschall Glacier Pack. It’s not the one in the picture though. I’ll take some soon.
Seil Marschall is an old German brand still producing all their goods in Ravensburg, Germany. The bags are really, really well-made but they’re also expensive. You can customize everything though. And they repair the backpack if you have any problems. I haven’t had any yet, knock on wood.


I was looking for a German-made bag and went to their shop which is 6 hrs from my place. The material is really thick and invincible. The opening system is what made it for me as you can open and close them really quickly with the hunting button system. I’ll take some pics if I have the time. I’ve had mine for 2 years now and it virtually is like new. I mean used and the leather changes and gains a lot of character but no flaws that would restrict usage. Best buy I’ve ever made.

 

[theeggcarton]

Edward...not sure of the prices on the Saddleback bags....this was definitely in the "premium category" but certainly (in my mind) well worth it as its made by hand in their shop in Lawrence Kansas of top notch materials and is supposedly limited-edition.

No Lifetime Warranty unfortunately, but certainly feels as if will outlive me....the leather and canvas on this are formidable!

 

[pawineguy]

I’ve got a Seil Marschall Glacier Pack. It’s not the one in the picture though. I’ll take some soon.
Seil Marschall is an old German brand still producing all their goods in Ravensburg, Germany. The bags are really, really well-made but they’re also expensive. You can customize everything though. And they repair the backpack if you have any problems. I haven’t had any yet, knock on wood.

I was looking for a German-made bag and went to their shop which is 6 hrs from my place. The material is really thick and invincible. The opening system is what made it for me as you can open and close them really quickly with the hunting button system. I’ll take some pics if I have the time. I’ve had mine for 2 years now and it virtually is like new. I mean used and the leather changes and gains a lot of character but no flaws that would restrict usage. Best buy I’ve ever made.

Beautiful bag A-1, I really like the color combo of the one you posted.

 

[pawineguy]

Yeah. To the best of my knowledge Brady were doing them first, but there are a few companies doing similar things. I like the aesthetics of the combined leather / canvas - I think it gives it less of a briefcase' vibe for casual wear, yet - to my eye at least - they don't look wrong with something a bit more office-wear (short of a suit, though the black one....). The Brady bags were originally conceived as angling bags for ladies (male anglers, of course, had trouser pockets...), but it's mostly men have taken to using them in the decades since. They still sell well to the field sports crowd, though I rather suspect that nowadays they sell as many bags to folks just looking a practical manbag.... Nice style, beautiful build quality. I'm sure the Filson is the same. The Brady buckles are a joy; I'm not a fan of the 2looks like a buckle but has a hidden quick-release catch underneath" style of so many modern bags. The Brady has a quick release design. but doesn't compromise the style. I have my eye on the large Ariel Trout model in other colours (my current bag in an Andare, and I love it. Best thing is that I won it in a competition in The Chap[I/]!). The leather version is twice the price, but it sure is tempting.

Your Filson is cool - reminds me of some of the Aeriel designs, particularly the cartridge pouches.

I've spent an hour browsing the Brady site this evening. They appear to be very well finished and while not inexpensive the prices are very reasonable.

Filson bags are really the same story. Made originally for field sports, hunting, fishing - but now many carried by business people who want something a bit more casual. I've got a brief, duffle and the smaller carry bag I posted.

 

[Edward]

@ A1 - Ah! Hunting buttons! That's exactly the system Brady use, but I couldn't find a name for it. That's a great one. I'm really impressed with it as a rule. Definitely much more convenient than having to open the buckle every time, but with none of the aesthetic compromise of the buckle being just a 'cover' for a magnetic clip or such. I do like your backpack. I think I've seen these, or something very much like them, being used by European students in London.

@ the eggcarton Thanks, I googled them this morning too and found the website. They look really nice. I particularly like the dark brown leather / khaki combination. They look to be about 2/3 the price of a Saddleback, which seems about right for canvas v leather. Really nice stuff.


Pawineguy, Yes, Brady aren't cheap, but for the quality of what you get for the money, they're well worth it. Construction is superb; I've seen vintage examples from the early sixties still going strong. The canvas is a good compromise against the price of a similar quality leather bag. With the triple-thickness and such, it's waterproof (or at least the contents won't get wet when it rains). The lighter colours will of course be open to getting grubby, but it shouldn't be too hard to clean. I plan to give my a spray-over with a Scotchguard-type product before I use it next, which will help.


It's interesting in general how people notice these things; I've had many compliments on my leather briefcase when I take it to work-related functions and everyone else appears with a nylon rucksack that functions perfectly well for carrying a laptop, but has more in common aesthetically with a pair of Nikes than business attire...

 

[Dr.Seuss]

Saddleback leathers: small briefcases; medium satchel; original explorer satchel; pouch. Browns and chestnut. I never worry about matching.

 

[navetsea]

cool, you look like Magneto

 

[pawineguy]

Saddleback leathers: small briefcases; medium satchel; original explorer satchel; pouch. Browns and chestnut. I never worry about matching.

Great look, just proves that you don't have to match at all.

 

[Grayland]

Great look, just proves that you don't have to match at all.

That does look great. I look forward to breaking out that combination in the next few months.

 

[dan_t]

Darn you TFL!!!
Just when I think I have an itch under control, you go and introduce something else that my obsessive personality takes a liking to.
I'd never heard of Saddleback before, but after seeing some of these & looking through their site, I think I have another itch that needs scratching!
Are the 'original' briefcases as huge as they appear?
The 'thin briefcase' in medium appears to be the perfect size, but misses out on the visual dynamic of its larger brother.
Any owners who could comment?

 

[Seb Lucas]

As I've written elsewhere I have a large Saddleback satchel. Apart from looking cool I'm not a big fan. Very heavy even when empty, lots of annoying, jangling metal: buckle and clips and metal rings in keeping with the saddlebag aesthetic. Having to use the buckle to open it up is a time consuming drag. Essentially I use the thing as a very expensive box to cart small items to my car. As a carry bag it sits uncomfortably and hard edged across my shoulder like a brick on a strap. If it slides around on the floor stuff falls out. My nylon Crumpler courier bag is so much more practical, streamlined and comfortable - but not as cool to look at. There are probably other leather satchel type bags that are more comfortable and simple in design yet attractive. Any recommendations?

 

[dan_t]

That sounds terrible Seb!
I'll offer my services to alleviate you of such a burden :boink:
I'll even pay the postage just to help you out....

 

[Seb Lucas]

Not terrible just terribly impractical. But cool looking stuff often is.

 

[repo]

Possible alternative: http://mackenziebags.co.uk/products/23/Large-Satchel.html

 

[robrinay]

I know what Seb means I sold my Ruitertassen satchel as it was so heavy and uncomfortable to carry.
I've been looking for a USPS mail satchel in good condition for s reasonable price but gave up when I found the Stickman Leather version. They are artisan made in the U.S. http://stickmanleather.blogspot.pt/p/photos.html?m=1

I managed to buy one on eBay UK for a good price. It'll be my antique fair carry bag. I've got a Barbour Tarras in leather for posh and a Barbour waxed cotton post bag for town. I found a John Chapman canvas briefcase in a charity shop and sent it to Chapman to have it modified to fit my Brompton bike rack. They did a great job. I need to be careful now that I don't end up with more bags than leather jackets - apologies for poor pics but I'm on the beach in Cascais Portugal so can't send you pics of the real Tarras or Stickman
http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/robrinay/library/bags

 

[pawineguy]

Darn you TFL!!!
Just when I think I have an itch under control, you go and introduce something else that my obsessive personality takes a liking to.
I'd never heard of Saddleback before, but after seeing some of these & looking through their site, I think I have another itch that needs scratching!
Are the 'original' briefcases as huge as they appear?
The 'thin briefcase' in medium appears to be the perfect size, but misses out on the visual dynamic of its larger brother.
Any owners who could comment?

Not really a counter point to Seb, he makes all good points, as Saddleback bags are NOT the most practical. However, in terms of visceral appeal and construction they are top notch. They are old fashioned, heavy, and don't have all the modern comfort and conveniences, which is why I have other bags for when I just want convenience. On the other hand, that's exactly why I like my large brief. When I'm in the airport with 300 people carrying business backpacks and messengers (and sometimes I'm one of them), Saddleback really stands out. I'm ok with the weight, and I haven't had any problems with things falling out, but YMMV.

 

[pawineguy]

I've been looking for a USPS mail satchel in good condition for s reasonable price but gave up when I found the Stickman Leather version. They are artisan made in the U.S. http://stickmanleather.blogspot.pt/p/photos.html?m=1

I managed to buy one on eBay UK for a good price. It'll be my antique fair carry bag. I've got a Barbour Tarras in leather for posh and a Barbour waxed cotton post bag for town. I found a John Chapman canvas briefcase in a charity shop and sent it to Chapman to have it modified to fit my Brompton bike rack. They did a great job. I need to be careful now that I don't end up with more bags than leather jackets
http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/robrinay/library/bags

That's a great looking bag.

 

[IXL]

My Filson Field Bag is pretty comfortable, but does have the leather belt-brass buckle. But with the way it is designed, nothing is (ordinarily) going to fall out, so the flap isn't secured all that often.

 

[I would go out tonight]

This is the bag I have been using for work for the last fifteen years or so. It is hand made from English Bridle leather by Henry Tomkins. http://htleather.co.uk. He does quite a range of briefcases and satchels. The satchels are made of thick supple leather that is very comfortable when wearing. Henry will do custom work and is very approachable.

I also have had some of John Chapman's bags but have grown to love them less as they have become more popular. The ex-presenters from Top Gear could be seen carrying something similar on the hilarious adventures.

I just bought a Filson backpack which seems really well made but I wish I had seen theeggcarton's Thrux Lawrence beforehand. It is my favourite here so far.