If you are looking for an easy and stylish way to transport your laptop and documents from when your on the move, then you can’t go wrong with a briefcase.
But when you're traveling, you have to consider how durable it is, as well as pockets for ease of access to your passport and boarding pass.
You also want it to look smart, particularly if you're traveling with work, so choosing leather is a must.
Our top picks:
1 | ![]() | Best for a modern leather laptop briefcase. Essential Briefcase |
2 | ![]() | Best professional business travel briefcase. No.1 Briefcase |
3 | ![]() | Best for a smart leather travel laptop bag. City Laptop Bag |
In this post, we go over our top picks for a travel briefcase:
Best Travel Briefcases 2023
Essential Modern Briefcase
Best for business trips with a modern edge. The Essential Modern Briefcase is sleek and functional, perfect for carrying your work essentials in style.
Essential Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | Essential Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 31 cm (12 in) |
Depth | 10 cm (4 in) |
Weight | 1.3 kg (0.6 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Essential product video below:
Browse more images of the Essential:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Modern and stylish design | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Spacious and versatile | |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase
Best for business travel with a touch of luxury. The No. 1 Premium Leather Briefcase exudes sophistication and practicality for the modern professional.
No.1 Briefcase Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Design | Spacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches |
Interior Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Security | Locking feature for unattended safety |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Engraving | Option to personalize with engravings |
Shoulder Strap | Padded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable |
Personalized | Custom engraving options available for a unique touch |
Usage | Ideal for professionals, travelers, and students; versatile for work, meetings, and travel |
Watch the No.1 product video below:
Browse more images of the No.1:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Classic and stylish design | |
Suitable for both professional and casual use |
City Leather Laptop Bag
Best for business trips and city travel with a sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptops and documents.
City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Color Options | Solid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red |
Laptop Compatibility | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop |
Inner Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Design | Professional and spacious design for work or travel essentials |
Adjustable Strap | Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap |
Inner Pockets | Stitched 100% cotton canvas lining |
Compartments & Pockets | 1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket |
Personalized | Option to personalize with initials or a special message. |
Watch the City product video below:
Browse more images of the City:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space and compartments | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain |
Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Briefcase
Best for business trips with a touch of elegance. The Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.
Exquisite Briefcase Product Highlights:
Product | Exquisite Briefcase |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 14 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
Height | 29 cm (11 in) |
Depth | 10 cm (4 in) |
Weight | 1.1 kg (0.5 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Exquisite product video below:
Browse more images of the Exquisite:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Sleek and sophisticated appearance | Not completely waterproof |
Slim design for easy portability | Limited storage space compared to larger bags |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Perfect for both casual and professional use | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Sufficient storage for laptop and essentials |
City Large Leather Laptop Bag
Best for urban professionals who need to carry a laptop and essentials in style. The City Large Leather Laptop Bag is sleek and functional.
City Large Laptop Bag Product Highlights:
Product | City Large Laptop Bag |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 17 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 45 cm (18 in) |
Height | 34 cm (13 in) |
Depth | 8 cm (3 in) |
Weight | 1.6 kg (0.7 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the City Large product video below:
Browse more images of the City Large:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Fits most laptops up to 17 inches | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag
Best for business travel with a touch of luxury. The 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.
10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:
Product | 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
Straps | Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
Width | 31 cm (12 in) |
Height | 42 cm (17 in) |
Depth | 17 cm (7 in) |
Weight | 2 kg (0.9 lbs) |
Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the 10X product video below:
Browse more images of the 10X:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment |
Durable and long-lasting | Weight adds to its overall quality and strength |
Spacious and versatile | Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity |
Suitable for both professional and casual use | |
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches | |
Designed for easy travel and convenience | |
Multiple compartments for organized storage |
Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels
Best for effortless business travel with a touch of luxury - Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag with Wheels.
Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Product Highlights:
Color Options | Available in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more |
Laptop Sleeve | Includes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Material | Handmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather |
Convenience Features | Smooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket |
Zipper Quality | High-quality Japanese YKK zippers |
Sustainability | Crafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities |
Origin Certificate | Comes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin |
Travel-Friendly | Carry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials |
Additional Features | Luggage tag included for easy identification |
Watch the Voyager product video below:
Browse more images of the Voyager:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and refined appearance | Not completely waterproof |
Built-in wheels and retractable handle for effortless mobility | Not ideal for extremely rough terrain |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not the lightest option for a carry-on bag |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Perfect for business or personal travel |
Weekender Leather Weekend Bag
Best for a stylish weekend getaway with friends, the Weekender leather bag is spacious and durable, perfect for packing all your essentials.
Weekender Product Highlights:
Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
Design | Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
Interior | Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization |
Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
Compliance | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen |
Additional Features | Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware |
Personalized | Option for custom laser engraving |
Use Cases | Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Watch the Weekender product video below:
Browse more images of the Weekender:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and sophisticated design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for essentials | Not ideal for extremely heavy items |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Easy to clean and maintain | |
Multiple compartments for organized packing | |
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays |
Grand Leather Garment Bag
Best for business travelers who want to arrive in style with wrinkle-free clothing, the Grand Leather Garment Bag is a must-have.
Material | Certified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather |
Garment Duffel Bag | Carry your suit in style and without creases |
Interior Lining | Durable Italian Cotton Lining |
Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK Zipper |
Carry-On Compliant | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
Capacity | Can fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop |
Suit Carrier | Attached to the travel bag |
Personalized | It can be personalized with a custom laser engraving |
Watch the Grand product video below:
Browse more images of the Grand:
Our review:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Made of full grain leather | May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials |
Stylish and elegant design | Not completely waterproof |
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories | |
Comfortable to carry and handle | |
Durable and long-lasting construction | |
Develops a unique patina over time | |
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments | |
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport |
How to Choose a Briefcase
There are many features to consider before you purchase your next briefcase. Take a look at the following list to help you choose your ideal briefcase.
Size
The most important thing you will carry in your briefcase will most likely be your laptop so you need to make sure it fits! Either measure your laptop or better yet take your laptop with you when searching for a briefcase to make sure it fits securely into the padded laptop compartment. Remember, however, if you are planning to use your briefcase for school or work you will need to easily fit not only your laptop but all of your textbooks and work documents as well. If you are shopping online take the time to carefully read the briefcase description (including the size) before purchasing.
Use Cases
Carefully consider what you will be using your briefcase for. Some briefcases have expandable compartments and are ideal for carrying gym gear, your lunch bag, or even extra clothes for an overnight trip. Other briefcases offer durability and extra protection for your laptop but may not include extra compartments, perfect if you are simply using the briefcase to transport your laptop to work and back.
Material Quality
A briefcase can vary a lot in its durability and quality based simply on the material it is made from. The most popular materials used in making briefcases are nylon, polyester, and genuine leather.
If durability is your main priority go with a briefcase made of thick ballistic nylon. Nylon has great protective qualities, and you can be sure your important items inside the briefcase will be safe in any kind of weather. In addition, nylon does not rip or tear easily, you can toss your briefcase into the overhead bin on an airplane or even spill a drink on it and be assured that your briefcase will be just fine.
Unfortunately, nylon does not make for the most professional looking of briefcases and may not be suitable if you are going for a sophisticated addition to your outfit.
If classy and aesthetically pleasing is your goal, spend a little bit extra and go for a genuine leather briefcase. A sleek leather briefcase gives anyone a suave professional look. Leather briefcases not only look great they are also very durable. The main disadvantage to leather is that it does require a fair amount of maintenance.
Leather can be damaged if it is exposed to too much sun, wind, and rain. In addition, your leather briefcase will need to be cleaned with specifically designed leather cleaning products and oiled every so often to keep it looking good.
Finally, the most inexpensive type of briefcase is a polyester briefcase. A polyester bag will look very similar to a nylon bag, but it will not be as durable as either ballistic nylon or leather. The main advantage of a polyester briefcase is its affordable price.
Feel and Comfort
These days briefcases are designed to be easy and comfortable to carry with ergonomic shoulder straps and sometimes even wheels. Some briefcases have front flap pockets, making it easier to access small items like a cell phone or passport. Wide-mouth zippers are another great feature that allows you to easily move a laptop in and out of the bag.
Related:
- Men's Leather Messenger Bags
- Men's Leather Laptop Bags
- Men's Leather Briefcases
- Women's Leather Work Bags
- Women's Leather Briefcases
- Women's Leather Laptop Bags
- Women's Leather Travel Bags
Should You Have a Wheeled Briefcase?
There are a few circumstances in which having wheels on your briefcase will be important.
For those with back pain, wheeled briefcases can really help to take the load of and protect your back.
Also if you're going to struggle carrying it through an airport or while traveling, then you should consider a wheeled option.
Just remember that a wheeled case can't be brought onto a table when you're at work, so unpacking it can be awkward and unprofessional.
FAQs
Suitcases vs Briefcases
A suitcase is typically used for clothes and toiletries when going on a trip. While a briefcase could hold clothes and toiletries, of course, it is more typically used for business type uses such as carrying documents, files or a laptop.
Related:
- Best Travel Bags
- Best Carry-on Luggage
- Best Underseat Luggage
- Laptop Travel Bags
- Women’s Leather Travel Bags
- Men's Leather Travel Bags
- Business Traveler Bags
- Men's Leather Work Bags
Briefcases and Back Pain
If your briefcase is heavy and you typically carry it by the handle with one hand it could be bad for your back. If you use an ergonomic strap and keep your briefcase fairly lightweight, you should not have any back issues. If you are finding your back is getting sore, consider a briefcase with wheels.
Are Hard Shell Briefcases Cool?
Hard briefcases used to be very common but most modern-day briefcases have a soft shell. It is rare to see a business professional carrying a hard-shell briefcase as they are no longer as fashionable.
Do Laptops Fit in a Briefcase?
Yes! Most briefcases come with a 15-inch padded laptop compartment although it is possible to get a briefcase that fits a larger laptop.
Related:
- Best Work Backpacks
- Best Business Briefcases for Men
- Best Laptop Bags for Men
- Best Laptop Bags for Women
- Best Leather Briefcases for Men
- Best Leather Messenger Bags for Men
- Best Briefcases for Men
- Women's Designer Briefcases
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on the best travel briefcases.
If you have any questions or comments, contact us at info@vonbaer.com, or leave them in the comments.
Want to read more? Check out our Travel pages here.
Also see our work pages here.
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