Best Professional Travel Briefcases for Business in 2023

by Albert Varkki updated 07-07-2023

Table Of Contents

best travel briefcases

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:

1Essential Briefcase

Best for a modern leather laptop briefcase.

Essential Briefcase

Read More

2No.1 Briefcase

Best professional business travel briefcase.

No.1 Briefcase

Read More

3City Laptop Bag

Best for a smart leather travel laptop bag.

City Laptop Bag

Read More

In this post, we go over our top picks for a travel briefcase:

Best Travel Briefcases 2023

Essential Modern Briefcase

Essential 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:

ProductEssential Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height31 cm (12 in)
Depth10 cm (4 in)
Weight1.3 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Essential product video below:

Browse more images of the Essential:

Our review:

"Don't settle for less when you need a unisex travel bag that appeals to men and women alike. This popular bag gives you enough space for a 15.6 inch laptop and is made from premium Italian leather. Invest in this bag and you'll gain access to a large back pocket, a reliable YKK zipper and a detachable shoulder strap. The bag is often used to transport clothing, make-up, books, toiletries and more. This big-selling briefcase is handcrafted in Florence, Italy by some of the country's most skilled craftsmen. It comes with an exquisite hardware finish and is ideal for the airport, the hotel and everywhere in-between."
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

No.1 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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches
Interior LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
SecurityLocking feature for unattended safety
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices
EngravingOption to personalize with engravings
Shoulder StrapPadded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable
PersonalizedCustom engraving options available for a unique touch
UsageIdeal 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:

"Do you need an elegant unisex bag for travel that will serve you well for years to come? If so, this could be the ideal option for you. This popular bag is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather and has a spacious triple-gusset design. There's enough capacity for a 15.6 inch laptop to help you stay connected as you explore the world, and you'll also benefit from tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. This highly functional unisex travel bag has been inspired by some of the most timeless designs in history and is made by seasoned professionals in Florence."
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

City 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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color OptionsSolid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop CompatibilityFits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
DesignProfessional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable StrapAdjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner PocketsStitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
PersonalizedOption to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

Browse more images of the City:

Our review:

"This incredibly elegant unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag is manufactured from outstandingly elegant and dependable materials including Italian full-grain leather. It can accommodate a laptop of up to 15.6 inches and has been designed with longevity in mind. Invest in this bag and receive several years of support as you explore everything that the world has to offer. The bag also comes with tough cotton lining and boasts rounded top handles which make it easy to transport it from country to country. Take a closer look at this exquisite unisex travel bag today."
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

Exquisite 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:

ProductExquisite Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 14 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height29 cm (11 in)
Depth10 cm (4 in)
Weight1.1 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Exquisite product video below:

Browse more images of the Exquisite:

Our review:

"This big-selling unisex bag for travel is popular with men and women alike. The bag offers enough space for all your travel essentials including laptops up to 14". If you need a bag that's easy to carry, invest in this popular product and take advantage of the adjustable shoulder strap and robust handles. Other key features of this popular unisex travel bag include the tough YKK zipper. Maintain a stylish appearance throughout all your journeys with this big-selling bag. The bag has been designed to withstand travel across the world and should serve you well for many years before you need to replace it."
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

City Large 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:

ProductCity Large Laptop Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 17 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width45 cm (18 in)
Height34 cm (13 in)
Depth8 cm (3 in)
Weight1.6 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the City Large product video below:

Browse more images of the City Large:

Our review:

"This brilliant unisex travel bag appeals to men and women alike. The bag has designed to be your perfect companion for many holidays to come and can accommodate any laptop up to 17 inches. The bag boasts a pleasingly slim profile and can be used to transport all your travel essentials like clothes, refreshments, sun cream, toiletries and books. Made from premium grade Italian full-grain leather, the bag has sturdy zippers and hardware. It also comes with round top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap that make carrying a breeze. Expect the bag to last for many years before it needs to be replaced."
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

10X 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:

Product10X Laptop Travel Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsBackpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width31 cm (12 in)
Height42 cm (17 in)
Depth17 cm (7 in)
Weight2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

Browse more images of the 10X:

Our review:

"This unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag offers a number of exceptional features that will make your travels a breeze, and these include tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. The bag has been manufactured from elegant premium Italian full-grain leather. It has a front-loading design that makes it so easy to access your holiday essentials when you require them. You'll also get access to a sleeve to protect your 15.6 inch laptop or 16 inch MacBook Pro. You can use this high-selling offering as a travel bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. Organisation is made simple thanks to the canvas-lined internal compartments."
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

Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag

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 OptionsAvailable in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more
Laptop SleeveIncludes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
MaterialHandmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather
Convenience FeaturesSmooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets
InteriorDurable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket
Zipper QualityHigh-quality Japanese YKK zippers
SustainabilityCrafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities
Origin CertificateComes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin
Travel-FriendlyCarry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials
Additional FeaturesLuggage tag included for easy identification

Watch the Voyager product video below:

Browse more images of the Voyager:

Our review:

"Extremely popular with male and female travellers alike, this big-selling unisex travel bag is designed to serve you well for years to come. The bag offers a wide range of brilliant features for travellers including the telescopic handle and wheels. It is also carry-on compliant and comes with a luggage tag. There's a special compartment for a laptop up to 16", tough cotton lining and a reliable YKK zipper. The bag makes it easy for you to quickly access travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass and comes with a fold-over magnet closure. Small slots and an interior zipped pocket makes organising smaller items a breeze."
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

Weekender

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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
InteriorDurable cotton lining with compartments for organization
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
ComplianceMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional FeaturesAdjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
PersonalizedOption for custom laser engraving
Use CasesTravel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Our review:

"Look no further if you require a unisex bag for travel � this carry-on compliant bag can give you everything you need. The bag is made from premium full-grain leather and comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16". The bag is perfect for overseas travel as well as your next staycation and boasts robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag has been designed to be as practical as it is elegant. It also comes with smooth top leather handles and an adjustable shoulder strap which will make transportation a breeze. Carry clothing, chargers, toiletries and more."
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

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.

MaterialCertified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather
Garment Duffel BagCarry your suit in style and without creases
Interior LiningDurable Italian Cotton Lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK Zipper
Carry-On CompliantMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
CapacityCan fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Suit CarrierAttached to the travel bag
PersonalizedIt can be personalized with a custom laser engraving

Watch the Grand product video below:

Browse more images of the Grand:

Our review:

"This beautiful unisex bag for travel has been designed with longevity in mind. The bag comes complete with a tough YKK zipper and boasts outstanding cotton lining. This popular bag is as spacious as it is functional, giving you enough space to carry outfits, laptops and more. What's more is that the bag is compliant with carry-on rules. Get your most treasured goods from the airport to the hotel in style with our highly elegant and dependable unisex travel bag. The bag has been manufactured by leading Italian craftsmen and is as sophisticated as it is reliable. Take a closer look today."
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:

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:

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:

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.

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.