Whether you are going to a business meeting, heading on vacation, or simply commuting to work, there are a few things that you’ll always need to ensure. Firstly, you’ll want to look absolutely good, from your hair right down to your toes. Secondly, you’ll want to stay organized, packing all your essentials such as laptops, documents, that extra tie, and other stuff nicely and safely.
A tactical backpack may look like a suitable option to pack all your belongings, but let’s be honest – it could be cumbersome when hailing a cab, riding through the streets, getting on a subway, or screening at the airport. Worst yet, it’s very unsightly walking with a backpack in a business meeting. Solution? A travel briefcase or messenger bag!
There’s a lot to love about travel briefcases and messenger bags. They are built for comfort, convenience, and easy access, allowing you to work through your daily duties without much hassle. To help you choose the right one, we have done the hard work and rounded up ten best travel briefcases and messenger bags as well as some helpful tips so that you can make a more informed decision when making your purchase.
Top 10 Travel Briefcases And Messenger Bags Of 2020 Reviewed
1. Alpine Swiss Rolling 17″ Laptop Briefcase on Wheels
Best For Business Trips
Speaking of practicality, the Alpine Swiss Rolling Laptop Briefcase is simply matchless. This briefcase on wheels comes with a classic, yet simple look, and a durable build, ensuring that you keep your stuff organized as you go for business trips.
This briefcase is unique since it comes with a combination lock to give you that extra assurance that your valuables are kept safe. Better yet, it comes with retractable handles and in-line wheels equipped with curb protectors that glide smoothly, allowing you to carry it easily. However, many do not approve of the glued side pockets as they may come out and start flapping around. The lock is also not very strong, so don’t expect the briefcase to offer solid security for very valuable items.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Professional look
- Spacious padded compartment
- Comes with a laptop sleeve
- Durable construction
- Combination lock
Cons:
- Glued side pockets may peel off
- Lock not very strong
2. Samsonite Leather Expandable Business Case
Best For Long-Distance Travel
Made from genuine leather, the Samsonite Expandable Business Case brings practicality, style, and comfort into your life. It is made with padded handles and metal zippers, making it perfect for securing and carrying your laptop and documents while on the road.
When it comes to compartments, the briefcase comes with a good number of them to make your life easier. You’ll get an organizational front pocket for stuff like loose documents, cell phones, and pens, and the main compartment for keeping larger items. But even with all these amazing features, there are isolated cases of leather material being prone to scuffs.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Padded handles and shoulder
- A wide array of compartments
- Expandable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The leather exterior can be prone to scuffs
- Some find it small
- Wears out quickly
3. CoolBELL Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
Best For Shorter Walks
This is one unique messenger bag thanks to its innovative features. Firstly, the CoolBell Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag comes with a pair of concealed straps, which are tucked beneath the zipper on the back, making it easy to convert it into a backpack.
On a mere look, the messenger bag may look smaller, but it has big compartments that have enough room to hold up to 17.3-inch laptop and other valuables. It also features four other compartments on the outside, making it convenient when you want to organize your items. Some may see it as bulky, but it’s actually a great briefcase if you are going for shorter walks.
Pros:
- Roomy compartments
- Three carrying styles
- Four exterior pockets
- Easy to carry
- Low price point
Cons:
- Bulky for some people
- Doesn’t last long
- Not for long walking distances
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Casual Fling Wheeled Overnighter
Best Overnighter
Available for both men and women, this classy, elegant-looking travel briefcase will prove useful for those formal business trips and casual travel needs. The bag is made from a quality vinyl body lined with fabric on the inside and a leather exterior to ensure it serves you for ages.
The unique thing about this overnighter is that it is equipped with long retractable carry handle and in-line skate wheels so that you can easily carry it if your shoulders feel a bit fatigued. It also features spacious compartments big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop, documents, clothes, and other stuff you need to carry. The only problem is that the handle could easily break if you put a lot of pressure on it.
Pros:
- In-line skates for easy mobility
- Spacious compartments for bigger items
- Stylish
- An iPhone and tablet pockets
- Rear compartment for holding clothes
- Removable accessory pouch
Cons:
- Retractable handle can easily break
- Hard to move around with
- Not suitable for far walking distances
5. Solo Bryant 17.3″ Rolling Laptop Case
Best For On-the-Go-Professionals
This has long been a popular briefcase among professionals and business travelers, and for a good reason. It’s made from reinforced black fabric that promises to hold up even with daily use. The briefcase is also compact and lightweight and comes with a pair of durable in-line wheels to allow for easy movement.
That’s not all! When it comes to space, the Solo Bryant Rolling Laptop Case comes with enough room to allow you to carry up to 17.3-inch laptop, as well as other times without much stress. It also has more compartments, where you can keep your documents, pens and business cards.
Pros:
- Simple, yet elegant
- Durable reinforced fabric construction
- Large compartments
- In-line wheels for mobility
- Padded compartment for laptops and MacBook
- Telescoping handle system
Cons:
- The handle can be a bit difficult to release, so you’ll need to use some force
- The zipper may get caught on the nylon material, especially when full
- Few compartments
6. Kattee Real Leather Shoulder Briefcase
Best Casual Bag
The Katte Real Leather Shoulder Briefcase uses classic materials, which include canvas, brass, and full-grain leather, making it look stylish and elegant. On top of this, it also features padded pockets to allow you to carry your tablet, phone or laptop with ease.
Thanks to the stitching and sturdiness, the bag has a semi-rigid shape, allowing you to carry documents and retrieve them easily as the bag comfortably rests against your hips. One major downside about this briefcase is that the leather tends to stain light colored clothing.
Pros:
- Classic look and feel
- Solid construction
- Comfortable strap and handle
- Push locks and front flap
- Protection mat on the interior pockets
Cons:
- Material easily stains light-colored clothes
- Lock buckles tend to fail with time
- Has safety issues
7. Wenger Luggage Patriot Rolling 2 Piece Business Set
Best For Business Trips
If you are looking to get the best value for money, then this is the travel briefcase to go for. See, the Wenger Luggage Patriot Rolling Briefcase comes in two sets – a larger one with more room for big items, and a matching removable laptop case.
Both bags incorporate a solid construction, with the main one coming with wheels and a handle to allow for easy movement. While the design and features are great for any business person, some users have complained that the handle proves a bit difficult to extend.
Pros:
- Comes in two compartments – Larger briefcase and removable laptop case
- Chrome accented handle
- In-line wheels for easy mobility
- Organizer compartment for phones, business cards, pens and more
Cons:
- Handle is a bit hard to extend
- Not ideal for bulky stuff
- May prove difficult to move around for long distances
8. Alpine Swiss Expandable Leather Attache Briefcase
Best Classic Attache
Looking for the old school briefcase for those business meetings? Well, this hard-shell briefcase is the one to go for. The Alpine Swiss Expandable Leather Attaché Briefcase is large enough to carry all your business essentials, allowing you to stay organized.
The briefcase comes with a number of dedicated spots to keel business cards, wallets, calculator, phone, and pens. It also has a secure, sleek design and a durable exterior made from genuine leather. However, this briefcase is not suited for people who wish to carry their laptop to work as it doesn’t come with a laptop compartment.
Pros:
- Secure, sleek design
- Spacious, expandable compartments
- Interior organizer features
- Durable genuine leather build
- Combination lock
Cons:
- Lacks laptop compartment
- Hinge tends to break with the forced closure
- Not ideal for business trips
9. Royce Leather Unisex Pilot / Catalog Computer Case
Best For Long-Distance Travel
If your budget is flexible and want to get a quality, a good-looking rolling briefcase that will last you ages, then this is the option to go for. The great thing about the Royce Leather Unisex Pilot/Catalog Computer case is that it comes with two combination locks, ensuring that your possessions and valuables are safe and secure.
The briefcase is made using full-grain American cowhide leather, making it look and feel sturdy. With this kind of construction, you’d, of course, expect that the briefcase to be a bit heavy, but that’s why it features a carry retractable handle and in-line wheels to allow you to move it easily.
Pros:
- Solid, durable fullgrain American cowhide leather construction
- Retractable handle and in-line wheels for easy mobility
- Stylish
- Combination locks for security
- Expandable compartments
Cons:
- Only 15-inches high
- Heavy because of the construction
- Wheels wear out fast
10. Polare Men’s Sturdy Genuine Leather 16” Laptop Bag Briefcase Shoulder Bag
Best For Commuting
Made from thick cowhide leather, the Polare Men’s Laptop Bag Briefcase is designed to give you a professional appearance. The inside comprises of a laptop compartment that can fit 14 to 15-inch laptop.
The bag also features a 3-inch handle with a comfortable shoulder leather to allow you to carry it without feeling fatigued. Whether you are looking for general or daily professional use, this bag would certainly suit you. Beware, though – you have to take care while carrying your laptop because the padding inside isn’t thick enough.
Pros:
- All-purpose bag
- Genuine cowhide leather materials
- A range of color selection
- Adjustable shoulder strap and a built-in handle
Cons:
- Padding isn’t thick enough to protect laptop
- Material easily stains
- Poorly constructed
How to Choose the Best Travel Briefcases And Messenger Bags: The Ultimate Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best travel briefcases and bags, be ready to be overwhelmed with the many choices out there. You will be met with a range of backpack-briefcase hybrids, the old classic hard-sided cases, rolling bags that also double as overnighters, and of course, the vintage messenger bags.
The following tips are aimed at helping you make a more informed decision when purchasing the right briefcase and messenger bag. Consider each one of the factors and your shopping will be hassle-free!
Quality Material
Quality is perhaps the main factor that you should be on the lookout for. See, some briefcases are claimed to be made of leather, but not the genuine one. Some materials may not even last you for months with moderate use.
Considering that you are likely to use your briefcase or messenger bag often, go for quality materials such as genuine cowhide leather and quality fabric. If you want something that weather-resistant, don’t hesitate to search for briefcases made from quality nylon. There are plenty of great options out there.
Easy Carrying
You are going to carry your messenger bag or travel briefcase at all times, right? Well, it’s only great that you get one that will make it easy for you to carry it while you are on the go. If you are looking for something to use during your business trips, choose briefcase with wheels and retractable handle. If you are looking for something to use as you commute to work or to school, then go for one with enough padding on the handle and shoulder area.
Durability
Good briefcases and messenger bags do not come cheap. You will want to ensure that you get something that’s worth every dollar. Look at the overall build of the briefcase; look at the hinges and ensure that they are rust-free and sturdy. Don’t forget about the handled. If they are retractable, then they should be sturdy enough and carefully attached to your case.
Compartments
Generally, travel briefcases and messenger bags are built with several compartments to allow you to get organized. However, the number of these compartments differs hugely, and the perfect option depends on your needs. If you are looking to carry office documents, pens, and business cards, go for a briefcase that offers those compartments. On the other hand, if you are looking to carry your laptop and throw in an extra shirt or dress for that business trip, then go for the appropriate option. There’s something for everyone!
Size/Dimensions
Your briefcase or messenger bag has enough number of compartments, right? Well, that’s not enough. The compartments should have enough room to accommodate all the stuff you are looking to buy. You will find that some briefcases have a laptop compartment measuring only 15-inches, whereas others have one with 20-inches or more. Similarly, some have enough area to keep your A4 files and extra room to carry clothes if you so wish.
Color and Style
Some of us are into ol’ school, classic stuff. Others are into modern, more stylish things. It doesn’t matter where you fall; travel briefcases and messenger bags are available to suit all tastes. If you want to look professional and of course coordinated, you can get a leather bag that will suit you. If you want something that stylish enough to commute all day and carry your laptop, tablet, mp3, and phones, there are enough options for those as well. You can also find options that double as briefcases and backpacks, allowing you to use it for different purposes.
Conclusion
Getting the perfect travel briefcase or messenger bag has never been this easier with these quality selections and tips. You can choose any of your selected bags and enjoy traveling with comfort and ease. Remember, though; your perfect fit boils down to the purpose of the bag. For instance, if you are a banker or a lawyer, you’ll need one that you can use to store documents. If you are looking for something to use for your office job and business travels, you’ll need something that’s easy to carry and large enough to accommodate a few extra clothes.
