Filson’s Iconic Work Bag Has Never Looked as Stunning as It Does in Leather

The brand’s first-ever briefcase gets a major American heritage makeover; it might be the finest edition ever released.

Close-up of dark brown leather bag with two gold zippers engraved "FILSON" and leather zipper pulls.

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Filson is practically synonymous with American heritage. After all, the Seattle-based brand was born during the Alaskan Gold Rush in 1897 and has carried the same tenets of good quality and design through to today.

For further proof, I invite you to take a look at the brand’s new interpretation of one of its most enduring products, the Filson Heritage Leather Original Briefcase.

Dark brown leather briefcase with top handles and adjustable shoulder strap on a beige background. — This stunning bag is built from semi-aniline leather, bridle leather and six-ounce cotton cover cloth.

It’s in the bag

As this is Filson’s original briefcase — no, that’s not just its name — there’s a lot of history and heritage to be found here. In fact, the bag has been in production, in some form or another, for three decades.

This bag is faithful to that 30+ year history, largely in its largely unchanged design. The bag is still the same size, shape, format and so on as it always has been, which means lovers of the bag are in for a treat.

Dark brown leather briefcase with black handles against a beige background. — This is a USA-made, heritage take on Filson’s first-ever briefcase.

That means it retains its generous primary compartment (which has a laptop sleeve and plenty of other internal organization, even for your EDC gear), heavy-duty YKK zippered closure, flip top (to protect from the elements) and external, full-width, quick-access pouches.

It also maintains its suitcase-style straps, removable shoulder strap and all-metal hardware. Where it differs, however, is in its construction materials.

Dark brown leather briefcase with black handles and detachable shoulder strap, shown from side and top with open zipper revealing tan interior compartments. — Other details include a heavy-duty YKK zipper, metal hardware and a removable shoulder strap.

Heirloom hauler

This bag’s construction is really special. That’s not to say that previous editions of the briefcase weren’t, but just wait until you hear what sets this one apart.

The main body of the bag, for instance, is crafted entirely from refined, semi-aniline (meaning it’s dyed and coated with a protected layer) Adirondack leather sourced from the legendary Seidel Leather Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Already, that elevates this bag to new levels.

Close-up of dark brown leather bag with brass hook clasp and black leather strap detail against a beige background. — The Adirondack leather is sourced from Seidel Leather Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

But it doesn’t stop there. The material is also oiled and waxed to add character and texture before being drum-tumbled, which creates a varied pebbled texture, making each leather piece unique.

The leather straps (including the shoulder strap) and reinforcements are made from bridle leather, and the interior is lined with 6.0-ounce cotton canvas. This isn’t a bag; it’s an heirloom piece you can hand down for generations.

Dark brown leather bag with a tan fabric interior pocket holding a laptop. — The bag’s interior has plenty of compartmental storage for all your EDC and office necessities.

Pricing and availability

Filson’s Heritage Leather Original Briefcase is now available on the brand’s site for $1,149.

Dark brown leather briefcase with top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Filson Heritage Leather Original Briefcase

$1,149 at Filson

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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