Backpack vs Briefcase

[Zoomerang]

I have a few really nice leather briefcase but I’ve been using a Tumi Alpha 2 backpack. It’s the only big that would fit my 17” screen laptop.

Recently I’ve been thinking of getting a Tumi Alpha 3 briefcase to replace the backpack.

I almost never wear suits but I do wear a jacket a couple times a week. In my office most of the young guns use all kinds of backpacks and messenger bags while the older guys use briefcases.

Here is what WSJ has to say:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-exe..._copyURL_share

Which one do you prefer?

[Runnin' Rebel]

What’s A Young Guy Age ?


Couldn’t travel without this

[Laszlo]

Being West Coast backpacks are the norm, at least up here in San Fran. I used to use a messenger bag, until I realized, I was literally the last guy showing up to work with one. Everyone uses backpacks. From Target backpacks you'd send your kids off to school with to up market ones. I couldn't even imagine showing up to work with a briefcase. I'd probably get fired. LOL. Just use what's comfortable for you!

[gmh1013]

Briefcase but im old I have a Tumi....I guess if you are under 30 a backpack would be ok....

[Burlington]

Always and only a back pack. Perfect for commuting on foot and business trips.

[Laszlo]

Age does play a role in backpacks but so does region. Our CTO has to be well into his 50s and sports a backpack.

[SpeakWithMichael]

I use one of those smallish ballistic nylon Tumi crossbody bags. The one that the flap folds over the outer side. I love this thing. It's just smaller than an A4 document but fits an iPad and a smaller notepad. Or, it's large enough to fit a water bottle, sunglasses case, folded t-shirt, one or two pairs of socks and underwear, iPhone 8+ and airline/train tickets in the outer flap, wallet, a few pens, a few mini toiletries, and my keys. I'm on a train to Madrid right now and staying the night with nothing more than a small crossbody bag. I think backpacks look like you're going to work/school and I want something I can swing to my front, side, or back quickly. Briefcases need to be carried in one hand and that's not ideal. If I needed to carry a small laptop, I'd get a slim Tumi backpack that could double as a briefcase with the straps tucked away if you wished.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Age does play a role in backpacks but so does region. Our CTO has to be well into his 50s and sports a backpack.

I use a backpack (TUMI), and am in my late 50's. I don't know anyone who uses a brief case anymore.

[HL65]

Ogio backpack for me.

[Brew]

Small laptop briefcase for me, if I need to bring a computer with me. I ain't no beast of burden, to mangle a phrase.

[HogwldFLTR]

Been using a Coach backpack for about a year; great leather and pack!

[AzPaul]

From an aesthetic point of view, there's no contest.

[Fat_ninja]

Do people still use briefcases? Most management teams I meet usually either hve a backpack or someone else carrying their papers.

[SMD]

Berluti backpack for me. Love it.

[Cru Jones]

Briefcase or messenger-type bag.

Backpacks are for kids or for hiking, IMHO.

[SoTaxLaw]

Briefcase or nothing.

[Kneecough]

Originally Posted by HL65

Ogio backpack for me.

Same

[sco]

I made the switch to a Swiss Army backpack several years ago and never looked back. The only issue I have is that on really hot days when I’m wearing a nice button down I’ll sweat right through where the straps are.

[rmlovett1]

Briefcase or leather laptop case when I was younger and going to meetings.
Now retired at 50....I use one of these to travel, carry things when needed, etc...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[antbkny]

I like Osprey back packs

[junamuan]

Timbuktu messenger bag when in the office. NorthFace laptop backpack when on biz trips.

[Dr. Robert]

Bah humbug......it’s so expensive to live in California, I carry my business stuff in a plain brown paper grocery bag......

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Bah humbug......it’s so expensive to live in California, I carry my business stuff in a plain brown paper grocery bag......

...and those aren't even free anymore.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by pickettt

...and those aren't even free anymore.

But at a dime each I can afford to double bag

[bobernet]

I have a Sherpa who carries my things.

Not a backpack fan. Tumi bag for travel, Hermès for daily office back and forth.

[betterwatchit]

Black ballistic nylon just feels and looks too corporate to me, just like cheap lap top bags. Filson or traditional leather (try Swaine Adeney) so much more tasteful!

[TheVTCGuy]

Dave, we should get together and let me show you my Tumi collection... it looks like the Tumi store in UTC. (BTW, if you ever go there talk with Ernie and tell him Paul sent you for a good deal). As to your question, it depends on the situation, I have the Alpha 2 leather backpack and use it traveling if I am NOT going in to a meeting, it is just so practical and handy. I also have a CFX and Arrive briefcase which I use if I am meeting customers or some kind of high level meeting. Maybe Im shallow, but it gives me an extra bit of confidence walking in to a meeting with a classy-looking briefcase.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Dave, we should get together and let me show you my Tumi collection... it looks like the Tumi store in UTC. (BTW, if you ever go there talk with Ernie and tell him Paul sent you for a good deal). As to your question, it depends on the situation, I have the Alpha 2 leather backpack and use it traveling if I am NOT going in to a meeting, it is just so practical and handy. I also have a CFX and Arrive briefcase which I use if I am meeting customers or some kind of high level meeting. Maybe Im shallow, but it gives me an extra bit of confidence walking in to a meeting with a classy-looking briefcase.

Paul commenting on Tumi. You are obviously on the mend!

[Terrakot]

Filson 256 briefcase with blazers and pants, Tumi backpack with Baracuta G9 and jeans
Filson wins in most daily scenarios

[Zoomerang]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Dave, we should get together and let me show you my Tumi collection... it looks like the Tumi store in UTC. (BTW, if you ever go there talk with Ernie and tell him Paul sent you for a good deal). As to your question, it depends on the situation, I have the Alpha 2 leather backpack and use it traveling if I am NOT going in to a meeting, it is just so practical and handy. I also have a CFX and Arrive briefcase which I use if I am meeting customers or some kind of high level meeting. Maybe Im shallow, but it gives me an extra bit of confidence walking in to a meeting with a classy-looking briefcase.

Great idea Paul! Next time I go to the UTC store I’ll drop your name!

Hope you are recovering very well from surgery!