REVIEW – We all have preferences when it comes to carrying our gadgets around. I migrated from briefcase to backpack some years ago as they became more “business acceptable,” but there are times when the briefcase format is a more suitable choice. Why not both? Anuent’s Leather briefcase suits both configurations well, and, made of scrumptious leather, it’s beautiful, sturdy, and luxurious.
What is it?
The Anuent briefcase is a combination backpack and briefcase with external straps, zippered compartments, and internal pockets for organizing and transporting personal effects.
Hardware Specs
- Weight: 3 Lbs (1.36kg)
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 4.5 inches (406 x 304 x 114 mm)
- Leather exterior construction
- Heavy-duty nylon interior construction
- Metal zippers and clasps
What’s in the Box?
- Anuent leather briefcase
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Thank you and care letter
Design and Features
The Anuent leather briefcase arrived in a sealed plastic bag and does not need additional packaging.
The briefcase was filled with newspapers so prevent folding that could damage the leather during shipping. I appreciated that Anuent recycles!
The leather used is beautiful and tough.
Zippers are metal and should withstand lots of wear and tear. All the zippers are single-pull, meaning they only open and close from a single direction. For travel to areas with a proclivity for pilferage, adding a method to secure the zippers closed and locked would be a welcomed update.
The Anuent’s stitching is top-notch. My wife is an expert seamstress and was impressed with the attention to detail.
For briefcase-style hand carrying, there is a padded strap mounted to the back wall. It’s equipped with a snap to pair it with the front-mounted strap.
When not in use, the front hand strap is hidden inside a zippered pocket. It should be noted that this pocket can’t be closed with the hand strap deployed.
Here are the hand straps joined together. Very nice!
Included is a matching leather and nylon shoulder strap with robust spring-loaded clasps. I found it very comfortable.
Hidden in the rear compartment of the Anuent leather briefcase are the backpack straps. Weight is well distributed using them.
D-rings and clamps are strong and should hold up to being yanked from the overhead compartment, vigorously jostled while rummaging through your pockets to find your hotel key, or accidentally snagged on the bench after losing track of time listening to “Dark Side of the Moon” and missing that super-important gate change announcement that will make you run from Terminal A to Terminal D.
Those who have carried a leather backpack before know that it can get very warm. Anuent has wisely elected to add some nylon webbing to help the breathability while riding your back like Yoda.
For added utility, there is a strap running across the back to place over the extending handle of your favorite rolling suitcase.
Running across the top of the briefcase are two zippers that divide the larger compartments.
The internal fabric is strong nylon. Adjacent to the front is a zippered pocket that’s great for small items.
Opposite the internal zippered pocket are a pair of open-top pockets for phones, pens, or assorted doodads.
The rear compartment’s zipper wraps around the case on the top and both sides, allowing for easy access.
Inside the Anuent leather briefcase is a padded section for a tablet or full-sized laptop and secures with a Velcro strap.
The Anuent briefcase has an interior volume of about 850 cubic inches. It’s not huge by any means, but after several decades as a road warrior, I am a shockingly light packer. I’ve been on several four to eight-week international trips with nothing more than a backpack. This one is a tad smaller than I normally carry, but I think I could manage. I’ve used the “Army Roll” packing method and packing cubes to keep the contents tightly bundled, easy to disassemble by the most scrutinizing of inspectors, and x-ray ready. The Anuent’s wide-opening zippers also help with Leather is generally accepted, but before you travel, check your destination’s laws and customs to be sure it’s permitted. Many years ago a business associate was relieved of his luggage while overseas and his carry-on ended up being a plastic grocery bag.
A special thank you to my daughter’s friend, Joe, for posing for the size comparison photos. My wife and I are both short in stature and might have made the bag appear larger.
On a personal note, I love the convertible nature of this bag for several reasons, but this one most of all: My dear Gadgeteers and fellow travelers, please… please… please…with sugar on it… take your backpack off before you board the plane and carry it in front of you while walking down the aisle. If you don’t, you are smashing other passengers, pinching fingers, spilling coffee, and being a discourteous, uncivil, and disrespectful, Brahman bull.
What I Like
- Sturdy
- Great looking
- Outstanding workmanship
What I Would Change
- Add a mechanism to lock the zippers closed.
Final Thoughts
The Anuent leather briefcase nicely embodies the best of both the backpack and briefcase worlds. Sturdy straps, internal pockets, metal zippers, and heavy-duty stitching make this bag an elegant way to carry your computer, gather your gadgets, pack your pants, and tote your toothbrush in style!
Price: Lanterns – $99.99
Where to buy: Anuent
Source: The sample for this review was supplied by Anuent.
