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A briefcase usually has one job, carrying a laptop and some papers from home to the office and back. The Filson 24 Hour Tin Cloth Briefcase takes on a second job. It is sized to carry a change of clothes as well, so a single bag covers a work day that turns into an overnight trip. It does that in waxed canvas and heavy leather, which means it looks better after years of use than it does on the first day.
What it is
Filson describes the 24 Hour Briefcase as combining heritage materials with high capacity and modern design. In practice, it is a larger take on the classic soft sided briefcase, with room for a laptop, documents, chargers and enough clothing for a night away. The name says it all. It is the bag you grab when you will be gone for about a day.
Tin Cloth body
The body is made from Filson's Tin Cloth, a tightly woven canvas duck that has been thoroughly saturated with wax. That finish protects what is inside from foul weather and spray, so a dash through the rain from the car to the train is not a crisis. Like any waxed canvas, it starts out stiff and develops creases and a softer feel over time. Our guide to waxed canvas explains where the material comes from and why it behaves the way it does.
Leather and hardware
The handles are Bridle Leather, which Filson describes as thick and strong for lasting service. The main zipper is solid brass from YKK, which Filson chose for a lifetime of rust free operation. On a bag that gets opened and closed many times a day, that kind of hardware is reassuring.
Inside the bag
The interior is fully lined with unwaxed cotton. That matters more than it might seem, because it keeps the waxy outer layer away from your shirts and papers. A padded sleeve fits laptops up to 15 inches, protecting the computer without adding a separate case. The rest of the main compartment is open, which gives you flexibility to pack a folded shirt, a toiletry kit or a stack of files depending on the day.
On the outside, zippered pockets give you quick access to small things you reach for often, such as a phone, a charger or a passport. Filson adds organization pockets inside those exterior pockets, so pens, cards and cables do not end up in a single jumble.
Built for travel
Two details make the 24 Hour Briefcase especially good on travel days. A rear trolley strap slides over the handle of a rolling suitcase, letting you stack the briefcase on top of your luggage as you walk through an airport or station. And a detachable, adjustable webbing shoulder strap lets you carry it hands free when you need to juggle coffee, tickets and a phone. When you do not need the strap, it comes off entirely for a cleaner look.
How it compares
If you already know the Filson Original Briefcase, think of the 24 Hour version as its roomier, more travel ready relative. The Original is the simpler, slimmer daily carry, while the 24 Hour adds capacity and the trolley strap. If you prefer carrying weight on your back, our roundup of carry on travel backpacks covers options that put the load on both shoulders, and the Rains Backpack is a modern, fully waterproof alternative.
Caring for it
Tin Cloth is easy to look after. Brush off dirt when it dries, rinse mud with cold water and never put the bag in a washing machine. When the canvas stops beading water, a light coat of Filson Oil Finish Wax restores the finish. We cover the process step by step in our guide to rewaxing waxed cotton, and the same method applies to bags.
Who it suits
The 24 Hour Briefcase suits people whose work involves frequent short trips, such as consultants, sales teams and anyone who commutes between cities. It also works as a weekend bag for light packers. If you only ever carry a laptop and a notebook, the slimmer Original Briefcase will feel less bulky. If your days regularly turn into nights away, this is one of the most handsome ways to carry everything in one bag.
Where to buy
For more bags and carry, browse our desk and everyday carry hub.
