How to Choose a Briefcase

esides the standard office briefcases, you can choose from casual courier bags or computer packs to organize your files and protect your laptop. While personal preference plays a big part in determining which style is best for you, there are a few key features you should look for.

Business travelers will appreciate a briefcase with a back sleeve designed to slide over the handle of wheeled luggage for easy carrying.
Those with laptops should consider either a computer briefcase or a computer pack with a padded insert to protect your laptop.
Courier bags are more casual. They're designed to be worn over the shoulder and have multiple organizational features for your files, disks and other office materials.

Types of Briefcases

Office Briefcases
You can choose between the traditional office briefcases, which range from about 1300-1600 cubic inches, to upright briefcases, which are more compact at around 800 cubic inches. All have multiple organizer pockets. Other features to look for:

Back Sleeve—Business travelers should look for a briefcase with a back sleeve or zippered pocket that allows you to slip the briefcase over the handle of your wheeled luggage for easy carrying.
Convertible—Some briefcases convert to backpacks with hidden shoulder straps for versatility.
Specialized Pockets—Pockets designed to hold water bottles or cell phones can sometimes be removed or hidden when not in use.
Expandable Compartments—An expandable main compartment is convenient for carrying extra items.

Computer Briefcases
If you have a laptop, you'll want one of these briefcases to protect your equipment. Computer briefcases are about the same size as the office briefcases. Again, you can choose from a traditional briefcase shape or a smaller, upright version. All have multiple organizer pockets and a padded laptop compartment. More options:

Back Sleeve
Convertible
Specialized Pockets
Expandable Compartments
Lockable Zippers—An important feature if you're concerned about protecting your files and disks.

Computer Packs
Designed like a regular daypack, these computer packs have a padded laptop compartment to protect your computer. They also have multiple organizer pockets. Computer packs run around 2000 cu. in., giving you more room than a traditional briefcase. Other features:

File Folder Slots—These help keep your files organized.
Specialized Pockets—Some have a padded compartment for CD players and pockets for CD storage. Others feature an expandable power source pocket for the rest of your high-tech gear.

Courier Bags
Courier bags are designed to be worn over the shoulder. Unlike the courier bags designed for cyclists, these bags have interior organizer panels and other features making them suitable for the office:

Back Sleeve
Convertible
Specialized Pockets
Laptop Compartment—Some feature a padded laptop compartment for your computer.
Sternum Strap—A few courier bags have a chest strap to help stabilize the bag when worn on your back.