Today, we’re pitting two professional heavy-hitters against each other:
the Filson Original Briefcase and the Carl Friedrik Palissy Slim.

Same category, totally different personalities — canvas and bridle-leather workwear vs. structured Italian leather minimalism. Let’s dive in.

Round 1: The Contenders (Quick Specs)

Filson Original Brief

• Capacity: 13L
  
• Fits: up to a 15" laptop
  
• Materials: Rugged Twill by British Millerain, bridle-leather handles and strap
  
• Hardware: Heavy-duty YKK brass zipper and solid brass fittings
  
• Made in the USA

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Carl Friedrik Palissy Slim

• Capacity: 10L
• Fits: up to a 15" laptop
  
• Materials: Italian Vachetta leather
  
• Hardware: Silver, nickel-plated
  
• Made in Europe

Two bags that live in the same space — both professional, both premium — but they get there in completely different ways.

Round 2: Materials & Aesthetic (Leather vs. Canvas)

This is where their personalities split.

Filson is all about rugged refinement. Its Rugged Twill canvas and bridle leather construction exude durability and timelessness. It’s lightly waxed to shrug off rain and scuffs, developing character as it wears. This is a bag that reads professional, not precious.

By contrast, the Palissy Slim is all about structure and sophistication. The Italian Vachetta leather holds its shape, even when loaded, and the minimalist hardware keeps the design crisp and modern. It’s a bag that looks just as at home in a boardroom as it does in a design studio.

In short — Filson leans heritage, Palissy leans tailored.

Round 3: Exterior Access & Carry

The Filson embraces a classic layout:
Two full-width quick-stow pockets on the exterior and a central zippered compartment. Its bridle-leather handles and broad strap distribute weight well, making it easy to carry all day. The look? Buttoned-up yet tough — the kind of brief that looks better the longer you own it.

The Palissy, meanwhile, is all about sleek function. The structured shell keeps its silhouette sharp, and a discreet luggage pass-through (an add-on) makes it perfect for travel. The bag stands tall and composed when you set it down — always photo-ready, always refined.

Round 4: Interior Layout & Organization

Inside, the Filson keeps things simple but effective. Dividers split the main cavity, making it easy to separate tech, notebooks, and daily carry without ballooning the bag. It’s the kind of interior that’s not flashy, but always functional.

The Palissy, on the other hand, is designed for order. A dedicated 15" laptop sleeve, zippered pockets, and pen slots make it a haven for the organized professional. Every item has its place — and it stays there.

So while the Filson favors simplicity and space, the Palissy delivers precision and polish.

Round 5: On-Body Image & Use Case

If your week looks like office → site visits → airports, the Filson is your go-anywhere companion. It’s versatile, hardwearing, and looks good with denim or a blazer. It’s a bag you can scuff, toss in the truck, and still walk into a meeting with confidence.

If your day skews more toward client meetings and corporate settings, the Palissy Slim keeps you looking sharp from 9 to 5. The structured silhouette, rich leather, and minimalist hardware give off a quiet confidence that fits seamlessly into modern workspaces.

Who Should Pick What?

There’s no winner here — just two lanes.

Choose the Filson if you want that classic American workwear energy in a professional package.
Rugged twill, bridle leather, durable hardware — a lifetime companion that handles hard miles with style.

Choose the Palissy Slim if you prioritize sleek minimalism and refined craftsmanship. It’s the bag for those who value precision, structure, and that always-composed aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

Both bags represent the best of their worlds:

Filson’s heritage durability vs. Carl Friedrik’s refined minimalism.
Two great paths to *professional EDC.

So — which lane are you in?
Canvas utility or leather minimalism?

Q: Is the Filson Original Briefcase waterproof?
A: It’s not fully waterproof but is highly water-resistant thanks to its waxed Rugged Twill fabric and bridle leather construction.

Q: Can the Palissy Slim hold a 16” MacBook Pro?
A: It’s a tight fit. The bag is best suited for 15” or smaller laptops.

Q: Which bag is lighter?
A: The Palissy Slim is slightly lighter due to its slimmer profile and structured leather build.

Q: Which one is better for travel?
A: The Filson is more forgiving with bulk and external pockets, making it great for travel days. The Palissy’s luggage pass-through, however, adds polish for frequent flyers