Filson vs Cravar - who makes the BEST briefcase?

The Filson Original Briefcase is legendary, but there is always a new challenger for the title. The Cravar CO might be the best Filson alternative I've seen in years, and it costs significantly less!

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#Carlmurawski #filson #cravar

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Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well and allows you to own less and own better.

[christianbejarano]

I recently ordered their C.O Duffle and DayPack in waxed twill (same tan color as Filson) and it has been one of THE BEST invesments for luggage/travel I made. I highly recommend this brand and Yoki really top notch with his customer service. I’m glad Cravar and Indonesian bootmakers are getting the recognition they deserve! Thanks Carl!

[dmutomo]

Glad that I got my Filson for $240 during a black Friday sale in Australia in 2021, and I am really happy with my bag. But because of your videos, Cravar bags look really enticing. I am very likely to pay a visit to their store during my Indonesian trip later this year!

[dhanslee]

Cravar bags are really well made. 2 years ago I visited the store and I had the chance to meet the owner personally. We chatted for an hour and he is very friendly. Anyway, eventually got myself the D.S crossbody bag and I love it 🤟

[tangoreal]

I have owned and used heavily my Filson Compiter Nag since 2014 so 10 years still going strong! I
Am a network engineer and use this as my tool
Case.

[stephenbayley]

I'm torn between two beautiful duffle bags:

1) Cravar C.O. Travel/Olive - Waxed Twill
2) Ruitertassen Guardian Duffle Bag

Neither website mentions the gauge of the fabric. Based on build quality alone, which do I choose?

[albertmanuel]

I bought a waxed canvas weekender from Gustin. It is American made with Horween Leather trim. $130 and the build quality is excellent. I just had to wait a few months for it to get made.

[JavaJunky]

The Filson Original Briefcase is now $495. I swear the prices go up every time I blink.

[alui]

yup, I can endorse yoki and the cravar team. I got their leather backpack (workpack size), and I use it for rucking (carrying heavy weights and doing walks/runs). I currently carry 20kg (bag inclusive) for my rucks and it holds up no problem, i.e. it can hold more, I just haven't pushed it there.

I came back for a tote for my significant other. If I didn't already have so much shit, I'd definitely get their waxed twill stuff because they look really enticing.

[aslamc]

Cravar all the way for me. I mean, for the price of the Filson, you could jump up to one of Cravar’s full grain veg tan leather bags if you felt like it and that’s wild to me. The level of craftsmanship for the price of the Cravar seems out of this world, and probably largely due to the fact it’s made in Indonesia. But artisan made is artisan made and I don’t think you can look at the level of detail and thoughtfulness and say it’s not artisan made. If Cravar just happened to be Italian or English, it would three times price. I’m kind of smitten with these brands and the company.

[marlenakauer]

I bought their briefcase second hand on eBay for under $140 with shipping about a year and a half ago and I love it. But for $450 knowing most of that is going to folks at the top, hell no. It is an awesome bag tho and look forward to having it for years to come. Hopefully as a nice diaper bag in a couple years haha! Dunno how to tag channels but evergreen organica did a review of their tin cloth pants and looks like they’re made in Sri Lanka now. He recommended Red Clouds Collective for waxed pants and I don’t have a need for waxed pants but look like a solid option for any folks here looking for some and a USA made option.

[mitahapsari]

Thanks for making this review. My bro have the Cravar CO and I have the FC 11 leather. I do think the CO's still more practical, it also dress up better. Occasionally we would still lust over the idea of owning Filson briefcases at some point in the future, just because the heritage and that they are classics. But price wise and everything like you mentioned here keep me putting off that consideration.

[jeanvanderstegen]

What about the french brand “bleu de chauffe” ?
I’ve got one of their waxed bags, it’s just great

[mactravelandfinance]

Customers need value. Given their inflated prices, it’s hard to find value with Filson. Have a great day Carl!

[marcus]

I own the Satchel and Page Aviator Brief and it’s great! Perhaps the Aviator Brief and the Associate are better value in a similar price bracket?

[jakub_bartler]

I think you should check out Polish brand called Sartolane, as it makes bags for a similar price, but I would say better quality

[benvieira]

I see Carl Murawski in my feed and I click

[jimmybalantyne]

How you don't know where the leather on the Filson bag is from says a lot about how little you know.

[YankeeWoodcraft]

Probably made by the same companies overseas that sell waxed canvas bags on Amazon for $40 that smell like homeless feet. I'll never buy Filson's if they're going to be charging US Made prices for stuff they're building for pennies on the dollar. No character at all in that.

[Heywoodthepeckerwood]

Although I hate that Filson now chooses to outsource so much of their line up. The biggest part of the problem is people comparing the price of an American made product vs one made in a 3rd world country.
People want cheaper stuff, even if it isn’t as well made. Then these people complain about the decline of American companies. They complain about the jobs moving overseas. It’s hilarious really.
You are part of the problem.

[rdcarey]

Definitely glad I got my Filson Briefcase before the price jump. I use it for everything, I get teased all the time for having a “man purse” working in a foundry, but the thing is perfect for pretty much everything besides a 3 day backpacking trip. lol