Upgrade Your Commute with the Solo NY Alastair Vertical Briefcase

Commuting is rough business, but having a decent laptop bag can help to relieve some of the stress involved.  As the place where you store your work belongings and the items that make all of that travel more bearable, your bag serves an important function.  Also, if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on it, you obviously want to make sure it’s comfortable, durable, and it has all of the features you need.  And that is where Solo NY comes in.

We’ve been testing out their Alastair Vertical Briefcase during my husband’s daily commute from NJ to NYC, and after a month of use, we’re ready to share our thoughts with you guys.

The body is constructed of waxed canvas, which not only gives it a nicely broken-in look from day one, but it also provides a certain amount of protection from the elements.  Water will bead up and slide off rather than penetrate the treated fabric.  This doesn’t make the briefcase entirely waterproof, and while it’s unlikely to survive a flood, it’s tough enough to withstand a bit of rain between the train station and the office.

Described as a “vertical briefcase”, you actually have multiple options for carrying it.  Hideaway shoulder straps allow you to wear it as a backpack, or you can attach the included strap to wear it crossbody/messenger style.  If you prefer to carry it like a traditional briefcase, that’s what the handle is for.  Personally, I love being able to use it both as a backpack and a crossbody bag, and this versatility alone is enough to make me want to steal this from my husband.

The Alastair has a relatively slim profile, but it can hold a surprising amount of stuff.  The interior features a padded pockets a laptop up to 15.6″ and another pocket for a tablet.  In addition to other basics, like a wallet, phone, earbuds, cables, keys, notebooks, etc., there’s still space for my husband’s umbrella, raincoat, and lunch (thoughtfully prepared for him by his amazing wife).

It’s a great bag for general travel as well.  Alastair fits nicely under an airplane seat while still being quite roomy, making it just right as your personal item when flying.  It also features one of those fabric panels that let’s you slip it over a luggage handle.  Small details like this make a bag so much more useful, don’t you agree?

As much as I dislike placing value on aesthetics, you can’t deny this is one sexy bag.  Part of Solo NY’s Highland Collection, the Alastair Vertical Briefcase is currently available in two colors:  Ash and Plaid.  Take my advice and go with the Plaid.  It’s got a slightly weathered look to it but it’s still polished and classy.  Also, I’m pretty sure it’s the one Jamie would choose.

By now, it should be clear that we are very happy with the Alastair bag from Solo NY.  It feels and looks well made, and I think their 5-year warranty against defects and craftsmanship supports that.  Ready to upgrade your commute?  Visit Solo NY to learn more and purchase your own Alastair Vertical Briefcase.  You can also find it over at Amazon.