6 Alternatives to the Stuffy Briefcase

By Linsey Knerl (from Wise Bread) on February 25, 2011

Whether you're toting your laptop or just need a fashionable way to carry those important client contracts you're bound to land this year, there are so many more ways to travel in style than the traditional briefcase has provided. Check out this roundup of innovative, trendy, and just plain precious bags and cases designed to help you express just how savvy you really are. Men and women --- we've got you both covered here!

Bucket Boss Contractor's Case

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This line of briefcases, designed for the construction scene, is truly rugged and durable. With compartments for a laptop, drawing tools, plans, and even a change of clothes, the more decked-out model can hold it all! (There also inserts available for customization of the interior space.) You don't have to be in the biz to enjoy the perks of this contractor's briefcase, however. The 600 denier fabric and double-layered bottom can withstand being dropped, slammed, and squished in airport luggage lanes - something any business or hardcore traveler can appreciate!

Various home improvement stores
$30 - $80

The Callet
Traveling light? If you've ditched paper in lieu of grabbing important info from your smartphone, this wallet/cell case combo should do the trick. Designed to slip over any iPhone or Blackberry, it sports several slots for your credit cards, cash, and photo ID. (Worried about the rumor that a cell phone could erase your credit card's magnetic strip? Don't fret: The case can protect your cards from the potentially damaging signal that actually comes from the phone's speaker - not the battery.)

$14.99 at the official website

Plaid Doctrine Eco Briefcase

If you're looking for a high-end, eco-friendly solution, this laptop bag from Plaid Doctrine should set you straight. Made from recycled plastic bottles and vegetable-tanned leather, it is sourced domestically and made right here in the States. Splash and stain-resistant, it is a good choice for the wear and tear that a hard day's work can put upon a laptop, and the look will never appear anything but spoiled. Priced at just over $400, it's a splurge that says "green" in a more sophisticated way.

$449 at the official website

McKlein LA GRANGE Vertical Case with Detachable Wheels
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This one is for all the ladies who wished they were wheeling something super chic behind them at the airport. With slim European styling, and room for expansion, it gets you down that narrow airplane aisle with little fuss and lots of style. It comes in bold, bright colors, like Aqua Blue, Orange, and Red, and the wheels come off when you're done. How smart is that?

$255 at the official website

Personalized Military Laptop Bag

What if you could carry around a memento of a loved one that served in the Armed Forces, and incorporate it into a stylish bag for carrying your important possessions? The people behind militaryhandbag.com have created a unique and powerful experience for all those who love a service member, giving bag carriers a visual reminder of those brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country. Simply send them a portion of your loved one's military fatigues, and they'll craft a laptop bag or cover to cherish forever. This product is perfect for honoring the fallen soldier or for feeling close to a deployed member of the military. (They make diaper bags, purses, and satchels, too!)

$85 at the official website

Ohmetric 3-in-1 Workstation Briefcase

Who says you can't get work done on the road? If finding a suitable place to set your laptop while in the airport or working on the go has you bummed, the Ohmetric all-in-one will set you free to be able to do it all, anywhere. A sporty black protective briefcase/laptop bag that touts a checkpoint-friendly design will get through security lines in a jiffy, without sacrificing the pockets and compartments needed to haul your accessories and cords. It also contains lap desk functionality, giving you a sturdy surface to place your netbook while keeping your lap cool - and it slides over the handle of your luggage for a no-hands haul!

Finally, (and just for fun) here is an actual Honda motorcycle that folds up into a not-so-small "briefcase" that you just have to see:

It's not practical....nor is it new. This antique, however, could inspire some forward thinking for the briefcase of the future.

Do you have a wish list of features that you want your next carryall to provide? If you can think it, most likely, they'll make it. Share your secret briefcase desires here!

[Top image credit: iStockphoto]