Lotuff & Clegg Zip Top Briefcase - first thoughts

[spence]

Like many people I've been searching for the right brief for quite some time. Wanted a zip top, leather, ability to carry a laptop and quality to last a while. After learning about Lotuff & Clegg here on SF - - and being surprised that they're located just a few miles away -- I decided they had a great fit for my needs and budget. Being local was a big influence as I was able to visit the factory and have Frank Clegg show me their wares personally. Interestingly enough, it doesn't seem like there are a lot of bags at this price point ($600-750 for their briefcases). They're either less and often made overseas, or quite a bit more and carry a big label markup. The business looks to be a collaboration between a veteran leather maker and some business guys wanting to brand a quality product. Fortunately their last names seem to work together pretty well

For the money I'm very happy with the purchase. The quality of the leather is fantastic and looks like it will age wonderfully. Construction is excellent all around. The Zip Top Bag is a nice size, it will hold my laptop, power unit, leather folio, a few magazines and other misc stuff without feeling burdened. It's not a huge bag mind you, so if you're a pack rat or need to carry some clunky items it may be a bit narrow. Size seems just about right for most use as I usually store books or other big things in my rollaboard when I'm on the road. There's a single large space inside with a single divider on one end. Two pen holders and space for some cards and a phone. Each side has a generous pocket just inside the handle. A beefy riri zipper is a nice touch. They added a pad to the bottom for some extra protection which I think should be fine assuming I don't throw it down the stairs with my computer inside. There's also enough room to hold the laptop in a neoprene sleeve. This is the chocolate brown color. Time will tell but so far I'd highly recommend to anyone looking to invest without breaking the bank... I'd also note they have a contest right now, face them on FB and write a note on their wall to have a chance at winning a custom bag! http://www.lotuffclegg.com -spence

 

[Sazerac]

Thanks for posting your review. This is exactly the bag I was looking at and it's nice to see some additional pictures.

How is it lined?

 

[spence]

Originally Posted by Sazerac

Thanks for posting your review. This is exactly the bag I was looking at and it's nice to see some additional pictures.

How is it lined?

I think my pictures show the character of the bag a bit better than what's on their website. The divider has the leather face on the side with the pen and card holders, but it's otherwise unlined.

-spence

 

[ITGER]

Sweet bag! I just ordered the same one myself but in chestnut. Maybe I'll post some pics of my own for comparison when it comes in.

 

[zoose]

I'm thinking about getting one of these. I like the classic, no-frills styling, the color and quality, etc. Can't decide for certain though.

What's the weight of the bag when empty? Some mentioned their other products are heavy.

What's the size of the laptop you have in it?

Is that shoulder strap actually functional? It seems like it would mangle the zipper flaps.

And a lifetime warranty from a company that's barely been around more than a year just feels odd to me.