Topo Designs 3-Day Briefcase
Disclaimer: I received a Topo Designs 3-Day Briefcase to review from Altitude Sports. Opinions are my own.
All photos in this review are by Ronnie Jones.
I’ve never been a “briefcase” person (but really, who is anymore?). Aside from it not jiving with my personality, I commute over an hour to my downtown office by transit so it’s simply not practical. I’ve used large purses and various backpacks over the years to carry combinations of lunch, jacket, running clothes, laptop, notebook, binders, water bottle, and travel mug.
This week I returned to my job after a year of maternity leave. I was excited to start off fresh with a brand new Topo Designs 3-Day Briefcase, a very modern and practical take on a briefcase. However, it is more accurate to call it a multi-carry travel bag as it has leather carry handles, a removable messenger-style shoulder strap, and storable backpack straps.
The bag
I hadn’t heard of the brand Topo Designs before this bag came into my life. Based on my impressions of this product and pursuing their other products, their description of themselves seems on point.
“At Topo Designs, we’re rooted in mountain culture and outdoor living, but love exploring cities and world travel. We look to proven classics for inspiration, yet take advantage of innovative technologies to ensure a timeless look with modern functionality. We are uncomplicated and utilitarian, but with a sense of design and style through simplicity. Our goal is to not have to choose a single path—we want to live on both sides of the fence, where life is always greener.”
They began in Colorado, as it seems a lot of outdoor companies do, making bags but have branched out to other gear as well including apparel, sandals, and hats.
Now back to the bag itself. The Topo Designs 3-Day Briefcase I received to review from Altitude Sports is unfortunately sold out on their website. However, they sell a similar product also by Topo Designs called the Commuter Briefcase; the main difference being the size. The 3-Day is quite a bit larger capacity (22 L) than the Commuter (13 L) and has two main compartments rather than just one.
Features:
- Material: 1000D CORDURA® fabric outer
- Internal sleeve fits most 15” laptops
- Stowable backpack straps
- Detachable padded shoulder strap for messenger style carrying
- All natural leather handles
- Heavy duty plastic hardware and durable YKK zippers
My thoughts
Style
The design of the 3-Day Briefcase is simple, modern, and practical. I love the green colour of this bag combined with the yellow lining and red zipper pulls. It may seem a bit odd that the bag is sideways if worn as a backpack but I don’t mind – you just have to make sure all your zippers are closed and preferably at the top so nothing falls out.
Pockets
The bag has two large main compartments, one of which includes a padded laptop sleeve, two medium size pockets, and another smaller zippered pocket. The other main compartment has two pockets, each about the size of a large Nalgene water bottle, as well as quite a bit of extra space. I could probably fit an entire running outfit including shoes in here.
There is also a fairly large zippered pouch on the front which is great for easy-to-access items like wallet, keys, and/or a good book. The back side has the pouch for stowing backpack straps as well as a pass-through sleeve for roller luggage.
Handles & Straps
Lately I’m more of a backpack person so I was super happy to be able to carry the 3-Day Briefcase this way. I’ve also used it with the shoulder strap and it’s comfortable as well. The carry handles are great for moving it short distances but, as it’s actually quite a large bag, not super practical for strolling down the street.
Switching between the shoulder strap and the backpack straps is easy enough to do although it does take a few minutes. The backpack straps aren’t fully removable but they conveniently stash in a pouch. There is a waist strap for backpack mode however I never felt it necessary to use it.
Durability
You can tell just by looking at the design and materials that the 3-Day Briefcase is a quality bag. The exterior is made of 1000D CORDURA®, which meant nothing to me until I googled it. Here is what Wikipedia had to say.
“Cordura is a collection of fabric technologies used in a wide array of products including luggage, backpacks, trousers, military wear and performance apparel. Cordura fabrics are known for their durability and resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs.”
Everyone can appreciate a good zipper and these zippers are made by the YKK Group, the world’s largest zipper manufacturer (also according to Wikipedia). I’ve only been using this bag for a few weeks but the zippers seem like they’ll last forever.
Size
The capacity of this bag is 22 L so it’s less of a typical briefcase size and more like the perfect carry-on luggage. I’ve had a couple laptop backpacks over the years and I always found that I couldn’t quite fit everything into them. This one holds more than enough! I had a laptop, my lunch, five books, a water bottle, and a toque while taking photos and there was still room to spare.
Conclusion
My husband is going to try to steal the Topo Designs 3-Day Briefcase from me, but I won’t let him. It’ll be my go-to bag for commuting to work when I need to take in more than just my wallet and lunch. It’s quite large but I actually like the extra capacity for day-to-day running around. I anticipate it lasting forever and passing it down to my child as a family heirloom. Ok well, maybe not quite, but I do think it’ll last me a very, very long time!
Check out the other Topo Designs models to find out which one is right for you!
West Van Run 5K & 10K
The West Van Run [T: @westvanrun | IG: @westvanrun] is an annual 5K and 10K run/walk in scenic West Vancouver. The race is held in early March each year with the 5K on the Saturday, 10K on the Sunday, and a 1K kids run both days. Runners are welcome to join for one or both days. The race is chip timed and features waterfront views. Registration includes a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and post-race snacks.
I am proud to be a member of the West Van Run Team of ambassadors for this well-organized and community-minded race. I have participated in the West Van Run every year since 2016 and have always opted for both the 5K and 10K. Over the years I’ve achieved PR’s, run it 2 months pregnant, and run it with a 5-month-old baby. It’s always a fantastic time! Check out my West Van Run 2016 race report, the first time I ran it.
The next West Van Run is on March 2 & 3, 2019. Use discount code ‘brie’ to save 10% on registration.
Race Director
Kirill Solovyev
[T: @lekirill | IG: @kirillsolovyev]
The West Van Run is organized by Kirill Solovyev who has since expanded to two more races: the West Van Run Summer and North Van Run [T: @northvanrun | IG: @northvanrun]. Despite being a super speedy runner himself, he’s more than happy to slow down and hang out with the pack. In fact, he hosts all-speeds-welcome training/social runs through his club, the West Van Run Crew, every Saturday at 9:30am starting from Caffe Artigiano.
Ambassadors
The West Van Run Team includes several of my run blogger friends who are super active members of the running community. One of the highlights of the race for me is seeing these awesome people there. The full list of ambassadors can be found on the West Van Run website, but here are the ones I know best.
Jeannine Avelino
[W: Everything but Weddings | T: @jeannineavelino | IG: @jeannineavelino]
Jeannine is a road and trail runner. She hosts a popular wedding blog in addition to her running blog, hence the name Everything but Weddings. I am envious of all her travel, especially her trips to run the Paris and Berlin Marathons. Jeannine takes great photos, loves her cat, Hobbes, and is a foodie.
Bradley Cuzen
[W: Bradley on the Run | T: @bjcjapan | IG: @bradleyontherun]
You can recognize Bradley by his signature orange hat and constant smile. He’s participates in tons of races every year and is always trying to set a new PR. We did a road trip together in 2016 to run the North County Wine Run in southern Washington as BibRave Pros. It was a blast! Fun fact: Bradley lived in Japan and can speak Japanese!
Karin Femi
[W: Loose Leaf Runner | T: @looseleafrunner | IG: @karinfemi]
Karin is a sprinter, running coach, and mom. I remember her running the Moustache Miler 5K quite pregnant one year and still achieving an incredible time. She is energetic, upbeat, and knowledgable about everything running and fitness. She even helped me with prenatal and postnatal exercises. I’ve always impressed by how many languages her family speaks!
Mountain Mark
[IG: @runnermarkt]
Mark is a hardcore trail and ultrarunner who recently BQ’ed. His list of accomplishments include running the Club Fat Ass Van 100, a double crossing of the intense 50K Baden Powell trail, and the Squamish 50/50, a 50 mile race followed by a 50 km race the following day.
Debra Kato
[T: @debrakato | IG: @debrakato]
Last but not least, Debra! She deserves awards for her dedication and commitment to the running community. Debra is at every local race either running, volunteering, or often both. She takes 1000s of photos at every event and shares them on social media for everyone to enjoy. Oh, did I mention that she wears the most amazing costumes too?
Helly Hansen Lifaloft Insulator Jacket
Disclaimer: I received a Helly Hansen Lifaloft Insulator Jacket to review from Altitude Sports. Opinions are my own.
Early this year, Altitude Sports sent me a brand new Helly Hansen Lifaloft Insulator Jacket (note that mine is the hoodless version, although I’d definitely recommend getting one with a hood) to test out during the end of winter and spring. It was so new that it wouldn’t even be for sale until this fall, which is why I’m posting my review now. Aside from making me feel super badass, this meant that I was able to wear it for quite a long time.
The jacket
The Helly Hansen Lifaloft Insulator is a super lightweight and packable “puffy” jacket. The one I received has a shiny black, water-resistant/windproof exterior.
Lifaloft is Helly Hansen’s newest insulation which combines their LIFA® technology with Primaloft® insulation. According to their website, Lifaloft is 20% lighter than standard insulation due to lighter fibres and increased air pockets.
Before we get into the details, I’m a huge fan of puffy jackets. They are the BEST and if you EVER go outside, you should definitely have one. I bring at least one with me everywhere (except in the hottest of summer months). If I’m not wearing it or packing it, it’s waiting in my car for my return. It’s a piece of heaven after a long, cold, soaking wet, typical Vancouver trail run.
My experience
I wore this jacket everywhere. From the ocean to the mountains and around the city. On rainy runs around the park, on snowy hikes with elevation gain, and on walks to the store with a 17 lb baby strapped to my front and a pack of groceries on by back. Looking back, I probably should have washed it more often, oops!
Packability
One of the main reasons I wore this jacket everywhere is that it packs up nicely. It’s so easy to stash in a hiking pack or larger running pack (or even a diaper bag). My only suggestion for Helly Hansen is to add a little pocket for packing the jacket into itself.
Durability
Often with technical gear, the lighter you go the less durable it is. But that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Lifaloft Insulator jacket. I was a little concerned I’d tear it before getting good photos for my review but it has proven to be quite durable. I wore this with both a baby in a carrier and a backpack and there are no signs of wear from the straps.
Water resistance
While it’s definitely not a rain jacket, I found the water resistance was adequate for a short time out in light rain.
Warmth
I have a hard time quantifying the warmth of a jacket. But in the interest of trying, I’d say it’s a good level of warmth for walking and hiking in cool to cold weather or running in quite cold weather or light snow. For me, it’s not warm enough on its own for standing still outside in the freezing cold, but then again I’ve been known to layer puffy jackets (you can never have too many). It’s also perfect for layering under a waterproof shell.
Fit & fashion
I’m 5’7 and 150 lbs and the medium fits me perfectly. It has a flattering tailored fit with elastic wrists and an adjustable drawstring at the bottom to help keep the heat in. It fits long, which is a must for me, and has a curved hem in the back providing some bum coverage.
Pockets
There is lots of storage with two decently-sized, zippered pockets on the outside and as well as two non-zippered pockets on the inside.
Conclusion
After a heatwave and oodles of wildfires across our province and the associated smokiness, I’m super ready for the fall and excited by the prospect of cooler temperatures. I’ll be breaking this jacket out again soon to go on some cool, wet, and muddy Vancouver area adventures. And rewarding myself with a pumpkin spice latte after, of course!
