For particularly long days (and there were some), I keep a 420-page collection of Jack London stories in the outermost pocket. I mention this because I normally keep a book in my truck, but The Cary allowed me to bring it along wherever I went.

On more than one occasion, I spent more time than I’d like to admit wondering if I forgot it — it was hiding at the bottom of the pocket.

The Cary handles all of this gear with ease. In fact, there’s room to carry a travel monitor and keyboard if you’re so inclined. 

Shouldering The Cary

While I already liked the look and feel of the leather handles and carry strap, they really came in handy (no pun intended) when I loaded The Cary with gear.

The adjustable shoulder pad offers barely any cushioning at all, but its wide profile and thick leather distribute the weight better than any of my messenger bags.

In hand, the rolled leather handles make carrying the heft very comfortable. I can only imagine I’d come to appreciate both of these features even more if I loaded The Cary to its actual capacity. 

A Hidden Surprise

There’s one other really cool feature that actually took me weeks to find. Stuart and Lau include a spare bag inside The Cary.

While I imagine by the shape and size you’re supposed to use it to protect The Cary during particularly inclement weather, it works just as well as a reusable shopping bag. We can’t use plastic bags where I live, so I really appreciate this extra touch.

And, it stows away so well that I didn’t even realize it was there. 

Overall Impression

Let’s call it like it is: The Cary isn’t cheap. While I loved the look of this briefcase before Stuart and Lau even knew my name, I wasn’t rushing out to spend $350-plus on a briefcase when my messenger bag was doing the trick. I didn’t think I needed it.

I was wrong. There, I said it.