Carry Less. Work Smarter.
Aidan Holt reviews gear that earns its place in your bag. Starting with the Bellroy Tokyo Folio.
Why the Tokyo Folio Works
Compact Work Kit
iPad mini or 8" tablets fit perfectly. Notebook, pen, cables—all in one zip folio. Your mobile office, simplified.
Smart Pockets
Padded tablet sleeve protects your screen. A5 notebook included. Pen loop, slip pockets, exterior zip for quick access.
Tough + Tidy
Baida Ripstop resists water and wear. Subtle technical texture feels premium. Leather accents add refined detail.
Specs at a Glance
Device Fit
Tablets up to 8" (≤ 151 × 205 × 23 mm)
Included Notebook
A5 (5" × 8") premium paper
Organization
Padded sleeve, pen loop, divided pocket, large external zip
Materials
Water-resistant Baida Ripstop, leather accents, metal OOK zipper
Warranty
3 years from Bellroy
Who It's For
iPad Mini Users
Small-tablet note-takers who want dedicated organization. Perfect for digital planners and annotators.
Minimal EDC Enthusiasts
The "mini briefcase" feel without bulk. Toss it in any bag. Pull it out for focused work.
Mobile Creators
Content creators, designers, writers. Keep your core toolkit together. Professional presentation matters.
Consider Before You Buy
Structure Over Slim
This is a full folio, not a minimal sleeve. The zipper and padding add bulk. Some find it too structured for desk-only use.
Premium Investment
Materials and finish justify the price. But it's a considered purchase. Quality gear costs more upfront.
The 12.9" version fits iPad Pro and A4 notebooks. Same refined design language, bigger capacity.
Gear That Earns a Spot in Your Bag
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Bellroy Tokyo Folio 8" Review
Storm Grey: The Creator's Mini Briefcase
If you live on an iPad mini and a notebook, the Tokyo Folio transforms that duo into a tidy workstation. After two weeks of daily carry, here's what stands out.
What I Love
01
Dialed-In Layout
Padded sleeve protects your 8" tablet. A5 notebook included. Pen loop, smart slip pockets for cables and AirPods. Everything has its place.
02
External Zip Pocket
Quick-access storage for phone or wallet. Perfect when moving between meetings. No digging through the main compartment.
03
Baida Ripstop Shell
Water-resistant fabric handles daily wear. Durable without looking technical. Premium feel that matches the price point.
Trade-Offs
Bulk vs. Sleeve
This is a folio, not a skin. Structure and padding add thickness. More than some users expected initially.
Premium Pricing
The 8" MSRPs in the low-hundreds USD. Build quality justifies it. But overkill if you just need basic protection.
Technical Specifications
8
Max Device Size
151 × 205 × 23 mm
A5
Included Notebook
5" × 8" premium paper
3yr
Bellroy Warranty
Full coverage
Who Should Buy This
Creators, students, and minimal EDC enthusiasts who want one compact kit for tablet, notes, and essentials. Perfect for those who value tidy organization and professional presentation.
Size Up: The 12.9" Alternative
Need to carry an iPad Pro or A4 pads? The Tokyo Folio 12.9" maintains the same thoughtful layout. Just bigger capacity for larger devices.
Final Verdict
The Tokyo Folio 8" is a polished, durable "mini briefcase" for small-tablet workflows. If you value tidy organization and refined presentation, it earns the space in your bag.
Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Holt Inspired may earn a small commission.
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