Messenger bags are a popular alternative to backpacks — they generally hold the same amount of stuff, but are easier to access because you can lay the bag on its side or in front of you. I like to carry messenger bags on the subway for the same reason. If there are a lot of people, I can just put it in front of me without having to take it off or carry it.
Like backpacks, messenger bags come in a variety of designs, qualities, and price points, allowing you to find one to suit any budget or need. We’ve scoured through a ton of bags, found the best options, and compiled them here. Keep reading to see our picks: whether you’re a student commuter, a city worker, or just someone who’s always on the go, we’ve got something for everyone.
Victoria Giardina Updated January 29, 2021: We’ve added our recommendations for the best shoulder bags for travel. We’ve also updated prices and links, and added more shopping options. In addition to optimizing the guide text, we’ve also integrated more relevant guides and reviews.
Cons: Not available in different sizes, may be larger than some people would like, not suitable for formal offices.
Chrome Industries makes a wide range of durable gear for cycling and urban living. The Citizen shoulder bag is undoubtedly one of the most popular, and for good reason. Designed for cyclists, this classic bag features the brand’s signature rugged construction and extra-large capacity. Open the bag and you’ll find a main compartment that’s almost as big as the bag itself. There’s no padded laptop pocket, interior dividers, or anything else that takes up space. This minimalist choice allows you to organize all your belongings as efficiently as possible. And don’t worry, you can protect your computer with a laptop sleeve and keep small items organized with our recommended organizers.
The main compartment is lined with a removable waterproof tarp that attaches with Velcro so it can be dried later. You can even use it as a makeshift divider by placing items between the shell of the bag and the tarp, allowing you to separate dirty gym clothes from the rest of your belongings. The outside of the bag is made from a hard-wearing fabric and is available in a variety of colors.
The shoulder straps are equipped with safety buckles, so instead of putting the bag on your head, you can simply wrap it around your body, fasten the buckle and you’re good to go. You can shorten the shoulder straps to make it easier to carry heavy items or ride a bike. It also has a quick-adjust strap for easy length adjustment. It’s worth noting that the shoulder straps are well-padded and very comfortable to carry.
Timbuk2 was founded in 1989 when a San Francisco bike messenger decided to develop a new and effective messenger bag. Since then, the company has continued to refine its original style and created a number of derivative products, as well as other types of bags, such as backpacks and suitcases.
The Command Messenger Bag is designed to keep things organized. It features a variety of pockets, buckles, and zippers to hold items of all shapes and sizes. When the flap is closed, the front reveals three side pockets, each of which zips for secure access. One of the smaller pockets is felt-lined and is perfect for a smartphone or other electronic device. The largest side pocket is located in the back and is large enough to hold a bike lock, magazines, newspapers, or a tablet; a third pocket is located on the other side of the flap and can hold items like a power adapter or sunglasses.
By turning the Command bag around, you can access the laptop compartment via a zipper on the back of the bag, completely isolating your laptop from the main compartment under the flap. The compartments are well padded, and there’s an additional compartment for your tablet. You can also divide your laptop into compartments to meet TSA standards when traveling. A luggage handle groove is located on the back of the bag, just behind the laptop compartment, so you can safely store the bag on a rolling suitcase.
The outside of the bag features a water bottle pocket that will fit almost any type of water bottle. There is a padded handle on the top of the bag for easy carrying. Like many Timbuk2 bags, the shoulder straps also feature quick-release buckles, making it easy to pull the straps in and out in one motion. This feature is really helpful if you are riding a bike or carrying a heavy bag.
The interior lining of the bag is made of a waterproof material that will keep your belongings safe and sound no matter what the weather throws at you. The Command bag is available in a variety of colors and sizes. Be sure to check the dimensions to determine which option you need.
Pros: Transformable trolley case with zipper, convenient luggage handle, good compartment design, reinforced EVA handles, removable shoulder strap, soft laptop sleeve.
Herschel Supply Co. is a brand known for its quality, and their Gibson Messenger Crossbody Bag is made for travel, and you won’t be disappointed. While you can get one of our favorite backpacks, this crossbody bag is just as good in terms of durability, versatility, and a classic carry style that will easily hold all your essentials.
On the Herschel website, it is described as a travel briefcase with two main compartments and EVA-reinforced handles. Handcrafted for travelers, this bag features a padded, fleece-lined laptop compartment that can hold devices up to 15 inches and is zipped. Additionally, the simple zipper design of this shoulder bag is also a highlight. The front storage compartment has a reinforced zippered flap, and the trolley compartment can be zipped closed when not in use.
Versatile and stylish, the Gibson Messenger guitar is small but mighty. It’s a great adjustable backpack that can be removed with straps for easy stowage at the airport (maybe one of our recommended checked luggage options), and the attention to quality and detail is obvious. Having recently purchased the brand’s Novel travel bag, I can attest that it’s a well-designed, practical bag and certainly a great choice for travel.
J.Crew is better known for its clothing than its accessories, but the company has used its expertise in classic shapes to successfully develop a sleek, understated shoulder bag that is perfect for the modern man. Crafted from waxed cotton canvas with leather trim, the Abingdon Messenger has a simple look but packs a lot of practical features.
The front exterior of the bag has two medium-sized pockets that can hold a variety of quick-access essentials. The flap of the bag covers the top of these pockets, which close with hidden magnetic closures. The back of the bag has a wide slanted pocket that also closes with a magnetic closure. The back pocket is perfect for storing magazines or a tablet, and is also accessible during commuting so you don’t have to open the entire bag. There are two small pockets on the side of the exterior pocket. They appear to be designed for rolled-up newspapers or water bottles, but they are too narrow for most reusable bags. They are perfect for a small umbrella, though.
One of the main features of this bag is its flexibility, combining functionality and style. It’s softer and less durable than many of its counterparts, so it’s easy to overstuff or understuff, depending on your needs throughout the day. And you don’t have to unbutton all the buttons; you can simply remove the strap from the bag’s brass hook.
Style-wise, this bag, which comes in two colors, is similar to many of J.Crew’s clothing lines—it can be paired with both formal and casual outfits. I’ve worn it with a suit for interviews and with sneakers and jeans for a night out, and I’ve found it to be very comfortable. It can also hold some heavy items with ease.
The Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Bag is meticulously crafted from smooth leather that’s hard not to fall in love with.
This bag looks more like a traditional briefcase than other messenger bags, but its defining feature is the inclusion of a well-structured and protective laptop pocket. Because the bag maintains its shape, you can easily carry folders and documents without worrying about them bending, which is a problem with less structured bags like the J.Crew Abingdon.
The front pocket runs the length of the bag and features storage loops and pockets for pens, cell phones, business cards, and more. There’s also a zipped pocket inside the front pocket. Inside the main compartment, there’s a padded laptop pocket, as well as two additional open padded pockets – perfect for a tablet or charger. There’s also room for other items. Finally, there’s a full-length zipped compartment on the back of the bag. It’s large enough to hold files, folders, or magazines, and it can also double as a quick-access pocket, allowing easy access to items when the rest of the bag is closed.
This bag has a sturdy top handle and the shoulder strap is detachable, so if you want to carry it like a briefcase, you can. The lid has two quick-release buckles, so you don’t have to undo them every time you take the bag out. It’s available in four different colors and is very affordable.