Since the days of the Pony Express, people have been successfully—and stylishly—moving goods from point A to point B with the aid of messenger bags. More relaxed than a briefcase, more professional than a backpack, and more useful and comfy than a tote, this style of bag is casual but still put together. A messenger bag, worn across the body or with a strap across one shoulder, is particularly useful for commuters because it has a slim profile and makes items easy to access while you're on the go.
A great messenger bag should be attractive, cozy to carry, spacious enough to accommodate the necessities, and well-organized. We spent months traveling by train, bicycle, automobile, and airplane with 20 bags that we tested. Five standouts that will work for a variety of tastes, price ranges, and lifestyles were identified.
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag - Best for Electronics
This reasonably priced, incredibly durable nylon bag features multiple useful pockets to keep you organized, including a padded laptop sleeve and a waterproof lining. It can be customized (at an additional cost) and is available in a variety of sizes and colors.
When someone mentions a messenger bag, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag will be the first thing that comes to mind. This simple, minimalist nylon bag is a great representation of the style: it's neatly packaged, easy to carry, and strong enough to withstand regular commutes. In addition, it is available in four sizes and a multitude of colors. For an extra fee, one can add extra handles and pockets to it. The quality is even more impressive for a bag at this price point; in online reviews, users gush about how long their Classic Messengers have lasted, sometimes even more than ten years.
It is both cozy and adaptable. OrthoLite foam, a breathable, cushioned material, is used to pad the shoulder strap of the Classic Messenger, which makes carrying heavy loads easier. Even when slung over one shoulder for an hour-long commute, we found that this bag was comfortable to carry during testing.
One unique feature that's great for lefties is the strap's ability to be switched between carrying positions, from left to right. A sturdy buckle composed of aircraft-grade aluminum allows the strap to be quickly extended. With the longest maximum length of any of our selections, 70 inches, this bag is suitable for a wide range of body shapes.
Additionally, the Classic Messenger has a small nylon handle on the back that makes it simple to pick up and move—no need to tuck the bag under our arms like we're playing rugby.
It is resilient to weather and strong. The extra-sturdy, weather-resistant nylon fabric used to make this bag, Cordura, has a waterproof lining to keep your belongings safe. Additionally, the corners of the bag fold inward when the Classic Messenger is closed to allow the material to keep water out. Because messenger bags were originally intended for bike couriers, waterproofing is relatively common, though it's still a plus.
Its interior is incredibly well-organized. The exterior of this bag appears simple, but don't let that fool you. The Classic Messenger boasts more than ten compartments for organization, including two pockets for water bottles and a padded sleeve for laptops. The medium size that we tested the bag in fits a laptop up to 16 inches; the other sizes accommodate laptops from 11 inches (extra-small) to 17 inches (large). The large front pocket has hidden vertical-zip compartments under the flap that you can access with one hand and store small items (like a wallet) in. Additionally, a handy keychain hook is included.
A Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag in front, neatly tucked under its shoulder strap. By adjusting the shoulder strap, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag (medium, 13.4 by 17.9 by 7.28 inches) can be carried in either the left or right dominant position, which is a useful feature for lefties.
Customization is possible (for a fee). Consider this the messenger bag equivalent of "Choose Your Own Adventure." Nine colors, including solids and color blocks, and four sizes (extra-small to large) are offered for the standard model. Alternatively, you can order a customized version with the precise organizational features you require and pick from more than 40 color options and different fabrics (like reflective silver).
The water bottle pockets and laptop sleeves that come standard on the Classic Messenger cost $5 and $20, respectively, so be mindful that these add-ons can add up quickly. However, if you're obsessed with having a certain design aesthetic, it might be a wise purchase.
It is the customer's responsibility to arrange and pay for shipping if this bag needs to be sent to Timbuk2's repair facility in accordance with the company's lifetime warranty policy.
Specs:
- Dimensions (size medium): 13.4 by 17.9 by 7.28 inches
- 2.2 pounds in weight
- 16 liters of capacity
- Composition: nylon
- Shoulder strap length: up to 70 inches
- Warranty: a lifetime guarantee against workmanship or material flaws; wear and tear is not covered.
Buran III in Chrome - The best messenger bag overall
22 liters of measured volume and 2.71 pounds of weight
PURPOSE OF BUYING:
- Large
- Smart arrangement of pockets
- Simple on/off
- ambidextrous shoulder strap
- Weather-resistant
REASONS TO Avoid:
- hefty
- Expensive
- The laptop's zipper is not watertight.
A tech-focused reimagining of Chrome's iconic waterproof messenger bag is the Buran III. Comfort, tough durability, and ease of use are prioritized in its design. It features a U-lock pocket that is conveniently accessible beneath the front flap, as well as one of Chrome's recognizable seatbelt buckles for simple on-and-off use. With a second layer of tarpaulin inside and an outer layer of 1050d fabric lined with tarpaulin, the fabric is weatherproof.
This is essentially a bag inside a bag that, depending on your climate and lifestyle, can provide you with extra weatherproofing for heavy downpours or extra storage for your sweaty workout clothes. The storage and pockets are thoughtfully designed and user-friendly. The bag is comfortable to carry on and off the bike thanks to its ambidextrous shoulder strap that can be worn on the left or right shoulder. It also features generous padding. The largest laptop in our review, a 17" naked, can fit in the padded laptop pocket.
The Buran III has a few minor issues that some people may find insignificant, like the fact that it's heavier than most other bags we tested but doesn't feel heavy when wearing, a padded laptop pocket on the back of the bag, and a burly hood on the zipper—which isn't waterproof—which probably won't be a problem since your computer will be protected by the rest of your bag (as well as your back), but it still seems like a mistake. If you live in a wet climate and want an additional layer of assurance, we suggest the water-resistant Timbuk2 Especial Stash, which has a fully waterproof laptop compartment. Our final criticism of the Buran III is that it's fairly pricey, but we think the design quality is good.
Mission Workshop Monty - Best for Urban Commutes
PURPOSE OF BUYING:
- Rugged
- Weather-resistant
- flap-down or roll-top closure
- cozy
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Absence of a cushioned laptop compartment
- U-locks can't fit perfectly in cargo pockets.
- The shoulder strap lacks ambidexterity.
Whether it's used in the traditional flap-down mode or the roll-top configuration for extra space, the Mission Workshop Monty is a great weatherproof messenger bag with high-quality construction and an intuitive design. It has just the right amount of pockets for easy organization without needless extra storage features. The body-hugging design and vertical orientation of the bag are optimized for bike commuting, but it's also comfortable to wear while walking or using public transit.
The laptop pocket is fully waterproof and can accommodate a 15" laptop, and its flap-down closure adds an extra layer of security. This bag is an excellent choice for individuals who are hard on their equipment and require protection from bad weather conditions due to its robust 1000d fabric and waterproof liner.
This attractively designed bag has a few flaws, though. The Monty's laptop compartment lacks padding, so even with a laptop sleeve, you'll still need to store your computer inside the main compartment of the bag. The Monty's cargo pockets are the ideal size for a mini U-lock, but the flap is too tight for a perfect seal over the lock (we used an old mini ABUS U-lock), causing the flap to close asymmetrically over the top. If you need more laptop padding or to accommodate an oversized laptop, consider the Chrome Buran III.
Although a little awkward for an otherwise perfect bag, it's okay. Although the shoulder strap is intended for right-handed users, we wish it were ambidextrous. Lastly, in comparison to some of the other bags we tested, the Monty needs some organizational features and pockets. This American-made messenger bag is ideal for the commuter who rides a bike and wants something sturdy and waterproof.
Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag - Utilitarian and ergonomic
Originally designed for bike messengers, this ergonomic and functional bag features a stabilizer strap and a quick-release buckle akin to a seatbelt. It's not equipped with a padded laptop compartment, but it is nonetheless sturdy, waterproof, and neatly organized.
It should come as no surprise that the Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag, which was introduced in 1995, is robust and extremely practical as it was initially intended for use by bicycle messengers. This weatherproof nylon bag has a high, body-hugging fit and a stabilizer strap for weight distribution and stability (it's also the most spacious of our selections). It has eight color options (from subtle black and gray to striking red and plum), and the interior is very well organized, though there isn't a laptop pocket.
It fits ergonomically and features a special strap system. Out of all our selections, the Citizen bag fits the closest and highest; its padded shoulder strap, when fully extended, measures 35½ inches, making it the shortest among the group. Additionally, there is a stabilizer strap that runs from the shoulder strap to the corner of the bag, just under the left arm. This strap helps distribute weight evenly and maintains the bag firmly against the body. For cyclists, in particular, this is helpful as it keeps the bag from sliding forward when you're pedaling.
The bag is simple to put on and take off, thanks to the seatbelt-style buckle located in the middle of the shoulder strap. (In addition, the buckle has a bottle opener in case you need to open a hard cider or root beer during your commute.)
It is incredibly resilient. 1050D nylon, a robust, long-lasting basket-weave fabric that is ideal for n gear and frequently used for tactical applications, is used to make the Citizen bag's exterior. A suspended bucket liner composed of a 500D TPE tarp, a three-ply (or three-layer) waterproof fabric with excellent abrasion resistance, is attached to the inside of the bag. Recycled polyester that is resistant to water is used to line the pockets. The front flap fastens with buckles and Velcro for added security.
Chrome, which got its start as a bike messenger, has a reputation for producing durable bags, and this messenger bag has received great feedback from customers. Since he bought the Citizen bag in 2015, Mighty PC staff writer Michael Cohen says it remains one of his best purchases. It has seen him through many occupations, such as being a tour guide, riding a bicycle around New York City as a real bike messenger, and raising puppies.
The 13 by 22 by 7-inch Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag has a 35½-inch shoulder strap that attaches beneath the arm to balance the weight and prevent the bag from shifting.
It's incredibly spacious and tidy. With a 24-liter capacity, the Citizen bag is the most spacious option we have chosen. There are two pockets in the main compartment. Additionally, to prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the bag, it features a waterproof floating tarp liner that is fixed along the back edge but suspended above the bottom seams. Wet and dry items can be stored apart thanks to the liner's two-compartment design.
There is an organizational panel with a zippered pocket and slots for a notebook, phone, and pens on the front face of the bag, just below the flap. This bag can fit a laptop up to 15 inches, but it doesn't have a designated or padded laptop pocket. Instead, we advise you to use a sleeve to safeguard your laptop.
Chrome offers accessories like a messenger organizer, which is a divider-lined, water-resistant pouch, and a phone pouch that fastens to the outside of the bag if you'd like to add even more organization.
Not everyone will like the Citizen bag, but it is ergonomic and fits well in many situations (like cycling) thanks to its high, body-hugging fit.
The shoulder strap of the Citizen bag has a unique buckle that resembles a seatbelt, which is a popular feature, but one tester noticed that it can come loose if you unintentionally press on it. (If you wear the stabilizer strap, though, the bag won't fall off, even if that does happen.)
Specs:
- Measurements: 13 by 22 by 7 in.
- 2.8 pounds in weight
- 24 liters is its capacity.
- Materials: tarp liner and exterior made of nylon
- Shoulder strap length: maximum of 35½ inches
- Warranty: Lifetime against errors in workmanship or materials; wear and tear is not covered.
Conclusion
The basic idea behind messenger bags has stayed the same despite the fact that their form and functionality have significantly expanded over time. This bag is designed to hold your everyday essentials no matter where you're heading or how you intend to get there. Easy access, balance, and volume are important for bike messengers. For those who commute on a daily basis, comfort and convenient packing are crucial.
Depending on your needs and preferences, the bags in this review offer a well-balanced combination of function and style, meeting the needs of today's urban commuters. We hope that this review has assisted you in selecting the ideal bag for your daily needs. Ultimately, the essence of the classic messenger bag remains intact: a robust bag that permits flexibility of movement in a range of city settings and simple access to your equipment. There's probably a modern messenger bag made just for you, whether you're carrying electronics and tablets up the elevator or wrenches and hammers up a powerline.