When you’re on the go, having a few essentials close by can make your day run more smoothly. A messenger bag with pockets and compartments for items like cables, headphones, breath mints or a water bottle can help you stay organized and save time digging around for what you need. A good-looking messenger bag is also a great way to add some style to your look.
Messenger bags have been helping people get things from point A to point B since the days of the Pony Express. More relaxed than a tote but more put-together than a backpack, these types of bags are popular with commuters and travelers alike. They’re also well-suited for work or school, thanks to their slim silhouette and professional looks. But, just like backpacks and luggage, not all bags are created equal. Look for a messenger bag must-haves option that’s built to last and has well-thought-out organizational features for a variety of needs.
For the ultimate bag, consider a custom version that allows you to pick and choose from add-on options like a laptop sleeve or water-bottle pockets (for an additional price). Think of it as the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of messenger bags. Just be aware that the cost can add up fast—especially if you want a few extra features.
With an elegant silhouette and premium materials, the Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag is a versatile choice that feels upscale yet affordable. Its natural black or brown cowhide is held together with brass hardware, a stamped Samsonite logo and contrasting stitching. A padded interior laptop sleeve and multiple inner pockets offer plenty of space for your everyday gear. Plus, the flap features mock buckles that serve as push clasps for easy opening on the go.
A more minimal approach is the Bedouin Foundry Barbarossa Messenger Bag, which offers a suave blend of 12 oz. waxed canvas from Halley Stevensons and Italian vegetable-tanned leather. A sleek AustriAlpin Cobra buckle secures the flap, while a padded interior laptop sleeve holds up to a 15-inch device and plenty of other storage for day-to-day essentials. The sturdy construction and thoughtful design are backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a smart buy.
Another tough and adaptable pick is the Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag, which was designed for bike messengers to hold their gear and supplies. Its weatherproof design and quick-release seatbelt-style buckle are perfect for life on two wheels, but it’s also a smart choice for commuters and travel. The large size carries a 15-inch laptop and other minimalist daily necessities, but when packed to capacity it can be heavy and cumbersome.
For a slimmer profile and minimal organization, check out the Satchel & Page Everyday Messenger Bag. Made with vegetable-tanned leather, this slick bag carries your small tablet or Chromebook while giving off an antique-chic vibe. The bag has a clean front flap, a single internal pocket and no exterior pockets, and it’s made in a Climate Neutral Certified factory where workers are paid a living wage.