Compare Top 5 Messenger Bags
Honorable Mentions
Courtesy of Rothco
Rothco Classic Canvas Messenger Bag for $33: Made of simple, humble canvas, with just three pockets and a zippered pouch, this messenger bag is as straightforward as they come. It’s inexpensive and lightweight, and it’ll last you a really long time. I’ve had one since 2006, and while the color has faded a little, there are no holes or rips. Even with my stable of more expensive bags, I often pick this one up because it’s not structured, and when carrying a light load, it’s pretty thin and light. It’s not a good choice if you need something water-resistant, though, as the canvas soaks up water like a sponge.
Billingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag for $330: Billingham bags have something of a reputation among photographers. These slick and stylish shoulder bags are renowned for their durability, understated style, and lifetime warranties. They aren’t just for cameras, though. The Hadley 2020, in particular, is a perfect midsize bag that can fit a 15-inch laptop with ease, along with other essentials. It features two front pockets and a water-resistant exterior so it can withstand the elements. For more camera bags, read our guide.
Peak Design Field Pouch V2 for $50: This compact organizer excels in its role as a small everyday-carry bag for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s weatherproof and doesn’t soak up water even when you’re out in a rainstorm. Second, the horizontal orientation and slim profile make it a surprisingly spacious but ultra-low-profile bag to carry around. It’s big enough for a smartphone, wallet, and small camera, plus it comes with Peak Design’s signature seatbelt-fabric-style strap, making it easy to sling around your body.
Courtesy of Savage Industries
Savage Industries EDC TWO for $160: I was a fan of Savage Industries’ EDC One bag, but even I had to admit it was a little too big and bulky for me. Then the EDC Two came out. This is essentially a smaller version of the original, which makes it much comfier to wear for long periods (even when it’s filled to the brim with farmer’s market produce). The top opens up like an old-timey doctor’s bag, revealing the entire interior, so you never have to dig around for things.
The lining of the black version of the bag is a gorgeous high-vis orange that makes it easy to spot any small items that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. Its generous size and tough, utilitarian design make it a great pick for makers, or for anyone who needs a hybrid toolbox and shoulder bag.
Waterfield Designs Shinjuku Messenger Bag for $229: WaterField’s Shinjuku messenger bag was designed with the iPad in mind, and it shows. The interior pocket fits the iPad Pro 11 with a little room to spare, offers a spacious central pocket, and the lid flap seals with a magnetic closure. The thing that makes it a great bag for the iPad, though, is its size. It’s not just small—there are a lot of bags that are small and can fit an iPad—but this one gives your iPad room to breathe without feeling over- or undersized.
Small bags can feel tight with an iPad stuffed in there along with other accessories like a power cord, Apple Pencil, phone, and other everyday carry items. Others can feel way too big, like your iPad is swimming around loose inside a massive bag that feels awkward to carry around with you everywhere. The canvas option uses the X11 fabric from X-Pac, a high-tech canvas with an interior structure and a PFAS-free, durable water-resistant coating. It’s durable, scuff-resistant, and surprisingly water-resistant. It held up to some heavy Seattle rain and kept everything inside nice and dry.
Mission Workshop Khyte for $400: It is a modern take on the classic messenger bag. Built to be fully waterproof, the Khyte is designed for heavy use. The interior pockets are intuitive and expansive; every time I thought I couldn’t fit more stuff into it, I found extra room and pockets. This bag is practically a hiking backpack. It can carry just about anything and stay bone dry at the same time. There’s plenty of style to go with the substance too.
The exterior closures are magnetic and snap securely and easily, place, and it supports Mission Workshop’s Arkiv system, so if you don’t have enough pockets and pouches, you can always add more. The Khyte is not the kind of bag you throw a tablet into and carry to a café. It’s the kind you bring when biking to work in a rainstorm. (Note: This product is currently out of stock, but a restock is possible.)
Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag for $195: Filson is a Seattle-based maker of outdoor clothing and gear that’s renowned for its durability—the company’s roots are in outfitting miners for the Klondike Gold Rush. This bag has a naturalistic look thanks to its camel color, but it’s made from rugged 500D water-resistant dry-waxed Cordura nylon canvas and has a thin layer of foam backing to protect your laptop or tablet and keep the bag’s shape. Inside, you’ll find two zones divided by a thin foam-filled layer and two pockets perfect for holding a phone or a paperback. In the front, you have two zippered pockets with dividers. This is a bag that feels sturdy and, thanks to the waxed canvas, is water-resistant enough not to worry about even in heavy rain. I love the look of the hunter-orange front panel and the leather zipper pulls. (Note: This product is currently out of stock, but a restock is possible.) —Martin Cizmar
How We Test Messenger and Crossbody Bags
We reviewed both classics and newer models, considering various factors such as capacity, comfort, and sustainability. We based our picks on real-world trials, testing each one over a period of at least four weeks, and in some cases, several months. We pack each bag with a variety of gear, including work essentials, groceries, and camera equipment. We also assessed their durability under various commutes and weather conditions, such as walking through the rain in Portland, Oregon, trekking through the snow in Chicago, and enduring the subway heat of New York. Since organization is crucial, we ensured that each bag was easy to use and pack.
- Comfort: Messenger bags are designed for commuters, so we rank their comfort by evaluating weight distribution and strap comfort.
- Design: When it comes to design, we paid attention to the little details, like interior fabrics that help you see what’s inside, pocket placements, and durable zippers and pulls. We also took a close look at the length of the handles and straps, as well as the overall shape of the bag.
- Materials: Meant to be a durable bag, we prioritized quality and sustainability. We ensured a range of fabrics for various styles and included brands that prioritize environmental care.
- Price: We ensured that the quality matched the price you’re paying, evaluating it against its competitors.
What Are We Testing Next?
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