Have you ever traveled and found yourself struggling to keep up with more than one bag? Have you ever wished there was a better way to carry all your stuff? Do you value function over style? If so, then you should consider a messenger bag! Messenger bags are one of the best things a man could ever invest in.
Some men opt for carrying their stuff around in backpacks. However, they’re large and don’t always coordinate with your outfits, especially when you’re headed off to work and trying to look professional. On the other hand, Messenger bags are medium-sized and look more casual with your outfit, adding style to your workday look.
Most are made with leather or canvas and can even be paired to match your shoes to give you an all-over coordinated look. Messenger bags can give you a sophisticated style without actually “cramping your style,” the way a backpack can.
Messenger bags let you carry all of your belongings hands-free, which means no more worrying about holding onto a briefcase. Messenger bags also give you enough storage space that you can travel with your laptop, work files, and clothes all in one bag. Now you don’t have to try to lug a suitcase and computer bag around at the same time!
Our quick reference list:
Highest Rated Messenger Bag: Mobile Edge 17.3″ Laptop Eco Messenger
Best Messenger Bag for a Laptop: CoolBELL Convertible Laptop Bag
Best Waterproof Messenger Bag: Waterproof Waxed Canvas Laptop Messenger Bag
Best Compact Messenger Bag: XINCADA Messenger Bag
Best Durable Messenger Bag: Lifewit Military Tactical Messenger Bag
Best Adventurer Messenger Bag: Mountainsmith Adventure Office Small Messenger Bag
Highest Rated Messenger Bag - Mobile Edge 17.3" Laptop Eco Messenger
This utility messenger bag is both functional and stylish! It protects your computer while keeping all your folders and files organized in separate sections. Overall, this messenger bag has great value for a moderate price!
Pros
- Padded compartment, big enough to fit up to 16” laptop
- Keep your belongings secure with rugged, molded clips that stay in place
- Features a high quality swiveling shoulder strap
- Made of all-natural cotton canvas and double-stitched seams
- Pockets everywhere, including an outside velcro pocket that makes it easy to put stuff away without having to open your bag fully
Cons
- Back padding is thinner than the front or underneath padding
- The shoulder pad isn’t super cushy
Check out current pricing here: Mobil Edge Laptop Eco Messenger
Another notable option is: The Briggs & Riley Verb Contact Messenger Bag
Best Messenger Bag for Carrying a Laptop - CoolBELL Convertible Laptop Bag
This convertible messenger bag can also function as a shoulder bag or a backpack! With lots of storage space for clothes and computer gear, it’s easy to travel with everything you need in this one bag.
Pros
- It fits up to a 17.3” laptop with room for extra storage
- Protect your laptop in a specially designed compartment with a Telescopic belt
- Removable shoulder strap and hideable backstrap straps make it easy to convert for convenient carrying
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Made of genuine leather with polyester, waterproof lining
Cons
- Hard to realign the zipper if it gets off track
- Backpack straps are a little tight since they’re made shorter for easy adjustment
Shop this messenger bag here: CoolBell Convertible Messenger Bag
Another notable option:The Travelpro Executive Messenger Brief
Best Waterproof Messenger Bag - Waterproof Waxed Canvas Laptop Messenger Bag
This messenger bag looks like it’s made of vintage leather but is actually made of rugged waxed canvas that makes it waterproof. This messenger bag can also function as a shoulder or cross-body bag.
Pros
- Foam padded compartment fits up to 15” laptop
- Made with genuine leather handles and a removable shoulder strap
- Features outer pockets with magnetic snaps for easy access and pin buckle closures to keep your stuff secure
- Easy to carry for work, travel, and everyday use
- Great value for an affordable price
Cons
- Side pockets are a little stiff
- Nylon interior isn’t as heavy-duty as the exterior
Check out current pricing here: Waxed Canvas Laptop Messenger
We also like to mention this notable from US Outdoor: The Mini Metro Messenger Bag
Best Compact Messenger Bag - XINCADA Messenger Bag
This lightweight cross-body messenger bag is just the right size for all your leisure activities! It’s made with high-density canvas and has an adjustable shoulder strap that can fit the length of your body.
Pros
- It fits almost any device up to the size of an iPad mini
- Full of zippered pockets to store everything you need
- Uniquely designed with a headphone hole so you can still listen to music while your phone is stored away
- Travel in style with the sleek tall, and narrow design
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- The shoulder strap isn’t padded
- Hook and loop closure (not as secure as a magnetic snap)
For the latest pricing click here: XINCADA Messenger Bag
Another option we recommend:The Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street Micro Messenger Tote
Best Durable Messenger Bag - Lifewit Military Tactical Messenger Bag
This messenger bag is made with water-resistant nylon to protect your belongings against moisture and is extra durable with reinforced seams. This bag also features foot pads that keep it from getting scratched up on the bottom.
Pros
- Fits up to 16” laptop, with a shock-absorbing sleeve to safely store your laptop
- Features a reinforced handle and padded, removable shoulder strap
- Optimal capacity gives you generous storage space for both business and travel needs
- A large side pocket holds your water bottle
- Easy to attach to luggage
Cons
- Kind of bulky design
- It can be heavy to carry
Check out pricing here: Lifewit Military Messenger Bag
A secondary yet notable choice for us from Kattee: Military Canvas Messenger Bag
Best Adventurer Messenger Bag - Mountainsmith Adventure Office Small Messenger Bag
This messenger bag is made with durable fabric that helps it fit in with the outdoor aesthetic. This bag also has a surprising amount of storage for its lightweight, compact size.
Pros
- The padded interior sleeve fits most tablets
- Expandable pockets and hidden compartments give you plenty of carrying space for your wallet, phone, chargers, and water bottle
- Comfortable to carry with adjustable shoulder strap and haul handle
- It comes in neutral colors
- Features zippered interior pocket covered by a flap with clasp
Cons
- Can rub your neck if used for long periods of time
- On the pricier side
Check out the latest pricing here: Mountainsmith Adventure Messenger
We also recommend this classic messenger from US Outdoor: Citizens Messenger All Weather Bag
Messenger bags are great for men for countless reasons. They’re one bag that can do the job of three, and they can make your life so much easier when you have a lot of stuff to keep up with. They can be especially helpful when keeping track of your phone, wallet, keys, paperwork, pens, and even a laptop or tablet.
So the next time you find yourself fumbling in your pockets for your keys or digging around in your backpack for a pen, or even lugging around more than one bag on a trip, remember that you could hold everything you need in one place with a messenger bag.
