Best Messenger Bags For Travel: Top-Rated Picks

Messenger bags are a versatile and functional accessory that can elevate your travel experience. They are renowned for their convenience, offering generous capacity, hands-free mobility, and easy access to your belongings while on the go. With a wide range of options available, from vintage leather pieces to weatherproof workhorses, choosing the right messenger bag can be a daunting task. To help you select the best messenger bag for your travel needs, we've compiled a list of top-rated bags based on factors such as comfort, durability, organization, and style.

One highly recommended messenger bag is the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag. This bag strikes a perfect balance between functionality and style. It features a well-organized interior with multiple compartments, including a dedicated and padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 16 inches. The bag is made from durable and water-resistant Cordura nylon, ensuring your belongings stay dry. Additionally, it offers exceptional comfort with its padded OrthoLite foam shoulder strap, which can be adjusted for left or right-handed carrying. The Timbuk2 Classic is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and durable messenger bag.

If you're looking for a more compact and vintage-style messenger bag, the Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette is an excellent option. This bag has a distinctive waxed-canvas exterior with distressed leather accents, giving it a timeless aesthetic. While it doesn't have a dedicated laptop pocket, it can accommodate laptops up to 14 inches. The soft nylon shoulder strap is exceptionally comfortable and can be adjusted for crossbody wear. The Vitesse Cycling Musette is perfect for those seeking a stylish and compact messenger bag.

For those seeking a more structured and polished look, the Matt & Nat Martel Vegan Messenger Bag is a sophisticated choice. This bag is made from canvas with vegan leather accents and features a tailored design. It offers a spacious interior with a dedicated laptop sleeve for devices up to 13 inches. The shoulder strap is well-padded and adjustable, ensuring comfort during crossbody wear. Additionally, the bag can be carried as a briefcase by detaching the shoulder strap. The Martel Vegan Messenger Bag is an elegant and functional choice for those seeking a structured messenger bag.

If you prioritize durability and functionality, the Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag is an excellent option. Originally designed for bike messengers, this bag is built to withstand the rigors of daily commuting. It features a durable 1050D nylon exterior, a waterproof liner, and a high-fitting body-hugging design. The bag has multiple compartments, including a waterproof floating tarp liner to keep your belongings dry. While it doesn't have a dedicated laptop pocket, it can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches. The Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag is a top choice for those seeking a durable and functional messenger bag.

For those seeking a timeless and luxurious messenger bag, the Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger is a worthy investment. Crafted from full-grain leather, this bag exudes sophistication and quality. It features a removable shoulder strap, allowing it to be carried as a messenger bag or a briefcase. The interior is thoughtfully organized, with separate compartments for a laptop and tablet, as well as pockets for smaller items. Additionally, it has a rear panel that slides onto a wheeled suitcase, making it travel-friendly. The Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and versatile messenger bag.

These top-rated messenger bags offer a range of features to suit different travel needs, from durability and functionality to style and comfort. Whether you're a frequent bike commuter or a stylish adventurer, one of these bags is sure to elevate your travel experience.

Best for bike commuting

Mission Workshop Monty

The Mission Workshop Monty is a great choice for bike commuting. It's a rugged, urban bike commuting bag that's ready to go wherever you need to go, no matter the conditions. The quality of this bag is high, as evidenced by the burly 1000-denier Cordura shell and ripstop nylon with a fully waterproof TPU backing for the interior. The top can be used in a traditional flap-down fashion or affixed with Velcro for a rolled-up top configuration, which allows you to fill the bag to the brim. Generous padding on the strap, a large aluminum buckle for easy adjustment, and a spacious interior with nice organizational features make this a great pick for the urban bike commuter.

We were seriously impressed with this bag’s capacity. It has 21 liters of volume and provides ample room for a 15” laptop, with plenty of space left over for books and accessories. The front zippered pocket has two smaller internal pockets for easy access to smaller items like a phone or wallet, and the heavy-duty front flap protects the zipper from the elements.

We loaded it up and biked four miles around town to test its comfort level and ergonomics, and found the padded shoulder strap carried the load quite well. A cross-chest stabilizing strap also allows you to cinch the Monty closer to your body, distributing the weight better. You can also affix the shoulder strap to the left or right side of your body, and the adjustment buckle on the front is one of the easiest to use we’ve tested.

We are serious when we say we love the buckle. It makes throwing this bag over your shoulder and adjusting it quickly on the go a breeze. Because of this strap, and how comfortable this bag is to wear while riding, it’s the best bike messenger bag in our lineup. If you are looking to spend a bit less money, the Osprey Metron 18 is another contender for this title, though it has less volume.

Best for durability

When it comes to durability, the Mission Workshop Monty is a top-notch choice. This bag is made with burly 1000D nylon fabric and a weatherproof TPU liner, ensuring that it can withstand the elements and the wear and tear of daily use. Its laptop pocket is fully waterproof and can accommodate a 15" laptop, while the bag's overall design keeps the contents secure and dry. The Mission Workshop Monty also offers just enough pockets for easy organisation without unnecessary extra storage features.

The Chrome Buran III is another durable option, with its iconic seatbelt buckle for easy on and off, and a weatherproof exterior made with 1050D nylon fabric and a tarpaulin-lined interior. The bag has ample pockets for storage and can accommodate a laptop of up to 17", making it a great choice for those who need to carry a lot of gear.

The Timbuk2 Classic is a durable and water-resistant bag that has been around for decades. It comes in four different sizes and offers numerous pockets for storage. The robust material and water-resistant features make it a great option for those who need a bag for various commutes, whether it be by bike, foot, or public transit.

The Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger is a splurge-worthy, luxurious option made from full-grain leather. The bag has a removable shoulder strap and can also be carried as a briefcase. The interior is thoughtfully designed with a variety of pockets and compartments for organisation, and the bag also has a panel that allows it to slide onto the handle of a wheeled suitcase, making it a great choice for travellers.

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger is a durable bag designed specifically for photographers. It has a structured, stiff design with internal, removable dividers to customise the bag for camera gear and other accessories. The shell is made with 100% recycled 400D fabric coated with DWR, and the bottom liner is 900D waterproof. While this bag is on the pricier side, its durability and customisability make it a great choice for those who need a bag to protect their camera equipment.

Best for organisation

The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is a well-priced, exceptionally sturdy nylon bag with a waterproof lining and lots of handy pockets—including a padded laptop sleeve—to keep you organised. It comes in a wide range of sizes and colours, and it can be customised (at extra cost).

The bag has over 10 organisational compartments, including dual water-bottle pockets and a padded laptop sleeve. The medium Classic Messenger Bag has multiple interior compartments, dual water-bottle pockets, and a padded laptop sleeve that will accommodate a device up to 16 inches. Smaller essentials, like a phone or wallet, can be stashed in the bag’s front zippered pockets, so you don’t have to go rummaging around for them in the main compartment. The bag has a well-padded shoulder strap as well as a sturdy nylon top carrying handle.

The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag can be oriented in a left- or right-dominant carrying position (by adjusting the shoulder strap); this is a nice feature for lefties. The strap length can be extended quickly using a strong buckle made of aircraft-grade aluminium. Its maximum length is 70 inches—the longest among our picks—so this bag is a good option for many different body types.

The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is comfortable and versatile. The Classic Messenger’s shoulder strap is padded with OrthoLite foam (a breathable, cushioned material), which helps ease heavy loads. During testing, we found this bag to be comfortable to carry, even when it was slung over a shoulder for an hour-long commute.

If you think of a messenger bag, something like the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag probably comes to mind. This clean, minimalist nylon bag happens to be an excellent example of the genre: It’s well organised, comfortable to carry, and durable enough to survive daily commutes.

Best for style

Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette

This waxed-canvas messenger bag has a distinctive vintage aesthetic and its smooth nylon shoulder strap is extra-comfy. It's a compact bag, with limited internal organisation (and no dedicated laptop pocket), so it's best for lighter loads. The bag has a cool vintage vibe and the canvas material seems pre-loved from day one, and it will soften more with age. The leather top handle also feels durable and strong, even when it’s supporting the bag at full capacity.

Matt & Nat Martel Vegan Messenger Bag

This canvas bag, with vegan-leather accents, is polished, roomy, and well-organised, and its shoulder strap is removable (if you want to use it as a briefcase). It has a clean and polished design, with a single flap and no outer pockets. It’s available in three neutral colours: olive, black, and dark tan. The vegan-leather accents (which are plastic-based) contribute to the high-end feel. The bag has a structured shape, which acts as a padded shell for your belongings; its flap has both Velcro and snaps to keep it securely closed. But some testers did complain that the stiff canvas felt uncomfortable when it pressed against the body.

Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger

The Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger is a messenger bag for grown-ups. It’s made from luxurious full-grain leather, and it has a removable shoulder strap, so it can also be used as a briefcase. This bag is also travel-ready, with a rear panel that slides onto a wheeled suitcase. And its distinctive interior is as well-organised as it is attractive. The Executive bag is the most expensive of our picks, but its high-quality craftsmanship is evident. It’s available in black, tan, and chocolate brown full-grain leather. We tested the black bag, which has a smooth finish; the other two options have a more-rugged, matte finish that develops a higher-sheen patina over time. The front flap of the Executive bag is double-layered leather, and it feels extra-sturdy. The bag’s interior is lined with soft, water-resistant nylon in a rich gold colour.

Best for value

If you're looking for a messenger bag that gives you the best bang for your buck, there are a few options to consider. Here are some of the top contenders:

• Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: This bag strikes a perfect balance between functionality and affordability. It's made of sturdy, weather-resistant nylon fabric and features a waterproof lining to protect your belongings. The bag comes in four different sizes and a range of colours, with the option to customise it further by adding extra handles and pockets. It has a well-padded, adjustable shoulder strap that can be switched for left or right-handed carrying. The bag has a variety of pockets, including dual water bottle holders and a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 16 inches.
• Oiwas 15.6" Laptop Messenger Bag: If you're on a tight budget, the Oiwas bag is an excellent choice. It's priced at a fraction of the cost of other bags and still offers good functionality. The bag has internal organisation features like dual bottle pockets and a padded laptop sleeve. It can be worn on either side of the body, but it's more comfortable carried over one shoulder rather than across the back. The Oiwas bag is ideal for those who only need a messenger bag occasionally or want to try out the style without breaking the bank.
• Chrome Kadet Sling: The Chrome Kadet Sling is another great option for those seeking value. It's a smaller bag that earns high scores for its overall performance and comes at a lower price than most. The bag has Chrome's iconic seatbelt buckle for easy on and off, and it can be worn on either shoulder. It features a padded laptop pocket and ample storage space, making it a versatile choice for those who want a compact messenger bag.

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