You can buy the best messenger bags for males once and use them forever.
There are many types of bags. You can choose from backpacks to rucksacks to cross-body bag. Yet there’s something so distinct and classy about a solid messenger bag. It’s a style that’s been around for half a century. Many brands have reinvented this bag with the aim of crowning a winner. What is the best bag, then?
Lucky for you, this list breaks down some of the best men’s messenger bag options you can find on the market today. Whether you’re looking for something to supplement your everyday carry or something to use for carry-on, you’re in the right place.
The Key Takeaways
For this list, I searched the market for the best in each of these categories. When looking to buy a messenger bag, it’s important to consider factors such as material, capacity, and style. The Harber London Leather Messenger bag is my personal favorite messenger bag. This bag is a perfect messenger bag that balances all the features you’d expect. It also has a beautiful design. The Tecovas Bartlett Messenger is another great option with a unique yet classic design–perfect for getting work done.
Why it’s great: This Harber London bag was handcrafted in Spain, which guarantees top quality and craftsmanship. Within the bag, there’s plenty of space to store all of your tech necessities like a laptop, tablet, headphones, etc. This bag forgoes its signature top flap and instead uses a zip-up design for easy access.
Use it: There are also several smaller pockets for tech accessories.
What is this for? This would be a great option for anyone who frequently finds themselves carrying around a bunch of tech gear–think the technological nomad. It’s also available in two different sizes to accommodate different laptop requirements.
Despite flaws in the design, it is not a deal-breaker. Aesthetically speaking, this bag is fairly plain looking as there aren’t many unique visual details to make it stand out.
Dimensions: 15 Inch x 11 Inch x 1.7 In | Material: Full-Grain leather, 100% cotton Twill | Colors Available: 3 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Why it’s great: The exterior of this messenger bag is made of highly water-resistant polyester which sounds about right coming from a brand called “Rains”. Rubberized buckles, central carabiner and rubberized straps provide the perfect grip for wet or dry hands. This brand offers a 2-year guarantee to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Use it: This bag provides the perfect level of versatility to handle just about any endeavors you may encounter on a daily basis–no matter the weather.
Who is it for: This bag is a good option for students and professionals who are looking for a bag with modern technology that makes life easier.
Flaws are not fatal flaws There’s virtually no variety with this bag because it only comes in a single color—black. It’d be great to see this messenger bag offered in some of the other colors available from the brand like green or navy.
Dimensions: 11.8 Inch x 15.50 Inch x 3.9 In | Material: The use of Polyester | Colors Available: 1 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Why it’s great: You can also find out more about this by clicking here.
Use it: This bag is perfect for daily use or as a short trip travel bag.
Who is it for: This M/S satchel is for anyone who wants a functional bag that’ll serve as a statement piece as well.
A few flaws are not enough to stop you: As a luxury option, it should be no surprise this bag has a pretty hefty price tag–especially since it’s not fully made of leather. This bag’s quality is excellent, as long as you can afford it.
Dimensions: 14 Inch x 5″ x 11″ | Material: Cotton Canvas, Brass, Leather | Colors Available: 6 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Why it’s great: The split-compartment design of this Lundi travel bag allows it to seamlessly combine work and travel. The first compartment features everything you’d expect from a standard messenger bag while the second compartment can fit personal items and clothing–it even opens up like a suitcase. This external zipper pocket can be used to store your passport and boarding card without having to dig through the main compartments.
Use it: As its name suggests, this bag can store your work gear as well as personal items.
What is this for? This bag is the ideal carry-on for those who take multi-day trips regularly.
Flaws are not dealbreakers There’s no doubt this bag utilizes high-quality materials, including the full leather construction, but it’s still very expensive for what it is.
Dimensions: 16.53 in x 11.81 in x 4.72 in | Material: Full-Grain Leather, Polyester-Canvas | Colors Available: 13 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Why it’s great: Sweetbriar Vintage messenger bag is an affordable option for extra storage. This bag is nice and roomy, offering several different compartments—including a zipper pocket. This bag comes in every shade on the color wheel so you can find one that suits your style.
Use it: This bag can be used to carry various items that aren’t particularly delicate–think clothing and books. Since it’s made of flexible fabric, it could likely be packed as an overnight bag too.
What is this for? This is an entry-level option for anyone looking to purchase their first messenger bag. It’d be an ideal choice for students who simply need a bag to store all of their supplies for class.
Flaws are not dealbreakers This bag lacks many of the benefits you’d receive from messenger bags at a higher price point. The top flap of the bag is secured with velcro. It is also very thin and lacks leather reinforces.
Dimensions: 16 In x 10 In x 5 In | Material: Cotton | Colors Available: 17 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Why it’s great: This Newhey messenger is made with waxed cotton, which is known to repel water. A padded interior protects your most valuable items, such as headphones, laptops, and other electronics. Security is also a highlight of this bag, as it features two buckles that keep the top flap secured—there are several zipper compartments inside as well.
Use it: This bag is a great companion for carrying your daily essentials.
What is this for? It is designed for those who want a classic messenger, with all the benefits that come along with it, at an affordable price.
Flaws are not dealbreakers This bag’s weakest link is its zippers, which tend to break after extended use.
Dimensions: 15.1 In x 4.3 In x 12.2 In | Material: Leather, Waxed Canvas | Colors Available: 7 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Why it’s great: The Bartlett Messenger bag is a stylish, full-leather bag that fits into many work environments. This bag has many of the elements that are typically found in messenger bags, but also some unique features to make it feel fresh. The bag features a sturdy brass hardware, top grab handles, and exterior slip pocket on the front and back. The back has a trolley strap for attaching to luggage when you are on business trips.
Use it: Dual clasps at the front can be used to open the top flap. There are several compartments in the interior to facilitate storage.
What is this for? This is a perfect option for anyone seeking a reliable work bag that’s flexible enough for alternate uses as well.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The cognac bovine is beautiful but, unfortunately, it’s the only option available. It’d be nice to see this bag offered in several of the other leathers Tecovas has within their product lineup.
Dimensions: Size: 15.5 in x 3.75 in x 11.5 in | Material: Bovine Leather/Duck Cotton/Brass | Colors Available: 1 | Laptop Sleeve Yes,
Buying Considerations Men’s Messenger Bags
Material
Material is a key factor in the durability and versatility the best messenger bags for men. The most common option you’ll find in high-quality messenger bags is full-grain leather. Leather bags are a great choice because they’re durable and stylish. It is true that leather is not an inexpensive material. Therefore, it tends to be more expensive. To ensure durability, leather requires special maintenance. Canvas and other fabrics can also be found in the world of messenger bags because they’re typically more affordable. Although they are flexible, these bags can degrade much faster than leather counterparts.
Capacity
You should also consider storage space when trying to narrow down the best men’s messenger bags. Most messenger bags have a single main compartment that is divided into several sub-sections. It is often just enough room to hold a laptop or other small items. Some messenger bags for men have exterior pockets or pouches to increase the overall amount of space. If you’re lucky, you might even find a bag with multiple main compartments for more substantial cargo. Of course, a bag’s dimensions also help significantly when determining how much it will be able to carry.
Style
A messenger bag’s general design can have a significant impact on your decision. Let’s face it, a lot of people choose to pick up a messenger bag because of the “cool factor”—myself included. Messenger bags are often reminiscent of classic styles from the past, with their rugged leather accents. You can do it too if Indiana Jones did. On the other hand, you can find messenger bags that have sleeker and more modern designs. You should select a messenger bag which will blend seamlessly with the clothing that you most frequently wear.
Why you should trust us
Ryan Jamison has been a writer for FashionBeans since 2005. He is an expert in style and grooming, and offers his readers insightful reviews and insight. He’s been writing and interested in all things that improve men’s lives for over a decade, trying out different brands and determining what’s best along the way. Ryan has a personal obsession with the best messenger bags for men, so there’s no doubt he made sure to include only the very best in this list, narrowing down dozens of options in the process.
His recent articles, such as the detailed examination of Thursday Boots and an extensive guide to the best grooming kits for men, showcase his meticulous approach to evaluating products. Ryan’s Thursday Boots review includes his personal experience with the product. He discusses everything from comfort to durability and material quality. This gives readers a comprehensive perspective.
Final Verdict
To sum it all up for you, my consideration for the best messenger bag for men (if you haven’t figured it out already) is the Harber Leather Messenger Bag, which strikes a near-perfect balance between function and fashion. The bag is available in a variety of colors, and in both leather and canvas. Tecovas Bartlett Messenger would also be a great option for most work environments.
The FAQ
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The messenger bag has a timeless look due to its versatility and functionality. While there will always be people who drone on about why these bags “aren’t cool anymore”, that’s simply their own opinion. I always try to ignore other people’s opinions when it comes style advice.
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Messenger bags share some similarities to duffel bags in that they are typically worn over the shoulder and lay at one’s hip. These bags are great for a casual look, such as with a nice button up shirt and chinos. Certain leather messenger bags may also be worn with formal and semiformal attire for a more professional setting.
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