Compare Top 5 Messenger Bags
Product Capacity (liters) Features Price Topo Designs Global Briefcase 17 Padded laptop compartment; 3-way carry with grab handles, backpack straps, and removable shoulder strap; designed with trolley sleeve and internal compartments, including mesh slips and a key clip $129 Waterfield Designs Executive Messenger 7.5, 10.5 Made to last a lifetime; allocated internal compartments; handmade to order $429 Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag 20 Padded laptop sleeve; tablet slip fits iPad; allocated internal compartments, including water bottle pocket and key clip; water-resistant; designed with a trolley sleeve and detachable shoulder straps $199 Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L 3, 6, 10 Available in three sizes; most versatile; doubles as camera bag $100 Fjällräven Greenland Pocket 1.8 Small shoulder bag for compact essentials; lightweight and water-resistant $70
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.
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