The Best Messenger Bag

Buying Guide

Getting from one place to another can be hard on the body, particularly if you’re loaded down with belongings. The laptops everyone carries around typically weigh several pounds or more, and when combined with books, tablets and other belongings, your body can be tasked with quite a load.

Students are particularly challenged in this area. If you’re taking even one class, you have a textbook to carry around, in addition to either your laptop or a notebook for jotting things down. Shoulder and handheld bags have long been used to make carrying items easier, but they tend to shift the body in an unusual position. A backpack worn on both shoulders to distribute the load evenly can help with this, as can front-centered totes like crossbody bags.

When looking for a bag for carrying your heavier items, it can help to pay close attention to your posture while you’re carrying it. If you aren’t standing up straight or one side of your body is bearing the majority of the load, you might be causing damage, especially if you tend to fill your bags with heavier items.

In recent years, messenger bags have become a great alternative to handheld cases and backpacks. A messenger bag is larger than a tote bag, making it a great option for carrying big items like laptops.

One of the biggest defining characteristics of a messenger bag is the long strap, which is usually adjustable. This allows many modern messenger bags to be worn as a shoulder bag or in crossbody style, which simply means the weight of your item is on the opposite hip from the shoulder the strap hangs from. This helps more evenly distribute the weight so you aren’t taxing one area of your body more than others.

• Look at the pockets of any messenger bag you’re considering. If you plan to carry a laptop or tablet, you’ll want a cushioned pocket that holds it in place even if your bag is jostled during your travels.
• Leather is a great material, but it doesn’t hold up very well with exposure to water. You’ll need to try to keep it out of the rain and away from sinks and bathtubs if you go with leather. Canvas and polyurethane are better options for messenger bags if you’re looking for a water-resistant option.
• Even if you go with a water-resistant messenger bag, consider that sensitive electronics inside might not be protective. Water can make its way into openings in your bag.
• For messenger bags with carrying straps, look for adjustability. This will allow you to find the exact length that works for you. One that’s detachable can also come in handy if you think sometimes you’ll want to carry the bag by the handle.
• For external pockets, look for zipper protection. You’ll want to ensure your belongings are secure inside.
• Brown is a color that’s associated with messenger bags, but you can find them in other colors. Canvas messenger bags even come in bright, vivid colors.
• If you’re planning to carry a laptop or tablet in your messenger bag, pay close attention to the pocket size. Often messenger bags have a maximum laptop size they can accommodate. Pockets for tablets and phones will also be limited in the electronics sizes they can hold.
• If you typically keep your laptop in a sleeve or other protective case, you might not be able to squeeze it into the pocket of your messenger bag. Consider removing it when you’re storing it in your messenger bag.