Up Next: The Most Stylish and Comfortable Travel Backpacks for Women For this article, Rebecca Carhart and Hillary Maglin researched dozens of messenger bags and used their expertise as travel writers to curate the perfect list of messenger bags for men and women. Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. When it comes to everyday use and light travel, choose a bag made of canvas, as it's durable enough to withstand frequent wear and tear. Nylon or polyester bags make great choices for outdoor activities and the gym because they're water resistant and easy to clean. High-quality leather messenger bags are typically sturdy and long-lasting, making them ideal for daily commuting and travel. Other features to look for are zippered pockets to keep your items in place, and if you spend time at the gym, moisture-wicking compartments to separate dirty clothes from your other belongings.Ĭhoose the Right Material for Your Intended Use When you buy a bag, make sure it has all the organizational features (ample pockets, dividers, card slots, a laptop sleeve, etc.) you need for your intended use. If you're in the market for a messenger bag, it's likely because you have more things to carry than a traditional purse or tote bag can hold. If you want to use yours as a briefcase also, choose one with a removable shoulder strap and a handle on top of the bag, both of which will allow you to easily convert it from being crossbody to handheld. That said, choose bags with padded shoulder straps or sling-like options that rest comfortably on the back, sort of like a backpack, and allow for hands-free activity. Messenger bags are meant to carry a number of items without weighing you down. Tips for Buying Messenger Bags Prioritize Comfort Best Waterproof: Peacechaos Waterproof Messenger Bag at Amazon.Best Long: Leaper Retro Messenger Bag at Amazon.Best Canvas: Sweetbriar Canvas Messenger Bag at Amazon.Best Anti-theft: Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag at Amazon.Best for Frequent Flyers: Timbuk2 Command TSA-friendly Messenger Bag at Walmart.Best for Left-Handed Wearers: Chrome Mini Metro Messenger Bag at REI.Most Organized: Samsonite Flap Over Messenger Bag at Bed Bath & Beyond.Most Comfortable: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag at Timbuk2.Best Leather: Frye Logan Messenger Bag at Nordstrom.Best Expandable: Ytonet Expandable Messenger Laptop Bag at Amazon.Best Overall: Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag at Amazon.

These are the best messenger bags to buy:

But if you're looking for something smaller or theft-proof, or you simply want more options to suit your style, keep reading because our list has it all. Our top pick is the Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag because of its sleek look, non-bulky feel, and subtly spacious interior. That's why we love messenger bags so much - they're stylish, versatile, and easy to carry plus, the right one can hold everything from your laptop and travel essentials to a change of clothes. The perfect option should be large enough to store all your essentials but also lightweight, comfortable, and hands-free, so you can do more important stuff like take memorable travel photos. Much like picking a comfortable pair of walking shoes, choosing the right bags is a crucial part of creating an enjoyable travel experience.

Messenger bag for men