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Add style and convenience to your commute with our top picks.
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Theyre especially great for travelers, whether youre a big-city commuter or an international adventure seeker.
Not all messenger bags are the same, however.
We then tested the bags for six months in real-world parameters and updated our insights accordingly.
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These are our 13 favorite messenger bags for travel.
The strap is made of webbing rather than matching leather, which slightly detracts from the overall look.
Its effortlessly stylish and also very functional.
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However, this may not be an issue for everyone.
This bag also offers plenty of capacity without being too bulky.
In particular, we appreciated the bags durability.
The overall aesthetic is fairly utilitarian, with an emphasis on capacity and durability rather than style.
During testing, we found it comfortable to carry either way.
We were super impressed with its capacity considering its compact size and lightweight feel.
Choose yours in slate, midnight, or navy.
Its crafted from durable 1,000-denier nylon with a weatherproof TPU liner and custom aluminum hardware.
It passed our drop and water tests with flying colors and kept all contents securely in place throughout.
After three months of testing, we found ourselves using this over our regular backpack on almost every trip.
The detachable, cross-chest strap has enough padding to keep it comfortable even when worn for long periods.
We especially liked the additional clip that fastens under one arm to keep the bag from swinging about.
The main compartment can be sealed with a flap or used as a roll-top.
There are five fabric colors and five buckle colors to choose from.
We wish it was a little less utilitarian, especially considering its high price tag.
Its crafted from durable ballistic nylon and scores sustainability points by incorporating 33 recycled plastic bottles into the construction.
We liked the size and were able to fit everything on our list except for a light jacket.
Constructed from the brands signature polyurethane-coated polyester, the Rains Texel Tech Bag offers complete protection from light rain.
Nothing seeped through, even around the zippers.
The webbing top handles are comfortable, as is the detachable, generously long shoulder strap.
We appreciated how well the bag holds its shape and that it distributes weight evenly.
Theres even a zippered luggage sleeve for seamless integration with your rolling suitcase.
Organization features are fairly limited with no padded laptop sleeve or exterior zippered pocket.
Whichever you go for, the contrasting strap and gold hardware confirm its fashion-forward status.
The strap is wonderfully comfortable, too.
Its wide, doesnt slip off the shoulder, and can be easily adjusted using the simple buckle system.
Its surprisingly spacious, easily fitting everything on our list.
Youd need to pack your laptop in a separate sleeve if you wanted to carry it in this bag.
For the considerable price, we would have appreciated a few more organization options.
However, the long, padded shoulder strap was so comfortable that it felt much lighter than expected.
The aesthetic is more functional than fashionable.
It passed our waterproofing and durability tests with top marks, with all contents staying in place and undamaged.
Meanwhile, reflective accents are a safety essential when cycling on busy streets at night.
We found the wide, heavily padded, and adjustable shoulder strap very comfortable.
A stabilizer strap keeps the bag securely on your back while cycling.
Its lightweight, with plenty of space for everything on our list.
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Choose yours in summit navy or black.
We found the one-handed closure system a little tricky to operate, especially on the go.
It survived our drop and water tests with no signs of wear and tear and all contents intact.
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We also like that its surprisingly lightweight despite its fairly bulky aesthetic.
When using the latter, we found that weight was distributed evenly and the bag stayed securely in place.
you could customize the interior space to suit your camera setup using the included FlexFold dividers.
The bag is expandable and offers dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves.
We particularly like the magnetic latch system that makes it easy to secure the bag with minimal effort.
With no padding or structure, it cant offer protection for fragile tech.
This minimalist build makes the bag super light and comfy to carry.
you’ve got the option to adjust the strap so that it rests on your hip.
In particular, we liked that the placement of the straps padding is also adjustable.
The lack of padding does make it unsuitable for laptops, unless you own a separate protective sleeve.
We werent confident enough to include even a dummy laptop during our drop tests.
The material is sturdy, though, and we liked the front external and side water bottle pockets.
There are many colors to choose from, from gunmetal blue to vintage pink.
Its relatively wide and bulky and may not fit under an airline seat.
A stabilizer strap holds the bag securely in place while cycling or running.
We also appreciated the next-level thief protection offered by the front flaps Velcro and buckle closure systems.
Everything about this bag screams durable functionality, from the wipe-clean interior to the water- and abrasion-resistant shell.
Predictably, it survived our durability tests unscathed.
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The bag comes in just one black color option.
Reflective accents come in handy for nighttime visibility, while the magnetic buckle straps keep everything securely in place.
Otherwise, it was comfortable.
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Underneath the flap, an organizer panel provides an assortment of zippered and drop-in pockets for your smaller essentials.
Your investment is protected by a lifetime warranty.
When packed to capacity, its both heavy and a little cumbersome.
The Nisolo Loreto Leather Messenger Bag embodies vintage fashion with its high-quality, vegetable-tanned leather construction and apothecary-style hardware.
It only lost points for being fairly heavy even when empty.
Think carefully about how you will use yours to ensure you choose the right one.
For regular use in challenging weather conditions, opt for one made of heavy-duty, water- and abrasion-resistant material.
Organization is key, too.
Do you need a laptop sleeve?
If so, ensure the bag offers one that will fit your gear.
The wider the strap is, the more efficiently it will distribute weight.
Lightweight materials are also a priority if you plan on wearing your bag for extended periods of time.
Pay attention to material
Material is important, too.
Top choices in this category include abrasion- and tear-resistant, high-denier nylon or cotton canvas.
For lightness, choose a thinner cotton or polyester.
The typical way to carry a messenger bag is over the shoulder and across your body.
This keeps your hands free and contents easily accessible, even on the go.
Most straps have adjustable lengths so you’re free to find the height thats most comfortable for you.
Some are reversible, allowing you to switch between your left and right shoulder.
Among those that do have sleeves, theres no standard size.
Shes also a keen photographer and often uses a messenger bag to carry her equipment when on assignment.
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