The 12 Best Messenger Bags of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Offering excellent value for money, the Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag pairs natural black or brown cowhide with antique brass hardware, a stamped Samsonite logo, and contrasting stitching. It’s effortlessly stylish and also very functional. We love that the mock buckles on the flap are actually push clasps for easy opening on the go and that there’s a top handle for when you prefer to carry the bag briefcase-style. It’s heavier than some of the other options on this list, yet still comfortable to carry thanks to its wide, adjustable strap and padded shoulder pad. That being said, we did find it to be a little too large for shorter heights and smaller frames—it often bounced against our hips during three months of real-world testing, which we found uncomfortable. However, this may not be an issue for everyone.

This bag also offers plenty of capacity without being too bulky. There’s an organizer panel under the front flap with spaces for your phone, pens, and cards—perfect for grabbing essentials in a hurry at airport check-in. A zippered pouch provides an extra layer of security, while the main compartment includes three slip-in pockets and a padded compartment for laptops of up to 15.6 inches. We were able to fit everything on our prescribed packing list (including a laptop, a bike lock, over-the-ear headphones, a jacket, and more) with space to spare. In particular, we appreciated the bag’s durability. Even when we threw the fully packed bag off a table multiple times, it resisted scratching and kept all contents securely in place.

The Details: Leather | 16 x 12 x 4.5 inches | 4.4 pounds

Made from 100 percent recycled fabric with eco-tanned leather accents, the Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag offers an easily adjustable and detachable shoulder strap and soft, rolled-edge top handles. During testing, we found it comfortable to carry either way. We were super impressed with its capacity considering its compact size and lightweight feel. We were able to fit everything on our list with designated pockets keeping each item accessible—as long as we could remember where we put them!

Storage includes a divided front pocket with an organizer panel and key clip, a hidden document pocket on the back of the bag, padded sleeves for your laptop and tablet, a side water bottle pocket, and a slip pocket especially for an Apple AirTag. The raised mesh sunglasses pocket was one of our favorite features, making it easy to find our shades at a moment’s notice. We also love that the bag is water resistant (we confirmed this by spraying the bag with water during testing) with protective padding on the bottom. Remote workers won’t go wrong with this capacious, well-designed pick. Choose yours in slate, midnight, or navy.

The Details: Recycled fabric, leather | 17 x 14 x 6 inches | 1.9 pounds | Water resistant

The Briggs & Riley HTA Medium Expandable Briefcase ticks all the boxes for both briefcase and messenger bag, making it a versatile, high-quality choice for regular commuters. It’s crafted from durable ballistic nylon and scores sustainability points by incorporating 33 recycled plastic bottles into the construction. We found the detachable, adjustable shoulder strap comfortable and liked that it attaches diagonally across the bag to sit better and provide easier access to external pockets. These include an RFID-blocking pocket and one with a bright orange lining to remind you to close it at airport security.

The interior is divided into three sections: an organizer, a main compartment, and a tech sleeve for laptops of up to 15 inches. We liked the size and were able to fit everything on our list except for a light jacket. There are many pockets, which could be a pro for the super-organized packer or a con for those who prefer more unstructured space for larger items. Other clever features include zippered expansion, a dedicated water bottle pocket, and a luggage sleeve for attaching the bag to your suitcase handle. During three months of tests, we took it on a standard commute about four times per week and didn’t see any signs of damage. Even after six months of daily use, using the bag to pack our laptop, laptop charger, a few notebooks, and lunch, we haven’t seen any visible wear and tear.

The Details: Recycled ballistic nylon | 15.8 x 11 x 6 inches | 2.6 pounds

Constructed from the brand’s signature polyurethane-coated polyester, the Rains Texel Tech Bag offers complete protection from light rain. We found that it excelled during our water test, with droplets beading and drying by themselves in a matter of minutes when we sprayed it directly with water. Nothing seeped through, even around the zippers. The bag’s overall impression is one of slim compactness, and yet we were able to fit everything on our list with space leftover. The webbing top handles are comfortable, as is the detachable, generously long shoulder strap. Our only complaint after six months of testing is that we noticed the shoulder strap could get uncomfortable after long periods of wear. Otherwise, the bag held up well and we continually to use it for office commutes and short outings on rainy days.

We appreciated how well the bag holds its shape and that it distributes weight evenly. It also has just the right amount of cleverly thought-out pockets, including two large utility pockets on the front that we love for stashing quick-grab items such as a phone, a passport, or sanitizer. There’s a separate zippered section for your tablet or notebook, while the main compartment features a 15-inch laptop sleeve and several zippered and mesh organization pockets. There’s even a zippered luggage sleeve for seamless integration with your rolling suitcase.

The Details: Polyester, polyurethane | 11.8 x 15 x 3.5 inches | 2.1 pounds | Waterproof

We love the slouchy shape of the Cuyana Oversized Sling Bag and the fact that it comes in a choice of gorgeous colors including cappuccino and dark olive. Whichever you go for, the contrasting strap and gold hardware confirm its fashion-forward status. The strap is wonderfully comfortable, too. It’s wide, doesn’t slip off the shoulder, and can be easily adjusted using the simple buckle system. Not at all bulky or cumbersome, we feel this bag is the perfect choice for put-together commuters who regularly have to squeeze onto packed subways.

It’s surprisingly spacious, easily fitting everything on our list. We did feel that it may be too unstructured for some people, with just one exterior slip pocket and one (fairly small) interior zippered compartment. You’d need to pack your laptop in a separate sleeve if you wanted to carry it in this bag. But, the recycled plastic construction is excellent quality with no signs of wear and tear after our durability tests. And we absolutely love that the bag is machine washable on a cold, delicate cycle to keep it looking brand-new for longer. This bag showed no signs of wear or tear after three months of regular use, even though it was often packed full.

The Details: Recycled plastic | 18 x 12.5 x 6 inches | 2.1 pounds

The Commuter Bag from Thursday Boot Co. is made from rugged leather in colors ranging from burnished toffee to black matte with a plush microsuede lining. Its quality construction gives it a bit of weight, and at first we were worried it might be too heavy when fully loaded. However, the long, padded shoulder strap was so comfortable that it felt much lighter than expected. We love the durable bridle leather top handles, the antique brass hardware, and the fact that we were able to fit everything on our list with ease.

Organization includes a large exterior zippered pocket, a zippered sleeve for laptops of up to 16 inches, and four interior pockets (some zippered, some open). While we appreciated the abundance of unstructured space for packing large items in whatever way one chooses, we would have liked a few more features—a water bottle holder or a key leash, perhaps. We found the zippers easy to operate and loved the luxurious feel of the leather which stood up to testing without sustaining any marks, scuffs, or tears. Even after six months of regular use in all types of weather, including rain and snow, the bag still looked and worked great.

The Details: Leather | 16.5 x 11.3 x 3.5 inches

If you routinely cycle to (or for) work, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag could be your new best friend. Constructed from highly durable and fully recycled polyester tarpaulin, it features a protective flap and a weather- and wear-resistant TPU laminate coating. 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. It’s lightweight, with plenty of space for everything on our list. We liked that the flexible material and adjustable main buckles provide some leeway when packing larger loads; alternatively, you can strap extra items to the external daisy chain loops. After three months of use in an academic setting, we found that it remained comfortable while carrying books to class, although it could get a little bulky when stuffed to its limits. Organization includes two exterior zip pockets, a 16-inch laptop sleeve, two internal mesh pockets, and a key clip. Choose yours in summit navy or black.

The Details: Recycled polyester, TPU laminate |16.5 x 10.8 x 4.5 inches | 1.6 pounds | Water resistant

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, a dedicated camera bag like the Peak Design Everyday Messenger is the best way to keep your equipment safe on your travels. Built in collaboration with photographer Trey Ratcliff, this hardy bag features protective padding and a durable, weatherproof shell made from PU-coated nylon canvas. It survived our drop and water tests with no signs of wear and tear and all contents intact. We also like that it’s surprisingly lightweight despite its fairly bulky aesthetic.

You can carry it using the padded hand strap or the removable, adjustable shoulder strap. When using the latter, we found that weight was distributed evenly and the bag stayed securely in place. Organization-wise, it offers two external stash pockets and a choice of stretchy internal ones for storing chargers, lens fluid, and other accessories. You can 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.

After testing this bag in the real world for three months, it became more apparent how well-designed and thought-out the features are, especially for tech-savvy consumers. We particularly like the magnetic latch system that makes it easy to secure the bag with minimal effort.

The Details: Nylon canvas, PU coating | 16.1 x 14.2 x 11.8 inches | 2.7 pounds | Water resistant

If you’re looking for a simple messenger bag with plenty of space and unrivaled lightweight comfort, you’ll love the Sweetbriar Classic Vintage Messenger Bag. Made from cotton canvas with a Velcro front flap, a top grab handle, and a fully adjustable shoulder strap, it easily accommodated everything on our packing list with some space to spare. Because the main compartment is unstructured except for one small zippered pocket, it’s great for bulky items such as books or extra layers.

This minimalist build makes the bag super light and comfy to carry. You can adjust the strap so that it rests on your hip. In particular, we liked that the placement of the strap’s padding is also adjustable. The lack of padding does make it unsuitable for laptops, unless you own a separate protective sleeve. We weren’t 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.

The Details: Cotton canvas | 16 x 10.5 x 5 inches | 1.2 pounds

We love the Timbuk2 Medium Especial Stash Weatherproof Messenger Bag as a high-quality, superbly functional option made for busy city life. It’s built to stand up to the elements from weatherproof PVC, with a waterproof compartment for laptops of up to 15 inches. Reflective accents come in handy for nighttime visibility, while the magnetic buckle straps keep everything securely in place. Unfortunately, we found that the strap loosened over time and we had to readjust it every week or so. We also thought it was a bit annoying that the padded section of the shoulder strap is not adjustable, so we weren’t able to use it when the bag was worn at our side or in front. Otherwise, it was comfortable.

You can stash your phone in the zippered exterior pocket, which also includes a built-in key chain. Underneath the flap, an organizer panel provides an assortment of zippered and drop-in pockets for your smaller essentials. We particularly liked that you can use the included dividers to organize the main compartment. Both the bag and its contents survived our durability tests undamaged, while the inside remained dry throughout the water test. Your investment is protected by a lifetime warranty.

The Details: PVC | 17.5 x 13.4 x 4.3 inches | 2.2 pounds | Water resistant

We used the Leatherology Laptop Messenger Bag for everything from daily errands and our commute to air and car travel. The organizational features, which include multiple interior compartments and pockets, were ideal for storing everyday essentials like a phone, charger, and tablet. The designated laptop sleeve also fits a 13-inch computer. Even when packed full, the bag remained lightweight and comfortable to carry. We found the magnetic snap closure incredibly durable and secure, and always felt confident our items were safe. 

Even when packed full, the bag remained lightweight and comfortable to carry. The fabric carrying strap did not rub or dig into our shoulders whether we wore it crossbody or on one shoulder. The high-quality construction feels durable and the firm setup of the bag meant that contents never bounced around. We also liked the trolley sleeve that can be zipped up to create an additional pocket when needed. The leather also looks and feels luxe, mirroring much more expensive bags, and we saw no signs of damage after using it regularly for two weeks. We believe the value of this messenger bag exceeds its retail price, making it an excellent daily bag for yourself or a loved one.

The Details: Leather | 15.5 x 11.75 x 4.5 inches

Although one of the priciest bags on this list, the Shinola Canfield Relaxed Messenger Bag is worth the cost due to its style, durability, and functionality. It fits a 15-inch laptop perfectly and is surprisingly spacious, holding everything we needed for the day (except lunch). We especially appreciate the thoughtful design of the pockets—the main compartment has dedicated sleeves for a laptop and smaller accessories, and there’s a handy zipper pocket under the flap for essentials. The magnetic closure also made it easy to access items while keeping everything secure. 

We also found the wide leather strap to be very comfortable, even during extended wear and with no extra padding. While the bag’s construction feels durable and high-quality, we did notice some visible marks on the leather after a few uses. This is something to consider, as it’s a smooth leather that shows wear more easily than a pebbled texture. That being said, it still looks and feels professional and elevated, making it a great choice for anyone looking to splurge on a messenger bag. 

The Details: Leather | 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches