With all our bags in hand, we loaded them to the gills and commuted all over on bicycle, foot, or by public transit to put these bags to the test. We sprayed every bag with a garden hose, and the Stash stayed bone-dry inside. Knomo also recommends treating its bags with a leather conditioner multiple times a year, to maintain the leathers feel and suppleness. The storage and organization features are sufficient without being excessive. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Over-the-shoulder bags have been around for a long time, at first adapted from military map bags for the broader public. Chrome and Mission Workshop soared above the competition in this category. Companies are increasingly creative with how to improve the feel of shoulder straps, but comfy straps aren't necessarily the whole story. Backpacks are more ergonomic than either of those, because they split the load over both shoulders. However, if funds are tight, you may be looking for a better balance of performance and affordability. Compared with the Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette, which similarly offers very little organization, the Rains has a much sleeker style, as well as a few other niceties, like the more-adjustable straps and laptop sleeve. The serious bike commuter will notice that the Classic isn't as ergonomic for cycling. A bag needs to keep up on a rigorous commute, whether by bike, foot, subway, skateboard, rollerblade, motorcycle, or Vespa. Unlike some other bags we tested, like the Brooks Brother Canvas Messenger bag, the Monty bag retained a clean shape despite the fact that we packed it up like a burrito. We tested the top women's the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Spacious, savvy pocket configuration, easy on/off, comfortable, weatherproof, Waterproof laptop sleeve, weather-resistant, great features, ambidextrous, brightly colored interior, Rugged, weather-proof, stylish, comfortable, Affordable, durable, weather-resistant, simple but functional organization features, customizable, Comfortable, compact, intuitive design, easy on/off, reflective panel for higher visibility at night, Heavy, spendy, laptop zipper not waterproof, Exterior water bottle pocket is small, shoulder padding can get bunched up, tips over easily when set down, No padded laptop compartment, cargo pockets don't perfectly accommodate a U-lock, Left-shoulder carry only, minimal protection for laptop, shoulder strap is somewhat finicky, Heavy for the volume, not ideal for carrying a laptop, could use more storage slots in front pocket, This tech-savvy, spacious, weatherproof, and comfortable messenger bag features ample pockets and can accommodate up to a 17" laptop, This is a highly impressive ambidextrous bag with excellent features and bomber weatherproofing, A comfortable, weather-proof, and rugged messenger bag with an attractive aesthetic and just enough pockets to organize your gear, This durable, weather-resistant, and simple bag is thoughtfully designed with great pockets and reasonable comfort, all at an affordable price, A compact and comfortable bag for carrying your daily essentials, featuring a seatbelt buckle for easy on and off and a reflective panel for increased visibility, A weatherproof, rugged, and user-friendly messenger bag with tons of pockets, comfort, and space for up to a 17" laptop, This well-featured bag is feature-rich, fully ambidextrous, and highly weatherproof, A stylish, durable, and weather-proof messenger bag that's built to last, Short wonder this weather-resistant bag is so popular, it carries a ton for the weight and strikes the balance between affordability, simplicity, and durability, Great for carrying minimal gear while commuting, traveling, or going out on the town, with excellent features for bike commuting, With thoughtful features and burly weatherproofing, this bag is comfortable, lightweight, and ready to go, A well-designed weather-proof messenger for photographers and tech professionals with oodles of pockets and organizational features, A rugged and weather-resistant bag with three options for transporting up to a 15" laptop, and ample space and pockets for organizing your kit for the daily commute. The leather flap and buckle make it easy to retrieve items on the go with one hand, plus it felt more secure than the magnetic closure on the Knomo Kinsale. In the 80s, this style was updated, adjusted, and reappropriated for bicycle messengers, and the category has since exploded. If you prefer the comfort of a less bike-specific shape, then the Timbuk2 Classic or the Peak Design Everyday Messenger are both excellent options. Messenger bags have come a long way from the original powerline workers' tool bag, but the countless versions today should nonetheless be highly functional and versatile. To assess the comfort of each model in our review, we took each bag out for a variety of trips, focusing on all manner of activities. The Stash is comfortable on the move, owing to the more vertical orientation of the bag, which is optimized for bike commuting. The Velcro was a little too much for Haley when she commuted by subway, since it was difficult to unstick and was pretty loud once it did. Water just slides off the impervious Stash. The Buran III and the Monty are also notable here. The inside of the bag may be too open-concept for many, but we imagine a true minimalist wont have much to carry anyway. Not everyone's commute is the same every single day. It has just enough pockets for easy organization without unnecessary extra storage features. All of that aside, if you value durability and weather resistance in a bike-friendly design that provides some of the best protection for your electronics, then this is the bag for you. The majority of models in this review have kept true to the spirit of the original messenger that is, allow easy access to one's tools. The shoulder strap is ambidextrous for left or right shoulder carry, and the padding is generous, making the bag comfortable on and off the bike. The Kinsales size and shape also allowed us to more easily navigate tight spaces, such as packed subway trains.
We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Cte & Ciel Riss Obsidian Black bag drew our eye immediately, but it ultimately left us uninspired. Receiving high marks yet again is the Especial Stash. Get this if: You want a simple, compact messenger bag and are willing to sacrifice some weather resistance for classic styling. But over the course of writing this piece, we came around to the idea of messenger bags being a useful way to carry your gear to work. The waxed canvas material looked appealing in the blue colorwayand it felt like it could take a beating.
The shoulder strap is more conducive to a casual one-shoulder carry because it is not aggressively angled, and the padding can be centered on the strap for however you prefer to carry it. Haley Sprankle is an updates writer at Wirecutter currently covering kitchen gadgets and financial content. The combination of structure and padded sleeve should leave you feeling secure that your laptop is in good hands or pockets. There were a few times when we bumped into a wall with the bag, but after we checked our laptops, there wasnt any sign of cosmetic damage. Unlike some of the other bags in the review, this bag is optimized for left shoulder-only carry, so if you're left-handed, you may want to request a custom right-shoulder bag which Timbuk2 can accommodate. One caveat about the messenger bag: Shoulder bags can be bad for your back. However, for the minimally-minded bike commuter who wants exceptional craftsmanship and a durable weatherproof messenger bag, this U.S.-made beauty is hard to beat. Why its great: The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag offers a winning combination of well-thought-out features for the frequent commuter and a ridiculous number of organizational pockets, all at a reasonable price and with a lifetime warranty. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the seat-belt buckle is a favorite among many, one Wirecutter staffer wasnt particularly sold on it. Mounts easily onto luggage trolley handle. If you like to carry your bag on one shoulder while walking (as opposed to cross-body), this may not be the best choice for you. But weve heard that the company has excellent customer service. Dimensions: 15 inches by 12 inches by 5 inchesMaterials: canvas, vegan leather, nylonCrossbody strap length: 50 inchesWeight: 1.55 lbsWarranty: 1 yearColors: Black, Olive, Chili Matte, Nickel. With this in mind (combined with what we knew about how uncomfortable it can be to carry a bag on your shoulder all day), we searched for (but didnt solely limit ourselves to) bags that: While chatting with others, we also came to realize that not everyones messenger bag needs are the same. Smart features like an external water bottle pocket and plentiful accessory loops mean your essentials are never hard to access. A high-quality messenger bag should improve and support daily commuting with a broad array of attributes: comfort, of course, but also an ability to hold, secure, and facilitate easy access to the items inside. Dimensions: 9.9 by 13.8 by 2.9 inchesMaterials: leatherCrossbody strap length: 59 inchesWeight: 2.8 poundsWarranty: one yearColors: Black, Brown. This puts excess stretching and compression forces through the different structures, which causes injury, she said. The Everyday Messenger is no exception to this objective, in that it is a feature-rich bag with ambidextrous carry that provides great organization for camera equipment and other electronics. The size issues are a tradeoff for the bags ample padding and many pockets (both of which we really like). Get this if: You commute by bike and are looking for extra security. The strap on the Stash is simple to tighten and loosen. Whether you're utilizing the roll-top or flip-down configuration, you can either expand for more storage space or enjoy more accessible gear. The bags in this review fill the needs of the modern urban commuter very well, offering a balanced blend of function and fashion depending on your needs and preferences. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Haley found the structured build to be a little irritating against her petite (120 pounds) frame. sleeves for pens, thin items). Dimensions: 11.8 by 16 by 4.7 inchesMaterials: 50 percent polyurethane, 50 percent polyesterCrossbody strap length: 45 inchesWeight: 1.77 poundsWarranty: two yearsColors: Black, Charcoal. It's great for those that like the option of carrying their belongings on one shoulder for short distances or cinching everything up securely across the body for longer trips. Not only is the laptop area waterproof, but the entire bag is also highly impervious to water. For an average commuter rather than a photographer some of the storage features will be superfluous. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Compared with some of our other messenger bags, the Waterfield Executive Leather can feel like the weight of the world is hanging off your shoulders. However, that does mean that if the bag falls over, or if you have a more-active commute, like a lengthy bike ride, the magnet might pop open. If youve ever received a death glare for carrying an overstuffed backpack on a crowded commuter bus, then you understand the need for a messenger bag, which lets you swing the bag out of the way quickly and easily. Finally, a sling bag can be great for those that prefer a smaller, tighter package on their back. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Theres a large padded laptop sleeve and plenty of space in the main compartment to stuff a hoodie or a sweater. This model is essentially two bags a liner and a durable outer shell which ensures excellent weather resistance and stellar durability, though it does add some weight.
By contrast, the Transit has not one, not two, but three(!) And even if you disregard the weight, youll have to be cautious of this bags blocky shape. The pad is quite large and can be a bit awkward for the first few wears, but we soon realized its one of the bags best features. We also made sure to max out every bag and report on its optimum load size, as well as the tipping point when the bag became unwieldy or uncomfortable. Penney is a certified nutritionist, clinical herbalist, and trained botanist, so she has spent many years commuting both on a bike and by foot with books, papers, electronics, and random plant specimens. There are two additional interior pockets that are tucked away, and they dont add extra bulk if you dont use them, so the bag doesnt become bulbous. It is another bag optimized for bike commuting in that it sits vertically on the middle of the back, rather than riding low along the waistline. Its leather is thicker and more protective than that of the Knomo Kinsale, with more internal pockets, plus a clasp rather than a magnetic closure. There are very few downsides with the Buran III, and for the right person, these might be inconsequential. The outside of the bag is made from Cordura - a burly, abrasion resistant nylon that can endure years of use; and the inside of the bag is lined with TPU, a plastic tarp that makes the bag weather-resistant to protect your gear in a light storm. Our Wirecutter testers also noted that the straps base is located on the back of the bag, which causes the Kinsale to tilt forward slightly when its resting on your body.
Ready to go backpacking? And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The Cycling Musettes comfort is due to its flexible but hard-wearing materialsits lack of internal structure and the canvas exterior mean that it shapes around your body easily and comfortably. Although you should always consult the particular regulations of your own armed forces branch before purchasing a bag, its nice to find a stylish and well-made one that may fit the bill. The Bellroy System Work Bag was an overall great bag, but it ended up being too big for a daily commute.
Despite its trimmer build, the Kinsale also features a snug laptop pocket, organizational compartments, and overall good structure. A well-organized photographer's dream come true. Even though they were perfectly long enough for Haley (who is 5 feet 7 inches), Wirecutter staffers who were taller or who had broader chests or breasts noted that it was a little more difficult to find a comfortable length for them. The Classic is made from a TPU-lined Cordura fabric which, like the models above, makes it weather-resistant and very durable. It is designed with an emphasis on ease of use, comfort, and rugged durability. We bought 8 of the leading products available today for our comprehensive, side-by-side testing. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Our biggest gripe with the Timbuk2 Classic was the overabundance of dangling straps. Although, you do have to lift the bag over your head to take it off, which can be more difficult if you're packing serious weight. As a bonus, it comes in lots of fun colors, and for a little extra cash, it is fully customizable.
That said, with the laptop pocket situated against your back, it is highly unlikely that water could find its way into this pocket, and if you're concerned about this, you could always stash your computer in the main compartment, which is fully weatherproof. It is designed to endure rugged use and abuse on long commutes for years to come. We've purchased and tested 33 unique messenger bags over the past 10 years in our quest for the best. We traveled both long and short distances with each one, literally taking trains, planes, and automobiles. The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is reasonably priced, and its packed with pockets. You can also use the main compartment, which is meant to house a 15-inch laptop. Theres a zippered cargo pocket (it reveals itself after you unbuckle the two front straps) that has a convenient keychain hook. The bags canvas exterior is weather-resistant and durable, due to the tight canvas weave. We started our review process by having many personal conversations, and conversations with our bike-commuiting friends to determine the essential elements of a functional messenger bag. The Executive Leather Messenger bag has a hefty price tag, but its worth it if you are looking for a well-constructed and meticulously designed messenger bag to keep for the long haul. Additionally, you'll find slots for travel mugs and water bottles, electronic cord storage, and zippered pockets to secure your wallet and phone. With its weather-proofing and reflective material, the BaileyWorks Super Pro seemed like it could be a good option for bikers, but in the end it was too flimsy to really even be in the running. The messenger is a bag for many traveler types, from the urban athlete to the reluctant business person. Like most lifetime warranties, it will cover only defects, not wear and tear, and the company gets fairly granular in what it will accept on the warranty page (notably, Velcro closures are covered for only two years). The Buran III has a long shoulder strap and carries decently well in both cross-body, and vertical positions, although bags that are less ideal for cycling can be more comfortable in the latter orientation. The winner is the Timbuk2 Classic, followed closely by the Granville and the Especial Stash. Laptop totes arent as easy to swing around to your back if youre biking, and they tend not to have closure systems that are as good as those on a messenger bag. The Everyday Messenger has a plethora of pockets and features for dialing in the organization of your daily kit. If you're looking for an outstanding bag with a ton of features, perhaps you're okay paying more for it. The Monty has a fully waterproof pocket for up to a 15" laptop, though this pocket isn't padded.
Making this bag a great option for both cycling and walking around town. Plus, who doesnt like a little wabi-sabi, the Japanese theory of accepting and embracing imperfection. The straps are 50 inches at full length, which is pretty average for most bags. This bag is comfortable, durable, and stylish. However, the Cycling Musette isnt as tightly sealed or as rainproof as the Timbuk2 Classic messenger, and it might have some issues if youre in a torrential downpour; even though waxed canvas can repel some water, its not as resistant as treated nylon. In the end, the spirit of the traditional messenger bag holds steady, a durable bag that allows freedom of movement in a variety of urban environments and easy access to your toolkit. Haleyone of the writers and testers for this guideis no minimalist, and she liked dumping everything in and masking the chaos in such a beautiful way. Finally, this bag is among the more expensive in the review, but it makes up for the steep price in terms of quality of design. The straps are easy to use, the pocket options are numerous, and the robust material is water-resistant. Its thick canvas construction and leather straps will make you want to wear a newsboy cap and hop on a penny-farthing. This ratio is a simple calculation of volume (liters) divided by weight (pounds). The result is a diverse selection of options that are excellent in different ways for carrying your tools comfortably and safely around town and beyond. It is the heaviest of the bags in our review, but with the comfort and high ease of use it provides, it doesn't feel heavy while wearing. What good is a well-designed bag without longevity? Get this if: You want a refined, waterproof messenger bag. The Chrome Kadet Sling delivers classic Chrome comfort across the shoulder and has their iconic seatbelt buckle for easily taking the bag on and off. And, unlike on the previous model, the straps are not paddeda feature we loved in the original design. Jordan Bowman is a photography, music, and fashion enthusiast who has a tendency to make hip-hop references. The Especial Stash takes top marks here again. A higher number is indicative of a bag that offers more functional capacity for its weight how many liters of capacity you have per pound carried. The slick CAM buckle system on the Classic eliminates loose dangling straps and allows for easy and quick adjustments. However, bear in mind, some features that add to functionality, organization, or comfort can add extra weight to the bag without translating to unnecessary weight on your back. This bags minimalist look allows it to fit a wide range of occasions, whether you need it to be a chic accessory or an essential tech carrier. For daily commuters, it's all about comfort and intuitive packability. However, the structure made her feel like her personal items were well protected. For those dreamy evening commutes, the Buran is a great companion - it has enough space for everything you need and is comfortable enough to carry it well. They made Jordan feel like a paragliding pilot. Why its great: The Matt & Nat Martel Messenger is at the crossroads of professional and pretty. However, it is minimally padded, so it works better to protect your computer in a padded case, before putting it in the Timbuk2 Classic. Messenger bags ideal for cycling are easy to swing around to your front, so you can easily access your essentials on the fly. A waterproof laptop compartment means you can forge ahead with confidence that your gear is protected even when the skies open up. While the original messenger bag style is still very much in demand, many companies are also making unique variations meant to suit a variety of preferences and needs. Maximum laptop size: 13 inches to 15 inches. The Buran III also earned top marks in this category because it can accommodate up to a 17" laptop the largest in our review. Electronics, Ease of Use, Wear and Tear, and Volume-to-Weight make up the rest of our testing criteria. Thanks to all of these things, the Commuter Bag remained comfortable on the shoulders, regardless of who was wearing it. This bag is not ideal for bike commuting and provides somewhat average comfort for regular use, but for someone who needs well-conceived features for carrying camera equipment or myriad electronic components, this beautiful bag is ideal. But the Martel Messenger isnt as waterproof as some other bags we tested, like the Chrome, Mission Workshops The Monty, or the Rains. No ads. Although all the straps have a purpose, they kept getting in the way, which was frustrating considering this is a bag thats built to be simple and functional. The Buran also has ample padding on the shoulder straps, and the cross-body strap guarantees a stable and secure fit while riding your bike or just walking around. And you will need to arrange and pay for shipping the bag to the companys repair facility; the cost will vary, depending on where youre shipping from and what service you use. Got feedback? The full-grain leather, uniform design, and slim profile make it more adaptable to traditional business environments while still feeling modern. The Mission Workshop Monty and the Peak Design Everyday Messenger performed well in this category for opposite reasons. The discontinued Brooks Brothers Canvas Messenger felt like Frankensteins monster: It was tailor-made for us, but it kept hurting us unintentionally. Plus, the thick, almost rubber-like materials add structure to the bag, giving your stuff a little extra protection from the elements. Some found the yellow accent on the inside of the black Kinsale to be gauche, but others liked the stark contrast. When we compared it with the similar Matt & Nat Martel Messenger, we thought the Everyday Messenger could use a little more style. This type of design later caught on among bicycle messengers and became a classic style that lives on in models from companies like Timbuk2, Chrome, and Mission Workshop. If youre riding with this bag on your back for a long time, you want those pads to feel secure and, most importantly, comfortable. If youre looking for a good camera bag, or you like the look of this one, we still think its a good choice. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Having a fully stocked bag at the ready makes it easier to get out the door and change your kid on the go. After an hourlong commute, Jordan said the Monty bags pad made him feel like someone had attached a cloud to his shoulder. The shoulder strap is known for its distinctive seat-belt buckle, which secures the strap to your person, much as an actual seat belt would. The polyurethane and polyester material is waterproof, and the exterior access laptop pocket is protected by a flap of the same material, so water doesnt drip in. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. While there is a laptop compartment, the padding is extremely minimal, so some mindfulness is required when handling it. Two Wirecutter writers tested 18 messenger bags for two months, commuting with them daily. Why its great: This bag is a cult classic among bike riders and messenger-bag enthusiasts alike.
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