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Compare the top 5 messenger bags
Honorable mentions
Courtesy of Rothko
Rothko Classic Canvas Bag for $33: Made from simple, unassuming fabric, with just three pockets and a zippered pouch, this bag is as easy to use as they come. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and will last you a really long time. I’ve had one since 2006, and although the color has faded a bit, there are no holes or cracks. Even with my expensive bags, I often choose this bag because it’s unstructured, and when I’m carrying a light load, it’s very thin and light. It’s not a good choice if you need something waterproof, as the fabric absorbs water like a sponge.
Bellingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag, $330: Bellingham bags have a good reputation among photographers. These stylish shoulder bags are known for their durability, minimalist style, and lifetime guarantees. However, it’s not just for cameras. The Hadley 2020, in particular, is the perfect mid-sized bag that can easily fit a 15-inch laptop, along with other essentials. It features two front pockets and a water-resistant exterior so it can withstand the elements. For more camera bags, Read our guide.
Peak Design V2 Field Bag for $50: This compact organizer excels in its role as a small everyday carry bag for several reasons. First, it’s weatherproof and doesn’t absorb water even when you’re outside in a rainstorm. Secondly, the horizontal orientation and slim profile make it a surprisingly spacious yet very compact bag to take anywhere. It’s large enough for a smartphone, wallet, and small camera, plus it comes with Peak Design’s signature harness, making it easy to fit around your body.
Courtesy of Brutal Industries
Savage Industries EDC TWO for $160: I’ve been a fan of Savage Industries One EDC bagBut even I have to admit that it was a bit too big and bulky for me. Then EDC Two came out. This is basically a smaller version of the original, making it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time (even when filled with farmers market produce). The top opens like an old doctor’s bag, revealing the entire interior, so you never have to search for things.
The lining of the black version of the bag is a cool, high-visibility orange that makes it easy to spot any small items that might get lost in the shuffle. Its large size and sturdy, utilitarian design makes it a great choice for makers, or anyone who needs a hybrid toolbox and shoulder bag.
Waterfield Designs Shinjuku Messenger Bag, $229: WaterField’s Shinjuku messenger case was designed with the iPad in mind, and it shows. The interior pocket fits the iPad Pro 11 with a little room to spare, offers a roomy center pocket, and the flap closes with a magnetic closure. The thing that makes it a great iPad case is its size. Not only is it small, there are plenty of small bags that can fit an iPad, but this case gives your iPad room to breathe without feeling too bulky or too small.
Small bags can be tight with an iPad stuffed in there as well as other accessories like a power cord, Apple Pencil, phone, and other everyday carry items. Others may feel too large, like your iPad floating freely inside a bulky bag, making it difficult to carry around with you everywhere. The fabric option uses X-Pac’s X11 fabric, a high-tech fabric with an internal structure and a durable, water-resistant, PFAS-free coating. It’s durable, scuff-resistant, and surprisingly waterproof. It withstood some heavy rain in Seattle and kept everything inside nice and dry.
Khyte Mission Workshop for $400: It’s a modern twist on the classic messenger bag. Designed to be completely waterproof, the Khyte is designed for heavy use. The interior pockets are intuitive and spacious; Every time I thought I couldn’t fit more things in it, I found extra space and pockets. This bag is practically a hiking backpack. It can hold almost anything and stay dry at the same time. There’s a lot of style that goes with the material, too.
The exterior closure is magnetic and attaches securely and easily, and it supports Mission Workshop’s Arkiv system, so if you don’t have enough pockets and pouches, you can always add more. The Khyte bag is not the kind of bag you put a tablet in and carry to a café. It’s the kind you bring when biking to work in a rainstorm. (Note: This product is currently out of stock, but may be back in stock.)
Filson Surveyor Messenger Bag, $195: Filson is a Seattle-based manufacturer of outdoor clothing and equipment known for its durability — and the company’s roots go back to outfitting miners for the Klondike Gold Rush. This bag has a natural look thanks to its camel color, but is made from durable, waterproof 500D Cordura Dry Nylon fabric and has a thin layer of supportive foam to protect your laptop or tablet and maintain the bag’s shape. Inside you’ll find two foam-filled partitioned areas and two pockets perfect for holding a phone or paperback. On the front, you have two zippered pockets with dividers. This bag is durable, and thanks to the waxed fabric, it’s waterproof enough that you don’t have to worry about it even in heavy rain. I love the look of the hunter orange front panel and leather zipper. (Note: This product is currently out of stock, but may be back in stock.) —Martin Cizmar
How we test messenger bags and crossbody bags
We reviewed classic and latest models, taking into account various factors such as capacity, comfort and sustainability. We based our picks on real-world experiences, testing each over a period of at least four weeks and, in some cases, several months. We pack each bag with a variety of gear, including work essentials, groceries, and camera gear. We also evaluated their durability under various commutes and weather conditions, such as walking in the rain in Portland, Oregon, trekking through the snow in Chicago, and withstanding the heat of the subway in New York. Since organization is crucial, we’ve made sure each bag is easy to use and pack.
- comfort: Messenger bags are designed for commuters, so we rate their comfort by evaluating weight distribution and strap comfort.
- design: When it comes to design, we paid attention to the little details, like interior fabrics that help you see what’s inside, pocket placements, and durable zippers and zippers. We also took a closer look at the length of the handles and straps, as well as the overall shape of the bag.
- Material: Meant to be a durable bag, we’ve prioritized quality and sustainability. We’ve included a range of fabrics for various styles and included brands that prioritize environmental care.
- price: We’ve made sure the quality matches the price you pay, and we’ve benchmarked it against competitors.
What do we experience next?
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