However, the structure made her feel like her personal items were well protected. The combination of zippers, velcro, and plastic buckles means there aren't any over-designed features for opening or closing the bags. But what struck us most was how everything seemed to fit just so.
After that, we considered the various design features of each model and paid attention to whether they helped or hindered overall comfort. In the case of this bag, the inner dividers are optimized for camera equipment, though they can be creatively used for almost anything. 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. This design provided powerline workers with easy access to their tools, and, in more modern times, became a popular design for bike messengers. 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 Granville is highly weather-resistant with strategically taped seams, so it can go the extra mile. The strap lacks the bulk of a shoulder pad, so its not ideal for really heavy loads. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette lacks a built-in laptop pocket, which almost all of the other messenger bags we tested have. But the straps are wider and flatter than most, so the bag is comfortable on an average commute with a few items stashed inside. With its more-structured build, the Martel bag resembles the classic camera bags of yore, while also offering a simpler, modern look and the laptop compartment you need. citizen messenger chrome bag ranking universal If youve ever been biking with a messenger bag on your back and struggled with it slipping forward, this strap will prevent that.
A bag's storage design also needs to be efficient. The shoulder strap is not also ambidextrous, which is a bummer for left-handed folks. Despite the noisy closure, Mission Workshops The Monty inevitably makes up for that small issue with its comfortable padding, roomy main compartments, and versatile closure options. But the Martel Messenger isnt as waterproof as some other bags we tested, like the Chrome, Mission Workshops The Monty, or the Rains. 
It has a key leash on shock-cord with a removable key fob, so you always know where to find your key, and large and small zippered pockets and slots of all varieties. 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. It knocked on her hip during her commute, partly due to the lengthy straps and partly due to the structure, so it proved to be a little clumsier to maneuver on a crowded subway. Ready to go backpacking? Electronics, Ease of Use, Wear and Tear, and Volume-to-Weight make up the rest of our testing criteria. citizen chrome bag messenger shoulder right Just be mindful to fully engage the plastic cam mechanism to lock the strap length into position. These bags can work great for cycling too, but they do sit lower on the back, so they tend to be less comfortable on a bike.
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. Why its great: The Matt & Nat Martel Messenger is at the crossroads of professional and pretty. The adjustable shoulder strap reaches up to 64 inches in length, the longest of any bag we tested, so its well suited to people with longer or thicker torsos. Well test the new version as soon as possible. We categorized the most important messenger bag performance features into a series of rating metrics and developed a specific testing protocol for each one.
Even after all our rounds of rigorous testing, the Stash looked practically unused. How is the padding? We logged many hours of online research and made an initial cut down to 60 potential bags to tests. The Cycling Musette also has a leather tab closure, so it stayed secure when it was stuffed with a hoodie, a 13-inch Macbook Pro, a few books, a glasses case, and a laptop charger. Outside of school, she spends the majority of her time climbing alpine granite and sandstone splitters in the desert. Why its great: The Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger is a beautifully designed bag, allowing everything you place inside to line up perfectly symmetricallylike a scene from a Wes Anderson film. We've purchased and tested 33 unique messenger bags over the past 10 years in our quest for the best. postman Simple but functional organizational features. And, unlike on the previous model, the straps are not paddeda feature we loved in the original design. 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. For daily commuters, it's all about comfort and intuitive packability. It is weather-resistant, (though not as waterproof as other bags in our review), mounts easily onto the trolley handle of wheeled luggage for travel, and sits upright for easy access to your gear.
The Especial Stash takes top marks here again. We focused on ensuring that our testing process and subsequent review retained the spirit of the original messenger bag design while keeping a modern context in mind. The top scores in this metric go to a solid group of bags that, in most respects, also excel in our other testing categories. Why its great: The Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette is unfussy and not trying to do anything other than be a perfectly simple little bag. 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.
The Transit has enough compartments, slots, and pockets to organize all your daily gear. The Rains Commuter also has a two-year warranty, and though thats not as good as the lifetime warranty of some bags we looked at, its better than those with a one-year warranty. 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. 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. In 2021, it launched in a leather alternative. The Monty has a fully waterproof pocket for up to a 15" laptop, though this pocket isn't padded. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. And it wont end up looking overstuffed just because you decided to throw a sweater inside. 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. A large zippered external pocket with a key clip is great for fast access to essentials, and the inside offers just the right amount of options for electronics and small items without going overboard. For those who think a backpack makes them look like a child and a briefcase makes them look like a corporate stooge (we tend to disagree on both counts), a messenger bag could be just the thing. The waxed canvas material looked appealing in the blue colorwayand it felt like it could take a beating. The shoulder straps have widened over the years to increase comfort for single-shoulder carrying. We independently review everything we recommend. Mounts easily onto luggage trolley handle. In the 80s, this style was updated, adjusted, and reappropriated for bicycle messengers, and the category has since exploded. 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. Get this if: You want a structured bag and appreciate a vintage-influenced aesthetic. The gorgeous, classic design wasnt enough to save this bag from all its flaws. 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. *At the time of publishing, the price was $170. Our only complaint is that the velcro strap minder is not ideal for stashing excess strap if you have to fully tighten everything down. Just watch out for your prankster friends who might try to push the button while you aren't paying attention. Always losing cables, SD cards, and tubes of lip balm in the depths of your backpack? This puts excess stretching and compression forces through the different structures, which causes injury, she said. The Stash is optimized for commuters that prefer a more traditional messenger design intended to hug the back snugly while zipping through town on a bike or a scooter. The Buran boasts incredibly durable 1050d nylon fabric, a tarpaulin lining, and impressive construction. When you use the Waterfield Executive bag, everything is perfectly laid out, and if you place your items in the right spot, you wont have to search aimlessly for paper or a penall of your items fall into place, like in a game of Tetris. Canvas bags, like the Waterfield Vitesse Cycling Musette, always feel a little riskier for laptops and electronics, but a solid leather bag like the Kinsale feels more trustworthy. If youre someone who needs a little bit more organization, this bag may not be the one for you. The pockets and storage are well-conceived and easy to use. Two Wirecutter writers tested 18 messenger bags for two months, commuting with them daily. How can we improve GearLab? Get this if: You commute by bike and are looking for extra security. 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. We also like the small nylon handle on the back of the bag, which made it easy to pick up the bag and move it around without having to tuck it under our arm like we were playing a game of rugby. It also has a far more generous warranty. metropolis chrome bag right messenger shoulder And since no two people or commutes are the same, we found the eight best options for anyone. The tapered shape also isn't as conducive to sitting upright when set down on the ground. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. For the right person or photographer, this bag is an exceptional option. Though the shape and design of messenger bags have evolved and expanded dramatically over the years, the original concept remains the same. The Buran features a zippered and padded laptop pocket on the back of the bag that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop. When we compared it with the similar Matt & Nat Martel Messenger, we thought the Everyday Messenger could use a little more style. Receiving high marks yet again is the Especial Stash. It has just enough pockets for easy organization without unnecessary extra storage features. A higher number is better for this ratio, which is a simple equation of volume divided by weight. kadet 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. The Chrome Citizen has plenty of organizational features, including a laptop sleeve, little pockets, and pen holders. The material is both weather-resistant and durable, while the interior laptop compartment is fully waterproof. The Timbuk2 has a lifetime warrantybut it doesnt cover wear and tear. You can also customize your bag with inserts like the messenger organizer or the phone pouch. We assessed how logical, intuitive, and easy each bag is to pack, as well as how quickly we could access the contents. 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. A well-organized photographer's dream come true. There are two small pockets inside this bag, so you can throw in your keys, a book, earbuds, or a notebook. Let us know! Tapered shape causes it to fall over easily when set down. With improved backpack designs, however, bike commuters often opt for two shoulder straps instead of just one. This makes putting it on and taking it off - without messing up your hair or losing your hat and glasses - an absolute breeze. The Buran III and the Granville both feature ambidextrous shoulder straps as well so lefties can catch a break without breaking the bank for a custom bag. 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. When testing, Haleys sister observed that the black-on-black accents made this bag acceptable to wear with an Air Force uniform (PDF)something many bags are not. The Classic is made from a TPU-lined Cordura fabric which, like the models above, makes it weather-resistant and very durable. The Buran III also earned top marks in this category because it can accommodate up to a 17" laptop the largest in our review. Though still quite comfortable, it doesn't hug the body as tightly or aerodynamically as some other models. 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. But that reassured us that personal items would be safe when someone was biking vigorously on rough roads. Whether you're carrying wrenches and hammers up a powerline or tablets and gadgets up the elevator, there's likely a modern messenger bag made just for you. It is designed with an emphasis on ease of use, comfort, and rugged durability. A bag organizer will help you corral what you carry every day. Additionally, you'll find slots for travel mugs and water bottles, electronic cord storage, and zippered pockets to secure your wallet and phone. 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. Thanks to all of these things, the Commuter Bag remained comfortable on the shoulders, regardless of who was wearing it. This secondary strap is often the hallmark of bags designed specifically for cyclists. The discontinued Brooks Brothers Canvas Messenger felt like Frankensteins monster: It was tailor-made for us, but it kept hurting us unintentionally. This article was edited by Catherine Kast and Jennifer Hunter. *At the time of publishing, the price was $250.
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. Its thick canvas construction and leather straps will make you want to wear a newsboy cap and hop on a penny-farthing. The Timbuk2s interior has a waterproof lining to help protect your laptop and notebook from a sudden downpour, and the upper corners of the opening fold inward to reduce the chance of water leaking in when the bag is shut. Plus, there were no real organizational features, leaving this bag on the outs with us.
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. 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. This extended testing period allows us to spend quality time with each product and fully evaluate its performance. Were told that the fabric and the carabiner closure have been updated. Get this if: Youre searching for a leather messenger that you can keep for years to come, and you need something that fits in with stylish or professional environments.Maximum laptop size: 16 inches. Got feedback? It also aids in the weight distribution of this bag. If youre riding with this bag on your back for a long time, you want those pads to feel secure and, most importantly, comfortable. *At the time of publishing, the price was $399. 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. 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. This iconic Timbuk2 bag is popular for a reason - it is affordable, durable, weather-resistant, and reasonably comfortable. Get this if: Youre looking for a sturdy and flexible bike messenger bag, with the ability to either have a roll-top or traditional flap closure. Over-the-shoulder bags have been around for a long time, at first adapted from military map bags for the broader public.
The classic messenger bag design is a close-fitting shoulder bag that easily swings around to the front of the body and has a stabilizing strap to keep it secure while you're moving. 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.
The Buran III is the easiest bag to use, with the Kadet Sling and Monty coming in next. For bike messengers, the volume, balance, and ease of access are critical.
These bags sit horizontally on your back and are more rectangular, with less tapering near the base of the bag. The Vitesse Cycling Musette is a comfortable bag that makes up for its lack of features with a simple, straightforward design and a vintage aesthetic. They made Jordan feel like a paragliding pilot. Mission Workshops The Monty comes with a lifetime warrantywhich, as with most bags, doesnt cover wear and tear. The Timbuk2 is classic like a simple white T-shirt is classiceveryone looks good wearing one, and it never detracts from what youre trying to do. To be effective, a bag needs to address diverse circumstances that may change from one day to the next. The Kadet Sling has ample shoulder padding, and an ergonomic design, making for an impressively comfortable bag on or off the bike. The straps are easy to use, the pocket options are numerous, and the robust material is water-resistant. The only reason it didn't earn full marks in this category is that it doesn't have a waterproof zipper. The straps are 50 inches at full length, which is pretty average for most bags. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We put the best messenger bags from Chrome, Timbuk2, Peak Design, and others to the test. The Kinsales size and shape also allowed us to more easily navigate tight spaces, such as packed subway trains. If you want the most overall volume out of your bag, our measured volume of the Classic is 18 liters (the advertised volume is 21 liters), and the measured volume of the Stash is 15 liters (the advertised volume is 17 liters). This bag comes in multiple sizes (we tested the medium) and a myriad of color options, so the Classic Messenger feels personal and adaptable to any lifestyle. The Monty is just about as user-friendly as it gets. Were in the process of testing the new version, the Rains Messenger Bag. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Thankfully, its padded, to prevent the strap from digging into your shoulder over the course of a long commute. No ads. This bag also offered plenty of internal organizational features, including a 15-inch laptop sleeve. The Citizen also has a stabilizing strapa smaller tie that runs from the main one to the corner of the bagwhich keeps the bag solidly in place and secured to your body. The worst culprit for back pain is the shoulder bag because it causes the spine to bend in one direction and the shoulder to fall forwards on the carrying side, physiologist Lucy MacDonald told Womens Health magazine. Get this if: You want a simple, compact messenger bag and are willing to sacrifice some weather resistance for classic styling. Waterfield also offers a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the price premium over the Knomo. The lighter interior does enable you to find stuff inside more easily, but it will also show dirt. And if you carry around a small notebook, the bag has a secure place for that as well. Most of our top-scoring bags include padded laptop sleeves and pockets that are useful for cords and tablets because, let's face it, electronics are the tools of this era. The strap on the Stash is simple to tighten and loosen. The front also has both a Velcro and a snap closure, keeping everything you want inside and everything you dont want outside. Dimensions: 10 by 16 by 5 inchesMaterials: nylonCrossbody strap length: 40 inchesWeight: 2 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: Gray, Navy, Black, Olive, Red. No sponsored content. Companies are increasingly creative with how to improve the feel of shoulder straps, but comfy straps aren't necessarily the whole story. 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. Dimensions: 10 by 16 by 2 inchesMaterials: waxed canvasCrossbody strap length: 60 inchesWeight: 1.9 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: Navy, Brown. 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. It all adds up to a very comfortable bag. A well-designed bag will enable straightforward organization without the user having to overthink anything. Numerous times during a commute, he accidentally bumped into a person and was given the New York stink eye.
Our belongings felt well protected by the thick, structured leather exterior and amply padded pockets. The fabric is weatherproof with a tarpaulin-lined 1050d fabric on the exterior and a second layer of tarpaulin inside of that. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Everyday Messenger has a plethora of pockets and features for dialing in the organization of your daily kit. in Environmental Politics at Colorado State University, so she is no stranger to riding her bicycle in inclement weather while commuting to class. We also meticulously examined each bag for any noticeable signs of wear and tear at the end of our multi-month testing period. Initially, powerline workers needed a durable bag to keep their heavy, bulky, and awkward tools easily accessible while climbing utility poles. We also appreciated this bags 60-inch strap length (one of the longest we found), which you can adjust to suit your height or weight. You can treat the canvas with wax to make it more waterproof, but that changes the look and feel of the material. Matt & Nat offers only a one-year warranty, which is on the low end for a messenger bag, especially compared with some other options that have lifetime backings, like the Timbuk2. Jordan also found its shape to be quite obtrusive in certain situations during his commute: He said it felt like a large Lego brick was attached to his back. We take several months to test each of these bags. 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. If youre looking for a good camera bag, or you like the look of this one, we still think its a good choice.
The laptop sleeve should fit computers that are between 13 inches and 16 inches. Several large compartments, a fully waterproof zippered laptop sleeve, and a nice assortment of smaller pockets make the Stash an easy and fun bag to organize your life into. Making this bag a great option for both cycling and walking around town. It has three zippered pockets, a number of small pockets for stashing essentials, and two large pockets one that could be ideal for documents and three compartments so you can keep your lunch, clothes, and electronics separate from one another. Each bag has a setting in which it's most appropriate, and we made sure to use it in that application and, of course, we took a bike ride with every model to see how it fared on a bicycle as well.
padded electronics pockets none of which are waterproof, but all are decently water-resistant. Its padding means you shouldnt have to worry about your laptop getting scratches or dents. This is why these bags did not fare as well in this metric. The Timbuk2 Especial Stash is a comfortable, lightweight, and highly functional messenger bag. A good messenger bag will see you through almost any casual situation. The sleeve is closed via a zipper covered by a thick protective flap and fits up to a 15" computer. (Waterproofing is fairly common in messenger bags, thanks to their bike-courier origins, but its not universal, and so its good to see this in an affordable bag.). It is an ace for organization if you prefer a bag with countless compartments to house all your essentials. Tried and true, this bag has been around for decades for a reason. It may be safe to say weve drunk the Chrome Kool-Aid. If simple, straightforward, and affordable are critical points in your bag search, this is a definite contender. There's a reason you still see these workhorses on the backs of many-a-cyclist. 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 III and the Monty are also notable here. The burly 1000d fabric and weatherproof liner make this bag a great option for anyone who's tough on their gear and needs protection from inclement weather. You can also use the main compartment, which is meant to house a 15-inch laptop. The Waterfield Rough Rider Messengernow discontinuedis massive, weighs about 3 pounds, and, after an hourlong commute, it felt like we were carrying a kettlebell on our shoulders. For starters, the Monty does not have a padded laptop compartment; you can use a laptop case, but then you will need to store your computer in the main compartment of the bag. Get this if: You want a stylish and well-organized bag constructed of full-grain leather. The patented MagLatch closure system is a bit tricky to use, and while it is silent compared to velcro, it does take some time to get used to it. Our favorite laptop bags are not only a stylish step up from utilitarian messenger bags but also more refined and work-appropriate than classic canvas totes.
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