If I’m out and about and I don’t have a bag slung across my body, I feel naked and unprepared. It’s like venturing into a dungeon without any health potions. What if I need ChapStick? Did I bring ChapStick? How can I fit my phone, keys, and face mask all in the truncated pockets of my jeans? Where do I put the cool rock I just found? Extra storage capacity is essential to my everyday carry, and being able to swing the bag around to the front and grab anything I need is crucial. Backpacks are better for heavy loads or all-day trekking, but for lightweight everyday needs, the best messenger bags are hard to beat.
Be sure to check out all our buying guides, including the Best Backpacks for Work, Best Totes and Purses, and Best Camera Bags.
Updated September 2024: We have added a new favorite overall, the Topo Designs Global Briefcase, plus a pick from Filson. We also removed a few older bags and updated prices throughout.
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What Is a Messenger Bag?
A messenger bag … well, it carries messages. It’s the modern descendant of the rectangular satchels with crossbody straps used by early letter carriers and the back-slung bags used by modern bike messengers. That doesn’t mean manufacturers are all going to agree on what constitutes a messenger-style bag. I’ve seen the terms “satchel,” “briefcase bag,” and “laptop bag” all refer to the same style of bag. For our purposes, we’re using “messenger bag” and “crossbody bag” to mean a bag that has at least one strap long enough to carry it over one shoulder or across your body. Generally, these bags rest on your hip.
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