The 14 Best Messenger Bags For Men, According To Top Stylists

Weight: 2.8 pounds | Capacity: 24 liters | Materials: Nylon | Closure: Buckle | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Castlerock Twill

• What’s notable: Chrome Industries is known for its durable, functional and travel-ready messenger bags—this style is no exception.
• What could be better: This bag is not as sleek and polished as some leather options on our list.

Simple, durable, and undeniably elegant, Chrome’s Citizen is a bestseller from the brand known for messenger bags. Their bags are designed for bike messengers traversing the rough, rugged (and sometimes, wet) streets of the world’s biggest cities so you know they’re tough. Made from military-grade nylon—you know it’ll stand up to the elements—and with an easy-release buckle closure, it’s a travel-ready messenger bag that always looks great and has multiple compartments to organize your things, including a main pocket with separate wet and dry compartments and space for a 15-inch laptop. You might not want to head into a boardroom with it, though—the tough exterior doesn’t really work in high-end business settings.

What the reviews say: Reviewers rave about this bag’s high-quality construction, durability and spacious capacity: It’s “really well made and large enough to hold a computer and gym clothes,” one writes. Others note that its lack of a top handle could potentially cause strain on the shoulders.

Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 11 liters | Materials: Recycled polyester | Closure: Buckle | Colors: 9 total, including Jet Black and Fire Red

• What’s notable: It’s constructed from recycled pre- and post-consumer materials and has plenty of interior pockets to keep you organized on the go.
• What could be better: The material could be thicker to protect expensive tech when traveling.

For an entry level messenger, you can’t beat Timbuk2’s. It’s made from an incredibly durable tech canvas derived from eco-friendly recycled polyester—so you can feel good about your buy—plus a water-resistant exterior to keep your laptop, books and whatever else you have in there dry. The interior capacity is only medium sized, however; we wouldn’t recommend buying if you need to haul around a lot of stuff.

What the reviews say: Many praise the bag’s spacious “but not too bulky” design, especially given its “many intuitive pockets.” Some report that the shoulder strap easily loosens and tangles due to its thinner material.

Weight: 3.2 pounds | Capacity: 5.5 liters | Materials: Leather | Closure: Zip | Colors: Black and Medium Brown 

• What’s notable: This luxurious leather bag is sophisticated for the office and comes with a removable, adjustable strap for versatility.
• What could be better: It’s not as spacious as some other options, so it’s not best for travel (or a change of clothes).

If you’re ready to take the dive into a more sophisticated style—and the price that comes with it—Shinola’s messenger bag is made with luxurious leather infused with oils for a rich patina that only gets better with wear. Plus, you can carry it crossbody or as a briefcase with the removable, adjustable strap. Inside, there’s three open interior pockets and a larger interior zip compartment that can hold a 13-inch laptop. While it doesn’t have room for your gym clothes, it’s an excellent choice for something more high-end.

What the reviews say: Reviewers love the sleek details, describing it as “classy and rugged.” Others love its versatility: It “fits perfectly with both my formal and casual looks,” writes one commenter. Just beware: The “leather shows scratches or marks easily,” so you should handle it with care.

Materials: Leather | Closure: Front flap | Colors: 3 total, including Black Onyx and brown

• What’s notable: The full-grain leather is soft and supple, and you can add a monogram for a personalized touch. 
• What could be better: The shoulder strap is slightly shorter, so it may sit higher on taller individuals.

Looking for great style, but not willing to take out a loan? Leatherology’s messenger bag is made from full-grain leather and has more than enough room to carry everything you need—including a main compartment with four interior pockets, three pen loops and an interior computer sleeve. Also nice: You can monogram the exterior. If you’re a big guy, however, you may want to think twice: The shoulder strap is slightly shorter so it sits higher on your body.

What the reviews say: The bag is “smooth, sharp [yet] not too big,” earning it plenty of positive reviews. Many enjoy the “great craftmanship” of the leather, as well as the “crisp embossing.” Some wish the shoulder strap was longer so that it sat lower on the waist.

Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 14 liters | Materials: Recycled fabric | Closure: Zip | Colors: 3 total, including black and navy

• What’s notable: The padded laptop sleeve can fit devices up to 16 inches, and there are plenty of smaller pockets for chargers, pens and other work essentials. 
• What could be better: There are limited color options.

If you take your work on the go, you need a messenger bag that keeps up. This no-effort, ultra-sleek bag from Bellroy has a padded laptop sleeve for machines up to 16 inches, as well as a separate main compartment, internal mesh zip pocket and all sorts of slots. Plus, it’s easy on the eyes with a smooth, leather-free construction. It only comes in neutral colors, though. If you want something with a little more pop, look elsewhere.

What the reviews say: It “holds more than you think,” says one reviewer. “It’s slim when you don’t need to carry a lot and just expands when you do.” Comments are divided on the shoulder strap: Some appreciate its super soft material, while others find it too thin.

Weight: 1.3 pounds | Capacity: 12 liters | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester | Closure: Zip | Colors: Ocean, black

• What’s notable: The lockable zips and RFID-blocking pockets make this an ideal choice for frequent travelers.
• What could be better: The appearance resembles a knapsack rather than a traditional messenger bag.

Travel worry-free with this impenetrable messenger bag that works as your personal Fort Knox. Made entirely from recycled materials and containing a laptop sleeve with plenty of pockets, Pacsafe’s messenger stands out for its security features, including lockable zips, RFID-blocking pockets and a durable anchor strap that refuses to rip. It does have more of a knapsack-like body, however, so if you want a sleeker messenger bag, this might not be it.

What the reviews say: Despite its limited color options, travelers like how this bag is “roomy enough to hold a wallet, reading glasses, e-reader” and more, plus has an “easily accessible hidden pocket for hotel room keys.” A few artists have noted that the internal pockets are the ideal size for sketchbooks and A4-sized documents.

Weight: 0.8 pounds | Capacity: 5 liters | Materials: Nylon, tarp, polyester | Closure: Buckle | Colors: Black, Olive Branch

• What’s notable: This bag mounts to a bike’s handlebar and can also be worn crossbody. 
• What could be better: It doesn’t have as many internal pockets for organizing small belongings.

If you’re moving through the city on a bike, the last thing you need is your stuff flying all over the place on a tight turn. Enter Chrome’s messenger bag that easily mounts to the handlebar so you can navigate like a pro. With five liters of capacity, it’ll hold the essentials (your wallet, phone, food, water) but not extra bulk.

What the reviews say: Buyers frequently remark on how “small and lightweight” yet spacious this bag is, in part thanks to its “solid construction.” Some say they’d prefer it to have internal pockets for more organization. 

Weight: 2.6 pounds | Materials: Oxford cloth, polyester, leather | Closure: Zip | Colors: 6 total, including blue and Canvas Black

• What’s notable: This 3-in-1 option can be worn as a backpack, shoulder bag or messenger bag.
• What could be better: The exterior could look more sophisticated, and there’s no external water bottle holder.

Not sure whether to get a backpack or a messenger bag? Why not both? This bag from Coolbell is lightweight with nice storage, but has not one but three carrying styles: as a backpack, shoulder bag or messenger bag. So no matter where you’re off to, you can adjust the look. It’s not constructed with the most high-end materials, though, so you may experience jiggling zips and the occasional abrasion.

What the reviews say: Many pra