It features an adjustable strap with a zippered pocket underneath the flap to make this bag a perfect commuting companion. Mary is a lifelong bike commuter who lived without a car for over a decade. The Buran III also earned top marks in this category because it can accommodate up to a 17" laptop the largest in our review. For some, this could be overkill, but for the right person this could be a storage dream come true. Just watch out for your prankster friends who might try to push the button while you aren't paying attention. If you're a tech professional, student, or urban commuter of any persuasion, we think you'll appreciate this rugged and well-conceived bag for moving your gear around town. This messenger bag has a sufficient number of pockets to stash your essentials without encumbering you with surplus features. 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. Back in the 80s, when these bags started to take off among bicycle messengers, no one was toting around notebook-sized computers, small space-age touchscreen gadgets, or tiny cell phones. Not only is the laptop area waterproof, but the entire bag is also highly impervious to water. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The Transit has enough compartments, slots, and pockets to organize all your daily gear. However, there is a strong argument to be made for the statement you make with your bag. The modern messenger bag has evolved dramatically from the original 1950s design. 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. To be effective, a bag needs to address diverse circumstances that may change from one day to the next. Our only complaint is that the velcro strap minder is not ideal for stashing excess strap if you have to fully tighten everything down. The Burley Transit is another solid option for packing and organization. The Buran III is the easiest bag to use, with the Kadet Sling and Monty coming in next. The Classic is made from a TPU-lined Cordura fabric which, like the models above, makes it weather-resistant and very durable. There's a reason you still see these workhorses on the backs of many-a-cyclist. The Arc'teryx Granville has a wide strap that can be adjusted for use on either shoulder as well as a padded back panel and a cross-body stabilizing strap with tons of adjustment point options. The only reason it didn't earn full marks in this category is that it doesn't have a waterproof zipper. 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. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. As we biked, we took notes of the carrying comfort of a variety of load types and weights. We've purchased and tested 33 unique messenger bags over the past 10 years in our quest for the best. The Buran features a zippered and padded laptop pocket on the back of the bag that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop. Want more Rolling Stone? Enthusiasts of sustainable style will dig this upcycled messenger bag, which is from Alchemy Goods. This extended testing period allows us to spend quality time with each product and fully evaluate its performance. Though the shape and design of messenger bags have evolved and expanded dramatically over the years, the original concept remains the same. 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. It measures 18 inches at its widest point, 12 inches tall, and about seven inches deep. 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. This high-quality bag features excellent craftsmanship while managing to remain relatively lightweight. Companies are increasingly creative with how to improve the feel of shoulder straps, but comfy straps aren't necessarily the whole story. There are a couple of drawbacks to this otherwise well-designed bag. Even after all our rounds of rigorous testing, the Stash looked practically unused. Some designs try to do too much, and you end up with a product that looks good on paper but can be a pain to use in real life. The tapered shape also isn't as conducive to sitting upright when set down on the ground. The shoulder straps have widened over the years to increase comfort for single-shoulder carrying. After that, we considered the various design features of each model and paid attention to whether they helped or hindered overall comfort. 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. The material is both weather-resistant and durable, while the interior laptop compartment is fully waterproof. The pockets and storage are well-conceived and easy to use. The padded laptop pocket can accommodate up to a 17" naked laptop, the biggest in our review. Inside, theres a laptop sleeve as well as interior zippered compartments, pockets for pens and a smartphone, and a card slot. And if youre looking for a more stylish alternative to boxy briefcases, youve got no shortage of functional options that fit your aesthetic, from utilitarian to urban. A bag needs to keep up on a rigorous commute, whether by bike, foot, subway, skateboard, rollerblade, motorcycle, or Vespa. The pockets and compartments are conveniently placed and straightforward. This design provided powerline workers with easy access to their tools, and, in more modern times, became a popular design for bike messengers. We hope this review has helped direct you to the best bag for your daily gear. 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. The Mission Workshop Monty is a great weatherproof messenger bag with quality construction and intuitive design. The Mission Workshop Monty and the Peak Design Everyday Messenger performed well in this category for opposite reasons. Another carryall brand born on the backs of cyclists, Chromes popular Citizen messenger bag features the brands classic seat belt chest strap, waterproof tarpaulin liner, and extra-durable 1000D Cordura material. The masterminds behind this review are Mary Witlacil and Penney Garrett. It's a bag to carry your daily toolkit wherever you're going and however you plan to get there. For places where you want to keep your belongings in sight (say, while traveling or on public transit), the best commuter messenger bags will ensure your stuff stays organized and protected. Some of the features of the Everyday Messenger seem over-designed, and there is a learning curve to figuring out how to sort all your gear in the bag. 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. at Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The strap on the Stash is simple to tighten and loosen. Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? at These bags have an urban flair and a toughness that tends to mirror their hard-working owners. Made in the U.S. from industrial-grade cotton twill and bridle leather, this outdoor-friendly bag has a padded laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 15 inches, a large interior compartment with three dividers, and plenty of storage pockets outside and inside. Buy: No surprise, a bag's strap design factors heavily when considering comfort. Backpacks don't swing around to the front quite as quickly as messenger bags, but if you're just making one or two stops and you don't need to grab things from your bag super quickly, it is likely a more comfortable option. The winner is the Timbuk2 Classic, followed closely by the Granville and the Especial Stash. Trusted by avid cyclists, Timbuk2 is known for its commuter-friendly carryalls that stand up to the elements and knocks of urban life. This Seeking the best laptop backpack? Alternatively, if you don't need a bag with a large volume, the Chrome Kadet Sling is a smaller bag that earns respectable overall scores and fetches a lower price than most. The Monty boasts a similarly rugged 1000d nylon fabric with a tarp liner for weather protection and durability. $89. However, if funds are tight, you may be looking for a better balance of performance and affordability. sleeves for pens, thin items). Electronics, Ease of Use, Wear and Tear, and Volume-to-Weight make up the rest of our testing criteria. Theres a compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop as well as zippered pockets for storage, while the waterproof liner keeps your belongings dry. As a bonus, it comes in lots of fun colors, and for a little extra cash, it is fully customizable. The combination of zippers, velcro, and plastic buckles means there aren't any over-designed features for opening or closing the bags. 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. This is essentially a bag within a bag, giving you extra weatherproofing for big rainstorms or extra storage for your sweaty gym clothes depending on your climate and lifestyle. A higher number is better for this ratio, which is a simple equation of volume divided by weight. The serious bike commuter will notice that the Classic isn't as ergonomic for cycling. We logged many hours of online research and made an initial cut down to 60 potential bags to tests. Tapered shape causes it to fall over easily when set down. Making this bag a great option for both cycling and walking around town. 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. Buy: Outside of school, she spends the majority of her time climbing alpine granite and sandstone splitters in the desert. It measures 16 inches long by 14 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide, and the 46-inch long padded leather shoulder strap is removable and adjustable. at 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 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. This iconic Timbuk2 bag is popular for a reason - it is affordable, durable, weather-resistant, and reasonably comfortable. The laptop pocket is also padded and lined with waterproof material. 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. No ads. The top scores in this metric go to a solid group of bags that, in most respects, also excel in our other testing categories. The Especial Stash takes top marks here again. 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. 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 Buran III has one of the best cargo pockets for stashing a mini-u-lock, which makes it easy to lock up your bicycle after your ride. 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. Just be mindful to fully engage the plastic cam mechanism to lock the strap length into position. 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 cargo pockets are the perfect size for a mini U-lock, but the flap is too tight for a perfect seal over the lock (we used an old mini ABUS U-lock), causing the flap to close asymmetrically over the top. Simple but functional organizational features. Our testers wore them on foot, bike, and while riding public transit to see and feel firsthand how each performed. We then selected the most popular and most promising to test side-by-side for this review. 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. The Chrome Buran is a savvy, comfortable, and stylish messenger bag with space for up to a 17" laptop - great for cycling around town and commuting to work. Got feedback? An adjustable shoulder strap features an air mesh pad and a removable crossbody strap for stabilization. $51.99, Buy: The Everyday Messenger has a plethora of pockets and features for dialing in the organization of your daily kit. 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. The classic messenger style is less popular than it once was, but the benefit of this is that most of the options that remain tend to be well-executed and thoughtfully designed. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We put the best messenger bags from Chrome, Timbuk2, Peak Design, and others to the test. Timbuk2 Lightweight Flight Messenger Bag We dig into the nitty-gritty details of every bag to produce a comprehensive review, with the hope that it inspires confidence in your buying decision. It is an ace for organization if you prefer a bag with countless compartments to house all your essentials. The bag measures 11 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide, so expect it to fit laptops up to 13 inches. For an average commuter rather than a photographer some of the storage features will be superfluous. The Buran has the classic Chrome seat-belt-style buckle on the shoulder strap. We assessed how logical, intuitive, and easy each bag is to pack, as well as how quickly we could access the contents. A great messenger bag or sling will keep your kit well organized, and will wear comfortably, so you can get on with your daily commute. The bag is made in San Francisco and designed to keep up with your commute for the long haul. Whether you're utilizing the roll-top or flip-down configuration, you can either expand for more storage space or enjoy more accessible gear. 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. 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. padded electronics pockets none of which are waterproof, but all are decently water-resistant. There's also a mesh water bottle pocket and multiple webbing options for bike lights or other small accessories on the outside of this highly weather-resistant bag. Over-the-shoulder bags have been around for a long time, at first adapted from military map bags for the broader public. In the 80s, this style was updated, adjusted, and reappropriated for bicycle messengers, and the category has since exploded. On top of that, it has several pockets well-poised to stash your chargers and other smaller electronics. It is designed with an emphasis on ease of use, comfort, and rugged durability. 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. Filson Rugged Twill Padded Computer Bag The Monty is made with a durable 1000d nylon fabric that is coupled with a weather-proof liner. Aside from that, we dig that you have options on how you close the bag. 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. 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. The Timbuk2 Classic is another high performer in this category, as is the Arc'teryx Granville. Messenger bags ideal for cycling are easy to swing around to your front, so you can easily access your essentials on the fly. The shoulder strap is not also ambidextrous, which is a bummer for left-handed folks. She is working on her PhD. We bought 8 of the leading products available today for our comprehensive, side-by-side testing. 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. 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). There is a velcro strap minder for keeping the strap out of your way while biking, but with excess strap, it is less ideal for keeping the strap out of your business. All Rights Reserved. The Timbuk2 Especial Stash has an ergonomic fit with good padding and lots of easy adjustment options. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The Monty is simple, straightforward, and intuitive. The Granville is highly weather-resistant with strategically taped seams, so it can go the extra mile. 2022 Rolling Stone, LLC. This likely won't be an issue since your computer will be protected by the rest of your bag (as well as your back), but it still seems like an oversight. 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. For the right person or photographer, this bag is an exceptional option. Its roomy enough to hold a 17-inch laptop in the padded sleeve, plus a change of clothes, a bike lock, and more gear in its many zippered compartments and organizing pockets. 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. Leave it to the industry leaders to design the easiest to use messenger bags. Our attention to these details spanned humdrum daily errands, urban adventures, airport travel, and even a hike or two. $450, In This Article: 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. Made of durable fabric, this bag has a structured pocket for storing files and an easy-access pocket on the back so you can grab stuff (like keys or your ID) without fussing with the flap. If you bike to work some days, walk others, and drive the rest of the time, the Timbuk2 Classic may be a brilliant choice. A well-designed bag will enable straightforward organization without the user having to overthink anything. Additionally, you'll find slots for travel mugs and water bottles, electronic cord storage, and zippered pockets to secure your wallet and phone. 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. Buy: How is the padding? at Generally, the most complicated parts of a bag are the front closure system and the process of adjusting the shoulder strap, and each company likes to try something a little bit different and unique. Among the many storage features in the Everyday Messenger, there is a zippered pocket with slots for camera batteries and memory cards. in Environmental Politics at Colorado State University, so she is no stranger to riding her bicycle in inclement weather while commuting to class. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. A waterproof laptop compartment means you can forge ahead with confidence that your gear is protected even when the skies open up. at Some other great options include the Mission Workshop Monty, the Burley Transit, and the Peak Design Everyday Messenger. The straps are easy to use, the pocket options are numerous, and the robust material is water-resistant. The eco-friendly nylon bag is made from repurposed bicycle inner tubes, giving it a unique textured look as well as durability for everyday use. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. We want to hear from you! Receiving high marks yet again is the Especial Stash. 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. We examined the quality of construction, materials, and weather resistance of each model we tested. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The Granville is highly comfortable because you can customize the fit, and it is well padded, supple, and hugs the body while you ride. Chrome and Mission Workshop soared above the competition in this category. Initially, powerline workers needed a durable bag to keep their heavy, bulky, and awkward tools easily accessible while climbing utility poles. $140. The bright interior is also something we rarely see but fully appreciate as it makes finding things inside the bag much easier. And most importantly, how does it handle a variety of load types and weights? Adjusting the strap length is a breeze, and the features are intuitive, so you can load up and get on with your day. Coming in at a close second is the Buran III. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. This makes putting it on and taking it off - without messing up your hair or losing your hat and glasses - an absolute breeze. This ratio is a simple calculation of volume (liters) divided by weight (pounds). 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. 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. We categorized the most important messenger bag performance features into a series of rating metrics and developed a specific testing protocol for each one. It is designed to endure rugged use and abuse on long commutes for years to come. In our initial rounds of testing, we asked a few essential questions: how does this bag feel on the back and shoulders? The laptop pocket is fully waterproof accommodating up to a 15" laptop and the flap-down closure provides an extra layer of security. The Stash has so many storage options for your electronics - you can stash your laptop in a padded compartment in the back of the bag, or in a zippered, waterproof sleeve in the very back. How can we improve GearLab? The way a bag rests on your back and how closely it sits to your body are also very important; the Chrome Buran III, Chrome Kadet Sling, and Arc'teryx Granville 10 are all excellent examples of this. Solo New York Re:New Briefcase Designed to be worn over the left shoulder, this sturdy biking bag measures 22 inches wide by 18 inches tall by seven inches deep. A well-organized photographer's dream come true. Since we always want to lighten the loads on our backs and shoulders, a bag with excessive features might lose points in our overall ranking if those features start to add unnecessary weight. Ideal for quick trips, carryall mainstay Herschels travel-friendly messenger bag has two compartments with a number of zippered pockets, convenient storage areas, and a key clip. From rugged leather options, to laptop-friendly carryalls, weve rounded up the best messenger bags to get you through your commute. Ready to go backpacking? On the flip side, the Everyday Messenger has a plethora of pockets, slots, and storage options. Because there's no velcro, you will have to commit to clipping the magnetic buckles every time to keep the front flap secure (though you won't have to make a loud ripping sound every time you want to get inside). Tried and true, this bag has been around for decades for a reason. One reviewer used a similar model from Chrome as a daily commuter for well over a decade. With intuitive closure and strap tightening mechanisms, the Monty is one of the easiest to use bags in the review. We sprayed every bag with a garden hose, and the Stash stayed bone-dry inside. To keep up with the shifting needs of urban commuters, more and more bag companies offer backpacks, casual briefcases, or eclectic messenger-hybrids. 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. Buy: The slick CAM buckle system on the Classic eliminates loose dangling straps and allows for easy and quick adjustments. Water just slides off the impervious Stash. It has just enough pockets for easy organization without unnecessary extra storage features. An ambidextrous strap and magnetic buckles, which can be operated one-handed, make the Stash user-friendly and efficient to carry. For bike messengers, the volume, balance, and ease of access are critical. The Monty is just about as user-friendly as it gets. Buy: The padded laptop pocket is on the back of the bag, and there is a burly hood on the zipper, but the zipper is not waterproof. What good is a well-designed bag without longevity? 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. Style is not a metric in this review because it's so subjective. Read review: Peak Design Everyday Messenger. We take several months to test each of these bags. It all adds up to a very comfortable bag. 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. Cargo pockets don't perfectly accommodate a U-lock. A classic messenger bag that will keep up with your commute for years to come. Some are optimized for the body-positioning of being on a bike (as seen here), some can be worn around the waist, while still others are geared toward a one-shoulder carry while walking. We also meticulously examined each bag for any noticeable signs of wear and tear at the end of our multi-month testing period. The body-hugging design and vertical orientation of the bag are optimized for bike commuting, but it is comfortable to wear while walking or using public transit as well. We love it when a bag performs the basics easily and efficiently without going overboard. To honor the history of the messenger, we decided it was appropriate to rank Comfort as well as Packing and Organization as our two most important performance metrics.