The top messenger bags for males are fashionable, long-lasting, and efficiently arranged.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Here is our list of the best messenger bags for guys, including Timbuk2, Citizen’s Chrome, and other budget-friendly alternatives. We did research on different materials and styles for various use cases. The right messenger bag for you depends on what you plan to carry – whether it’s a coffee shop or work essentials, gym clothes, a book, iPad, or laptop.
What You’ll Place Inside It
Are small keys or coins more secure in a zipped pocket compared to a button pocket? Should you have at least one or some of these pockets on the exterior of the bag for convenient access? Do you plan to store numerous small items such as headphones, carabiners, or keys that necessitate multiple compartments? Therefore, before purchasing a messenger bag solely for its aesthetic appeal, take some time to consider the practicality of what you will actually be carrying. It is important to note that not all messenger bags are made equal.
Do you want to consider whether this bag is waterproof or water-resistant, so that you can carry it in any weather? It may be easier to keep your bag organized if there is a separate laptop sleeve, and even if there is space in the main compartment, you may choose to throw your laptop into it.
How You Will Utilize It
The Pacsafe anti-theft bag was not designed for comfortable fitting around your torso while riding a bike. Similarly, this bag is not well-suited for the boardroom, especially in terms of aesthetic and style. Citizen Chrome, a brand that specializes in hardcore bike messenger bags, offers a great variety of bags that cater to different needs. However, for a specific purpose, the Chrome Citizen messenger bag is our top pick overall. On the other hand, there are other messenger bags for men that may be better suited for specific purposes. Some of the best men’s messenger bags are multipurpose, making them perfect for running to the gym, going to work, or even having a quick meeting at a coffee shop after a full day at the office.
How You’ll Style It
If you’re someone who likes to switch things up and appreciates a bag that can be carried or held in multiple ways, you may also find it convenient to have an extended strap to wear the bag over your shoulder, your hip, or even as a sling bag usually worn over your chest. Additionally, it may make the bag more comfortable to wear if it has a supportive chest strap and a handle for carrying when traveling. However, you might really love wearing your messenger bag in a particular way, say slung over your shoulder, hung down by your hip, or even like a backpack over your upper back.
Your Physique
If you have broad shoulders, you may want to consider a messenger bag with a long enough strap to comfortably go across your body and sling over your shoulder. Similarly, if you have a wide chest, you’ll want a messenger bag that has a strap long enough to securely fasten it in the front, so you won’t have to struggle to get it on and off over your head and arm.
What is the Distinction Between a Messenger Bag and a Briefcase-Style Bag?
Both the “briefcase-style” messenger bags and the “messenger-style” messenger bags essentially serve different purposes, with an oversized bag that can be worn cross-body or as a single strap, or a more masculine version of a purse. Although they are often referred to as messenger bags, these two styles actually serve different purposes.
The main differences in the design details, such as pockets and clasps, can be found on the back panel of messenger bags. These bags prioritize stability and comfort by having streamlined pockets and quick-release buckles instead of finicky buttons or clasps. They are worn on the back, sitting high as opposed to lower on the hip, so that bulky items can fit in them and they can be worn for long periods of time while biking.
When walking with this bag, the top-grab handles and comfortable straps are designed for resting on the back or hip. They are also useful for biking. Additionally, this bag has more compartments for storing small items and built-in laptop sleeves. Compared to other handbags, briefcase-style bags tend to have more rigid back panels.
Is Waterproofing Necessary for a Messenger Bag?
If you’re using an actual waterproof messenger bag, you’ll want to invest in a waterproof bag to ensure that your other important items such as your wallet, headphones, and laptop stay dry. You say you live in a commuter-friendly area like New York City, where you tend to walk a lot, but even if you’re only walking with your messenger bag, you may find yourself riding in the rain. So, yes, your bag needs to be waterproof.
You may not have any problem with water resistance if you usually walk from your house to the driveway, then from the car to the office. However, if you think you might find yourself in light rain for short periods, it would probably not be suitable. Messenger bags are less likely to be waterproof because they focus more on fashion and style, and they are intended for office or casual use. Many briefcase-style messenger bags are well-designed and high-quality.
Which Bag Characteristics Are the Most Crucial?
How you choose to bike depends on how essential it is to ride through the street, but if necessary, many proper bike messenger bags come with bike-friendly features like reflective straps.
Instead, even if it entails acquiring a suitable backpack instead, you might consider giving priority to locating a bag with one, if that is the type of assistance you require. Messenger bags usually do not have waist support straps, but they assist in distributing the weight if you usually carry a heavy bag or if you experience neck, shoulder, or back discomfort. Likewise, stabilizing and chest-support straps are not consistently provided in messenger bags.
Why Have Confidence in Forbes Vetted
We, as consumers, have high standards when it comes to how we shop, what we buy, and our tendencies towards obsession and pickiness. The team at Vetted Forbes, consisting of researchers and writers, has published and tested many articles on men’s fashion, covering everything from the most comfortable dress shoes to the best wallets available.
Based on our extensive knowledge of the fashion industry, we have tested various top products and trusted brands to identify the best messenger bags for men, depending on the different sizes, materials, and styles needed. This story is regularly updated for accuracy and was last edited in June 2023.
How We Select the Top Messenger Bags for Men
We looked at dozens of customer reviews firsthand and checked prices to determine which bags would be the best investments to organize and store one’s belongings comfortably. We considered each model and selected messenger bags.
To ensure that you can test out these messenger bags without any risk, it is important to make the best purchase. We have made sure that all the bags are available from reliable retailers with favorable return policies. Instead of overspending, you should aim to find a stylish and sophisticated messenger bag that meets your needs. Durability was also a top priority, so we have checked for adjustable straps, resilient buckles, and high-quality materials such as polyester, PVC, and leather. Our goal is for you to hold onto a messenger bag for a few years without any issues.