Buying guide for best women’s messenger bags
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Finding the right everyday bag can be tricky — it should be spacious enough to fit everything you need to get through the day, comfortable to carry and still look stylish enough to take to work, school, lunch with friends and more. The best women’s messenger bags deliver all that in a compact design that won’t get in your way when you’re running around.
Messenger bags usually have a slim rectangular shape and a long shoulder strap. They typically hit at the hip and can be worn on one shoulder or across the body for more security. Most have a flap that covers their opening and buckle or clasp closures. Because of the design, they’re typically large enough to hold a laptop and often have other pockets and compartments to help organize your belongings. Women’s messenger bags are made from various materials, including canvas, leather, polyester, nylon and other synthetic fabrics, and range in style from rugged and casual to sleek and polished.
After researching the top women’s messenger bags, we’ve found the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag to be the best. It’s large enough to fit a 16-inch laptop, has a weatherproof exterior and offers plenty of interior pockets for organization. Made of recycled pre- and post-consumer materials, it’s an eco-friendly option, too.
Which women’s messenger bag is best?
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag
Best of the Best
Dimensions: 7.28” D x 13.4” W x 12.8” H | Material: Eco Cordura | Laptop Fit: Up to 16” | Water-resistant?: Yes
The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag features a thoughtful design and high-quality materials, making it a favorite of commuters, students and travelers alike. It’s large enough to accommodate a 16-inch laptop but also has pockets, sleeves and compartments for smaller items, so you can always find what you want. It even has dual water bottle pockets and a waterproof 70D TPU lining that resists moisture and protects your belongings.
The bag is made of Eco Cordura canvas, a sustainable fabric containing recycled nylon and polyester. Its exterior is durable enough to withstand all types of weather, and its reflective tabs ensure you’re visible after dark. It also earns high marks for comfort. It has a soft sateen strap with a foam pad that prevents it from digging into your shoulder. The strap’s aircraft-grade aluminum buckle makes adjustments easy, too, and the switchable design allows for right- or left-handed carry.
We also love this messenger bag’s simple, polished appearance because it’s perfect for everyday use. It comes in nine rich colors, including three that feature a tri-color palette. Timbuk2 stands behind its product, too, offering a lifetime warranty for any issues resulting from defects in the materials or craftsmanship.
Lenovo Laptop Bag T210
Great Value
Dimensions: 2.17” D x 16.15” W x 12.21” H | Material: Polyester | Laptop Fit: Up to 15.6” | Water-resistant?: Yes
Budget-minded shoppers won’t find a better value than the Lenovo Laptop Bag T210, which has a sleek, streamlined design at a fraction of the price of higher-end models. Made of polyester from 80% recycled materials, it has a water-repellent exterior perfect for all types of weather. The fabric is also very durable, so it can withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting.
Large enough to accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop, it offers a bunch of internal pockets for smaller items. The large exterior compartment offers easy access to must-have accessories, too. Best of all, the sides are padded, so your computer and other belongings are protected from any bumps or drops.
You’ll also appreciate how comfortable the bag is to carry. It’s extremely lightweight, weighing less than a pound empty. Its shoulder strap is adjustable to fit a range of people but can also be removed so you can carry it with the handles. It even has a luggage strap that lets you attach it to the handle on a rolling suitcase when traveling.
Osprey Daylite Messenger Bag
Best for Its Light Weight
Dimensions: 6.69” D x 11.81” W x 16.93” H | Material: Polyester | Laptop Fit: Up to 14” | Water-resistant?: Yes
If you’re looking for a bag that won’t weigh you down, the Osprey Daylite Messenger Bag is definitely worth considering. It’s made of lightweight polyester that’s still sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of daily use. The bag is large enough to hold a 14-inch laptop and has a front exterior pocket for convenient access, a stretch water bottle pocket, a zippered side pocket for small items and a key clip, so all your belongings stay organized.
You don’t have to worry about your items going missing, either. The secure flap closure has a buckle closure that offers anti-theft protection. The bag’s strap is adjustable, so you can wear it comfortably on your shoulder or across your body for added security. The strap is padded, too, keeping it from digging into your shoulder.
The Osprey Daylite has the classic, streamlined shape you’d expect from a messenger bag, but we love that it doesn’t just come in neutral shades like black and brown. You can also choose from richer jewel tones like turquoise and amber to liven up your everyday look.
Chrome Industries Kadet Max Messenger Bag
Best for Cyclists
Dimensions: 5.5” D x 16.5” W x 11.25” H | Material: Recycled Nylon and Polyester | Laptop Fit: Up to 15” | Water-resistant?: Yes
If you usually bike to school or the office, the Chrome Industries Kadet Max Messenger Bag may be your new best friend. It’s made of recycled nylon and polyester, which is water-resistant and holds up well to rain and snow. It’s also highly durable, so you don’t have to worry about it showing signs of wear and tear even when you wear it while biking.
The bag is perfectly sized. It isn’t too large to get in the way while biking or walking, but it’s still big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop in its padded sleeve. It also has a large main compartment inside, a water bottle pocket, two half-page pockets, two quarter-page pockets and two pen slots to keep all your belongings organized. It has a zippered exterior pocket, too, so you can keep items you need often within easy reach.
To keep the bag secured while you’re riding or walking, it even has a seatbelt buckle that holds it in place on your body. The buckle is easy to fasten and unfasten, too. If you want to carry this messenger bag in the traditional style, it also has a reversible shoulder strap for right- or left-side carrying.
LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag
Best Leather-Style Bag
Dimensions: 6” D x 16.7” W x 12.2” H | Material: PU Leather | Laptop Fit: Up to 15.6” | Water-resistant?: Yes
The LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag is a stylish option that offers the look of leather but with a budget-friendly vegan material. The PU material is water- and scratch-resistant and has a high-density lining to protect your belongings. It comes in more than 15 colors, too, so you can choose the perfect shade to complement your wardrobe, including bold options like indigo and red.
But this bag is about more than just looks. It’s large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop in a padded computer compartment and offers several other compartments, including a tablet pocket, a large main compartment, a large zippered pocket and a bottle pocket. It also comes with a clutch bag, which fits easily in the hand and can hold your phone, keys, credit cards, ID and other small items.
We also love how versatile this bag is. It has an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn across the body for more security. However, it also has top handles if you want to carry it like a briefcase. It has metal feet at its bottom, too, to protect it from direct contact with surfaces and incidental wear and tear when you set it down.
How we analyzed
At BestReviews, we’ve researched and analyzed hundreds of women’s purses and bags, including messenger bags. To find the best messenger bags, we considered customer reviews from online retailers to see which options offered the most space and the best organizational elements. We also examined which bags were the most durable for everyday use, most comfortable to wear and earned the most style points from users. Overall, we evaluated more than a dozen women’s messenger bags and chose our favorites based on material quality, capacity, organization, comfort and style.
Key features to consider
Size and organization
Size
Women’s messenger bags typically come in three sizes: small, medium and large. A bag’s size affects both how much it can hold and how comfortably it sits on your body.
- Small: Small messenger bags are usually between 10 and 12 inches. Most are fairly lightweight and comfortable to wear. Their smaller design means they’re best for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, notebook and pens. They generally aren’t large enough to fit a laptop, but many can accommodate a tablet. This size is best for cyclists.
- Medium: Medium messenger bags are generally between 13 and 15 inches. When in doubt, this is an ideal size because it offers a comfortable fit and a generous capacity. In addition to your everyday essentials, these bags are usually large enough to fit a small laptop and often have a water bottle pocket, too.
- Large: Large messenger bags are typically at least 16 inches in size. They usually have plenty of interior space, so they can fit even larger laptops. They can hold all your small essentials but also have space for notebooks, books and more. Some even have two water bottle pockets. However, larger messenger bags are often uncomfortable to carry because they’re heavier and bulkier. They are an especially poor choice for cyclists.
Exterior pockets
Many messenger bags have exterior pockets that provide easy access to items you reach for frequently. Some have a single large pocket, while others feature smaller pockets for specific items. For example, some bags have a pocket for your phone or one that easily holds a water bottle. Side exterior pockets are often ideal for rounded items, too, such as an umbrella.
Interior organization
Messenger bags usually feature multiple compartments and/or pockets to help organize your belongings. A laptop sleeve or pocket is essential if you use the bag for work or school. You can find bags with padded laptop sleeves, which help protect your computer from accidental bumps or drops.
Additionally, a messenger bag may have a main zippered compartment that can secure items like your wallet. You’ll usually find some smaller interior pockets, too, which are ideal for items like your keys, glasses or lip balm. Some messenger bags even have interior loops to hold pens or pencils.
Our top picks: Size and organization
- Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: This medium-sized bag is large enough to hold a laptop, but users appreciate that it has extra capacity for books and other items on top of a computer.
- Lenovo Laptop Bag T210: This bag can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches in a dedicated pocket that helps organize the rest of your belongings. It also has plenty of exterior pockets for smaller items like your keys.
- Osprey Daylite Messenger Bag: With a 13-liter capacity, this messenger bag fits laptops up to 14 inches. Users also appreciate the convenient water bottle pocket and other compartments that make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
- Chrome Industries Kadet Max Messenger Bag: Despite its compact size that fits easily under airplane seats, this bag can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches. It also has several interior pockets, including a water bottle pocket, that users find make organization easier.
- LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag: Users love how roomy this bag is and appreciate the variety of internal pockets for notebooks and other items. Its two water bottle pockets are especially popular.
Material
Exterior
Traditionally, the exteriors of most messenger bags were made of canvas. These days, though, you can find them in various materials. Some materials are more durable, others are lighter and easier to carry and still others are more stylish. Ultimately, choosing the right exterior material depends on how you plan to use your bag.
- Polyester: This fabric is an excellent option for messenger bags because it is durable enough to withstand wear and tear. It’s also water-resistant, making it ideal for all types of weather. Additionally, polyester messenger bags are usually lightweight, so they’re comfortable to carry. They are typically pretty casual-looking, though, so they may not suit all occasions and style preferences.
- Nylon: Like polyester bags, nylon messenger bags are highly durable. They are usually rip- and tear-resistant and are even more water-resistant than polyester. Nylon is still a lightweight material, though, so these bags are comfortable to carry, too. Keep in mind that nylon messenger bags typically have a sportier, more casual look, so they may not be the best choice for the office or other occasions when you want to look more professional.
- Canvas or waxed canvas: Canvas messenger bags are rugged and durable, holding up well to everyday use. They’re usually not as light as polyester or nylon bags, though, and don’t have any water resistance. If you want a weatherproof bag, opt for waxed canvas instead. Its canvas is infused with wax to not only make it more durable but also water-resistant. However, the one drawback to waxed canvas is that it’s heavier than regular canvas.
- Vegan leather: Vegan leather messenger bags, usually made of plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), have the polished look of genuine leather bags but at a fraction of the price. Vegan leather also offers excellent water resistance, making it ideal for all types of weather. However, while it is a cruelty-free option, it isn’t necessarily eco-friendly. It isn’t as durable as genuine leather, either.
- Full-grain leather: Leather messenger bags usually earn the highest style marks for their sleek, polished appearance. They are also durable, resisting signs of wear and tear even when worn daily. Leather can be treated to offer better weather resistance, too. Unfortunately, leather messenger bags are usually expensive, so they won’t fit all budgets. They require more maintenance than other bags, too, and aren’t naturally water-resistant. They also pose ethical concerns for those uncomfortable with using animal products.
Liner material
Because the exterior materials for women’s messenger bags can vary in how water-resistant they are, many bags have liners that help protect your belongings from moisture. If you want a waterproof bag, look for options with a nylon lining. Nylon typically offers the best water resistance among liners and won’t add much weight to the bag. Polyester is another effective lining material because it’s water-resistant and easy to clean.
Our top picks: Material
- Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: Users love this bag’s durable, water-resistant exterior material, which is still lightweight enough for comfortable carrying. The bag’s waterproof lining also earns rave reviews.
- Lenovo Laptop Bag T210: This bag’s polyester exterior feels sturdy and well-made, but its ability to repel water is its main selling point since users find it gives them peace of mind about the safety of their belongings.
- Osprey Daylite Messenger Bag: Made of 100% recycled polyester, this bag’s exterior resists wear and tear, even when used daily. Users also love how lightweight it feels.
- Chrome Industries Kadet Max Messenger Bag: Users praise this messenger bag’s heavy-duty, hard-wearing recycled nylon and polyester exterior. It’s also water resistant, which makes it ideal for all types of weather.
- LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag: This bag’s faux leather is extremely soft, so it feels like genuine leather to many users. It’s also very sturdy and holds its shape well.
Additional features
Closures
A messenger bag should have strong, durable closures to secure your belongings. Most bags have zippers, buckles or a combination of the two to keep the items in your bag contained.
The best bags have smooth-gliding metal zippers and metal buckles, which are durable and less likely to break. However, you may find plastic zippers and buckles on more affordable bags. Unfortunately, plastic closures can crack and break pretty easily, so they aren’t the best choice if you use your messenger bag daily.
Shoulder strap
A messenger bag’s shoulder strap is one of its most important features because it affects how comfortable the bag is.
Look for a bag with an adjustable strap, so you can figure out the best length for your height and body type. If you’re taller, pay careful attention to the strap’s length to ensure it will rest at your hip area and not higher up on the body. In addition to adjusting the length, some bags have straps that can be worn on the right or left side to ensure the most comfortable position.
You’ll also want to consider the strap’s width to ensure that the bag’s weight is distributed evenly across your body. Wider straps typically do a better job of distributing the bag’s weight. The best messenger bags also feature padding on the strap to keep it from digging into your shoulder and causing discomfort.
Colors and prints
Messenger bags come in various colors, but you’ll typically find most in neutral shades, such as black, brown, gray and beige. These bags are usually best for everyday use because they will pair well with any outfit. If you don’t want to worry about your bag showing dirt, darker colors like black, brown and navy also do a better job of hiding stains.
However, if you prefer to make a bolder statement, you can find some women’s messenger bags in fun colors, such as red, purple or green. Some are even available in multicolor prints that will get you noticed.
Our top picks: Additional features
- Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: This bag’s shoulder strap has sturdy, durable padding that can be removed, which users love. However, some complain that the strap gets twisted pretty easily.
- Lenovo Laptop Bag T210: Users love this bag’s comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap because it distributes its weight so well. They aren’t fans of its plastic clasp, though, which comes undone easily.
- Osprey Daylite Messenger Bag: This bag’s adjustable strap makes it a favorite of even taller users. Users also love its substantial padding.
- Chrome Industries Kadet Max Messenger Bag: The heavy-duty zippers feature waterproofing that keeps your items truly protected from moisture. Users are disappointed that the adjustable strap isn’t reversible, though.
- LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag: This bag’s strap is thinner than most but still does a good job balancing the weight, even when full.
FAQ
How much does a messenger bag cost?
A. Messenger bags vary in price based on the size, materials and other features. Affordable bags, usually made from lower-grade nylon or polyester and featuring a simple design, typically cost between $20 and $60.
Mid-range bags typically feature more durable, water-resistant nylon and polyester or vegan leather and offer more compartments and pockets for organization. These generally range from $70 to $150.
High-end messenger bags typically feature premium materials like full-grain leather or the highest-grade nylon. They also feature top-notch designs, with plenty of pockets and compartments for organization, and high-quality metal hardware. These bags usually cost between $150 and $500.
How much weight can a messenger bag hold?
A. It depends on the size and construction of the bag. Smaller messenger bags typically hold between 7 and 10 liters, while midsize bags can support 10 to 18 liters. The largest messenger bags can generally support 20 liters and up.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered home, kitchen and lifestyle products for BestReviews for eight years. She has written more than 100 articles on vacuums, countertop appliances, luggage sets, handbags and more. She currently uses a leather tote bag as her everyday bag, but her favorite bag in college was a canvas messenger bag that survived four years of lugging around plenty of heavy books.
