Compare Top 5 Messenger Bags<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Honorable Mentions<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"Rothco](\"https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/5dfa8e7dd3b6cd00083b528f\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-Rothco-Canvas-Source-Rothco.jpg\"\/)
<\/picture><\/span><\/div>\nCourtesy of Rothco<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nRothco Classic Canvas Messenger Bag for $33<\/a>:<\/strong> Made of simple, humble canvas, with just three pockets and a zippered pouch, this messenger bag is as straightforward as they come. It’s inexpensive and lightweight, and it’ll last you a really long time. I’ve had one since 2006, and while the color has faded a little, there are no holes or rips. Even with my stable of more expensive bags, I often pick this one up because it’s not structured, and when carrying a light load, it’s pretty thin and light. It’s not a good choice if you need something water-resistant, though, as the canvas soaks up water like a sponge.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nBillingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag for $330<\/a>:<\/strong> Billingham bags have something of a reputation among photographers. These slick and stylish shoulder bags are renowned for their durability, understated style, and lifetime warranties. They aren’t just for cameras, though. The Hadley 2020, in particular, is a perfect midsize bag that can fit a 15-inch laptop with ease, along with other essentials. It features two front pockets and a water-resistant exterior so it can withstand the elements. For more camera bags, read our guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nPeak Design Field Pouch V2 for $50<\/a>:<\/strong> This compact organizer excels in its role as a small everyday-carry bag for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s weatherproof and doesn’t soak up water even when you’re out in a rainstorm. Second, the horizontal orientation and slim profile make it a surprisingly spacious but ultra-low-profile bag to carry around. It’s big enough for a smartphone, wallet, and small camera, plus it comes with Peak Design’s signature seatbelt-fabric-style strap, making it easy to sling around your body.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"EDC](\"https:\/\/media.wired.com\/photos\/61310c07c512925d594a1f2f\/master\/w_1600%2Cc_limit\/Gear-EDC-Two-src-Savage-Industries.jpg\"\/)
<\/picture><\/span><\/div>\nCourtesy of Savage Industries<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\nSavage Industries EDC TWO for $160<\/a>:<\/strong> I was a fan of Savage Industries’ EDC One bag<\/a>, but even I had to admit it was a little too big and bulky for me. Then the EDC Two came out. This is essentially a smaller version of the original, which makes it much comfier to wear for long periods (even when it’s filled to the brim with farmer’s market produce). The top opens up like an old-timey doctor’s bag, revealing the entire interior, so you never have to dig around for things.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nThe lining of the black version of the bag is a gorgeous high-vis orange that makes it easy to spot any small items that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. Its generous size and tough, utilitarian design make it a great pick for makers, or for anyone who needs a hybrid toolbox and shoulder bag.<\/p>\n
Waterfield Designs Shinjuku Messenger Bag for $229<\/a>:<\/strong> WaterField\u2019s Shinjuku messenger bag was designed with the iPad in mind, and it shows. The interior pocket fits the iPad Pro 11 with a little room to spare, offers a spacious central pocket, and the lid flap seals with a magnetic closure. The thing that makes it a great bag for the iPad, though, is its size. It’s not just small\u2014there are a lot of bags that are small and can fit an iPad\u2014but this one gives your iPad room to breathe without feeling over- or undersized.<\/p>\nSmall bags can feel tight with an iPad stuffed in there along with other accessories like a power cord, Apple Pencil, phone, and other everyday carry items. Others can feel way too big, like your iPad is swimming around loose inside a massive bag that feels awkward to carry around with you everywhere. The canvas option uses the X11 fabric from X-Pac, a high-tech canvas with an interior structure and a PFAS-free, durable water-resistant coating. It’s durable, scuff-resistant, and surprisingly water-resistant. It held up to some heavy Seattle rain and kept everything inside nice and dry.<\/p>\n
<\/picture><\/span><\/div>\nCourtesy of Rothco<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n Rothco Classic Canvas Messenger Bag for $33<\/a>:<\/strong> Made of simple, humble canvas, with just three pockets and a zippered pouch, this messenger bag is as straightforward as they come. It’s inexpensive and lightweight, and it’ll last you a really long time. I’ve had one since 2006, and while the color has faded a little, there are no holes or rips. Even with my stable of more expensive bags, I often pick this one up because it’s not structured, and when carrying a light load, it’s pretty thin and light. It’s not a good choice if you need something water-resistant, though, as the canvas soaks up water like a sponge.<\/p>\n Billingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag for $330<\/a>:<\/strong> Billingham bags have something of a reputation among photographers. These slick and stylish shoulder bags are renowned for their durability, understated style, and lifetime warranties. They aren’t just for cameras, though. The Hadley 2020, in particular, is a perfect midsize bag that can fit a 15-inch laptop with ease, along with other essentials. It features two front pockets and a water-resistant exterior so it can withstand the elements. For more camera bags, read our guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Peak Design Field Pouch V2 for $50<\/a>:<\/strong> This compact organizer excels in its role as a small everyday-carry bag for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s weatherproof and doesn’t soak up water even when you’re out in a rainstorm. Second, the horizontal orientation and slim profile make it a surprisingly spacious but ultra-low-profile bag to carry around. It’s big enough for a smartphone, wallet, and small camera, plus it comes with Peak Design’s signature seatbelt-fabric-style strap, making it easy to sling around your body.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Savage Industries<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n Savage Industries EDC TWO for $160<\/a>:<\/strong> I was a fan of Savage Industries’ EDC One bag<\/a>, but even I had to admit it was a little too big and bulky for me. Then the EDC Two came out. This is essentially a smaller version of the original, which makes it much comfier to wear for long periods (even when it’s filled to the brim with farmer’s market produce). The top opens up like an old-timey doctor’s bag, revealing the entire interior, so you never have to dig around for things.<\/p>\n The lining of the black version of the bag is a gorgeous high-vis orange that makes it easy to spot any small items that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. Its generous size and tough, utilitarian design make it a great pick for makers, or for anyone who needs a hybrid toolbox and shoulder bag.<\/p>\n Waterfield Designs Shinjuku Messenger Bag for $229<\/a>:<\/strong> WaterField\u2019s Shinjuku messenger bag was designed with the iPad in mind, and it shows. The interior pocket fits the iPad Pro 11 with a little room to spare, offers a spacious central pocket, and the lid flap seals with a magnetic closure. The thing that makes it a great bag for the iPad, though, is its size. It’s not just small\u2014there are a lot of bags that are small and can fit an iPad\u2014but this one gives your iPad room to breathe without feeling over- or undersized.<\/p>\n Small bags can feel tight with an iPad stuffed in there along with other accessories like a power cord, Apple Pencil, phone, and other everyday carry items. Others can feel way too big, like your iPad is swimming around loose inside a massive bag that feels awkward to carry around with you everywhere. The canvas option uses the X11 fabric from X-Pac, a high-tech canvas with an interior structure and a PFAS-free, durable water-resistant coating. It’s durable, scuff-resistant, and surprisingly water-resistant. It held up to some heavy Seattle rain and kept everything inside nice and dry.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/span><\/div>\n