This is why these bags did not fare as well in this metric. The messenger is a bag for many traveler types, from the urban athlete to the reluctant business person. The floating tarp liner on the inside also allows you to further separate items in your bag, so you can stash a wet rain jacket in your bag without it soaking through to your laptop. 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. The result is a diverse selection of options that are excellent in different ways for carrying your tools comfortably and safely around town and beyond. The material is both weather-resistant and durable, while the interior laptop compartment is fully waterproof. Our Wirecutter testers also noted that the straps base is located on the back of the bag, which causes the Kinsale to tilt forward slightly when its resting on your body. 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. 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. In our initial rounds of testing, we asked a few essential questions: how does this bag feel on the back and shoulders? One caveat about the messenger bag: Shoulder bags can be bad for your back. Get this if: You need an inexpensive messenger bag that has a classic look and a variety of useful features for organizing everything you carry. Water just slides off the impervious Stash. However, there is a strong argument to be made for the statement you make with your bag. On top of that, it has several pockets well-poised to stash your chargers and other smaller electronics. Why its great: The Knomo Kinsale is an elegant leather option for half the price of many other similarly constructed bags. And you will need to arrange and pay for shipping the bag to the companys repair facility; the cost will vary, depending on where youre shipping from and what service you use. What good is a well-designed bag without longevity? If youre riding with this bag on your back for a long time, you want those pads to feel secure and, most importantly, comfortable. It's great for those that like the option of carrying their belongings on one shoulder for short distances or cinching everything up securely across the body for longer trips. To keep your life organized, the bag has a 13-inch laptop sleeve, as well as smaller pockets for various personal items. We sprayed every bag with a garden hose, and the Stash stayed bone-dry inside. Jordan Bowman is a photography, music, and fashion enthusiast who has a tendency to make hip-hop references. The Monty has a fully waterproof pocket for up to a 15" laptop, though this pocket isn't padded. Much of this is a personal preference, but if you spend more time walking around than biking, ergonomic considerations such as these are essential to consider. After that, we considered the various design features of each model and paid attention to whether they helped or hindered overall comfort. It doesnt hold shape very well, falling into a more frumpy, lumpy look when packed with any assortment of belongings. Just watch out for your prankster friends who might try to push the button while you aren't paying attention. Chrome and Mission Workshop soared above the competition in this category. The strap on the Stash is simple to tighten and loosen. Jordan traditionally kept his bags more orderly, and Haley chaotically threw her life into hers. 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. But what struck us most was how everything seemed to fit just so. The only reason it didn't earn full marks in this category is that it doesn't have a waterproof zipper. 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. In the 80s, this style was updated, adjusted, and reappropriated for bicycle messengers, and the category has since exploded. This is the best, most affordable leather bag we tested, with its full-grain leather, organized interior, and lengthy straps. Why its great: The Waterfield Executive Leather Messenger is a beautifully designed bag, allowing everything you place inside to line up perfectly symmetricallylike a scene from a Wes Anderson film. 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. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. 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. Based on that array of needs, we decided to order the bags by: This left us with 18 bags to test, each fitting into one of the specific categories above and having some combination of the desired features. 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. All of that aside, if you value durability and weather resistance in a bike-friendly design that provides some of the best protection for your electronics, then this is the bag for you. The Buran boasts incredibly durable 1050d nylon fabric, a tarpaulin lining, and impressive construction. Luckily, the stabilizing strap would act as a backup if that happened, Dimensions: 13 by 22 by 7 inchesMaterials: tarp and nylonCrossbody strap length: 35 inchesWeight: 2.8 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: variations of Black, Gray, Camouflage, Tan. 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. in Environmental Politics at Colorado State University, so she is no stranger to riding her bicycle in inclement weather while commuting to class. We also found that some of the other color options looked radically different compared with the black leather; they looked more rugged and less appealing, but functionally the bag itself was the same. The Buran has the classic Chrome seat-belt-style buckle on the shoulder strap. The Mission Workshop Monty is a great weatherproof messenger bag with quality construction and intuitive design. Got feedback? If simple, straightforward, and affordable are critical points in your bag search, this is a definite contender. We also meticulously examined each bag for any noticeable signs of wear and tear at the end of our multi-month testing period. A laptop sleeve will protect your computer as you move from place to place without a bagand weve found fantastic sleeves in a variety of styles. A well-designed bag will enable straightforward organization without the user having to overthink anything. With its weather-proofing and reflective material, the BaileyWorks Super Pro seemed like it could be a good option for bikers, but in the end it was too flimsy to really even be in the running. 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. As we biked, we took notes of the carrying comfort of a variety of load types and weights. 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. The Velcro was a little too much for Haley when she commuted by subway, since it was difficult to unstick and was pretty loud once it did. For headphones, a notebook, or other small knickknacks, the Monty bag also has two small cargo pocket sections. The Buran III also earned top marks in this category because it can accommodate up to a 17" laptop the largest in our review. There are very few downsides with the Buran III, and for the right person, these might be inconsequential. And the strap is padded on both ends. The combination of zippers, velcro, and plastic buckles means there aren't any over-designed features for opening or closing the bags. We appreciated being able to adjust the bag depending on the situation, and this made the Monty bag seem much more adaptable. Chrome has a reputation for long-lived bags, and the Chrome Citizen has a lifetime warranty. With intuitive closure and strap tightening mechanisms, the Monty is one of the easiest to use bags in the review. The modern messenger bag has evolved dramatically from the original 1950s design. The strap lacks the bulk of a shoulder pad, so its not ideal for really heavy loads. The straps are easy to use, the pocket options are numerous, and the robust material is water-resistant. The Burley Transit is another solid option for packing and organization. This design provided powerline workers with easy access to their tools, and, in more modern times, became a popular design for bike messengers. On top of it all, the Classic is available in four different sizes, all at very reasonable price points. Despite its trimmer build, the Kinsale also features a snug laptop pocket, organizational compartments, and overall good structure. The Monty boasts a similarly rugged 1000d nylon fabric with a tarp liner for weather protection and durability. All of the bags pockets are protected by one large flap that both Velcroes and buckles shut. It has one of Chrome's iconic seatbelt buckles for easy on and off, and an easily accessible pocket for your U-lock under the front flap. For the right person or photographer, this bag is an exceptional option. Our testers wore them on foot, bike, and while riding public transit to see and feel firsthand how each performed. 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. Get this if: Youre searching for a leather messenger that you can keep for years to come, and you need something that fits in with stylish or professional environments.Maximum laptop size: 16 inches. This makes putting it on and taking it off - without messing up your hair or losing your hat and glasses - an absolute breeze. Sometimes our guides are best written by enthusiasts, and other times skeptics uncover more useful perspectives on a product. 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. *At the time of publishing, the price was $250. We were both pretty set on backpacks for our day-to-day commutes, switching it up occasionallyHaley with her Kate Spade tote bag, when she was feeling fancy, and Jordan with his media totes on a weekend stroll. Theres an internal zippered pocket that can fit a 13-inch laptop, or a small tablet and a book. Our pick for a sleek and stylish commute, the Rains Commuter Bag, recently underwent a redesign. This ratio is a simple calculation of volume (liters) divided by weight (pounds). The Stash has two padded electronics pockets - one is fully waterproof and the other is a padded sleeve just in front of that. Among the many storage features in the Everyday Messenger, there is a zippered pocket with slots for camera batteries and memory cards. However, the Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag lived up to its reputation, standing out from the rest because of its great weight distribution, comfortable shoulder strap, and organizational features. However, bear in mind, some features that add to functionality, organization, or comfort can add extra weight to the bag without translating to unnecessary weight on your back. Dimensions: 10 by 16 by 2 inchesMaterials: waxed canvasCrossbody strap length: 60 inchesWeight: 1.9 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: Navy, Brown. If youre someone who needs a little bit more organization, this bag may not be the one for you. The bags canvas exterior is weather-resistant and durable, due to the tight canvas weave. 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. We traveled both long and short distances with each one, literally taking trains, planes, and automobiles. 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. 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). But the Martel Messenger isnt as waterproof as some other bags we tested, like the Chrome, Mission Workshops The Monty, or the Rains. This doesnt hinder the use of the bag, but some found it to be a little awkward. This model is essentially two bags a liner and a durable outer shell which ensures excellent weather resistance and stellar durability, though it does add some weight. It may be safe to say weve drunk the Chrome Kool-Aid. This high-quality bag features excellent craftsmanship while managing to remain relatively lightweight. This iconic Timbuk2 bag is popular for a reason - it is affordable, durable, weather-resistant, and reasonably comfortable. The Mission Workshop Monty and the Peak Design Everyday Messenger performed well in this category for opposite reasons. The pockets and storage are well-conceived and easy to use. The Waterfield Executive also comes in two sizes: full and compact. The Monty is simple, straightforward, and intuitive. Its safe to say that when we first began writing this guide, neither of usJordan Bowman and Haley Spranklewere on the messenger-bag bandwagon. Additionally, you'll find slots for travel mugs and water bottles, electronic cord storage, and zippered pockets to secure your wallet and phone. Today, however, things have changed dramatically, and most manufacturers have evolved with the times to fit people's needs. The Monty is the only bag that gives you the option of closing it as a roll-top or with a traditional flap, depending on how much space you need. 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. Plus, the thick, almost rubber-like materials add structure to the bag, giving your stuff a little extra protection from the elements. To keep up with the shifting needs of urban commuters, more and more bag companies offer backpacks, casual briefcases, or eclectic messenger-hybrids. When testing, Haleys sister observed that the black-on-black accents made this bag acceptable to wear with an Air Force uniform (PDF)something many bags are not. Like the Chrome Citizen, the Monty bag has a stabilizing strap to keep the bag cinched high and tight against your back when youre biking or on the move. The combination of structure and padded sleeve should leave you feeling secure that your laptop is in good hands or pockets. Despite the noisy closure, Mission Workshops The Monty inevitably makes up for that small issue with its comfortable padding, roomy main compartments, and versatile closure options. Some found the yellow accent on the inside of the black Kinsale to be gauche, but others liked the stark contrast. Get this if: You want a refined, waterproof messenger bag. 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. If you are in search of the perfect travel backpack, then We spent hundreds of days testing 15 of the best Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women of 2022. The thin, clipped-on straps provided very little support, making our day-to-day commutes unnecessarily painful. The bag just felt too complicated for how minimal it initially seemed. And it wont end up looking overstuffed just because you decided to throw a sweater inside. 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. Plus, who doesnt like a little wabi-sabi, the Japanese theory of accepting and embracing imperfection. The Especial Stash offers an assortment of great features for easy and intuitive packing, including a brightly colored interior for added visibility. Add to that a sensible design without any flimsy components or materials, and you have a bag that is not only affordable but will last a long time. 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. Well test the new version as soon as possible. The Kinsales strap length comes in at 59 inches, allowing you to more easily find a length that suits you. The winner is the Timbuk2 Classic, followed closely by the Granville and the Especial Stash. 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. Although you should always consult the particular regulations of your own armed forces branch before purchasing a bag, its nice to find a stylish and well-made one that may fit the bill. This bags minimalist look allows it to fit a wide range of occasions, whether you need it to be a chic accessory or an essential tech carrier. The Monty is made with a durable 1000d nylon fabric that is coupled with a weather-proof liner. The messenger, as we tend to think of it, has its roots firmly planted in powerline worker's bags from the 1950s. The Classic is made from a TPU-lined Cordura fabric which, like the models above, makes it weather-resistant and very durable. Backpacks are more ergonomic than either of those, because they split the load over both shoulders. For those who think a backpack makes them look like a child and a briefcase makes them look like a corporate stooge (we tend to disagree on both counts), a messenger bag could be just the thing. GearLab is reader-supported. 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. It is designed with an emphasis on ease of use, comfort, and rugged durability. The Executive Leather bag is made of a smooth, thick, full-grain leather that felt more resilient than that of the Knomo Kinsale. After an hourlong commute, Jordan said the Monty bags pad made him feel like someone had attached a cloud to his shoulder. She is working on her PhD. In the end, we decided on eight bags, with two in each category. The full-grain leather, uniform design, and slim profile make it more adaptable to traditional business environments while still feeling modern. In the case of this bag, the inner dividers are optimized for camera equipment, though they can be creatively used for almost anything. The Kadet Sling has ample shoulder padding, and an ergonomic design, making for an impressively comfortable bag on or off the bike. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Haley found the structured build to be a little irritating against her petite (120 pounds) frame. The Buran III and the Monty are also notable here. This bag has a padded and fully waterproof laptop compartment. Outside of school, she spends the majority of her time climbing alpine granite and sandstone splitters in the desert. Dimensions: 15 inches by 12 inches by 5 inchesMaterials: canvas, vegan leather, nylonCrossbody strap length: 50 inchesWeight: 1.55 lbsWarranty: 1 yearColors: Black, Olive, Chili Matte, Nickel. Dimensions: 11.8 by 16 by 4.7 inchesMaterials: 50 percent polyurethane, 50 percent polyesterCrossbody strap length: 45 inchesWeight: 1.77 poundsWarranty: two yearsColors: Black, Charcoal. If youve ever been biking with a messenger bag on your back and struggled with it slipping forward, this strap will prevent that. With this in mind (combined with what we knew about how uncomfortable it can be to carry a bag on your shoulder all day), we searched for (but didnt solely limit ourselves to) bags that: While chatting with others, we also came to realize that not everyones messenger bag needs are the same. The top scores in this metric go to a solid group of bags that, in most respects, also excel in our other testing categories. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Youll have to be mindful of the loudest Velcro sounds ever created when you open this bag. Your keys just happen to hang on the metal key fob off to the side, your pen can fit perfectly into one of two designated slots, and your tablet has its own mini padded compartment. Mary is a lifelong bike commuter who lived without a car for over a decade. If you're looking for an outstanding bag with a ton of features, perhaps you're okay paying more for it. 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. The tapered shape also isn't as conducive to sitting upright when set down on the ground. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. We categorized the most important messenger bag performance features into a series of rating metrics and developed a specific testing protocol for each one. 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. The bags interior is a smooth, gold-colored liner, which makes your gear easier to findand also makes it feel a little like its being hugged by Big Bird. Making this bag a great option for both cycling and walking around town. It is the heaviest of the bags in our review, but with the comfort and high ease of use it provides, it doesn't feel heavy while wearing. The Granville is highly comfortable because you can customize the fit, and it is well padded, supple, and hugs the body while you ride. With its more-structured build, the Martel bag resembles the classic camera bags of yore, while also offering a simpler, modern look and the laptop compartment you need. Peak Design is a company that prides itself on designing user-friendly products for carrying camera equipment and electronics with ease. Though the shape and design of messenger bags have evolved and expanded dramatically over the years, the original concept remains the same. For bike messengers, the volume, balance, and ease of access are critical. The Kinsale is backed by a two-year warranty, which is on the low end for a messenger bag. 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. The Vitesse Cycling Musette is a comfortable bag that makes up for its lack of features with a simple, straightforward design and a vintage aesthetic. Dimensions: 10 by 16 by 5 inchesMaterials: nylonCrossbody strap length: 40 inchesWeight: 2 poundsWarranty: lifetimeColors: Gray, Navy, Black, Olive, Red. A large zippered external pocket with a key clip is great for fast access to essentials, and the inside offers just the right amount of options for electronics and small items without going overboard. We hope this review has helped direct you to the best bag for your daily gear. Its style is deceiving at first. Why its great: This bag is a cult classic among bike riders and messenger-bag enthusiasts alike. The mesh part in the middle of the bag seemed to serve little purpose and only altered the overall silhouette of it. Mounts easily onto luggage trolley handle. 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. When testing the bag in our office, biker extraordinaire and appliance expert Tim Heffernan noted that someone could potentially apply enough pressure to dislodge the buckle, sending their belongings straight to the ground. These bags sit horizontally on your back and are more rectangular, with less tapering near the base of the bag. Some other great options include the Mission Workshop Monty, the Burley Transit, and the Peak Design Everyday Messenger. If you prefer the comfort of a less bike-specific shape, then the Timbuk2 Classic or the Peak Design Everyday Messenger are both excellent options. The lighter interior does enable you to find stuff inside more easily, but it will also show dirt. For example, we tested Packing and Organization while subjecting each bag to a consistent "test load." 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 Monty Bag has a more streamlined shape than similar bags made by Chrome, and its minimal design is perfect for the biker who wants a less-intense messenger bag. Thankfully, the flap is also long enough that it fully covers the entire bag, so the inside is less exposed than you might thinka pickpocket would have to lift the whole flap to get in. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). Get this if: You want a structured bag and appreciate a vintage-influenced aesthetic. 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. Mission Workshops The Monty comes with a lifetime warrantywhich, as with most bags, doesnt cover wear and tear. Flaws but not dealbreakers: During our panel test with fellow Wirecutter staffers, some noted that they didnt like the brighter-colored interior of the Kinsale. If you dont want to be constantly opening the entire bag, theres also a hidden zippered side pocket, which you can stuff simple items into for retrieval with one hand. The shoulder straps have widened over the years to increase comfort for single-shoulder carrying. Get this if: You commute by bike and are looking for extra security. These bags have an urban flair and a toughness that tends to mirror their hard-working owners. Waterfield also offers a lifetime warranty, which helps justify the price premium over the Knomo.
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