Messenger bags are a super popular choice for train commuters.
Messenger bags are comfortable, look great and when worn over the shoulder, take up very little space in a crowded train carriage.
I’ve used messenger bags for most of my time commuting by train and recommend them to anyone in the market for a new bag.
The only real downside to messenger bags is that unlike backpacks and other styles of travel bags, the types of items which can be carried inside a messenger bag can be limited due to the specifically slimmer design.
But don’t let this stop you from considering a messenger bag because that slimmer, more compact bag design is precisely what makes them the perfect choice for train commuters.
Things to consider before buying a messenger bag
With so many types of messenger bag available it can be daunting finding the right one to suit your needs, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Your new messenger bag should:
- Carry all (or most) of your of essential commuter items.
- Sit comfortably against your back or hip.
- Have sufficient internal or external pockets.
- Be easily accessible when sitting or standing.
- Remain secure in a crowded train carriage.
- Resist the weather.
- Look great in either business or casual attire.
What features should I look for when buying a commuter messenger bag?
- SIZE – Messenger bags come in a range of sizes but by design tend to be narrow, limiting what can be carried. An overstuffed messenger bag can be uncomfortable plus heavy and problematic for your shoulder.
- FEATURES – Avoid an item free-for-all inside the messenger bag by purchasing one with sufficient internal and external pockets. A messenger bag large enough to carry a laptop may not also accommodate an umbrella so external pockets may be needed.
- QUALITY – Daily commuting can be rough and a lower quality messenger bag can wear out a lot faster. Unpadded or lower quality straps can potentially dig into your shoulders causing unnecessary pain.
- COMFORT – The shape and style of the messenger bag can make a big difference to overall comfort.
1. Egoelife Unisex Casual High Quality Canvas Satchel Messenger Bag
Great All-Rounder
The Egoelife messenger bag is a solid all rounder and a very good starting point if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. It’s a typical messenger bag style including a good, adjustable strap and a decent variety of internal and external pockets.
Reasons to buy:
- Professional look- quality waterproof canvas design with leather trimmings which can be used in either business or casual attire
- One external zipped up pocket, two additional pockets beneath the flap and a range of internal pockets make it great for all your train gear
- Pockets are easily accessed while the bag is mounted across your shoulder (great in trains)
- An adjustable strap which is also a decent length
- Decent price point
Considerations:
- Will not fit laptops larger than 13″
2. Samsonite Leather Flapover Case
Stylish Leather Design (my pick)
The Samsonite Leather Flapover Case messenger bag is my top pick and blurs the line between messenger bag and business briefcase. This messenger bag provides all the functionality of a business briefcase with the convenience and style of a messenger.
I am particularly fond of leather messenger bags as they look great, have fantastic durability and just plain feel good. They’re also fairly weather resistent which is great as a reality of commuting is getting caught in the rain.
This Samsonite leather messenger bag is on the more expensive end but as a business bag it can’t be beat.
Reasons to buy:
- Briefcase style carry handle or can be worn over the shoulder
- Ample internal storage compartments for easy organization of business essentials
- Natural cowhide leather is comfortable to rest a book or laptop on when positioned across thighs
- Zippered rear compartment to protect against dust, dirt, and moisture
- Leather tends to be naturally weather resistant
- Comfortable shoulder pad for over shoulder use.
- Fits up to 15.6″ laptops
Considerations:
- A more expensive messenger bag – but you truly get what you pay for when it comes to this style of bag.
3. Aibag Messenger Bag, Vintage Small Canvas
Compact
The Aibag messenger bag is a solid bag but more compact (similar to a satchel) which may suit smaller people or those on frequently crowded trains. The narrow design allows this messenger bag to be comfortably worn cross-body on the hip which can be really convenient in a busy train carriage environment.
Reasons to buy:
- Taller messenger bag suitable for books, drink bottles, lunch etc
- Sufficient internal pocketing for for pens/phones/earplugs
- Slick design made from 100% cotton canvas with leather decoration
- An external pocket beneath the flap perfect for tablet devices
- Will fit a smaller 13″ laptop providing it’s not in its own case
Considerations:
- Not as easily accessed without first unclipping the front buttons
4. Troop London Canvas Messenger Bag
Solid Mid-range Option
The rugged canvas Troop London messenger bag is perfect if you’re carrying a medium sized (15 inch) laptop with a padded internal pocket specifically for it. The larger design has multiple secure pocket compartments both internally and externally including an expandable pocket beneath the bag allowing you to carry more items than similar bags.
Reasons to buy:
- Perfect for 15” laptop users, or anyone wanting that extra bit of space
- Secure zip pocket at the rear and a spacious zip pocket at the front
- Plenty of internal pocketing in addition to a padded laptop pocket
- Flat exterior surface great for resting across the knees when seated to mount a book or laptop
- Adjustable shoulder strap with durable brass plated buckles
Considerations:
- A more expensive messenger bag but makes up for it with its features
5. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag
Extra Secure
The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag is small but well equipped messenger bag, perfect if you have a shorter commute (and carry less items) but want something secure. The perfect bag choice if you’re regularly packed into overcrowded subway carriages and are concerned about pickpockets. Also great for travelling internationally!
Reasons to buy:
- Super secure, slash-resistant, lockable design – no-one but you is gaining entry to this bag!
- Two mesh external pockets which are perfect to carry things like a water bottle and umbrella
Considerations:
- Smaller sized compartment for storage which may be a problem if you’re carrying lots of items to and from work.
- The smaller size may make this messenger bag unsuitable for daily commuting.
6. Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag
Extra Carry Capacity
The largest messenger bag in the list and one of the most well-known brands, the Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag will let you carry both a laptop AND a tablet in addition to your other day to day items. Packed with features and options, there’s a lot to like about the Timbuk2 Commute but it will not be for everyone due to its size – particularly if your train carriages are frequently sardine cans.
Reasons to buy:
- Accommodates 13″, 15″ and 17″ laptops in addition to tablet devices
- Packed with internal and external pocketing (10 interior slip, 1 interior zip, 3 exterior)
- Internal compartment protected by TPU liner to protect against rain or interior spillages
- Can be worn over the shoulder or carried like a brief case
Considerations:
- Size may be an issue for some people
7. ibagbar Water Resistant Messenger Bag
Weather Resistant
Made from heavy duty, water resistant oxford fabric, the ibagbar water resistant messenger bag is perfect if you’ve got an outdoor component to your daily commute – ie walking to the train station, or from the station to the office. This bag is also a super slick design with adjustable staps and ample pocketing.
Reasons to buy:
- Constructed from waterproof fabric – it won’t stop serious rain, but combined with an umbrella will keep your commuter essentials dry
- 9 pockets of varying size – designed with commuters in mind
- Large padded internal compartment to protect laptops
- Adjustable stap allowing the bag to be worn over the shoulder or crossbody
Considerations:
- Some people have reported issues with the shoulder padding not fitting correctly over their shoulder when adjusting the strap length.
Messenger bag frequently asked questions:
There are two main ways to wear a messenger bag:
Cross-body: With the strap crossing over your chest, the messenger bag will sit comfortably in the curve of your back.
Off the shoulder: With the strap hanging from your shoulder, the messenger bag will sit on your hip. When moving in crowded places like trains and train stations, you can move the bag to easily sit in front of your stomach which is not only secure but allows you to move without bumping into people.
When on the train, the messenger bag can also be laid flat across your knees creating a flat surface that is great for reading, or working on a laptop. This is also good as it doesn’t take up any leg room.
See this article for more information.
Yes and no. As with everything in life it’s important to find a bag which is the right size and shape for your body. Messenger bags are narrow by design and a bag that’s overstuffed with items will sit poorly against your back which may lead to issues.
Likewise if you’re carrying a messenger bag that’s too heavy (again overstuffed) or too large, the extra weight on your shoulders could cause problems.
I recommend you select a bag that is a suitable size, do not overfill it with items and periodically alternate the shoulder you carry it on. I’ve been using a messenger bag for many years without issue.
Most messenger bags come with an adjustable strap which can be lengthened or shortened to fit comfortably over the shoulder. This is so you can determine where the bag sits on your body. Ideally you want the messenger bag to sit snugly on your hip or it will be awkward to carry.
Messenger bags have a lot of similarities to laptop bags due to the rectangular shape of laptops.
Key differences between messenger and laptop bags
1. Messenger bags tend to be more stylish than laptop bags – although there are some pretty great laptop bags out there too.
2. Messenger bags tend to have more internal pocketry for items that are not laptop related and therefore carry a lot more.
4. Laptop bags are specifically designed to carry laptops and their accessories and not much else – but if you’re needing to take one too and from work there’s no reason why you cant use both (this is what I do).
5. Laptop bags have padded internal pockets, specifically designed to protect laptops.
Some messenger bags are designed to carry laptops so have the best of both worlds whilst typically being more attractive as a bag but MOST messengers while able to fit a laptop, suddenly become nothing more than a laptop carrying bag.
If you’re needing a proper bag to carry your commuter items – things such as an umbrella, water bottle, your lunch etc, a messenger is the go.
Messenger bags are slimmer by design than backpacks which tend to be more squarish. Backpacks in general offer a lot more carry space then messenger bags at the cost of being bulkier. This extra size is very problematic in a standard train car which can be very crowded at peak times (ie people going to and from work)
In a train situation, a backpack can be a lot more difficult to navigate crowds and uncomfortable to keep on your lap. Placing a backpack at your feet on the train not only reduces your own leg room, but often the legroom of the passenger opposite.
Absolutely – this is what I like most about messengers and why I personally use a bag made from leather.
Most messenger bag styles suit business attire – whether that’s shirt and pants or a full fledged suit but some (such as the leather options) look more professional again – far more than a backpack. This same leather option can also be carried like a briefcase when needed.
Messenger bags also work great with casual.
Leather messenger bags in particular work for both business in casual, and look fantastic.
And that’s it for our list of the best messenger bags in 2023.
Now you’ve got a great commuter messenger bag, check our train commuter essentials which has a bunch of cool things to fill it up with!
Happy commuting!
