11 Stylish and Best Messenger Bags For Men (2025)
Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole
The men’s messenger bag has gained popularity over the years, and there is good reason for it. The best messenger bags for men have evolved. In the past, these bags were very functional but never quite as chic or fashion-focused as those designed for women. Thankfully that has changed.
Nowadays, a messenger bag for men is equally regarded as a functional accessory and a fashion statement. There are laptop messenger bags suitable for the office or a business trip. In addition, there are messenger bags for school that are as equally effective as one for the office, but with a more casual flair. Commonly made using materials like leather, canvas, hemp or nylon, these bags have become a symbol of the modern man.
Beyond the stylish appeal, the messenger bags highlighted in this article are perfect for carrying your essential items, like a water bottle, cell phone, and travel or business documents. Most of them can easily fit a laptop, some even offer a padded laptop pocket, so they are an excellent choice for business, business travel, or school. They are roomy, include exterior and interior pockets, and offers you a hands-free way to carry around everything you need on a daily basis, whether you are going to work, school, the gym, running errands, or exploring a new city.
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Other Options
Whether a messenger bag is for a man or woman is a matter of individual taste. I am a woman and I would be happy with any of the messenger bags highlighted in this article notwithstanding they have been described as “messenger bags for men”.
Similarly so, in my article 9 Most Affordable And Chic Messenger Bags For Women, many of the messenger bags discussed there would be great messenger bags for men. Accordingly, if you do not find the perfect bag for your taste or needs in this article, you should take a quick peek at the other one.
If you are interested in only leather messenger bags, I highlight many superb ones in 12 Exquisite Leather Messenger Bags For Men And Women. If you want a durable eco-friendly alternative, please see 12 Best Stylish Yet Practical Canvas Crossbody Bags.
For backpacks, TUMI is an upscale brand with exceptional workmanship and unique features. Please see 7 Most Sleek And Versatile TUMI Backpacks.
For attractive and reasonably priced computer bags, check out 12 Best Laptop Bags For Men.
Finally, if you are looking for a black tote bag that would fit with any style or for multi-purposes, check out 15 Best Black Tote Bags.
For those of you looking for something that might be useful for a 2-5 day trip, please see 12 Best Canvas Duffel Bags With Style.
If you are ready to make the leap to luggage, Samsonite Winfield 2 is an excellent choice.
Best Messenger Bags For Men
The top picks for the best messenger bags for men that I have selected are affordable, lightweight, and with different styles – from formal to casual – to meet different needs and fashion senses. There is also a varied selection of materials, such as full-grain leather, canvas, or synthetic fabrics, and a wide selection of colors to fit any preference.
At the end of reviewing each messenger bag, I include a Buyer’s Guide to help you select the most suitable messenger bag for you. This discusses what you should be paying attention to when looking for any messenger bag. These include whether there are a front pocket or other exterior pockets, interior pockets, a top handle, and an adjustable strap that is also detachable and padded.
Sechunk Canvas Messenger Bag For Men
Size & Colors
The Sechunk mens crossbody bag is available in three sizes – 13”, 15” and 17” – and offered in seven colors. It is made from canvas with leather straps and bronze metal buckles.
Best Features
- Thick adjustable shoulder strap for additional comfort and durability.
- Six pockets including the main one. On outside, there is two in front and a zippered back pocket. Inside, there is one other zippered pocket.
- Leather patches on bottom edges for durability.
- Back sleeve to hang or attach bag to luggage.
- Soft canvas structure so can adjust to the shapes of your items.
- Affordable.
Wish It Had
- A top handle for another carrying option.
- Quick access – you will have to undo both buckles to get into the bag.
Conclusion
If your daily life consists of looking for small things that keep getting lost in your bag then you should consider this mens satchel bag.
The retro military design and combination of canvas and leather are extremely attractive. The soft shape of the bag offers you flexibility in the size and shape of items that you want to carry. The metal buckles compliment this design very well.
Although the metal buckles add time while opening and closing a front pocket, they also add a layer of security making it more difficult for others to access your stuff.
This great messenger bag for men is very popular on Amazon. One reviewer who gave the bag a 5* rating exclaimed that this was the “perfect bag for literally every situation”.
Cuero Vintage Handmade Men’s Messenger Bag
Size & Colors
This vintage handmade goat leather bag is available in brown distressed leather color and in three sizes:
- 18” which measures 13 x 18 x 5;
- 16” which measures 12 x 16 x 5; and
- 14″ which measures 11 x 14 x 4.
The 18″ can accommodate 17” laptops or devices, and the 16″ can accommodate up to a 15.5″ laptop.
Best Features
- Two interior pockets and inner zipper pocket.
- On outside – several smaller pockets with buckles
- Removable and adjustable padded shoulder strap for extra comfort.
- Top carrying handle.
- Heavy duty canvas lining for better durability.
- Budget friendly.
Issues
- Some complain that it has a strong leather smell that may linger.
Conclusion
These laptop messenger bags are a great buy if your focus is business. The large size allows you to carry your laptop, other devices and business needs. For the size, leather material, versatility and look, you get a lot for this price point.
It offers a top carrying handle and the ability to remove the shoulder strap. This means that this laptop bag easily transitions from a handsfree messenger bag to a briefcase for professional settings. The shoulder strap is adjustable and padded for optimum fit and comfort.
It features several compartments and pockets where you can store accessories and personal items alongside your laptop. It is very lightweight, weighing only 2.2lbs.
Although it is large and spacious, you have to be careful not to overload the bag. This men’s messenger bag can accommodate a lot of stuff but you should be careful that the total weight remains reasonable. In other words, do not regularly fully pack the large size with heavy items and expect the buckles or seams to last. Beyond that, a recent 5* review on Amazon stated, “The craftsmanship of the bag I received was nothing short of excellent.”
Gearonic Canvas Messenger Bags For Men
Size & Colors
This wonderful versatile messenger bag for men comes in seven color options and in two sizes – 14” (13″x 9″x 4″) or 17” (17″ x11″ x4″). The larger size can fit a 16” laptop comfortably. It is made from canvas with PU leather straps and accents.
Best Features
- Multiple exterior and interior pockets to carry and organize your school or personal items.
- Combination of drawstring and button closure flap-over design for main compartment.
- Four external pockets and one internal zippered pocket. Offers easy access to a water bottle.
- Adjustable strap with padding.
- Leather patches on bottom edges for extra durability.
- Rear sleeve to hang on suitcase or attach to other things.
- Wash with cold water and hang dry.
- Budget friendly.
Wish It Had
- Top handle for another carrying choice.
Conclusion
If you are hunting for popular multipurpose and stylish mens shoulder bags, then these are an excellent option.
This vintage messenger bag gives you functionality and style when you are on the go. The larger size is capable of carrying your laptop and many other daily essentials for school, work, and the gym. It is very affordable and attractive in the two tone canvas and leather look.
Although it has buckles, they are for decoration only. Instead, they snap into button closures for quick access. The drawstring top over the main compartment adds a layer of security.
It is a very popular messenger bag for men, with one Amazon reviewer stating that it is “the best bag I’ve ever owned”.
This book bag is sturdy yet flexible and the straps can handle a lot of weight. Overall, with its relaxed style, its uses are endless.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Best Men’s Messenger Bag
Size & Colors
This men’s leather messenger bag is big enough to fit a laptop or tablet with a 15.6” screen. It measures 15″ x 11″ x 3″, weights 2.2 lbs and comes in dark brown, black or cognac full-grain leather.
Best Features
- Interior is lined with tear-resistant lining.
- Dual magnetic closure under the leather flap for easy access.
- One main compartment, a full-length zippered pocket and rear open pocket. There are two more smaller interior pockets under the flap.
- Adjustable strap with padding that extends 60″.
- Rear leather loop to hang on luggage.
- Leather carrying handle.
Wish It Had
- Detachable shoulder strap to create briefcase look.
- Outside pockets for quick access.
- Sleeve on the back for stacking onto luggage.
Conclusion
With over 2,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this slim fit and elegant mens crossbody bag is an excellent choice for a more sophisticated office look.
The bag features a compact silhouette look that fits well into the aesthetic of a successful businessperson. In addition, it is the perfect companion for business travel because it suits an organized and streamlined setting.
The magnetic enclosures mean quick access but with a layer of security. With one hand, you can lift the flap and retrieve travel documents.
The main compartment and two front pockets are spacious. There isn’t any exterior pockets for everyday items like a cell phone or water bottle, but as noted above, the magnetic enclosures allow for easy internal and one-handed access. This mens satchel is a little more expensive than other choices but is sleek and well constructed.
Timbuk2 Canvas Messenger Bags For School
Size & Colors
These messenger bags for school come in four sizes from x-small to large. Except for the x-small size, they can fit a laptop from 13” – 17” in size depending on the size of the bag. It is made from canvas and comes in over a dozen different colors and patterns.
Best Features
- Top grab handle.
- External weatherproofing fabric.
- External loops to attach lights for night walking or biking.
- Removable stabilizing strap across chest for use while biking (except x-small size)
- TPU liner which is resistant to oil, grease and abrasion.
- Plenty of internal compartments to keep things organized.
- Side entry pocket for access without lifting flap.
- Internal water bottle pocket.
- Adjustable shoulder strap with air mesh strap pad for comfort.
- Lifetime warranty
Wish It Had
- External pockets for everyday items like cell phones, but side entry does give some quick access.
- Detachable shoulder strap for alternative look.
Conclusion
These messenger bags for men are extremely versatile and would be a fantastic choice for a weekend getaway, running errands, or a trip to the gym. With its quality of workmanship and resilience from the canvas and reinforced seams, this men’s messenger bag would also be a great option as a book bag for school. Not only would it fit many different sizes of laptops, it could withstand the extra weight from text books, and with its additional adjustable strap, could fit comfortably and securely on your body while you bike to and from class.
Sweetbriar Canvas Mens Shoulder Bags
Size & Colors
This canvas messenger bag for men measures 17.5″ x 12″ x 5″ and weighs only 1.2 lbs. It fits laptop sizes up to 15.6” and comes in around a 20 colors.
Best Features
- Features an extra- large main compartment, front pockets and side pockets large enough for a water bottle.
- Adjustable padded shoulder strap that extends to 46″ long.
- Front flap has Velcro closures
- Back sleeve for carrying on suitcases, or to hang or stack on something.
- Very affordable.
Wish It Had?
- Detachable shoulder strap.
Conclusion
Whether you are off on an outdoor adventure, or you are spending the day running errands, this is one of the best messenger bags. It is casual yet stylish with lots of room for all sorts of items.
It offers an extra-large main compartment that can fit just about anything. Then, there are lots of open pockets both inside and out for several storage options. There is one small internal zippered pocket.
This classic messenger bag will fall over if it is empty or half empty and placed on the ground. Also, the pockets do not have individual flaps so at times, it may be difficult to keep some small items secure in a pocket. However, this messenger bag for men was not intended for that.
As one 5* reviewer stated on Amazon, “It holds a lot more than you think it will. A lot of backpacks and messenger bags are unnecessarily cluttered with extra zippers and pockets and making them not able to hold as much as they otherwise could. Not this one. It has one big pocket on the inside with barely anything to get in the way, meaning you can stuff it full of computers, binders, and books…”
The material is easy to clean and durable. The bag’s buckles give it a polished subtle finish. The velcro enclosures offer both security and the ability for easy access.
Seyfocnia Leather Men’s Vintage Messenger Bag
Size & Colors
This vintage leather bag comes in two sizes. The large one measures 17.3″ x 13.2″ x 6.1″ and can accommodate a laptop with a 17.3” screen. The medium sized one measures 15.7″x12.2″x5″ and can fit a 15″ laptop. They are available in two colors – black and brown – and weighs almost 2.7 lbs.
Best Features
- Top carry handle.
- 9 Compartments inside, in front and in rear, including one internal padded one for laptop, and a couple that are zippered for additional security.
- Adjustable, wide and removable shoulder strap with padding for comfort.
- Made with water resistant PU leather and polyester lining.
- Durable zippers, buckles, latches, and closures.
- Padded laptop compartment.
- Budget friendly
Issues
- Softer structure than it looks so without something firm inside, like a laptop, it may fold in middle.
Conclusion
The reviews on Amazon consistently state that the quality and stylish look of this men’s messenger bag defies the affordable price.
There are two main benefits of this bag. First, it has an extraordinary number of pockets and compartments in various sizes all over the bag giving you lots the best options to store items. This includes a padded laptop compartment.
Second, it has a structured business look but actually has a soft supple exterior. As indicated above, if you do not have enough items inside the bag, it may lose its shape and fold in the middle. However, it also means that the material is flexible and will accept more or irregularly shaped items in compartments and pockets.
All in all, with its size, number of interior and exterior pockets, detachable shoulder strap, top handle for a briefcase look, and padded laptop compartment, this is an excellent budget-friendly messenger bag for professionals.
Mactso Canvas Messenger Bag For Men
Size & Colors
This small canvas messenger bag for men (13.5″ x11″ x 3.1″) can fit a 13.3” laptop, weighs only 1.3 lbs and is available in four colors.
Best Features
- Made from waterproof and scratch resistant canvas with leather accents.
- Lining is polyester.
- Adjustable 5ft shoulder strap.
- Velcro fasteners for quick but secure access.
- Plenty of pockets with the exterior comprising one zipper pocket in front, and two front pockets. The interior includes one main compartment and one secured zipper pocket and two smaller pockets for cards and phones.
- Very affordable.
Wish It Had
- Padded shoulder pad for extra comfort.
- Detachable strap and top handle for different carrying options.
Conclusion
At times, small is the way to go, so if you do not need to carry around a lot of stuff then this mens messenger bag is for you.
One of the five star reviews from Amazon said “I was looking to downsize from a bulky backpack, and this bag was perfect. It looks like it will hold up well, and it is a pretty good looking bag. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a smaller bag for a great price.”
The bag features a modern school-bag-like finish that is simple yet stylish. It is very lightweight and has plenty of pockets and compartments that allow you to organize the small things that often get lost or fall out of other bags. It is great for everyday errands or exploring a new city.
Kenneth Cole Vegan Leather Men’s Messenger Bag
Size & Colors
This sleek men’s messenger bag comes in two colors – black and dark brown. It comfortably fits a laptop with a 15″ screen, measures at 16.5″ x 10″ x 2.5″ and weighs only 1.6 lbs.
Best Features
- Pebbled vegan faux leather material with tear resistant lined interior.
- Dual magnetic snap closure for easy access.
- Interior has single compartment with padded tablet pocket, two small open pockets and full-length open pocket. Rear has full length pocket with magnetic snap closure.
- Adjustable strap with 56” extension.
- Wipe clean.
Wish It Had
- Shoulder pad for extra comfort.
- Detachable shoulder strap with top handle for briefcase look.
Conclusion
This vegan friendly faux leather men’s messenger bag features an understated look that would be suitable for a business meeting or as a compliment to an upscale casual look. It is very lightweight, easy to care for, and has ample secure compartments and pockets.
The design is very compact, making it also great for business travel. The rear exterior secure pocket is the perfect spot to store travel documents for easy access.
The material is supple, but should not be overstuffed with items. It is designed to be a lightweight structured messenger bag for men.
Oct17 Canvas Messenger Bag For Men
Size & Colors
This small messenger bag is 14″ x 10″ x 4.5″, with internal zipper length of 11″ for main compartment, and weighs 1.5 lbs. It is made from canvas with PU leather piping and is available in four colors – black, gray, beige and coffee.
Best Features
- 9 Compartments and pockets, including 3 zippered ones inside and out for additional security.
- Adjustable cross body shoulder strap
- Easy two finger buckle strap closures.
- Leather piping adds durability.
Wish It Had
- Shoulder pad for extra comfort.
- Detachable shoulder strap with top handle for another carrying option.
Conclusion
This multi-functional men’s messenger bag is shaped like a mini-duffle bag but with multiple pockets and compartments. It is a great everyday bag with lots of potential uses.
It is meant to be packed with lots of different kinds of items, and will maintain its stylish swagger even if it is overstuffed.
As one 5* reviewer on Amazon said, “I use this primarily to cart a water bottle and meds to and from work, but it also makes a fantastic overnight or weekender bag as well. There are so many pockets and pouches on the bag that I literally have not been able to use them all, which is the exact opposite of my usual issues with bags. It’s extremely spacious for its size, and can fit a lot more in it than you would think.”
The canvas fabric is durable and can withstand everyday use. The one major drawback is that it can only really fit a tablet or other smaller electronic devices. Other than that, it is a great small messenger bag for men for a very budget friendly price.
Soaeon Canvas Men’s Messenger Bag
Size & Colors
This messenger bag for men can fit a 15.6” laptop or tablet. It is made from waterproof waxed canvas with leather accents and comes in two colors, brown or gray with brown. It measures 15.4″ x 4.3 x12.2.
Best Features
- Padded laptop sleeve to protect your laptop
- Plenty of pockets and compartments to help organize all your belongs according to size
- Top handle and detachable shoulder strap to convert to briefcase.
- Adjustable shoulder strap with pads for comfort.
- Metal magnetic closures for quick access to front pockets and central compartment.
- Will hold its shape when empty.
- Reasonably priced.
Conclusion
This vintage messenger bag offers a superb professional look for a very affordable price. The distressed canvas combined with the leather accents offer a refined finish.
It is designed to withstand heavy everyday use. There is plenty of room to carry not only a laptop but other essential belongings. It offers a ton of pockets and zippered compartments so you can store smaller things with ease. The top carrying handle gives you an alternative briefcase look, if you do not want to carry the bag over your shoulder or crossbody.
Buyer’s Guide: What You Need To Look For In A Men’s Messenger Bag
Choosing the most suitable messenger bag for men boils down to your individual preferences. As long as it has a flap over the main compartment and a long strap that allows you to wear it crossbody, it is a messenger bag. However, most messenger bags offer a lot more than that. Thankfully, there are lots of beautiful, stylish or cool messenger bags out there with amazing features.
You can take your messenger bag anywhere, although your choice of size, material, and number of pockets and compartments may be influenced by the functions that you need it to perform. Below, I break down the key factors for which you need to look when you are searching for the best messenger bags.
Choice Of Material
Leather
Leather is durable, easy to maintain and automatically upgrades a look. With the regular care, a leather messenger bag can last for a long time.
The downside of a leather messenger bag is that it does require regular maintenance to keep it in the best condition.
Leather is normally water-resistant or water-proof. However, if not regularly maintained, it can bleed and stain your clothes when it gets wet. In addition, if your leather messenger bag regularly gets saturated, it may lose its color and shape rapidly.
Canvas
Canvas is made from cotton by weaving. This processes produces a thick and sturdy fiber that is often used to make men’s messenger bags. Canvas is mostly water-resistant, especially when it is waxed, and it is very lightweight and durable.
Other Fabrics
Other materials like rubber, nylon, synthetic leather, and plastics are also used in some messenger bags creating durable and waterproof bags.
Construction
The construction and workmanship of a quality messenger bag includes features like reinforced corners, taped seams, smart compartments, adjustable buckles, and strong attachment points. These factors matter a great deal when you are looking for a durable messenger bag.
Features
Functionality may be fundamentally driving you. Accordingly, it is important that you identify what you need most from your messenger bag.
For example, do you need:
- A top handle as well as a detachable shoulder strap option so you can convert your messenger bag into a briefcase, or have different carrying options?
- Padded shoulder strap because you intend to carry heavy items?
- Lots of small internal pockets that are zippered or offer other types of security for small, loose items?
- Easy to access external pockets for everyday items like water bottles or cell phones?
- A large secure and even padded laptop or tablet compartment?
- A large outside pocket to store documents to which you need easy access?
- Sleeve on back to stack on top of luggage or to hang from something?
- Extra security features to avoid theft?
- Soft flexible material to mold to your items or a structured briefcase for a more professional look?
Size
Size is also very important when it comes to messenger bags.
Key factors that you should consider when debating about the size are:
- Laptop or tablet size; and
- Number and size of compartment or pockets that you think that you will need.
These two factors can make or break how useful the messenger bag is to you.
Style
Style preference is very subjective, and many designers try to revamp the classic look by adding hardware accessories. The key thing to think about when considering style is that the added features should contribute to the functionality of the bag. For example, magnetic snap closures or quick-release buckles save you time when you are in a hurry and can be accessed with one hand.
Price
At times cheap can become more expensive because it wears out faster and needs replacement. As they say, you get what you pay for. In this article, I have highlighted some very well priced messenger bags for men that have been widely and positively reviewed. If you choose another bag that is well-priced, make sure that durability is not in question. Otherwise, for better quality, expect to pay a lot more. You will land a high-quality messenger bag but it will last for several years.
Last Word
I have highlighted some fantastic messenger bags for men that offer amazing style and function. Once you figure out the look that you want and the features most important to you, you should easily find one that meets your taste and budget.
