Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post, where we will check out my three best travel messenger bags for those business needs this year. For those of us who travel a but, or a lot, for business, there are often times when we have to take a little more with us than a simple brief case can handle.
In these cases, a good messenger type bag will often do the trick with space for extra documents, a laptop and anything else you may need for that important meeting at the other end. So for those of you in the market for a good messenger bag to meet your travel needs, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out.
My Three Recommended Travel Messenger Bags
I will review these in more detail below. Still, if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are travel messenger bags?
Travel messenger bags are a type of sling bag designed primarily for convenient and efficient transport of items while on the move. Characterized by their cross-body strap and flap-over closure, messenger bags were originally used by couriers and postal workers, which is how they got their name.
Today, they have become increasingly popular for travel purposes because of their sleek design, ease of access, and versatility. Typically made of durable materials such as leather, canvas or nylon, these bags come in various sizes with compartments suitable for laptops, documents and other essentials, making them a preferred choice for business travelers and casual tourists alike.
Check out these: 3 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for the best messenger bag for travel:
- Size and Capacity
- Compartments and Organization
- Material and Durability
- Security Features
- Comfort and Ergonomics
- Additions
Size and Capacity
As with all luggage, your travel messenger bag should strike the right balance between accommodating your essentials and maintaining a manageable profile. A bag that is too small might leave you struggling to fit in necessary items, while an excessively large one could become cumbersome during your travels. When evaluating size and capacity, focus on the bag’s internal dimensions to gauge its ability to hold items like electronics, travel documents, and personal belongings.
The bag’s size should also align with your intended use. For day trips, a smaller messenger bag might suffice, offering enough room for essentials without becoming cumbersome. On the other hand, longer journeys might demand a larger bag capable of accommodating additional items such as spare clothing or even a compact umbrella.
Compartments and Organization
The arrangement of compartments and organization within a travel messenger bag serves as a critical factor in optimizing your travel experience. The presence of well-designed compartments and pockets transforms the bag into an efficient storage solution, allowing you to categorize and access your belongings with ease. Seek a bag that offers a diversity of compartments tailored to your needs – designated pockets for gadgets like laptops, tablets, cables and chargers can ensure these items remain secure and accessible.
A dedicated compartment for passports, travel documents or even a water bottle can expedite your journey through airports and cities. Furthermore, a bag with multiple compartments not only reduces the need for digging through a jumble of items but also helps safeguard fragile belongings from potential damage.
Check out these: 3 Best Rolling Laptop Bags
Material and Durability
The material composition and durability of a travel messenger bag can of course profoundly impact its longevity and its ability to withstand the rigors of travel. For obvious reasons, a bag crafted from robust and weather-resistant materials is essential to safeguard your belongings from unexpected elements and wear.
Materials such as high-quality nylon, durable canvas or synthetic blends are known for their sturdiness and offer a reliable shield against moisture, abrasions, and general wear and tear. Additionally, look for a bag with reinforced stitching and sturdy hardware, such as durable zippers and buckles that contribute to its overall resilience.
Security Features
Robust security features can substantially mitigate the risk of theft or unauthorized access to your valuables. Look then for a bag that incorporates secure closures such as high-quality zippers or reliable buckles with loops to add a good luggage lock as well.
Some messenger bags are also designed with concealed compartments or discreet pockets, allowing you to discreetly store items of higher value, such as travel documents or small electronics. Moreover, the ergonomic crossbody design of these bags inherently enhances security by keeping your belongings close and within your field of view, reducing the chance of pickpocketing as well.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Look for a bag equipped with a padded and adjustable shoulder strap, allowing you to customize the fit to your physique and preferred carrying position. This feature significantly reduces the risk of discomfort or chafing, particularly during extended periods of wear.
A well-balanced messenger bag prevents undue pressure on specific areas, effectively preventing fatigue or strain even when the bag is fully loaded as well.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Convertible: Having a travel messenger bag that can be converted into a backpack is a fantastic feature for versatility. This is particularly useful for longer journeys or when you need to carry heavier loads, as backpacks distribute weight more evenly across your shoulders and back.
- Ease of cleaning: Travel bags are bound to encounter dirt, spills and other messes hence a bag that’s easy to clean can save you a lot of hassle and maintain the bag’s appearance. Some bags also come with removable and washable liners or fabric that can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
FAQs
Why are messenger bags ideal for travel compared to other types of bags?
Messenger bags have become increasingly popular among travelers due to their functional and stylish design. Their unique crossbody strap allows travelers to carry them with ease, freeing up their hands for other tasks. Additionally, messenger bags typically come with multiple compartments and pockets, making it easy to organize and access travel essentials like passports, tickets, and electronics. Their slim and sleek profile ensures they fit comfortably even in crowded places, making them particularly appealing to urban travelers or those who use public transportation frequently.
Can messenger bags accommodate laptops and other electronics safely?
Absolutely! Many of the best travel messenger bags available today include padded compartments or sleeves specifically designed to hold laptops, tablets and other electronic devices. These compartments ensure that your devices are protected from potential bumps or drops during your travels. Furthermore, some messenger bags also come with water-resistant or waterproof materials and zippers, offering added protection for electronics from unexpected rain showers or accidental spills as well.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. BAGSMART 17.3 Inch Laptop Messenger Bag
This first option is designed from resilient, water-resistant polyester, complete with robust metal hooks and zippers. The laptop compartment is encased in a protective layer of EVA foam, ensuring the required protection of your precious devices as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Bagsmart
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 6.5 x 13 inches
- Weight: 2.31 pounds
- Capacity: 2.31 liters
Other inclusion it has:
- TSA Friendly
- Anti-theft zippers
- Available in 7 different colors
Why have I chosen it?
Designed to accommodate laptops up to 17-17.3 inches, the dedicated laptop compartment has full padding with EVA foam, ensuring optimal protection against the bumps and jostles of travel. The expansion zipper also imparts flexibility, transforming the laptop briefcase into a spacious duffel bag when necessary as well.
Its four compartments efficiently cater to diverse storage needs, while the expandable document compartment accommodates A4 folders, magazines, clothes or even an umbrella, ensuring efficient organization. And finally, the TSA-friendly design of the separate tech compartment with a large opening facilitates hassle-free airport security checks too.
2. CoolBELL Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
This next option impresses with its durable construction and versatile design, catering to modern professionals and travelers. Its generous size fits up to 17.3-inch laptops while offering extra space for 2-3 days’ worth of clothes making it perfect for business trips or leisure travel. See its specifications below:
- Brand: CoolBell
- Material: Oxford Cloth ; 210D waterproof polyester lining; Genuine Leather
- Dimensions: 18.8 x 5.1 x 13.7 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Capacity: 2.6 liters
Other inclusions:
- 3-in-1 convertible design
- Top grab handle
- Available in 5 different colors
Why have I chosen it?
With its 3-in-1 convertible design, this bag seamlessly transforms into a backpack, shoulder bag or messenger bag allowing you to adapt to different scenarios effortlessly. This adaptability is further enhanced by the hidden straps that can be concealed when not in use.
The well-designed laptop compartment is also equipped with a telescopic belt offering enhanced protection for your laptop. This compartment, combined with additional space for accessories and even 3 days’ worth of clothes, demonstrates the bag’s exceptional utility for both work and short trips.
3. Cuero DHK Vintage Handmade Leather Travel Messenger Bag
This last option provides you with a roomy laptop compartment plus multiple sections and pockets. Designed with comfort in mind, the messenger bag also has an adjustable shoulder strap lessening the pressure you’ll feel on your shoulders. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Cuero
- Material: Full grain leather
- Dimensions: 18 x 5 x 13 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Capacity: 4 liters
Other inclusions:
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Top handle
- Large outer pocket
Why have I chosen it?
This bag product features full-grain leather lined with durable canvas ensuring lasting durability. With dimensions of 13 x 18 x 5 inches, the bag offers ample space to cater to various needs with an outer pocket that provides easy access for items like an iPad or tablet. And within its spacious confines, you’ll discover a big laptop compartment, two small sections and four front pockets perfect for essentials like cell phones as well.
Designed for comfort, the adjustable strap features a shoulder pad to ensure a comfortable carry, while the top handle adds convenience to its versatility. Each bag boasts a unique leather character, a testament to its genuine nature too.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best travel messenger bags. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
