The 13 Best Messenger Bags, Crossbody Bags, Slings, and Shoulder Bags (2024)

If I’m out and about and I don’t have a bag slung throughout my physique, I really feel bare and unprepared. It’s like venturing right into a dungeon with none well being potions. What if I would like ChapStick? Did I carry ChapStick? How can I match my telephone, keys, and face masks all within the truncated pockets of my denims? The place do I put the cool rock I simply discovered? Further storage capability is crucial to my on a regular basis carry, and having the ability to swing the bag round to the entrance and seize something I would like is essential. Backpacks are higher for heavy masses or all-day trekking, however for light-weight on a regular basis wants, the perfect messenger luggage are laborious to beat.

Be sure you take a look at all our buying guides, together with the Best Backpacks for Work, Best Totes and Purses, and Best Camera Bags.

Up to date September 2024: We’ve got added a brand new favourite total, the Topo Designs World Briefcase, plus a choose from Filson. We additionally eliminated a number of older luggage and up to date costs all through.

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What Is a Messenger Bag?

A messenger bag … effectively, it carries messages. It is the fashionable descendant of the oblong satchels with crossbody straps utilized by early letter carriers and the back-slung luggage utilized by modern bike messengers. That does not imply producers are all going to agree on what constitutes a messenger-style bag. I’ve seen the phrases “satchel,” “briefcase bag,” and “laptop computer bag” all seek advice from the identical model of bag. For our functions, we’re utilizing “messenger bag” and “crossbody bag” to imply a bag that has no less than one strap lengthy sufficient to hold it over one shoulder or throughout your physique. Usually, these luggage relaxation in your hip.