Best messenger bag on Reddit
161 reviews from r/ManyBaggers, r/Calgary, r/BuyItForLife and 14 more subreddits
161 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Timbuk2
4.3
(32)
"Timbuk2."
"+1 Timbuk2"
"Timbuk2 is a classic"
"Timbuk2 biking messenger bags. Get the XL sizes."
"I've been using a Timbuk2 off and on for the last 12 years."
"Love Timbuk2. Also can recommend Chrome Industries."
"I just wanted to second Timbuk2. I've had one for almost 20 years now and it's held up beautifully."
"You can't go wrong with Timbuk2."
"Timbuk2 messenger, medium or large size. discounted colors routinely under $100."
"Timbuk2 makes an exceptional messenger as well."
#2
Tom Bihn
4.6
(13)
"I also recommend the Tom Bihn Pilot or Cadet."
"I also recommend the Tom Bihn Pilot or Cadet."
"Tom Bihn and Rickshaw Bagworks."
"Tom Bign Pilot"
"A little over your budget but a great school bag (fits 13" laptop)"
"Tom Bihn Pilot is great bag."
"Tom Bihn pilot or copilot."
"I use it for work and love it. The organization is great."
"Tom Bihn Daylight briefcase fits the mbp plus a compact sleeve."
"Tom Bihn Daylight Briefcase, Mountainsmith Adventure Office, several Manhattan Portage models."
#3
Chrome
4.3
(10)
"I love my Chrome Buran III. Most comfortable messenger I’ve ever worn."
"Chrome"
"I really like the chrome buran III."
"Timbuk2 and Chrome custom bags may still be USA made."
"[Chrome Midtown 20L] $130"
"I'd check out Chrome bags as well."
"If Timbuk2 and Chrome don’t do it - I’m not sure your requirements are reasonable."
"Back when I was biking everywhere and anywhere: chrome."
"I'd look at Chrome too."
"Used Chrome Metro (try to find one that's about 10 years old)."
#4
Waterfield
4.6
(7)
"For a stylish and versatile messenger bag, the Waterfield Designs Vitesse Messenger Bag is a great option."
"Might take a look at the Waterfield Air Porter."
"The full size leather messenger from Waterfield would be the top of my list."
"The new messenger from waterfield looks really cool."
"I had the same wish list as you and after years of looking, have settled on the Waterfield Sutter Tech Sling."
"Check out Waterfield's bags. They have something you might like."
"Have you looked at any Waterfield or Nutsac bags?"
#5
Chrome Industries
4.2
(6)
"I've used them for years and they are bulletproof."
"Richsaw bags, chrome industries, of course timbuk2."
"More of a sling than messenger bag but it's more of a hybrid."
"Chrome Industries makes pretty durable bags."
"Chrome Industries makes good bags."
"Chrome Industries, Timbuk2 (look for older models)."
#6
Rickshaw
4.8
(4)
"Rickshaw messengers and Waterfield Vitesse line come to mind"
"Rickshaw."
"Rickshaw bags in San Francisco allows you to choose fabric/color for just about all their bags."
"Rickshaw has basic messenger bags."
#7
tomtoc
4.5
(4)
"I like my tomtoc Compact EDC sling bag."
"I keep seeing Tom toc recommended everywhere."
"Check the tomtoc. It's way higher quality and the zippers are solid."
"I went with the TomToc sling and it’s 95% perfect."
#8
Aer
4.0
(4)
"Aer slim pack? Matador x carryology edx messenger?"
"Aer slim pack or pro pack slim are both very minimalistic."
"Aer travel sling 2 holds my 14" MBP fine."
"Aer has a messenger bag now I believe."
#9
Gucci
5.0
(3)
"The Gucci looks more formal or preppy."
"If as a commuter bag for work then go with the Gucci - feels sleek and more formal"
"I'd go with the Gucci - I like the sleek and elevated design."
#10
Frank Clegg
5.0
(3)
"If you have the bucks, can't beat an American made Frank Clegg bag."
"+1 on Frank Clegg zip top briefcase."
"Go fancier with a Frank Clegg zip-top briefcase."
#11
Bailey Works
5.0
(3)
"They also last forever."
"Big fan of bailey works bags. They also last forever."
"Baileyworks may have smaller sizes, I’ve had one almost 20 years that still looks brand new."
#12
Crumpler
4.7
(3)
"I've been a fan of Crumpler bags ever since."
"Crumpler bags are bomb proof as well."
"Try Crumpler, they have really nice bags quality and they can be repaired, though they are somewhat pricey."
#13
Inside Line Equipment
4.3
(3)
"Also Inside Line Equipment Utility Tote Mini."
"Inside Line Equipment Utility Tote Mini."
"Inside Line Equipment Utility Tote Mini."
#14
Mission Workshop
4.0
(3)
"Check out mission workshop"
"Mission Workshop messenger bags are more overbuilt."
"Mission workshop."
#15
Filson
4.0
(3)
"Not local but Filson or Mission Workshop."
"I've got a filson duffle I use daily and pretty happy with it."
"In that price range I'd check Filson, Peak Design."
#16
Saddleback Leather
5.0
(2)
"They are 3x your listed price, but Saddleback Leather has amazing bags that are very much bifl."
"Not local, but I have lusted over Saddlebackleather.com briefcases and duffels for years."
#17
Waterfield Designs
4.5
(2)
"Check out Waterfield Designs, designed and made in SF."
"I like Waterfield designs."
#18
Rickshaw Bagworks
4.5
(2)
"Tom Bihn and Rickshaw Bagworks. Rickshaw will customize infinitely ir seems."
"Rickshaw Bagworks is another option. They have well made totes and messengers."
#19
Tumi
4.5
(2)
"Tumi. There is one in Chinook Mall."
"Tumi. There is one in Chinook Mall."
#20
Bellroy
4.5
(2)
"Bellroy Tokyo Workpack?"
"I really like the Bellroy products I have"
#21
Prada
4.0
(2)
"The Prada leans edgy and casual, and I could see it working with a wide range of outfits."
"If it’s an everyday bag I’d go for the Prada - more versatile and casual looking."
#22
Alpaka
4.0
(2)
"[Alpaka metro backpack] (12L)"
"Alpaka tech brief pro or tomtoc messenger/sling."
#23
Manhattan Portage
4.0
(2)
"12x18.5 but if you loosen the strap it can hold the 13 no problem."
"Manhattan portage."
#24
Mystery Ranch
4.0
(2)
"The Mystery Ranch 3 Way might work."
"Mystery Ranch Indie, or sometimes I prefer using a Crumpler."
#25
Cravar
4.0
(2)
"Cravar is probably going to be your best bang for buck for a leather bag."
"Cravar if you are normal like us."
#26
Emerson
5.0
(1)
"My wife just got me this one for an early Xmas gift. I like it a lot."
#27
Briggs and Riley
5.0
(1)
"If you want serious durability and a fantastic lifetime warranty, check out Briggs and Riley @ work collection briefcases."
#28
Roadrunner Bags
5.0
(1)
"Roadrunner Bags has a messenger/tote. US Made."
#29
Vaya
5.0
(1)
"Been very happy with it!"
#30
Wharton
5.0
(1)
"I've been using wharton leather bags."
#31
Adrian Klis
5.0
(1)
"Cannot recommend those products enough."
#32
TippyThai
5.0
(1)
"Does full custom bags quickly and for excellent prices."
#33
Yoshida
5.0
(1)
"Yoshida makes a variety of nice bags under the various Porter labels."
#34
Killspencer
5.0
(1)
"What's worked well for me is the killspencer briefcase - it has a slim profile but a dedicated padded laptop compartment that securely holds my mbp."
#35
Roots
5.0
(1)
"All of the made in Canada Roots leather goods are lifetime warranty."
#36
Cocotte Equip
5.0
(1)
"A Montréal staple: http://cocotte-equip.com/ I have one and love it."
#37
Will Leather Goods
5.0
(1)
"I am a huge fan of Will leather goods. They are hand made in Oregon."
#38
Osprey
5.0
(1)
"My go to is the Osprey Flap Jill Mini which is a women's bag but if you get it in blue or black they all look the same and have the same features."
#39
Mark Ryden
5.0
(1)
"Go for it. Mark Ryden is a good brand."
#40
CourierWare
5.0
(1)
"Lots of sizes. Mine is 30 years old."
#41
Aunts & Uncles
5.0
(1)
"Aunts & Uncles is a beautiful product from Europe."
#42
Boconi
4.0
(1)
"I spotted a couple nice looking leather messenger bags on Nordstrom Rack's page."
#43
Vanquest
4.0
(1)
"Vanquest or grey ghost gear probably fit your bill."
#44
Rudsak
4.0
(1)
"Rudsak in Market mall."
#45
Arc'teryx
4.0
(1)
"Has a couple of options for those inclined toward tech-wear."
#46
Wood & Faulk
4.0
(1)
"Checkout Wood & Faulk or Billykirk."
#47
Billykirk
4.0
(1)
"Checkout Wood & Faulk or Billykirk."
#48
Shinola
4.0
(1)
#49
Go Forth Goods
4.0
(1)
"Their leather is really good and thick"
#50
Orbitgear
4.0
(1)
"Pick the orbitgear due to wider straps"
#51
Trakke
4.0
(1)
"Trakke makes a giant messenger bag."
#52
RELoad
4.0
(1)
"A small RELoad Flight Pack might be just the ticket."
#53
LBB
4.0
(1)
"LBB Echelon. The larger size even has a dual shoulder carry strap."
#54
Matt&Nat
4.0
(1)
"I just bought a Matt&Nat briefcase style bag for my boyfriend that is really nice."
#55
Patagonia
4.0
(1)
"It does a nice job of being small but not too small."
#56
Copper Cherry
4.0
(1)
"Copper Cherry makes some very nice bags."
#57
Peak Design
4.0
(1)
"Peak Design without the inserts?"
#58
Kodiak Leather
4.0
(1)
"Just searched and saw some messenger bags from this company. They seem like good quality to me."
#59
Frost River
4.0
(1)
"I’d go for a Frost River Manitou or Saganaga."
#60
Vertx
4.0
(1)
"Take a look at https://vertx.com/dead-letter-sling it’s on sale if you like these colors."
#61
Aerostich
4.0
(1)
"If not Timbukt2, one of these: https://www.aerostich.com/bags/messenger-bags"
#62
Dsptch
4.0
(1)
"Dsptch makes good bags, Chrome Industries makes good bags."
#63
Orbit Gear
4.0
(1)
"Orbit Gear hand sews bags using technical fabrics."
#64
Space Age Bags
3.0
(1)
"Very small bag. Won’t be able to do any sort of messenger work but it makes for a great around town / day bag."
#65
Courierware
3.0
(1)
"Courierware bags will fit your gear. I have one of the messengers in the large size."
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