The Best Messenger Bags for 2021

Go hands-free with these sleek carryalls.

Rebecca Carhart

Updated February 04, 2021

Our editorial team independently selected and reviewed each product we feature. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links provided.

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Much like a

comfortable pair of walking shoes, picking the right travel bag is crucial. The ideal option should be lightweight, comfortable, and free up your hands to do more important things like take memorable travel photos, which is why we love messenger bags.

These

sleek crossbody carryalls

What’s the best part? These unisex bags are extremely versatile, and they go with just about any outfit. They’ll not only keep your belongings safe and organized, but they’ll also give you plenty of room to store everything you didn’t fit in your suitcase.

Similar to other travel bagsTo help you find the best options, we looked at real customer reviews to see which ones they liked the best. , the sheer volume of messenger bags available in stores can be overwhelming.

These best-selling products have not only a plethora of positive reviews, but also thousands of five-star ratings. Some of the items on this list have anti-theft technology, while others have padded straps for extra comfort and a variety of compartments and pockets so you won’t have to waste time looking for things.

Keep reading to see the 13 messenger bags that shoppers can’t get enough of, from sleek leather messenger bags to eco-friendly cotton carryalls.

These are the best messenger bags to buy:

Best Overall:

Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag

Best Expandable Option:

Ytonet Expandable Messenger Laptop Bag

Best Leather Option:
Frye Logan Messenger Bag
Most Comfortable Option:
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag
Best Personalized Option: Away The Messenger Bag
Most Organized Option: Samsonite Flap Over Messenger Bag
Best for Left-Handed Wearers: Chrome Mini Metro Messenger Bag
Best for Frequent Flyers: Timbuk2 Command TSA-friendly Messenger Bag
Best Anti-theft Option: Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
Best Canvas Option: Sweetbriar Canvas Messenger Bag
Best Long Option: Leaper Retro Messenger Bag
Best Padded Option: Filson Padded Messenger Bag
Best Waterproof Option: Peacechaos Waterproof Messenger Bag

Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag is the best overall bag.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business Messenger Bag

Credit: Courtesy of eBags

To buy:

amazon.com

, from $84 (Originally $102)

Best Expandable Option: Ytonet Expandable Messenger Laptop Bag

Ytonet Expandable Messenger Laptop Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

To buy:

amazon.com

, $30 (Originally $46)

Best Leather Option: Frye Logan Messenger Bag

Frye Leather Logan Messenger Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

To buy:

amazon.com

, $498

Most Comfortable Option: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Navy and grey messenger bag

Credit: Courtesy of Zappos

It also has a top handle for easy grabbing, a water bottle pocket, and compression straps to keep it closed securely. Unlike other messenger bags that can cause back and shoulder pain while being carried, this Timbuk2 messenger bag has an incredibly comfortable airmesh strap pad that will keep your shoulders pain-free all day. The adorable carryall is available in seven different colorways, and it has been endorsed by over 600 Zappos customers.

To buy:

zappos.com, $99

Best Personalized Option: Away The Messenger Bag

The Messenger Bag

Credit: Courtesy of AwayTravel

Consider investing in this Away option if you like to personalize your travel accessories. The editor-approved brandThis roomy bag was designed with multiple pockets to hold everything from binders to laptops to books and more. It even has an external slip pocket for easy access to travel essentials like your phone or passport, and you can personalize the bag with your initials for an additional $35.

To buy:

awaytravel.com, from $145