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10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2023
If you’re thinking of buying a messenger bag, you want to make sure you get the right one for your style and lifestyle; whether you want something leather or synthetic and waterproof, suitable for traveling come rain or shine, and with enough space for a laptop or something smaller. We'll look at some of the main things to consider, as well as looking at our ten best picks from brands such as Barbour and Fjallraven, available on John Lewis and Amazon.
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What Is a Messenger Bag and Why Choose One?
This style of bag generally features one large compartment protected by a sizeable flap. This design allows easy access to the bag’s contents while providing a good level of protection from the elements. Smaller, secondary compartments for the organised stowing of a range of bits and bobs and a padded laptop sleeve are common additions.
So what are the advantages of messenger bags when compared with other types of bags? One of the main benefits is the convenience they provide with both hands free to deal with whatever life throws at you. Messenger bags can also be more elegant and grown-up than a backpack.
How to Choose a Messenger Bag in the UK – Buying Guide
Now we have a better idea of what a messenger bags are and what advantages they offer over other types of bags, let’s have a look at the most important things to consider when buying a messenger bag online in the UK.
Make Sure Your Bag Is the Right Size for Your Requirements
Smaller messenger bags (around 16 litres or less) are lighter and more comfortable to wear on a day to day basis, and without any unnecessary capacity, it should be easier to keep your belongings in place. They’ll be easier to tuck in close to you while squeezing into packed public transport, and less cumbersome to wear all day long while sightseeing on a city break.
Larger messenger bags (around 20 litres or more) are for those who need something to take to work, with room for a packed lunch, travel mug, change of clothes for the gym afterwards, and whatever else you might need. Such messenger bags can also double up as weekend bags for short breaks, while still compact enough to take as carry-on luggage.
Think About How You’ll Be Wearing Your Messenger Bag
Courier-Style Bags Are Better for Cyclists
Courier-style bags also tend to be large and highly water-resistant and come with additions such as reflective strips and places to attach bike lights. These design features make them super practical, and a good choice if capacity and weather resistance are your key considerations, but they may be less suitable for some office environments and for pairing with formal wear.
Briefcase- or Satchel-Style Bags Offer More Variety
This style of messenger bag is more common and comes in a wider range of designs and materials to suit a broader spectrum of looks and fashions. However, for heavier or bulkier loads, the strap on this style of messenger back can be less comfortable and be more likely to give you a bad back.
Choosing the Best Material to Suit Your Lifestyle
Leather and Waxed Cotton Add a Touch of Class
However, these materials are only hard wearing to a certain extent. If your bag is going to spend a lot of time sitting on a dirty cafe floor or chucked around, leather and waxed cotton will soon start to look tatty rather than worn-in. Similarly, if you’ll be outside with your messenger bag, you’ll soon find that leather and waxed cotton are no match for the worst of British weather.
Synthetic Materials Are Better for Life on the Go
Generally speaking, however, messenger bags made from synthetic materials tend to be less sophisticated and smart than those made from natural materials. For some this will be part of their appeal – it will go with their less formal look or let them celebrate living outside the 9-5 world, but for those who want something elegant, it may be best to steer clear of polyester and nylon.
Laptop Compartments Are Essential for Keeping Your Tech Safe
These laptop pockets are separate from the main compartment, to help prevent any damage from leaky bottles or travel mugs inside your messenger bag. Much more importantly, however, they should be sufficiently padded to protect your laptop or tablet from the bumps and knocks your bag will be subjected to daily.
When comparing messenger bags, bear in mind the size of your device, as not all bags will have room for larger models. And if your laptop or tablet is particularly expensive or dear to you, or if you lead a particularly rough and tumble life, factor in enough space for an additional, separately purchased protective sleeve or case to make extra sure your hardware gets there in one piece.
Top 10 Best Messenger Bags in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fjällräven Greenland Messenger Bag | | A Cool Yet Understated Messenger Bag Made From Sustainably Sourced Materials | |
2 | Barbour Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel | | A High-Quality Traditional Messenger Bag in Heritage Materials | |
3 | Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag | | The Professional Cycle Courier’s Bag of Choice | |
4 | Eastpak Delegate Messenger Bag | | A Satchel/Courier Bag Crossover Built for the Streets | |
5 | John Lewis & Partners Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag | | A Small but Perfectly Formed Traditional Messenger Bag | |
6 | Vaude Ayo L | | A Convenient Alternative for Cyclists Who Want to Arrive in Style | |
7 | Kroser Water-Repellent Expandable Messenger Bag | | Unbeatable Laptop Protection at a Great Price | |
8 | Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag | | A Good Value Courier-Style Messenger Bag | |
9 | American Blue Store Leather Messenger Briefcase Bag | | Perfect for Those Who Prefer Something More Traditional | |
10 | Gola Classics Redford Messenger Bag | | Classic Lines but Without the Mod-Cons |
A Cool Yet Understated Messenger Bag Made From Sustainably Sourced Materials
Made from their own hard-wearing water-resistant poly-cotton material, the Greenland Shoulder Bag features one large main compartment, a padded laptop compartment suitable for devices up to 15 inches, and smaller zippered pockets, all protected by a large flap bearing the company’s instantly recognisable arctic fox logo.
BarbourWax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel
A High-Quality Traditional Messenger Bag in Heritage Materials
There is laptop compartment, making it a bag for the weekend and the daily commute. The two good-sized poppered pockets add style as well as space, and when you combine this extra storage with the main compartment, you'll see you have plenty of space to put all of your stuff.
The Professional Cycle Courier’s Bag of Choice
As is the norm for courier-style bags, the Citizen is very generously sized. It features one cavernous main compartment as well as some smaller pockets under the flap, and there’s room for up to a 17-inch laptop. With the unparalleled build quality and weather resistance, this is a bag that will last and last.
A Satchel/Courier Bag Crossover Built for the Streets
The Delegate + is built to last, made from a tough 100% nylon fabric. It has a useful stash pocket on the outside for keeping essentials close to hand, and there’s a padded laptop compartment inside, with enough room for a 17-inch device. Two satisfyingly chunky clips keep the flap in place, and there’s a full-length zip for the main compartment for added security.
John Lewis & PartnersKeswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag
A Small but Perfectly Formed Traditional Messenger Bag
The waxed cotton with leather trim will age well with use and there’s room inside for a 15-inch laptop. There are two good-sized pockets on the outside, and inside there are other smaller compartments and an A4 document holder. The 10-litre capacity is the smallest on our list, but judging by the reviews left by many satisfied customers, it’s still a great size for a range of activities.
A Convenient Alternative for Cyclists Who Want to Arrive in Style
Being aimed at commuters, it’s no surprise that the laptop pouch here is particularly well-constructed, suitable for devices up to 15.6 inches. You can also buy this bag with a clear conscience knowing that it is eco-friendly.
KroserWater-Repellent Expandable Messenger Bag
Unbeatable Laptop Protection at a Great Price
There’s no protective flap, but the durable nylon construction will provide some protection from the rain and withstand bashes and scrapes. Inside, there’s a reinforced rigid case that expands with the bag that makes this messenger bag less ergonomically comfortable than others but does afford your laptop that extra layer of protection.
A Good Value Courier-Style Messenger Bag
There’s the standard super-sized main compartment, but the range of smaller pockets is minimal. It fits snug across the back, with a secondary strap to keep it in place, but there’s no quick-release mechanism. It offers a good level of protection from the rain, however, and comes in a range of colours and sizes. This medium size has a sleeve suitable for a laptop up to 15 inches.
American Blue StoreLeather Messenger Briefcase Bag
Perfect for Those Who Prefer Something More Traditional
There is a separate pocket to accommodate up to 15-inch laptops, but the padding is pretty basic, so you might want to consider doubling up with a separate case or sleeve. Some buyers report the natural soya oil treatment giving off a strong odour, although for many this just adds to this messenger bag’s traditional charm.
Classic Lines but Without the Mod-Cons
The basic zippered opening with no protective flap means this bag isn’t as good in the rain as others. There’s one large compartment with just one small zippered inner and one outer pocket, and no padding for laptops and other devices.
Make Your Cycling Commute a Little Easier
Cycling is one of the best forms of transport there is: it's affordable, it's good for you and it's good for the environment. What's not to love? Well, cycling can be a bit of a hassle if you don't have the right kit, but with these guides, we'll show you products that - along with your new messenger bag - will ensure you have a safe and happy experience on two wheels.
Summary
Top 5 Messenger Bags
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