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  • 10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2024 1
  • 10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2024 2
  • 10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2024 3
  • 10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2024 4
  • 10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2024 5

10 Best Messenger Bags UK 2024

Messenger bags take their name from the bags worn by those delivering royal decrees, post, and messages since the days of antiquity. They are ever increasingly the go-to choice of bag for fashion-conscious men and women, both workers and school students, who value the messenger bag’s timeless appeal as well as their ability to adapt in a world of ever-changing trends and technology.

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.
Last updated 28/03/2024

Quick List - Top Messenger Bags

1

Fjällräven

Greenland Messenger Bag
Greenland Messenger Bag

A Cool Yet Understated Messenger Bag Made From Sustainably Sourced Materials

2

Barbour

Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel
Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel

A High-Quality Traditional Messenger Bag in Heritage Materials

3

Chrome

Citizen Messenger Bag
Citizen Messenger Bag

The Professional Cycle Courier’s Bag of Choice

4

Eastpak

Delegate Messenger Bag
Delegate Messenger Bag

A Satchel/Courier Bag Crossover Built for the Streets

5

John Lewis & Partners

Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag
Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag

A Small but Perfectly Formed Traditional Messenger Bag

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Table of Contents

What Is a Messenger Bag and Why Choose One?

What Is a Messenger Bag and Why Choose One?
Messenger bags come in many different shapes and sizes, but generally speaking, they have one strap which can be worn over one shoulder or across the body. They can also be worn sitting against the hip or lower back, or tight across the back – a more secure position for cycling.


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.

1

Make Sure Your Bag Is the Right Size for Your Requirements

Make Sure Your Bag Is the Right Size for Your Requirements
When deciding which messenger bag to buy online, think carefully about what you’ll be using it for, as there will almost certainly be the perfect bag to meet your needs.


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.

2

Think About How You’ll Be Wearing Your Messenger Bag

The term messenger bag has come to cover different styles of luggage in different shapes and sizes. Broadly speaking, messenger bags can be divided into two categories depending on how they are to be worn.

Courier-Style Bags Are Better for Cyclists

Courier-Style Bags Are Better for Cyclists
Courier-style messenger bags are designed to cater to the needs of hardcore cyclists. They are worn high up across the back, snug against the body. This positioning, plus the common addition of a secondary stabilising strap, means they sit securely in position while cycling rather than banging uncomfortably and dangerously against your side.


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

Briefcase- or Satchel-Style Bags Offer More Variety
Briefcase- or satchel-style messenger bags have a longer strap and are generally worn vertically over the shoulder. They sit loosely against the hip or lower waist and offer easy access and are easier to put on and take off.


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.

3

Choosing the Best Material to Suit Your Lifestyle

The material you choose for your messenger bag should depend not only on your own stylistic choices but also on more practical considerations. Here we’ll look at the main distinction – that between leather and waxed cotton, and more modern synthetic alternatives.

Leather and Waxed Cotton Add a Touch of Class

Leather and Waxed Cotton Add a Touch of Class
Leather and waxed cotton are two natural, timeless materials that look great with many outfits and provide a sufficient level of protection from the elements for most day-to-day wear. Looked after well, these materials will last a long time, and the scuffs they pick up along the way will create a characterful distressed look that will only add to their vintage appeal.


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

Synthetic Materials Are Better for Life on the Go
Man-made materials such as polyester and nylon offer a range of benefits over leather and waxed cotton. While water resistance does vary, some of the messenger bags in our list are made from materials designed to withstand even the most torrential downpour, so you know that even if you’re sodden to the core, your stuff is safe and dry and your laptop undamaged.


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.

4

Laptop Compartments Are Essential for Keeping Your Tech Safe

Laptop Compartments Are Essential for Keeping Your Tech Safe
If you’re going to be using your messenger bag to transport your laptop or tablet then a dedicated compartment for your device is a must.


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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Messenger Bags in the UK

Having looked at our buying guide and seen the things to bear in mind, let’s now turn to our top ten messenger bags to buy online in the UK.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Fjällräven

Greenland Messenger Bag

Fjällräven Greenland Messenger Bag 1

A Cool Yet Understated Messenger Bag Made From Sustainably Sourced Materials

2

Barbour

Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel

Barbour Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel 1

A High-Quality Traditional Messenger Bag in Heritage Materials

3

Chrome

Citizen Messenger Bag

Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag 1

The Professional Cycle Courier’s Bag of Choice

4

Eastpak

Delegate Messenger Bag

Eastpak  Delegate Messenger Bag 1

A Satchel/Courier Bag Crossover Built for the Streets

5

John Lewis & Partners

Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag

John Lewis & Partners Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag 1

A Small but Perfectly Formed Traditional Messenger Bag

6

Vaude

Ayo L

Vaude Ayo L  1

A Convenient Alternative for Cyclists Who Want to Arrive in Style

7

Kroser

Water-Repellent Expandable Messenger Bag

Kroser Water-Repellent Expandable Messenger Bag 1

Unbeatable Laptop Protection at a Great Price

8

Timbuk2

Classic Messenger Bag

Timbuk2  Classic Messenger Bag 1

A Good Value Courier-Style Messenger Bag

9

American Blue Store

Leather Messenger Briefcase Bag

American Blue Store Leather Messenger Briefcase Bag 1

Perfect for Those Who Prefer Something More Traditional

10

Gola

Classics Redford Messenger Bag

Gola  Classics Redford Messenger Bag 1

Classic Lines but Without the Mod-Cons

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Fjällräven
Greenland Messenger Bag

Greenland Messenger Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£108.24
High Mid
Reference price
£108.24
High Mid

A Cool Yet Understated Messenger Bag Made From Sustainably Sourced Materials

Thanks to their ubiquitous Kanken backpack, Swedish brand Fjällräven have become the go-to name for those looking for high-quality outdoors equipment that combines simplicity and practicality with a thought for responsible sourcing and sustainability. Their Greenland messenger bag combines all these elements in a clean design available in black, green, and two shades of blue.

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.
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No.2

Barbour
Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel

Wax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£104.00
High Mid
Reference price
£104.00
High Mid

A High-Quality Traditional Messenger Bag in Heritage Materials

Those looking to add a touch of classic British styling to their wardrobes will love this Barbour messenger. It’s constructed from traditional waxed cotton, with real leather features and brass fittings. And inside, this messenger bag is lined in the company’s unmistakable tartan.

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. 
No.3

Chrome
Citizen Messenger Bag

Citizen Messenger Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£123.76
High Mid
Reference price
£123.76
High Mid

The Professional Cycle Courier’s Bag of Choice

Among bicycle messengers the Chrome Citizen messenger bag is something of an industry standard, and for good reason. This is a bag that’s optimized for cycling, with reflective detailing, an industrial-strength strap with a secondary stabilizing strap, and a quick-release buckle to make for a safe, secure, comfortable and convenient bag to use on the move.

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.
No.4

Eastpak
Delegate Messenger Bag

Delegate Messenger Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£36.95
Low Mid
Reference price
£36.95
Low Mid

A Satchel/Courier Bag Crossover Built for the Streets

The Eastpak Delegate+ looks like the messenger bag someone almost certainly had at your secondary school, but that doesn’t mean it would look out of place in adult life. Styled somewhere between a cyclist’s messenger bag and a utilitarian laptop bag, it’s basic, functional design make it suitable for the office and the street.

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.
No.5

John Lewis & Partners
Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag

Keswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£99.00
High Mid
Reference price
£99.00
High Mid

A Small but Perfectly Formed Traditional Messenger Bag

For a bag with such a traditional aesthetic, this messenger bag from John Lewis is surprisingly versatile, with lots of neat little touches. As well as the standard shoulder strap, it also features big, chunky handles on top allowing it to be carried like a duffle or gym bag. And there’s also an easy to overlook strap on the back that lets you slip it over the extendable handle of your wheely suitcase.

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.
No.6

Vaude
Ayo L

Ayo L  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£68.63
Mid
Reference price
£68.63
Mid

A Convenient Alternative for Cyclists Who Want to Arrive in Style

Another bag aimed at cyclists, the Vaude looks as at home in the office as in the rush-hour commute. The tough, coated polyester construction is enough to keep things dry in most weather conditions, with the flap cover for added protection

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. 

No.7

Kroser
Water-Repellent Expandable Messenger Bag

Water-Repellent Expandable Messenger Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£23.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£23.99
Low Mid

Unbeatable Laptop Protection at a Great Price

It’s not exactly stylish, but if you’re on a budget and want to move your laptop plus accessories from A to B with the minimum of fuss then look no further. The Kroser gives itself one job to do and does it well, offering excellent protection for laptops of up to 17 inches – a size that other messenger bags on our list just can’t handle.

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.
No.8

Timbuk2
Classic Messenger Bag

Classic Messenger Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£91.61
High Mid
Reference price
£91.61
High Mid

A Good Value Courier-Style Messenger Bag

The Timbuk2 is aimed at those who want a bicycle messenger style bag but without the hefty price tag that many of the most famous brands command. As such, it boasts many of the things you’d expect from this style of bag, but it does lack some more advanced features.

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.
No.9

American Blue Store
Leather Messenger Briefcase Bag

Leather Messenger Briefcase Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£42.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£42.99
Low Mid

Perfect for Those Who Prefer Something More Traditional

This very reasonably priced messenger bag is a great choice for those looking for a more traditional look. The satchel-style bag is crafted in soft goat leather with a canvas lining and proper metal buckle holding down the flap.

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.
No.10

Gola
Classics Redford Messenger Bag

Classics Redford Messenger Bag 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£25.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£25.00
Low Mid

Classic Lines but Without the Mod-Cons

While not as feature-packed as many other messenger bags on our list, this affordable Gola creation oozes retro-cool. The simple, distinctive design is this bag’s main selling point, with its clean lines and recognisable logo suiting a sportier look.

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.

Summary

Thanks for joining us for this look at messenger bags and for our run-through of the ten best to buy online in the UK this year. Whether it’s for cycling or walking to work, or for a country stroll or weekend away, we hope you’ve found something that takes your fancy.

Top 5 Messenger Bags

No. 1: FjällrävenGreenland Messenger Bag

No. 2: BarbourWax Cotton and Leather Trim Satchel

No. 3: ChromeCitizen Messenger Bag

No. 4: Eastpak Delegate Messenger Bag

No. 5: John Lewis & PartnersKeswick Waxed Cotton Messenger Bag

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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