Wirecutter

With its strong seat-belt strap, weatherproof materials, and large laptop pocket, the Chrome Citizen bag will keep your personal items safe on your commute.

Best for Most

amazon.com

expert-review

Chrome Industries Citizen | Pack Hacker

The Monty Bag has a more streamlined shape than similar bags made by Chrome, and its minimal design is perfect for the biker who wants a less-intense messenger bag.

OutdoorGearLab

The Mission Workshop Monty is a great weatherproof messenger bag with quality construction and intuitive design. It has just enough pockets for easy organization without unnecessary extra storage features. The body-hugging design and vertical orientation of the bag are optimized for bike commuting, but it is comfortable to wear while walking or using public transit as well. You can use it in the traditional flap down mode, or close the bag with the roll-top configuration for more space. The laptop pocket is fully waterproof &mdash; accommodating up to a 15" laptop &mdash;  and the flap-down closure provides an extra layer of security. The burly 1000d fabric and weatherproof liner make this bag a great option for anyone who's tough on their gear and needs protection from inclement weather.
There are a couple of drawbacks to this otherwise well-designed bag. For starters, the Monty does not have a padded laptop compartment; you can use a laptop case, but then you will need to store your computer in the main compartment of the bag. The cargo pockets are the perfect size for a mini U-lock, but the flap is too tight for a perfect seal over the lock &#40;we used an old mini ABUS U-lock&#41;, causing the flap to close asymmetrically over the top. Not a deal-breaker, but a little clunky for an otherwise flawless bag. The shoulder strap is not also ambidextrous, which is a bummer for left-handed folks. Finally, if you are a person who craves abundant pockets for organizing an array of gear, the Monty offers fewer pockets than other packs. However, for the minimally-minded bike commuter who wants exceptional craftsmanship and a durable weatherproof messenger bag, this U.S.-made beauty is hard to beat. 

The Mission Workshop Monty is a great weatherproof messenger bag with quality construction and intuitive design. It has just enough pockets for easy organization without unnecessary extra storage features. The body-hugging design and vertical orientation of the bag are optimized for bike commuting, but it is comfortable to wear while walking or using public transit as well. You can use it in the traditional flap-down mode, or close the bag with the roll-top configuration for more space. The laptop pocket is fully waterproof &mdash; accommodating up to a 15" laptop &mdash;  and the flap-down closure provides an extra layer of security. The burly 1000d fabric and weatherproof liner make this bag a great option for anyone who's tough on their gear and needs protection from inclement weather.
There are a couple of drawbacks to this otherwise well-designed bag. For starters, the Monty does not have a padded laptop compartment; you can use a laptop case, but then you will need to store your computer in the main compartment of the bag. The cargo pockets are the perfect size for a mini U-lock, but the flap is too tight for a perfect seal over the lock &#40;we used an old mini ABUS U-lock&#41;, causing the flap to close asymmetrically over the top. Not a deal-breaker, but a little clunky for an otherwise flawless bag. The shoulder strap is not also ambidextrous, which is a bummer for left-handed folks. Finally, if you are a person who craves abundant pockets for organizing an array of gear, the Monty offers fewer pockets than other packs. However, for the minimally-minded bike commuter who wants exceptional craftsmanship and a durable weatherproof messenger bag, this U.S.-made beauty is hard to beat. 
Read more: Mission Workshop Monty review

Upgrade Pick

trustpilot

The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is reasonably priced, and it’s packed with pockets.

Not everyone's commute is the same every single day. If you bike to work some days, walk others, and drive the rest of the time, the Timbuk2 Classic may be a brilliant choice. It's great for those that like the option of carrying their belongings on one shoulder for short distances or cinching everything up securely across the body for longer trips. The straps are easy to use, the pocket options are numerous, and the robust material is water-resistant. On top of it all, the Classic is available in four different sizes, all at very reasonable price points. Tried and true, this bag has been around for decades for a reason. As a bonus, it comes in lots of fun colors, and for a little extra cash, it is fully customizable.
The serious bike commuter will notice that the Classic isn't as ergonomic for cycling. Though still quite comfortable, it doesn't hug the body as tightly or aerodynamically as some other models. It also doesn't have any outside pockets, so you'll need to get under the main flap to access your gear. While there is a laptop compartment, the padding is extremely minimal, so some mindfulness is required when handling it. Unlike some of the other bags in the review, this bag is optimized for left shoulder-only carry, so if you're left-handed, you may want to request a custom right-shoulder bag &mdash; which Timbuk2 can accommodate. If simple, straightforward, and affordable are critical points in your bag search, this is a definite contender. 

Not everyone's commute is the same every single day. If you bike to work some days, walk others, and drive the rest of the time, the Timbuk2 Classic may be a brilliant choice. It's great for those that like the option of carrying their belongings on one shoulder for short distances or cinching everything up securely across the body for longer trips. The straps are easy to use, the pocket options are numerous, and the robust material is water-resistant. On top of it all, the Classic is available in four different sizes, all at very reasonable price points. Tried and true, this bag has been around for decades for a reason. As a bonus, it comes in lots of fun colors, and for a little extra cash, it is fully customizable.
The serious bike commuter will notice that the Classic isn't as ergonomic for cycling. Though still quite comfortable, it doesn't hug the body as tightly or aerodynamically as some other models. It also doesn't have any outside pockets, so you'll need to get under the main flap to access your gear. While there is a laptop compartment, the padding is extremely minimal, so some mindfulness is required when handling it. Unlike some of the other bags in the review, this bag is optimized for left-shoulder-only carry, so leftys may want to request a custom right-shoulder bag &mdash; which Timbuk2 can accommodate. If simple, straightforward, and affordable are critical points in your bag search, this is a definite contender. 
Read more: Timbuk2 Classic review

Budget Pick

walmart

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag Review | Pack Hacker

bazaarvoice

The Buran III is a tech-centered take on Chrome's classic weather-proof messenger bag. It is designed with an emphasis on ease of use, comfort, and rugged durability. It has one of Chrome's iconic seatbelt buckles for easy on and off, and an easily accessible pocket for your U-lock under the front flap. The fabric is weatherproof with a tarpaulin-lined 1050d fabric on the exterior and a second layer of tarpaulin inside of that. This is essentially a bag within a bag, giving you extra weatherproofing for big rainstorms or extra storage for your sweaty gym clothes &mdash; depending on your climate and lifestyle. The pockets and storage are well-conceived and easy to use. The shoulder strap is ambidextrous for left or right shoulder carry, and the padding is generous, making the bag comfortable on and off the bike. The padded laptop pocket can accommodate up to a 17" naked laptop, the biggest in our review. 
There are very few downsides with the Buran III, and for the right person, these might be inconsequential. It is the heaviest of the bags in our review, but with the comfort and high ease of use it provides, it doesn't feel heavy while wearing. The padded laptop pocket is on the back of the bag, and there is a burly hood on the zipper, but the zipper is not waterproof. This likely won't be an issue since your computer will be protected by the rest of your bag &#40;as well as your back&#41;, but it still seems like an oversight. Finally, this bag is among the more expensive in the review, but it makes up for the steep price in terms of quality of design. If you're a tech professional, student, or urban commuter of any persuasion, we think you'll appreciate this rugged and well-conceived bag for moving your gear around town.

The Buran III is a tech-centered take on Chrome's classic weather-proof messenger bag. It is designed with an emphasis on ease of use, comfort, and rugged durability. It has one of Chrome's iconic seatbelt buckles for easy on and off, and an easily accessible pocket for your U-lock under the front flap. The fabric is weatherproof with a tarpaulin-lined 1050d fabric on the exterior and a second layer of tarpaulin inside of that. This is essentially a bag within a bag, giving you extra weatherproofing for big rainstorms or extra storage for your sweaty gym clothes &mdash; depending on your climate and lifestyle. The pockets and storage are well-conceived and easy to use. The shoulder strap is ambidextrous for left or right shoulder carry, and the padding is generous, making the bag comfortable on and off the bike. The padded laptop pocket can accommodate up to a 17" naked laptop, the biggest in our review. 
There are very few downsides with the Buran III, and for the right person, these might be inconsequential. It is the heaviest of the bags in our review, but with the comfort and high ease of use it provides, it doesn't feel heavy while wearing. The padded laptop pocket is on the back of the bag, and there is a burly hood on the zipper, but the zipper is not waterproof. This likely won't be an issue since your computer will be protected by the rest of your bag &#40;as well as your back&#41;, but it still seems like an oversight. Finally, this bag is among the more expensive in the review, but it makes up for the steep price in terms of quality of design. If you're a tech professional, student, or urban user of an electric commuter bike, we think you'll appreciate this rugged and well-conceived bag for moving your gear around town.
Read more: Chrome Buran III review

yotpo

The Executive Leather Messenger bag has a hefty price tag, but it’s worth it if you are looking for a well-constructed and meticulously designed messenger bag to keep for the long haul.

theverge.com

TechGearLab

The Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger Bag is a fantastic, large-capacity sling camera bag for any photographer who needs to carry around or travel with a lot of gear. This messenger-style bag slings across the body with a padded strap that has a memory foam insert to provide some welcome cushion for the shoulder. For heavier loads or longer travel times, you can also deploy an included clip-on waist strap to transfer some of the weight to your waist, making waiting in long lines at the airport a more relaxing experience. These features can be very valuable because you can fit a lot of gear into this terrific bag. Our testers were able to fit a full-frame mirrorless camera body with an attached lens, four additional lenses, and a small point-and-shoot camera with an attached lens. With compartments for your laptop and tablet, a front pocket for accessories, this bag can carry most of what you might need to get out shooting for work or for play. 
If this bag is full to the brim with all the accessories it can fit, it will be more difficult to comfortably carry around all day. Most of the other bags we tested were all smaller and lighter and easier to carry around for a full day of shooting. Although it has the thoughtful features of a padded strap and additional waist strap if you want to move a little more efficiently, photographers looking for something smaller and lighter may want to read on. But for a bag with a large capacity for your camera and many lenses and accessories with many great additional features, the Tenba DNA 16 Pro is hard to beat.  

The Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger Bag is a fantastic, large-capacity sling camera bag for any photographer who needs to carry around or travel with a lot of gear. This messenger-style bag slings across the body with a padded strap that has a memory foam insert to provide some welcome cushion for the shoulder. For heavier loads or longer travel times, you can also deploy an included clip-on waist strap to transfer some of the weight to your waist, making waiting in long lines at the airport a more relaxing experience. These features can be very valuable because you can fit a lot of gear into this terrific bag. Our testers were able to fit a full-frame mirrorless camera body with an attached lens, four additional lenses, and a small point-and-shoot camera with an attached lens. With compartments for your laptop, tablet, and a front pocket for accessories, this bag can carry most of what you might need to get out shooting for work or play. 
Stuffing this bag to the brim with accessories makes it difficult to comfortably carry around all day. Most of the other models we tested were all smaller, lighter, and easier to carry around for a full day of shooting. Although, we dig the thoughtful features of a padded strap and additional waist strap to move a little more efficiently. For photographers looking for something smaller and lighter, we suggest you read on. But for a bag with a large capacity for your camera, numerous lenses and accessories, and many great additional features, the Tenba DNA 16 Pro is hard to beat.  

Sleek, stylish, and restrained, the Rains is a little black dress of a bag, with a shoulder strap that’s more adjustable than most.

Rains Backpack Review | Pack Hacker

stamped

This is the best, most affordable leather bag we tested, with its full-grain leather, organized interior, and lengthy straps.

shopify

The Vitesse Cycling Musette is a comfortable bag that makes up for its lack of features with a simple, straightforward design and a vintage aesthetic.

The Timbuk2 Especial Stash is a comfortable, lightweight, and highly functional messenger bag. If you're looking for a highly water-resistant bag designed for biking with your electronics, then this is a great option for you. A waterproof laptop compartment means you can forge ahead with confidence that your gear is protected even when the skies open up. The brightly-colored interior makes it easy to find what you need, and the pockets are well-designed without being excessive. An ambidextrous strap and magnetic buckles, which can be operated one-handed, make the Stash user-friendly and efficient to carry. Smart features like an external water bottle pocket and plentiful accessory loops mean your essentials are never hard to access.
If you like to carry your bag on one shoulder while walking &#40;as opposed to cross-body&#41;, this may not be the best choice for you. The Stash is optimized for commuters that prefer a more traditional messenger design intended to hug the back snugly while zipping through town on a bike or a scooter. The tapered shape also isn't as conducive to sitting upright when set down on the ground. Because there's no velcro, you will have to commit to clipping the magnetic buckles every time to keep the front flap secure &#40;though you won't have to make a loud ripping sound every time you want to get inside&#41;. All of that aside, if you value durability and weather resistance in a bike-friendly design that provides some of the best protection for your electronics, then this is the bag for you.
Read more: Timbuk2 Especial Stash review

Messenger Bag Comparison