There are a couple of drawbacks to this otherwise well-designed bag. This likely won't be an issue since your computer will be protected by the rest of your bag (as well as your back), but it still seems like an oversight. Arc'teryx Granville 10 Courier Bag Because there's no velcro, you will have to commit to clipping the magnetic buckles every time to keep the front flap secure (though you won't have to make a loud ripping sound every time you want to get inside). Though the shape and design of messenger bags have evolved and expanded dramatically over the years, the original concept remains the same. Enthusiasts of sustainable style will dig this upcycled messenger bag, which is from Alchemy Goods. On top of it all, the Classic is available in four different sizes, all at very reasonable price points. Not everyone's commute is the same every single day. The bag measures 11 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide, so expect it to fit laptops up to 13 inches. Tried and true, this bag has been around for decades for a reason. On the flip side, the Everyday Messenger has a plethora of pockets, slots, and storage options. And most importantly, how does it handle a variety of load types and weights? Outside of school, she spends the majority of her time climbing alpine granite and sandstone splitters in the desert. Inside, theres a laptop sleeve as well as interior zippered compartments, pockets for pens and a smartphone, and a card slot. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The Classic is made from a TPU-lined Cordura fabric which, like the models above, makes it weather-resistant and very durable. at The Chrome Kadet Sling delivers classic Chrome comfort across the shoulder and has their iconic seatbelt buckle for easily taking the bag on and off. These bags can work great for cycling too, but they do sit lower on the back, so they tend to be less comfortable on a bike. Then, the Everyday Messenger has two sleeves for storing a tablet and your laptop, as well as countless features for safely storing and organizing your other electronics or camera equipment. Initially, powerline workers needed a durable bag to keep their heavy, bulky, and awkward tools easily accessible while climbing utility poles. Whether youre heading to the office or class, catching a flight, or carrying gear out in the field, weve handpicked some of the best messenger bags for wherever youre going. The affordable standout, the Timbuk2 Classic, is pretty user-friendly as well. The San Francisco-based brands medium Lightweight Flight bag is a versatile, everyday option thats also available in extra small and small sizes, and it features reflective hits to keep you visible in low light settings. If youre looking for a slim leather bag that only looks better with age (and will last you a lifetime to boot), consider this stylish one by Detroit-based company Shinola. Buy: The magnetic closures can be undone with one hand, though there is a minor learning curve to figure them out, and the neon interior makes it easy to find your gear inside the pack. The Monty has a fully waterproof pocket for up to a 15" laptop, though this pocket isn't padded. Coming in at a close second is the Buran III. Chrome and Mission Workshop soared above the competition in this category. 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. No one wants to be weighed down or hindered by their gear or daily essentials; we all want a bag that allows us to feel free and nimble. Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The Buran has the classic Chrome seat-belt-style buckle on the shoulder strap. The brightly-colored interior makes it easy to find what you need, and the pockets are well-designed without being excessive. It's a bag to carry your daily toolkit wherever you're going and however you plan to get there. The Monty is simple, straightforward, and intuitive. We categorized the most important messenger bag performance features into a series of rating metrics and developed a specific testing protocol for each one. The masterminds behind this review are Mary Witlacil and Penney Garrett. The shoulder strap is easy to adjust, though you do have to lift this bag over your head to take it off. Buy: In our initial rounds of testing, we asked a few essential questions: how does this bag feel on the back and shoulders? However, it is minimally padded, so it works better to protect your computer in a padded case, before putting it in the Timbuk2 Classic. We love the minimal design and comfortable carry of the impressively durable Monty, and we're sure you will too. From rugged leather options, to laptop-friendly carryalls, weve rounded up the best messenger bags to get you through your commute. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, OGL Volume/Weight Ratio (bigger is better), Number of Small Pockets (i.e. The Buran III also earned top marks in this category because it can accommodate up to a 17" laptop the largest in our review. While there is a laptop compartment, the padding is extremely minimal, so some mindfulness is required when handling it. In the case of this bag, the inner dividers are optimized for camera equipment, though they can be creatively used for almost anything. Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? We sprayed every bag with a garden hose, and the Stash stayed bone-dry inside. Another easy-to-use option is the Especial Stash. This extended testing period allows us to spend quality time with each product and fully evaluate its performance. Buy: Whether you're utilizing the roll-top or flip-down configuration, you can either expand for more storage space or enjoy more accessible gear. What good is a well-designed bag without longevity? The Monty is made with a durable 1000d nylon fabric that is coupled with a weather-proof liner. For extra storage you can close the bag by rolling down the top, or by folding over the flap, in either orientation the bag closes with velcro and plastic buckles. Finally, if you are a person who craves abundant pockets for organizing an array of gear, the Monty offers fewer pockets than other packs. Off for another day of work and play with the Granville 10. There is a velcro strap minder for keeping the strap out of your way while biking, but with excess strap, it is less ideal for keeping the strap out of your business. Companies are increasingly creative with how to improve the feel of shoulder straps, but comfy straps aren't necessarily the whole story. Functional, stylish, and comfortable - what's not to love? We always pay attention to how performance relates to cost. Over-the-shoulder bags have been around for a long time, at first adapted from military map bags for the broader public. Messenger bags have come a long way from the original powerline workers' tool bag, but the countless versions today should nonetheless be highly functional and versatile. A higher number is indicative of a bag that offers more functional capacity for its weight how many liters of capacity you have per pound carried. The laptop pocket is fully waterproof accommodating up to a 15" laptop and the flap-down closure provides an extra layer of security. The higher the number, the more space you get for each pound of weight on your back. 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 (we used an old mini ABUS U-lock), causing the flap to close asymmetrically over the top. Making this bag a great option for both cycling and walking around town. Chrome's iconic seatbelt buckle makes it easy to put on and take off both the Buran and the Kadet. If crosshatch isnt your print, the messenger bag comes in a range of cool colors. Even if youre a backpack type, youll undoubtedly find yourself in situations where a messenger bag is the better option. Water just slides off the impervious Stash. Each bag has a setting in which it's most appropriate, and we made sure to use it in that application and, of course, we took a bike ride with every model to see how it fared on a bicycle as well. This is essentially a bag within a bag, giving you extra weatherproofing for big rainstorms or extra storage for your sweaty gym clothes depending on your climate and lifestyle. The Mission Workshop Monty is a great weatherproof messenger bag with quality construction and intuitive design. 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. We logged many hours of online research and made an initial cut down to 60 potential bags to tests. By contrast, the Transit has not one, not two, but three(!) It all adds up to a very comfortable bag. However, bear in mind, some features that add to functionality, organization, or comfort can add extra weight to the bag without translating to unnecessary weight on your back. The outside of the bag is made from Cordura - a burly, abrasion resistant nylon that can endure years of use; and the inside of the bag is lined with TPU, a plastic tarp that makes the bag weather-resistant to protect your gear in a light storm. It is designed to endure rugged use and abuse on long commutes for years to come. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Back in the 80s, when these bags started to take off among bicycle messengers, no one was toting around notebook-sized computers, small space-age touchscreen gadgets, or tiny cell phones. in Environmental Politics at Colorado State University, so she is no stranger to riding her bicycle in inclement weather while commuting to class. Made of durable fabric, this bag has a structured pocket for storing files and an easy-access pocket on the back so you can grab stuff (like keys or your ID) without fussing with the flap. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Made of oiled calfskin leather, the bag measures 15 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall by three inches deep and has an adjustable shoulder strap. The Timbuk2 Classic earns high marks across each of our performance metrics and has a more reasonable price tag than many other bags in our review. We tested the top women's the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Spacious, savvy pocket configuration, easy on/off, comfortable, weatherproof, Waterproof laptop sleeve, weather-resistant, great features, ambidextrous, brightly colored interior, Rugged, weather-proof, stylish, comfortable, Affordable, durable, weather-resistant, simple but functional organization features, customizable, Comfortable, compact, intuitive design, easy on/off, reflective panel for higher visibility at night, Heavy, spendy, laptop zipper not waterproof, Exterior water bottle pocket is small, shoulder padding can get bunched up, tips over easily when set down, No padded laptop compartment, cargo pockets don't perfectly accommodate a U-lock, Left-shoulder carry only, minimal protection for laptop, shoulder strap is somewhat finicky, Heavy for the volume, not ideal for carrying a laptop, could use more storage slots in front pocket, This tech-savvy, spacious, weatherproof, and comfortable messenger bag features ample pockets and can accommodate up to a 17" laptop, This is a highly impressive ambidextrous bag with excellent features and bomber weatherproofing, A comfortable, weather-proof, and rugged messenger bag with an attractive aesthetic and just enough pockets to organize your gear, This durable, weather-resistant, and simple bag is thoughtfully designed with great pockets and reasonable comfort, all at an affordable price, A compact and comfortable bag for carrying your daily essentials, featuring a seatbelt buckle for easy on and off and a reflective panel for increased visibility, A weatherproof, rugged, and user-friendly messenger bag with tons of pockets, comfort, and space for up to a 17" laptop, This well-featured bag is feature-rich, fully ambidextrous, and highly weatherproof, A stylish, durable, and weather-proof messenger bag that's built to last, Short wonder this weather-resistant bag is so popular, it carries a ton for the weight and strikes the balance between affordability, simplicity, and durability, Great for carrying minimal gear while commuting, traveling, or going out on the town, with excellent features for bike commuting, With thoughtful features and burly weatherproofing, this bag is comfortable, lightweight, and ready to go, A well-designed weather-proof messenger for photographers and tech professionals with oodles of pockets and organizational features, A rugged and weather-resistant bag with three options for transporting up to a 15" laptop, and ample space and pockets for organizing your kit for the daily commute.
Sitemap 27