A messenger bag consists of a usually large compartment and a long strap that is worn across the body.
They are handy because they provide easy access to whatever is inside. This is especially true if you need to access while riding a bike.
Manhattan Portage Bike Messenger Bag
This article provides you with details on what we consider to be the 10 best messenger bags to use while cycling.
But before we get to the best packs, check out this trailer for Premium Rush to get a little pumped up.
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Okay, now check out our top 10 list below!
Top 10 Bike Messenger Bags
| Rank | Bag Image | Name | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Manhattan Portage Bike Messenger Bag | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Osprey Flap Jack Courier | Check Price |
| 3 |  | Banjo Brothers Messenger Bag | Check Price |
| 4 |  | Timbuk2 Custom Laptop Messenger Bag | Check Price |
| 5 |  | Chrome Unisex Kadet Welterweight | Check Price |
| 6 |  | Crumpler Barney Rustle Blanket | Check Price |
| 7 |  | Timbuk2 Especial Primo Waterproof Messenger Bag | Check Price |
| 8 |  | Banjo Brothers Pocket Messenger Bag | Check Price |
| 9 |  | Seagull Commuter Sling | Check Price |
| 10 |  | Trash Bags Superfund | Check Price |
Top 10 Bike Messenger Bag Reviews
1. Manhattan Portage Bike Messenger Bag
The Manhattan Portage is a simple, durable and waterproof messenger bag designed specifically for use on while on a bike.
Its main compartment has a large opening for easy access and there is an interior zippered compartment which helps organize smaller items. The strap is claimed “indestructible” and you certainly believe that when you feel the quality metal.
It is available in multiple colors and all in all is one of the best bags you can buy.
2. Osprey Flap Jack Courier
The Osprey Flap Jack Courier is another amazing messenger bag. This bike specific bag features a padded shoulder strap that is fully adjustable and a removable webbing waist strap that when worn, assures the bag will not be swinging around.
Other features that make this bag great include the padded laptop sleeve, internal key clip, reflective logo, bike light clip attachment and general light weight design.
Osprey has ticked all of the boxes when creating this sleek, yet substantial piece of equipment.
3. Banjo Brothers Messenger Bag
Starting off the list in a big way is the Banjo Brothers large messenger bag. This Beast features about 32 liters of storage space, an ample amount for just about anyone.
The bag is made up of ballistic fabric which is thick and durable, and clearly built to last long.
Inside you will find a removable padded laptop divider and a cell phone compartment. The shoulder strap is padded and fells plush even when the bag is loaded with stuff.
To make sure you are seen, there are massive reflective straps on the back. This makes the bag great for people who ride before the sun is up or after it has set.
Banjo Brothers also made sure that the messenger bag is full of pockets that fit everything from pens, to folders. Banjo Brothers use a unique D-ring which is used to help loosen the strap. They even thought to add a strap keeper which prevents the free end of the strap from blowing around or coming undone.
4. Timbuk2 Custom Laptop Messenger Bag
If commuting by bike is your thing, but you only really need to bring your laptop and tablet, pay attention to this bag.
Timbuk2 was intelligent to design a messenger bag that is small, but sturdy and well-padded for a laptop. Inside you will see an organizer for your pens, phone or any other small items you may carry around with you. There is also an internal water bottle pocket and a key keeper.
There is a Napoleon side entry pocket that has a zipper which is great for when you do not want to undo the messenger bag cover.
This bag stays in place thanks to its adjustable cross body strap. However, if you do not need it, the cross body strap is also removable to keep bulk down on the bag. The Custom Laptop Messenger Bag also fits very well making use of the Timbuk2 Double-Loop cam buckle.
There is a bike light attachment. The flap corners help keep the rain out and the TPU liner does an excellent job of reassuring no light rainfall will get the bag contents wet.
This bag is available is small medium and large. The colors are also fully customizable, so go ahead and get creative!
5. Chrome Unisex Kadet Welterweight
Looking for something a little more incognito than the Banjo Brothers Large bag? How about the Chrome Kadet.
This messenger bag is much smaller than most messenger bags making it amazingly light cycle around in. Even though this bag is small, it does not mean it is flimsy.
The abrasion resistant 1050d nylon makes the Kadet feel rugged. It even has YKK zippers which is a nice touch.
The Kadet features 3M Scotchlight reflective panels to make sure you are seen at all times. The strap has padding for comfort. Putting this messenger bag on and taking it off is a cinch thanks to its quick release seat belt buckle that connects the shoulder straps.
Another great feature about this particular messenger bag is that It comes in both male and female sizing options. Be sure to check out the size chart on Chrome’s website to see which will fit you best.
6. Crumpler Barney Rustle Blanket
If an iconic messenger bag is what you are after, say hello to the Barney Rustle Blanket (M).
This medium sized messenger bag is available in six different colour options leaving the buyer plenty of choice when trying to match their personality.
The Barney is highly water resistant due to the heavy duty polyester outer layer and a rip-stop lining. There is, like on most quality messenger bags, a reflective strip for visibility purposes.
The main compartment is 12.5 liters and is designed to accommodate A4/foolscap-sized folders. You will be able to easily fit your technology such as a laptop or tablet as well. There is also a variety of different sized pockets to fit any other essentials you may have for your bicycle commute.
The best part about this bag is the extra-wide padded strap which includes Cumpler’s patented third leg. It is super comfortable and stable when riding.
7. Timbuk2 Especial Primo Waterproof Messenger Bag
Bicycle commuters and riders of all sorts have to be prepared for the wet weather. Never have a problem keeping your essentials dry while in a downpour with the Especial Primo Waterproof Messenger Bag by Timbuk2. The bag is constructed with a welded rip-stop liner which assures that this bag is 100% waterproof. It is also bound with reflective material and markers to make sure the wearer is always visible.
This roomy messenger bag features ample storage room which is perfect for books, clothing and for any sized laptop. There is an external pocket that works well for either a water bottle or bike lock. If you are struggling to find a messenger bag that fits “switch”, then have no worries.
This bag is ambidextrous to assure anyone can wear it comfortably. The strap assures this as it is quite wide, padded, and very breathable.
8. Banjo Brothers Pocket Messenger Bag
Sometimes simplicity is key, the Pocket Messenger Bag by Banjo Brothers is a perfect example of this. It is a handy little bag which is perfect for commuters with not a lot of baggage, and small loads such as a lunch. In total the bag has about 4 liters of simple carrying volume.
Its small size and light weight makes it easy to throw on, and forget about until it is time to take it off. This messenger bag is made of 8oz cotton canvas, strong enough for a bag its size but it could be improved.
A handy feature is that it easily folds down to wallet size and has a built in elastic strap to keep it neat. Probably the best part about the Pocket Messenger Bag is the price. It can easily be found for under ten dollars!
9. Seagull Commuter Sling
Our final messenger bag on this list is the Commuter Sling by Seagull bags. It has an elegant look and is very comfortable to ride with thanks to its updated strap. The bag’s make up consists of waterproof fabric summing it to be perfect to use on almost any occasion.
It features a spacious main compartment with a zipped pocket interior organizer, a side pocket and a hidden pocket. The bag is fixed using female buckles. There is also a light loop to ensure the wearer is seen.
10. Trash Bags Superfund
Do you dream of carting a mountain around diagonally across your back? Perhaps you are a body builder who wants to walk around with a messenger bag full of weights.
All jokes aside, the Superfund is massive. Compare it to the Banjo Brothers Large messenger bag and you will see that it makes even that big bag look insect sized. This bag is built for people who need to carry their entire office with them every day, or maybe even for bicycle delivery men that do not like to stop by the headquarters often to re-supply on parcels.
This messenger bag features a large pocket that is designed for envelopes and papers to sit flat in. There are bucket outer pockets and organizers to help keep everything in place. On the outside is three sets of cargo straps that could literally hold a bike frame box to the back of the bag.
Remember, if you are buying a messenger bag this big, it will pull you back a little bit when riding. Only ever ride with a size that you are comfortable with.
All and all, the Superfund deserves a thumbs up for its sheer carrying volume.
The best messenger bag I’ve owned is a Baileyworks Super Pro size Medium. The split strap design alone blows anything else out of the water. I’m very surprised to not see it at least near the top of the list here, not to mention not even on this list! Try a Baileyworks… you’ll be glad you did.
I prefer the TIMBUK2 1108 vintage messenger bag, it’s very sturdy and well constructed: made of strong 150D Poly Tweed, which gives strength and quality to the bag’s overall construction, it has ventilated compartments Smart for you to organize your essentials, storage space for your laptop, phone, notebook and more. It also has a low-profile handle for easy access to the bag, and comes with an air-mesh padded strap.
If you are looking for the perfect messenger bag for your daily ride or commute, this TIMBUK2 bag is a great option. This bicycle messenger bag has all the basic features you need to help carry your essentials while on the road.