The Best Messenger Bags for Men on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers

This Sechunk messenger bag has more than 3,000 five star-ratings, and over 40 students and parents note that it’s spacious enough to carry plenty of school supplies. One school counselor purchased the “functional” and “cool-looking bag” for work and says it can “hold my laptop, several books, folders, and laptop cord with room to spare.” Another student who appreciates the bag’s extra pockets adds that it’s a “great-quality bag and comfortable on the shoulder, even with a lot of weight.” And a third reviewer calls this their “favorite school bag” because it’s “insanely durable because of the heavy canvas, and [it] doesn’t compromise style for functionality.” After a year of using it, they say the bag is still in “solid condition” and that they’re “still [as] in love with the bag as when I first received it.”

“I used to use a military-style, khaki messenger bag, but I needed something more professional to line up with my office job,” writes one five-star reviewer of this bag. “This Kenneth Cole Risky Business Messenger Bag fit the bill. It’s sleek, handy, and professional.” Dozens of other reviewers seem to agree, using the word “professional” as a descriptor. One reviewer goes so far as to call the bag a “must have for a young professional.” They write, “Now that I have graduated and have a ‘real’ job, I continue to use it and always get a ton of compliments on it!” As for its functionality, they write that its “main pocket is big enough to hold my 15” laptop, an iPad, and a few folders/papers, and the back pocket can hold a charger cord or two along with all of my pens.” And a third reviewer says it strikes a rare balance: “Need a classy upgrade to canvas or messenger bag? Trying to appear both mature but also cool and sexy? Well, this bag somehow manages these once-thought-impossible feats.”

Reviewers love that this isn’t your typical messenger or laptop bag. ”The bag looks just like the picture and feels well-constructed and durable. It’s beautiful, with just a touch of something more exotic and interesting than the average laptop bag,” writes one. Another was shocked how high-quality it is, writing, “It’s the largest one they have holds my 18 inch laptop plus plenty of room for papers and folders. This is a bag I would have expected to find in a store for at least $150, if not more in the above $200 range.” Another adds, “This messenger style leather satchel far exceeded my expectations.” He also notes that not only could it fit his 17-inch laptop, but there’s plenty of room left over: “I could fit most of my desk in here.” One teacher fully agrees this bag is large and worth the money, commenting, “In any case it is very spacious, my dinosaur of a laptop can fit comfortably in it along with all of my books and all of my paraphernalia (I carry around lots of things).”

More than a third of reviewers say that they use this messenger bag for their laptop. “It definitely makes carrying my laptop a much more pleasant experience,” one writes, especially since it can hold so much more than just a laptop. “It’s got two HUGE pockets (not too big) on the front, which carry all of my charging cables, power bank, AirPods Pro, extra pen/Sharpie, any dongles I might need, and honestly still has room to spare.” Many agree with this user who thinks no additional laptop sleeve is necessary. “Even if you don’t have a cover on your computer, the inside of the bag is very plush and soft so you don’t have to worry about scratches,” they write. Dozens of reviewers also point out the bags reinforced corners as another protective feature. One reviewer, whose number one criteria for a messenger bag was corner protection, describes this one as excellent. Another speaks to the sturdiness of this bag: “I feel like my ridiculously expensive computer will be protected if I were to drop it.”

This messenger bag is a favorite among travelers and reviewers who prefer an all-in-one, compact bag. “I travel extensively and I needed a Bible bag so I could bring my scriptures with me on trips. This one is perfect for my needs. It has so many little pockets, it seems there is a space for anything,” reviews this content shopper. Another frequent flyer comments that this bag is perfect for travel: “The rest of the bag has tons of pockets and cubbies to replace the wallet or organize other things. Easy to get to everything, including passports and IDs while on the go. Can’t speak for other uses but for a nice, compact, functional travel bag at a great price, this is a gem.” Many remark that while its size is definitely a plus, another huge selling point is the durability. “The canvas material is sturdy, and the adjustable strap is a good length for crossbody use. Plus, it feels like it will last a long time,” as one puts it. Many feel it’s relatively complex because there are so many compartments, but as one sums up, “Overall, the bag does have way too many pockets, but that is a great thing for travelers like me.”

Many mention that while this won’t be your carry-all bag because it is on the smaller size, it’s ideal for everyday use: “This is a beautiful, well-constructed bag. Heavy weight canvas. Solid and carefully placed stitches. Perfect size for a daily-use man-bag. Kind of very attractive retro styling. Should last for years unless you drag it behind your car,” raves one. Another agrees, noting the size is “perfect” because it’s “not too big and not too small.” He continues, “The canvas is nice and soft, not stiff like so many. It could be used daily as a purse or man-bag. It’s not large enough for a laptop which I don’t haul around anyway.” One disagrees that this bag is too small to carry everything, explaining, “This is a great bag to have if you’re the type of person who finds themselves toting around a number of items on a daily basis and need some extra room. Comfortable to carry, even with a decent amount of weight and has just the right amount of sag and a floppy design to be a up-to-the-task every day bag.”

Durable is the word dozens of five-star reviewers use to describe this Carhartt messenger bag. Happy customers include a construction project manager who “expects it to last for years” and says that on top of being well-made and water-resistant, it’s the “perfect size” for their “tablet, notebook, and a few tools, and it has a front pocket with easy access for my tape measure.” Another reviewer says it “pays for itself just from the durability alone,” since it’s “made out of a nice, thick canvas — exactly what you’d expect from Carhartt.” And a third reviewer, who “basically lives out of my truck and work bag,” similarly says the Carhartt is “made tough. Tough material, tough straps and hooks, tough zippers. It can take abuse.” And they add that it’s “big enough to hold spare clothing and all things I need while out working.”

Dozens of reviewers report getting compliments on this messenger bag, with many impressed by how good looking it is. “It’s possibly one of the best looking messenger bags I have come across,” writes one reviewer. Another says it’s “the combination of letter straps, with the brass hardware, and treated canvas” that give it “the appearance of a vintage messenger bag.” And a third reviewer says it looks so nice, you’ll be a “young fashion icon.” But the good reviews don’t just focus on this bag’s looks. “It has two compartments, two large pockets outside, two smaller ones inside, one back pocket, two side pockets for bottle/umbrella etc,” writers one customer, outlining all the ways in which it’s useful, too. It’s also waterproof, which many appreciate.