Top Messenger Bag Brands for Style and Functionality

Messenger bags have surged in popularity over recent years, as they seamlessly combine style with functionality, making them a favorite among professionals and students alike. With an array of options available in the market, selecting the right brand can make a significant difference in both the durability and visual appeal of your messenger bag. From classic leather designs to modern, tech-savvy options, there is something to match any lifestyle or taste. For those considering an investment in a reliable and stylish messenger bag, we’ve curated a list of the best brands available today below.

Illustration of messenger bags

Best brands of messenger bags in 2025

Timbuk2

Timbuk2 is a renowned brand in the bag industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality messenger bags. Founded in 1989 by Rob Honeycutt, a former bike messenger, the company initially catered to the bike messenger market but has since expanded its product line to include backpacks and travel accessories. Notably, Timbuk2 was ahead of its time by launching a robust e-commerce website in 2000 with a "Build Your Own Bag" feature, allowing customers to customize their bags. Today, the company generates significant revenue, with 60% of its revenue coming from backpacks and 50% of purchases made by women, as of 2019. Timbuk2's manufacturing efficiency has improved dramatically, reducing production time from 144 minutes to 16 minutes per bag.

Chrome Industries

Chrome Industries is renowned for producing high-quality messenger bags, particularly favored by commuters and bike enthusiasts. The Chrome Industries Buran III, for example, stands out for its spacious 24L capacity, able to accommodate a 17" laptop and numerous other essentials, making it a top choice for those who need a reliable and comfortable carry solution. This brand has been a staple in the market, especially since its return to Denver in 2015. The Buran III's design includes a well-padded shoulder strap and an optional stabilizer strap, ensuring comfort and stability even when fully loaded. With its focus on commuter-centric organization and durable materials, Chrome Industries continues to be a leading name in the laptop messenger bags market.

Patagonia

Patagonia is renowned for its high-quality and sustainable messenger bags, reflecting the company's core values of quality, integrity, and environmental responsibility. Since its inception, Patagonia has consistently improved its products based on customer feedback, as seen in the evolution of the Critical Mass Bag. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of recyclable and long-lasting materials. Patagonia's products are popular among consumers who value both functionality and environmental stewardship. For instance, the company's updates to the Critical Mass Bag in 2008 were driven by detailed customer feedback, enhancing the bag's user-friendliness and compatibility with laptops.

Peak Design

Peak Design is renowned as one of the best producers of messenger bags, particularly with its Everyday Messenger, which has garnered significant recognition and praise within the photography community. This bag, made from durable 500D Kodra material with a DWR coating, offers a capacity of 13.5L to 20.5L and weighs 2.5 lbs. The Everyday Messenger was the most successfully funded photography product on Kickstarter, raising over $3.2 million from over 11,000 backers in 2015. Its innovative features, such as FlexFold dividers and MagLatch, enhance its functionality and versatility. The brand's commitment to quality and design has made its products a favorite among both photographers and everyday users.

Filson

Filson is renowned as one of the best producers of messenger bags, known for their durability and quality. For over 30 years, Filson has crafted bags using tough materials like Rugged Twill and Bridle Leather, making them ideal for daily use and outdoor expeditions. Their bags, such as the Rugged Twill Padded Computer Bag, offer decades of reliable service and are favored for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Filson's commitment to quality is evident in their use of materials like TPU-coated nylon and RF-welded seams, ensuring their bags are resilient against various environmental conditions. The brand's popularity is reflected in its long-standing reputation and customer loyalty.

Bellroy

Bellroy is renowned as one of the top producers of messenger bags, known for their quirky and urban designs, as well as their use of high-quality, recycled materials. The Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag, for example, features impressive organization, comfortable shoulder straps, and is made from 100% recycled fabrics, weighing around 1.9 pounds and available in three color options. Bellroy's products often include subtle, classy eco-tanned leather accents and are backed by a three-year warranty. The brand's focus on aesthetics and functionality has made it a favorite among consumers, particularly with products like the Bellroy Market Tote and the Cinch Collection, which combine sleek design with practical storage solutions.

Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Supply Co. is a leading producer of messenger bags, known for its innovative designs, high-quality materials, and strong brand positioning. Founded in 2009, the company has rapidly expanded to sell millions of bags in over 45 retail outlets globally, with sales growing from 8,000 units in 2011 to 6 million units in 2015. Herschel's success is driven by its focus on targeting teenagers and young adults, as well as its strategic collaborations and effective use of social media. The brand is expected to continue its growth in the laptop messenger bags market, which is projected to reach $12.1 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% from 2024 to 2034.

Fossil

Fossil is renowned as one of the top producers of messenger bags, combining style and functionality with precise craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their mens leather messenger bags are designed to be durable and versatile, suitable for various occasions from professional to casual settings. Fossil's collection includes sleek and elegant designs, such as black and brown leather bags, which are crafted to withstand daily wear and tear. The brand's focus on quality and aesthetic appeal aligns with the growing demand for laptop messenger bags, a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2020 to 2027. Fossil's commitment to both fashion and practicality makes their messenger bags a popular choice among consumers.

Manhattan Portage

Manhattan Portage is renowned for its durable and stylish messenger bags, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Known for their indestructible designs, these bags have been praised for their longevity, with some users reporting continuous use for up to 30 years without significant wear. The brand offers a lifetime guarantee and repair services for their products, highlighting their commitment to quality. Manhattan Portage bags are popular among cyclists and commuters, with models like the NY Messenger Bag MD offering substantial cargo capacity. The brand's products are available online and in-store, with customer reviews consistently praising their durability and minimalist design.

Sandqvist

Sandqvist, a Swedish brand founded in 2004, is renowned for producing high-quality, sustainable messenger bags inspired by Nordic landscapes and urban lifestyles. With an estimated annual revenue of $11.5 million and a team of 56 employees, Sandqvist ensures its bags are both stylish and durable, offering features like water-resistant materials and laptop compartments. The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in its care products made from natural ingredients. Sandqvist's online store generates significant eCommerce net sales, with $2.2 million in 2023, primarily in Sweden and the UK. Their products are known for their minimalistic design and environmental responsibility.