10 Best Travel Messenger Bags for Women in 2024
Messenger bags make a great alternative to backpacks and are often used for business, travel, commuting, or getting around on campus. Typically, messenger bags come with a crossbody strap and are meant to be worn against the lower back; this way, you can shift them to the front or to the side when you need to access whatever’s inside. The best women’s messenger bags (like those on our list) make a practical option for heading to a coworking center, running a few errands, or enjoying some casual sightseeing in a new city.
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10 best messenger bags for women in 2024
1. Best overall messenger bag: Away
It was tough to pick a bag that ranked best overall, but this design from Away managed to edge out the competition. Made from a lightweight, high-strength polyester, this versatile messenger bag holds a day’s worth of travel essentials, whether you’re casually strolling a new city or taking a train to a far-off destination. This bag features easy-access zipper pockets to stash your phone or camera, while an adjustable strap allows you to carry the bag crossbody or on the shoulder. Our favorite part is the abrasion-resistant materials that keep this bag looking new, no matter what journeys you take it on.
Price: starting at $80
2. Best leather messenger bag: Cuyana
Cuyana’s Messenger Bag is the ultimate in style and sophistication — though you’ll have to pay a high price to carry this one around. But if you’re ready to invest in a luxury travel bag worthy of a chef’s kiss, then this design is it. This messenger is a “lightweight, everyday staple crafted for ease.” It’s made with beautiful, heavyweight Italian leather, and comes with an internal laptop sleeve, spacious zip pocket, and thick (adjustable) strap to help optimize your comfort.
Price: starting at $378
3. Best durable messenger bag: Troubadour
Durability is an important quality in a messenger bag, which is why you should look for a design that can withstand some wear and tear. Troubadour’s Daytripper Carry All was definitely created with durability in mind, seeing as it’s made from a recycled polyester fabric that’s resistant to oil, grease, and abrasion. On top of being so sturdy, this bag has a great internal organizer that’ll hold your laptop and other essentials and also features a trolley sleeve that easily slides over luggage handles and creates an extra pocket when zipped.
Price: starting at $595
4. Best versatile messenger bag: Lo & Sons
One of the standout features of the O.G. 2 from Lo & Sons is the designated laptop compartment, which offers convenient access and protection for your device. Additionally, this bag can double as an overnight bag. The separate shoe compartment ensures that your footwear stays separate from your other belongings, preventing any unwanted dirt or odors from spreading. And with plenty of pockets both inside and out, this travel bag provides ample space for all your essentials. From passports to chargers to toiletries, everything has a place in this well-organized bag.
Price: starting at $302
5. Best stylish messenger bag: EaseGave
This messenger bag from EaseGave has tons of style at a pretty great price. The bold, yet chic design is made of eco-leather and finished with stud details and a turn lock closure. But not only is this bag aesthetically pleasing, it has great functionality, too. It’s sized to fit upright when placed under your airline seat, meaning it’s super practical (and convenient) to travel with. Choose from ten colors and two different sizes to find the bag that best suits you.
Price: starting at $49
6. Best faux leather messenger bag: ECOSUSI
If you like the look of leather but you’d prefer a vegan option, ECOSUSI has the messenger bag for you. This bag is made from polyurethane leather (PU) leather, which is a synthetic material that has a similar feel to traditional cow leather. Other notable features include the spacious core compartment, handy slip pockets, and secure zippered pocket on the interior. With such ample storage options, it’s safe to say this bag is ready to go wherever you are.
Price: starting at $59
7. Best anti-theft messenger bag: Pacsafe
Pacsafe is a leader in anti-theft travel purses and accessories, so it’s not surprising they sell a highly-rated anti-theft messenger bag, too. The Metrosafe X Anti-Theft Messenger is equipped with a slash-proof shoulder strap, RFID-blocking pockets, and locking zippers to give you totally trustworthy security. What’s more, this bag also comes with tons of organizational compartments, plus a side pocket for quick access to a reusable water bottle or small umbrella.
Price: starting at $109
8. Best customizable messenger bag: Nomatic
This messenger bag from Nomatic is one of the pricier bags on our list, but is definitely worth the investment. This bag features two customizable panels, allowing you to decide what and how you pack. Their custom magnetic buckles give you 360-degree rotation, and can be removed to carry like a briefcase. The bag has over 20+ features (magnetic water bottle pockets, full perimeter zipper, adjustable strap, TSA-ready laptop compartment, etc.) making it one of the most functional messenger bags ever.
Price: starting at $259
9. Best affordable messenger bag: Sechunk
A quality, functional messenger bag can also be super affordable — as is true for this style from Sechunk. This canvas and leather crossbody bag comes in at just $24, and has tons of great storage to its credit. There’s actually a total of eight pockets included here: two zippered pockets on the outside, plus two large pockets, two open pockets, a zippered pocket, and a special computer compartment on the interior. That’s a whole lot of space at a really low cost!
Price: starting at $24
10. Best canvas messenger bag: Rothco
While there are tons of canvas messenger bags out there to choose from, we’re pretty partial to this design from Rothco. This cotton canvas bag comes with classic brass hardware, double stitched details, and a variety of pockets and compartments to stash all your go-to gear. Thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap, you can wear this bag across your body *or* over your shoulder — whichever is more convenient and comfortable for you to carry.
Price: starting at $39
Messenger bag FAQs
Which brand is best for messenger bags?
The best brands for messenger bags include TIMBUK2, Rothco, ECOSUSI, and Travelon. These companies all prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and versatility with their designs, meaning you’re purchasing a bag that’ll last for tons of outings and years to come.
Are messenger bags for men only?
Messenger bags aren’t just designed for men; they’re intended to be worn by everybody and every body. If you have things you need to carry while walking to class or commuting to work, a messenger bag can be a handy accessory to stash all your most used items.
What do you carry in a messenger bag?
You can carry nearly anything you want in a messenger bag, since these designs come with ample storage capacity. Popular items to store in a messenger bag include a laptop or tablet, headphones, charging cables, books, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, or even an umbrella.