General: Leaderboard messenger bags

messenger bag? messenger bag? Shoulder bag?

So what is a “messenger bag” anyway? The expression actually comes from the courier scene and originally stood for the hybrid bags made up of backpack and tote bag, which are still popular today. However, when people talk about a messenger bag today, they often mean a version of the classic shoulder bag that is suitable for cycling. Many of these bags, like their “big siblings” from the courier scene, are immune to the weather and all kinds of other external influences. However, they are also much more flexible: They also cut a fine figure as a classic shoulder bag and are usually a whole lot nicer than the classic courier bags.

Backpack or messenger bag?

There is no easy answer to this question and it always depends a little on personal taste. Modern, well-cut messenger bags sit just as securely, if not even better, on the back while driving. They also offer the advantage that the contents can be accessed very quickly, while the backpack often has to be completely removed first.

How did we test?

We tried to test each bag under similar conditions. Each messenger bag on our list had to hold the same contents, but we made sure that the luggage could be stored sensibly – for example, do I have to put my pens next to the water bottle or is there an organizer? How about the laptop compartment ordered? Of course, the way the bag fits while cycling was also important to us. For example, many of the bags tested offer an additional strap with which the bag can be securely fastened to the back. Of course, the processing should not be left out of the evaluation: What do the seams look like? How does the bag feel? Are there problems with the zippers?