A leather messenger bag has a rich and varied history of use, starting out as a practical choice for couriers, postal workers and pony express riders back in the days when they were delivering important documents and goods on horseback. Since then, they’ve become the ideal work bag for a range of different people.
They’re also a popular fashion accessory for both women and men, and they can be seen on the backs of students, cyclists and commuters in urban areas today. They can be worn with a suit or a smart-casual outfit and are a good alternative to a backpack. In fact, they’re more comfortable to carry because the weight is shifted to your side rather than over your back.
The style of leather messenger bag can vary, but they usually have a flap that covers most or all of the main compartments and a strap that goes across the chest. They’re usually a lot wider than satchels and often feature adjustable and reinforced straps for a secure fit on your shoulders. They may be padded for extra comfort and many have special and specialised compartments for your laptop, ensuring that it stays safe and snug inside.
There are a lot of choices out there, from traditional leather to canvas and vegan leather options. It’s worth looking at the hardware, too, as this is an indication of the overall quality of the bag. Look for sturdy and durable clasps, buckles and rings and check that the interior lining is of good quality too.
If you want to choose a high-quality bag at an affordable price, consider one from Piel Leather, which uses buffalo leather and sturdy suede in its products. They have a front flap with push clasps instead of buckles for an easier-to-open design and they come in a range of natural colours that can be paired with jeans or smart outerwear.
Another good value option is this bag from Frye, which uses supple, rugged and beautiful running-strip leather in its design and intentionally leans into the imperfections that make this type of leather so unique. It has a roomy main compartment with a zippered pocket and an exterior pouch for your small items, plus plenty of interior and exterior pockets. It’s available in several colours and can be monogrammed for an additional fee.