Best Bike Messenger Bags for Commuting: Top 7

The 24 litre Citizen Night bag has attained something of an iconic status amongst cyclists over the years. Its modern aesthetic, streamlined design and cool range of features make it easily one of the most popular messenger bags in the world. Safety should always be the top priority and this bag has you covered. It features a range of reflective strips and embellishments that light up after dark but remain low-key during the day.

Waterproofing is also top of the range. The outer nylon shell is coated with slick DWR and there’s even a tarp liner for additional protection. An industrial strength hook and loop accessory means that the bag stays secure across your shoulder (yet loose enough to change shoulders if necessary). It’s pleasingly easy to access, too. The buckle is quick release for dipping in and out and you even get an integrated bottle opener.

24 litres is a lot of space, and this bag can easily hold a 17 inch laptop. The interior is nicely arranged with multiple pockets for item sorting. You should have no trouble keeping things like phones, pens and tablets organised. There’s even room for a pair of shoes in the spacious rear pocket.

If you’re after a more classic, retro messenger bag, then look no further than the Timbuk2. We think it might be the most stylish bag on the list and its unique patterning stands out from the crowd. It comes in 11 different colour combinations, each one of them a throwback to days gone by. Timbuk2 has built on 30 years of experience with this product and it really shows.

It’s crafted from 100% recycled polyester for the environmentally conscious and weighs just 1.7lb. That lightweight feel does come at the expense of internal space, which is limited to just 14 litres (quite small compared to some of the other offerings here). The bag makes the most of that space with a series of internal pockets, however, so you’ll be able to keep everything nicely organised.

The exterior is water resistant against light rain and the slick material makes it extremely easy to clean. The shoulder strap is adjustable to suit your riding style, there’s an external pocket for a water bottle and a loop for attaching lights.

The Monty is the bag to go for if you’re after extra protection. It features a roll top to keep your possessions dry in even the worst weather (although this can also be used as a traditional fold-down, depending on the occasion). Milspec webbing and secure, YKK zippers further bolster the all weather defences.

It’s spacious, too. The 21 litre capacity is divided into a series of organised pockets. These include two big sleeves (13 and 15 inches) for laptop storage, an internal zipper pocket and 2 quick access cargo pockets. Bags really don’t come much more organised than this. As a result, the storage feels even more generous than the 21 litre capacity suggests.

Elsewhere, the bag is crafted from durable 1000d nylon and comes with aluminium hardware. The cross chest stabiliser can be detached. It’s by no means the cheapest bag here, but if you’re willing to pay for a high level of protection, great organisation and quality materials, then look no further.

Despite its name, the Mini Metro isn’t quite as small as you might imagine. With a 20.5 litre capacity, you won’t be short of space and it can hold laptop computers up to 23 inches. It also features a floating bucket liner to divide wet items from dry – perfect if you need to store a coat or shoes after a cycle through the rain.

The fastening is quick release (with an attached bottle opener) and the compression straps are reflective for nighttime/low light cycling. That makes a real difference in the winter months and helps to keep you safe. Shoulder straps are padded and comfortable with a stabilising strap to assist with balance and security.

A tarp liner and nylon shell take care of waterproofing and the bag closes with a big, fold-over flap to keep moisture at bay. It has a more “rustic” and “outdoorsy” look, making it perfect for weekend adventures as well as weekday commutes.

The Urban lives up to its name with a neat, contemporary design. It has a trim, tailored look, perfect for cyclists with a firm eye on style. As such, it’s made with two purposes in mind: a cycling messenger bag and a more general, all-purpose shoulder bag. Depending on which way you close the flap, the bag can be mounted on your shoulder or strapped to your bike rack.

That dual nature does make it one of the smaller bags on the list, however, at just 9 litres. Still, you’ll be able to store a laptop, tablet and a range of smaller items like phones and chargers in the internal compartments. As all good messenger bags should be, it’s weather and water proof but softer than most. The fabric has a pleasant, luxurious feel.

There’s also a zipped pocket on the outside and the shoulder strap is made of soft cotton. It’s worth noting that the outside pocket isn’t waterproof, so avoid storing any electronics in there!

A messenger bag with a difference, the Kulie isn’t carried over the shoulder like a traditional messenger. Instead, it attaches to your bike via a special clip. That makes it the ideal bag for anyone who doesn’t like the weight of a messenger on their shoulder, or feels that carrying a bag affects ride quality.

Once detached, of course, it slips easily over the shoulder like any other messenger bag. Features include a velcro outer fastening for quick access and a zippered outer sleeve to hold essentials like your phone. The side and bottoms are harder than other bags so this is a fantastic choice if you’re transporting valuables.

Inner webbing keeps smaller items like chargers and pens in place. The bag is water resistant but comes with an extra layer of protection too. You have the option of fitting a dirt cover, which puts an additional barrier between the bag and the elements.

The Sweetbriar is the perfect no-frills, affordable messenger bag. It’s a quality product without an accompanying large price tag and it comes in seven different colours. The design is, as you would expect, simple, but this bag uses premium materials. A heavyweight 100% cotton canvas comes with metal accents and the front flap is velcro for easy access.

Inside you’ll find a spacious compartment with two pockets. There are also some side pockets for smaller items (perhaps a water bottle) and the shoulder strap is nicely padded. Despite these pockets the bag only weighs in at 1.2lbs, ensuring that it fits the “lightweight” category.

The only concession that the Sweetbriar makes is in terms of padding. There isn’t much (so the bag doesn’t hold its shape as well as others) and you might be advised to keep your laptop in a sleeve. Otherwise, this is the perfect budget option and it even comes with a 1 year warranty.