Laptop Messenger and Backpack Buying Advice

The right laptop backpack or messenger bag for you will depend upon your lifestyle. Think about what you carry around on a daily basis, how you get to work, what role aesthetics play in your purchasing decision, how quickly you need to access the contents of your bag, and the weight of what you carry. Further, do you expect your responses to change at all during the next ten years?

Backpack or Messenger Bag?
In general we believe that backpacks are a better choice for most people. This is because they’re more comfortable and have a greater capacity than messenger bags. Those who need quick and easy access to their bag, such as bike messengers or postal carriers, should consider a messenger bag. All others should go with a backpack. (We even spoke with some bike messengers who much preferred backpacks to messengers.) Check out our complete Laptop Messenger Bag and Laptop Backpack Reviews to see examples of both and how they compare.

Two Styles: Messenger or Briefcase?
A messenger bag is a single strap, oversized purse. There are two styles: messenger style and briefcase style. Messenger style are designed to be worn while biking, have very comfortable straps, large capacities, soft back panels, few pockets, and quick release buckles. Briefcase style messengers have semi-rigid back panels, many storage options for small items, built-in laptop sleeves, top grab handles, and straps designed for walking. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is to look at the strap design. Vertically oriented straps, some of which are removable, are meant for walking, while angled straps are meant for biking. The former will position the bag like a purse near your waist and the latter nearly vertical and high on your back. The average American who goes directly to and from work will prefer a briefcase style messenger because they’re far superior for walking and organizing office essentials- yet more versatile and comfortable than carrying a briefcase.

What do you carry?
When considering what backpack to get think about the type of things you carry. Specifically, how frequently do you carry books, documents, a laptop, or bulky items like groceries and extra layers. Our Editor’s Choice laptop backpack, the Timbuk2 Swig, strikes a happy medium between the four, while our Top Pick, the Cilo Gear City Pack, is much better for carrying bulky items than loose documents. After going through four years of college with a messenger bag and using fifteen backpacks and messengers in this review process, this author has been converted back to the tried and true backpack.

Bike commuters may prefer panniers
During our tests, one tester found that for bike commuting, a panniers were the much better option. They are more comfortable, won't lead to sweat on your back, and often are just more practical. We are testing panniers right now but so far one top pick is the Deuter Rack Pack Grocery Pannier. Check back soon to see what the top picks were.