The 11 Best Leather Messenger Bags for Men of 2024

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Our list includes handsome and functional options from Shinola, Leatherology, Ralph Lauren, and more.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

When it comes to choosing the right daily-carry bag for yourself, form, function, and style all have to converge — whether you’re a hybrid worker shuffling between home and office or a frequent flier logging high status on business trips. In an era where we are often packing a laptop, tablet, eReader, multiple power cords and even, perhaps, some gym clothes, the layout and construction of your bag also matters.

That said, leather is a naturally durable and handsome option. Messenger bags have been the choice for men who commute or travel for ages, thanks to their timeless aesthetic and ease of access, so we selected a wide range of options based on research and tests conducted in our New York City lab to determine the best options for every man on the go.

It fits everything you need for a workday or business trip.

At more than four pounds when empty, this bag is on the bulkier side.

This is a spacious, sturdy, and durable bag that is also comfortable to carry thanks to its wide shoulder strap. We tested this messenger bag in our lab and were able to pack it with a laptop, notebook, headphones, chargers, jacket, and even a bike lock with plenty of room to spare. The interior is lined with thick padding so all of your items are well-protected and no awkward edges are poking you as you walk. We also loved the adjustable shoulder strap that works well for a variety of heights. The thick shoulder strap also helps to distribute the weight of the bag to make it more comfortable to carry for long periods of time.

The front flap has two push clasps that make it super easy to open (with two mock buckles on top that gives it an upscale look without the pain of actually having to unbuckle them). There's a front pocket underneath the front flap with a dedicated slot for a phone, pens, and credit cards as well as a large back pocket and an extra zippered pouch for added security. Within the main compartment of the bag are also three pockets and a laptop sleeve to ensure all of your items are organized. The outside of the bag also feels luxurious and sturdy and didn't show any signs of scratching after we threw it off a table multiple times, so we're confident it will remain scratch-resistant during day to day use.

The Details: 16.5 x 14 x 4.5 inches | 2.8 pounds | Leather | Adjustable and removable shoulder strap

This is a versatile and upscale leather bag that only gets better with time.

While it’s spacious enough to be a personal item, there is no trolley sleeve or exterior pocket outside of the flap.

During all our research, there was one messenger we kept coming back to as the ideal bag. To start, the leather is so soft, yet still sturdy and durable enough to hold up on daily commutes and even a cross-country red-eye and flight back. The flap is protective but never got in the way, and the pockets had the right slots for cards and pens, with enough space to flex from carrying anything from a dopp kit to loose files. The laptop sleeve fits a 16-inch MacBook Pro comfortably, but a smaller tablet didn’t rattle around or feel insecure.

Shinola is known for their simplistic design, and this timeless bag is a gorgeous medium brown shade of navigator leather (infused with oils for a soft touch and color variation over time). The removable strap is a welcome touch for storage and cleaning, and the small accents (like a magnetic closure, gunmetal brass hardware, and quality zippers) show the craftsmanship. At a price point firmly in the middle of our picks, this is the bag for the sophisticated and busy modern man, yet it's high-end enough to compete with designer and bespoke bags as well.

The Details: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches | 3.15 pounds | Navigator leather with cotton lining | Adjustable and removable shoulder strap

This versatile bag is perfect for travel thanks to a trolley sleeve and multiple pockets.

While full-grain leather, it doesn’t have the heft of some of the higher-end competitors.

If you are in need of a solid messenger bag for frequent plane travel — and want it to look good enough to bring from the boardroom to happy hour — Leatherology has a bag for you that won’t break the bank. In black, brown, and cognac, the Laptop Messenger Bag is an ideal option no matter your vibe, and it has more pockets than the competition to keep things in place as you are jostled around. The leather isn’t quite as plush or sturdy as others, but it does have a clean and minimalist look to complement business travel, while fitting up to a 14-inch laptop.

The Details: 15.5 x 11.75 x 4.5 inches | Full-grain leather with cotton twill lining | Adjustable shoulder strap

The “naked” leather looks unique, plus it has a secure fit sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches in length.

While it can easily hold more than one laptop, any single laptop more than two inches deep will not fit comfortably.

Piel Leather has been making “naked” leather products for decades; that is, unfinished and raw-looking leather in different natural colors, for a truly unique look. This style of messenger is nearing the briefcase side of the spectrum, with multiple laptop or folder-size sleeves in succession to keep items secure and easy to slide out. However, it does keep you from fitting in a change of clothes or bulky cord-organizer. With monogramming available, this made-in-Colombia bag takes on character from use over time and, if treated with the right protectants, will last through many commutes.

The Details: 17 x 12 x 4.25 inches | Naked, full-grain cowhide leather | Adjustable and removable shoulder strap

For the price, it’s sturdy, useful and durable comparable to more expensive brands.

The distressed look isn’t for everyone, and the strap is a little thin.

On the other side of the spectrum, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get your hands on a durable and practical messenger bag for your daily commute and travel. The KomalC features real leather, in a distressed and vintage look, with many pockets to store everything you need. There are zippered and slip pockets, space for a laptop up to 15 inches, and a removable strap which is a little thin but does the job. It’s a bit of an in-between size, and we recommend it as a daily commuter that can be an effective carry-on personal item.

The Details: 15.5 x 11 x 4 inches | 10.4 ounces | Full-grain buffalo leather with canvas lining | Adjustable and removable strap

The look of this bag is eye-catching, as it purposely features the imperfections of top-quality leather in a unique design.

It doesn’t have many interior pockets or organizational features.

Frye is known for its classic boots and century of craftsmanship in Massachusetts. So the brand’s take on another staple — the messenger bag — follows that pattern of quality and style. The leather is prominent, with very cool running-strip accents on the bottom and back; it leans into the imperfections that make genuine leather so unique. Inside is a generous main compartment lined in Italian fabric, and a zippered pocket to protect smaller items. There is no laptop sleeve or pen and card compartments, but you have plenty of room for whatever you need to carry.

The Details: 15 x 13.25 x 3 inches | Leather with fabric lining | Adjustable and removable strap

This bag is built to last with durable leather and suede, and held together by thick stitching.

The suede interior is unusual, and it can look overly ornate to some.

This messenger bag has buffalo leather on the outside, durable suede on the inside, and is held together by thick stitching, brass rivets, and heavy-duty hardware all over. It’s ready for you to truly test it across your travels, whether that’s on long-haul flights, days of road tripping, or just your walk to the office. We like the feel of this bag which is sturdy and rugged, and pairs well with jeans and outerwear that also feature antique brass accents. With many interior compartments and generous room for your 15-inch laptop, it’s a durable choice to use every single day.

The Details: 16 x 11 x 4 inches | 4.19 pounds | Full-grain buffalo leather with suede lining | Adjustable and removable shoulder strap

Small but mighty, this is a classic messenger bag with a slim profile.

You can get an equally handsome and functional larger size for not much more money.

Satchel & Page took inspiration for this bag from the most iconic of messenger bags: the early 20th century classic U.S. Postal Service bags carried by thousands on their routes. This slim version of the brand’s larger messenger bag still keeps your small laptop and minimalist everyday essentials organized using a smart design and comfortable interior. Soft, supple French cowhide leather is finished by Italian artisans in a unique way that brings an eye-popping color and a shine to the leather. If you’re only toting a tablet or a Chromebook, this is the perfect bag to take with you anywhere in the world.

The Details: 14.5 x 11 x 3 inches | 3.5 pounds | Full-grain cowhide leather | Adjustable leather shoulder strap

If you’re looking for a solid alternative that holds up as well as real leather, this is as close as it gets.

It doesn’t have a protective flap to cover the zippered main compartment, and only fits phones and smaller electronics.

The Troubadour messenger, despite its smaller-than-average size, impressed us with its modern touches, from the waterproof zipper to the over-organized interior with a padded tech divider, key clip, and other compartments. The exterior front pocket is convenient for quick needs in transit, while the back pocket keeps things safe against your body. While it doesn’t have the same look and feel as other true leather options on our list, it’s a solid and affordable vegan alternative that adds in advantages like minimal upkeep and better weatherproofing.

The Details: 8 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches | 4.8 ounces | Polyester with vegan leather trim | Adjustable strap

We love the leather pad on the shoulder strap — it makes the bag extremely comfortable to carry for long periods of time.

We wish the bag had more organizational features.

This Thursday Boot Co. bag is made of high-quality leather that does add a bit of weight, but also provides plenty of durability. The bag is extremely spacious and we could comfortably pack everything needed for a full day at the office. It features two external pockets on each side of the bag as well as small pockets inside the bag for organization. During our tests, we loved the comfortable padded strap that made carrying the messenger bag easy and convenient, even when walking for long periods of time. It also did not show signs of scuffing, rips, or tears after our lab tests and we felt that both the internal and external materials were high-quality and durable.

The Details: 11.25 x 16.5 x 3.5 inches | Leather with microsuede lining | Removable and adjustable leather shoulder strap

It’s a Tom Ford, so every detail is enviable and filled with intent.

It’s pricey and not as easy to organize as others on this list.

If you are looking to splurge on yourself or the man in your life, consider the finest Italian suede leather messenger bag from Tom Ford. Its simple and stated design, featuring a big bold single buckle on the front, stuns from across the room. The suede is supple and beautiful, a welcome change from traditional leather, and the golden zippers and hardware complete the look. A zippered back pocket is accessible without the magnetic flap, and inside is a laptop sleeve, another zip enclosure, and room for your essentials. The price tag is high, but the product lives up to it, and you will have a statement piece for years to come.

The Details: 19.5 x 10 x 3.75 inches | 2.4 pounds | Suede and leather | Adjustable leather shoulder strap

First and foremost, a messenger bag should be comfortable to carry. The one-strap nature means that if it’s overstuffed, it may cause some discomfort on the shoulder and, if it’s too long, it’ll be banging into your legs while you walk. To prevent this, look for features like a padded shoulder sleeve and adjustable strap lengths, so it sits properly on your body.

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Online, it can be hard to spot the difference between genuine leather and synthetic alternatives. If you are shopping in person, look for the subtle imperfections — like pores, grains, and changes in shade — that make leather so unique. Confirm it’s truly leather from the retailer, and avoid items labeled with leatherette, leather blend, or vegan leather if you’re looking for the real deal.

Just like backpacks and luggage, messenger bags do not come as a one-size-fits-all. You want to identify your ideal size by measuring your desired items, especially if that is a computer. If you’re going to throw in a change of clothes occasionally, or are taking the messenger as your carry-on (and need to stow more than you would for a commute), you may want to focus on one with an accordion style and deeper main compartment. Also, consider built-in organization as needed such as multiple compartments, pen slots, zippered exterior pockets, and card slots, which vary model to model.

Thanks to the relative size consistency of carry-on and checked suitcase retractable handles, lots of smaller bags now come with trolley sleeves to slide right over your spinner. If you are someone who plans to bring a messenger on flights, look for this feature to make the airport rush a little easier.

Bringing along a messenger bag as your carry-on (or personal item) is one of the advantages of this style and size, as they are well within TSA guidelines. They naturally fit your work-trip essentials, allow you to grab your laptop, power cords, eReader, and even water bottle easily after takeoff. You may not be able to use this style as a standalone overnight bag for a longer trip, when complemented with a carry-on suitcase, you will be well-set up for any kind of flight.

Like any leather item, you want to read the instructions that come with your bag before attempting to clean or improve its durability. Real or genuine leather is naturally water-resistant, as it is tanned animal hide, but it’s a good idea to help it along by buying a quality waterproofing spray/stain repellant. Similarly, when you want to clean this material, use a leather-specific cleaning agent to protect and condition it at the same time.

Modern briefcases aren’t the latched, hard-case styles of the 70s and 80s. Briefcases may look similar but the major difference is messenger bags have a longer strap and often also a front-flap to ensure to keep belongings dry, covered, and in-place (versus a clamshell-styled opening). Both types may have zippered main compartments, and even similar interior slots and holsters, but it’s the iconic flap and crossbody strap that differentiates them.

For this story, Red Fabbri, a Brooklyn-based marketing executive, active dad, and avid traveler, conducted extensive research and even carried around and packed leather messenger bags on work trips, school drop-off, and even on an impromptu holiday shopping excursion. He also worked with T+L editors to evaluate messenger bags tested both in our New York City lab and in the real world.

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