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Looking for a bag that’s big enough to store all of your “must-haves”, but is more sophisticated than a typical backpack? Why not try a cute messenger bag! Check out these top TFG picks!
Women’s Messenger Bags
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
Behold, the messenger bag! A favorite for leisure or business travel (for anyone really); they make wonderful travel or everyday bags! They’re roomy enough to keep everything close at hand, yet big enough for a laptop, and with a strap that sits across your body for additional security.
If you’re trying to decide what type of bag works for you, this Q&A may help!
What Is a Messenger Bag?
A messenger bag is commonly used to carry a laptop and can act as an alternative to a laptop backpack. It can be used by both business and leisure travelers alike, depending on the type of bag style you prefer.
How Can a Messenger Bag be Used for Travel?
A messenger bag can be used as a personal item on a plane to conveniently store your laptop and other essentials. If you’re a remote worker, digital nomad, or business traveler, you can use this to store your laptop when you want to work in different locations while at your destination.
You may not want to use it for sightseeing as it may be too large and you may prefer a crossbody instead.
What Type of Messenger Bag Is Right for Me?
From canvas to leather and everything in between, there are a variety of styles to suit everyone’s needs. We’ll cover a variety of options below.
Note: Not all messenger style bags are big enough for a laptop, as you can find some cute purses in this design.
Now, take a look at our top picks for stylish messenger bags women travelers will LOVE!
Best Travel Messenger Bag
Editor’s Pick: Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Messenger Bag
This Travelon lightweight messenger bag is TFG approved, with editor-in-chief Alex using it on her trips across Europe and beyond. Everything about the design of this bag has been tailored to a savvy traveler, from the hidden, slash-proof strap, roomy interior, featuring a ton of organizational compartments and RFID blocking pockets for organization, and zippered expansion pocket which keeps your camera, water bottle, or sunglasses close at hand.
These are the best travel shoulder bags and cross body purses for women!
Alex toting Travelon Messenger Bag with Osprey Ozone 55 Backpack
Reviews are glowing for this shoulder messenger bag, with one intrepid traveler sharing, “Oh my gosh, this is the best designed bag that I’ve ever owned in my whole life! it holds a lot more than I thought it would without looking stuffed and misshapen.”
Shop: Amazon
TIMBUK2 Messenger Bag Medium
Timbuk2 bags seem to be the holy grail of practical messengers. They have a great unisex design (that comes in a ton of color options) and have been engineered to work for you, by having all of the internal compartments, flaps, and pockets you could possibly need.
One user shares, “This is likely the most well thought out travel or work messenger bag that I have come across yet. This thing is heavy-duty, organized, well stitched, completely rainproof, awesome adjustable shoulder strap, designed for people on the move, and has probably some of the best ergonomics to boot!” Timbuk 2 bags also come with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured if anything happens they will repair it for you!
As well as the Timbuk2 classic messenger bag, you can get a Timbuk2 small messenger bag or a Timbuk2 large messenger bag too!
Shop: Amazon
Nomatic Travel Black Messenger Bag
For a sleek and stylish look, the Nomatic messenger bag can be your perfect travel partner. This bag isn’t just good looking, it’s clever too, with a range of savvy features, such as a removable strap, customizable inner panels for storing odds and ends, roller luggage sleeve for easy airport carrying, and a quick access water bottle pocket too.
Reviews are good for this waterproof messenger bag, one shares, “This is a quality, well thought out, masterfully crafted bag. You can physically feel the intent that went into this bag. There is nothing random about it. Every single part of this bag has its purpose.”
Shop: Amazon
Herschel Grade Messenger Bag
This deceptively roomy Herschel crossbody laptop bag is great for if you have to lug around a lot of stuff on the go. The internal space is big, without as many compartments as some of the other bags, so larger things can fit easily. There is some internal zippered storage for keeping small valuables.
Users rate the style and look of this large messenger bag, but warn that the velcro can be a little sticky and can catch on your clothes if you aren’t careful.
If this one is a little too big, Herschel also makes small messenger bags too.
Shop: J Crew
J Crew Messenger Bag
This J.Crew waxed canvas messenger bag is a cute, casual style that works so well for a personal item or for daily use. It has generous compartments for all your essentials, such as hotel key card, phone, and more. And this is durable enough to take on light hiking excursions!
One user of this military messenger bag shares, “This is a very good bag, plenty of space for both small and large things. Looks like the quality is good, hopefully, it will last for a long time.”
Shop: Away
Away F.A.R. Laptop Messenger Bags
The perfect travel messenger bag does not exist, or does it!? This F.A.R. modern messenger bag is designed for people on the go and will be your travel companion for a very long time. It has all of the features you’d want in a bag to take anywhere, including multiple compartments for a day’s worth of sightseeing, an adjustable strap that allows you to carry it as a crossbody, and a 15” laptop pocket.
And bonus, it has a trolley sleeve to slide over a suitcase easily!
Shop: Amazon
Kenneth Cole Faux Leather Messenger Bag for Women
For a stylish leather computer bag, check out this Kenneth Cole option. It has a classic, vintage look. Inside there are roomy compartments, a 15” laptop sleeve, and additional pockets for keeping your phone and smaller objects handy, like pens. You can also adjust the strap up to 60” to wear over the shoulder or as a crossbody.
This is a black leather messenger bag women love for its timeless style and ability to hold a laptop, but if you want different colors or options, try the brown laptop bag or the messenger satchel that holds a tablet instead. All are perfect for travel!
Find out why we think Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack is one of the best purses for travel ever!
Best Convertible Messenger Backpack
Shop: Amazon
CoolBELL Convertible Messenger Bag Backpack
For a bag that does more than meets the eye, take a look at these CoolBELL convertible professional messenger bags. It’s not just your average messenger, but it changes into a backpack using special hidden straps! It comes with a range of easy-access pockets and storage, and a roomy internal compartment, with users even saying this works well as an overnight bag (or even a weekender—if you use packing cubes!) too.
Available as Amazon messenger bags, these come in a ton of cute colors, and some have slightly different pocket configurations. But all-in-all, reviews are fabulous for this Cool messenger bag, with one gushing, “Absolutely awesome hybrid case. Lots of areas to put all of my items and has plenty of space inside!”
Fossil Camilla Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
This Fossil messenger bag for women is sophisticated and sleek. It has a business ready design with the option of a tote, shoulder, or backpack style straps. It has enough storage pockets and room for a 13-inch laptop.
Users rate these messenger laptop bags as usable in the boardroom as they would be as a travel personal item. One shares, “Great looking and very functional. I have a lot of Fossil bags. but this is one of the most well designed I’ve ever seen.”
This bag is also available in a smaller size, which is perfect if you don’t need to lug around your laptop.
Shop: Amazon
ECOSUSI Women’s Bow Convertible Backpack
So, this ECOSUSI has got to be one of the best cute messenger bags I’ve ever seen! Not only is the bow design ultra-feminine (but removable if you don’t want it!) it has different carrying options, changing between a backpack style or shoulder bag by adjusting the clip-on straps. Oh, and it’s also really good value too!
Reviews are great for these PU leather messenger bags, with many users raving about the number of compliments they’ve been given and the practicality of it too. One explains, “It’s the perfect combination of feminine and practical without having to spend a fortune.”
Shop: Amazon
ECOSUSI Women’s Convertible Vegan Messenger Bags
Ok, it’s the same brand as the previous bag, but when a company is making items so stylish, you have to share them both! This ECOSUSI vegan messanger bag has super cute detailing, including buckle hardware and a laser-cut floral detailed front. Inside it has a range of pockets and also has convertible straps.
Users love this vegan messenger bag, with one raving, “Love, love this bag! Exceeded my expectations for such an economical bag! It’s a beautiful bag that is very feminine, unique, looks professional, and I use it every day for work.”
These are the most versatile convertible purses for travel according to our readers!
Best Messenger Purse
Travelon Anti-Theft Small Messenger Bag for Women
You’ll feel more secure with this Travelon heavy duty messenger bag that has a slash-proof construction, cut-proof strap, and locking compartments. Not to mention their signature RFID blocking tech. There’s even a removable LED light so you’ll never be in the dark while looking through your purse.
You can wear this cross body messenger bag over your shoulder too! Travelers ADORE this brand, and one says, “I bought this for a recent trip to Europe. It was the perfect size to carry a day’s worth of touring necessities—camera, wallet, hat, phone, iPad, maps, travel booklets, souvenirs. I felt safe even in London and Amsterdam.”
Shop: Amazon
Fossil Kinley Messenger Bag Purse
The color combinations of this Fossil leather messenger bag are gorgeous and unique. These bags are not only super cute, but the perfect size for sightseeing, with inside organizational pockets to keep everything close at hand.
For style and attractiveness, reviews for these Fossil messenger bags for women are great, with some saying it could be a tad bigger. One user explains, “I’m in love with this purse. It’s gorgeous and practical. Oh, and the best part is that IT GOES WITH ANYTHING!“
Shop: Amazon
AmHoo Crossbody Canvas Messenger Bags
Canvas is durable and this cute looking AmHoo bag is stylish yet packed with great features! The zipper is down on the flap, not at the top, which allows you to access the inside from a back-side zipper. No need to dig like crazy to find what you want!
Let’s talk about compartments! There’s a ton of interior pockets for keys, wallet, phone, or umbrella (stay dry out there!). And of course, you can wear it across your body for extra security. One user says it’s perfect for travel. “I used this as a combo purse, carry-on, shopping bag on a couple of recent trips. It’s the most versatile bag I’ve found in ages. It fit an iPad, small umbrella, shopping totes, phone/chargers, a small toiletry kit, a light nylon windbreaker, snacks, and a small water bottle! It’s got tons of pockets. The zipper on the back which accesses the inside (without opening the flap) is a great convenience too. It’s a purse that does the job of a backpack.”
I’m partial to the pink messenger bag style, but it comes in a few other colors to suit your fancy!
Shop: Amazon
Vera Bradley Cotton Triple Zip Mini Messenger Bag
We know TFG readers love designer messenger bags womens style, and also love this brand! If you want a smaller, check out this Vera Bradley charcoal and blue messenger bag. It comes in a delightful range of floral prints with wallet features built into the bag, so no need to carry one separately. It also has RFID technology to protect your cards too.
Ladies adore this small option of a side bag for womens, with one sharing, “Another Very Bradley hit! I love this little crossbody gem. I don’t need a big bag as I don’t carry a lot of extras. Money, credit cards, lip gloss, cell phone. This little purse has space for what I need with room for whatever else I might want to take with me on any given day.”
Find out why we love a convertible backpack purse for travel!
Womens Messenger Bag Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Best Travel Messenger Bag | ||
|
Editor’s Pick: Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Messenger Bag |
Everything about the design of this bag has been tailored to a savvy traveler, from the hidden, slash-proof strap, roomy interior, featuring a ton of organizational compartments and RFID blocking pockets for organization, and zippered expansion pocket which keeps your camera, water bottle, or sunglasses close at hand. | Check Price |
|
TIMBUK2 Messenger Bag Medium
|
“This is likely the most well thought out travel or work messenger bag that I have come across yet. This thing is heavy duty, organized, well stitched, completely rainproof, awesome adjustable shoulder strap, designed for people on the move, and has probably some of the best ergonomics to boot!” | Check Price |
Nomatic Travel Black Messenger Bag
|
“This is a quality, well thought out, masterfully crafted bag. You can physically feel the intent that went into this bag. There is nothing random about it. Every single part of this bag has its purpose.” | Check Price |
|
Herschel Grade Messenger Bag
|
The internal space is big, without as many compartments as some of the other bags, so larger things can fit easily. There is some internal zippered storage for keeping small valuables. | Check Price |
|
J Crew Messenger Bag
|
“This is a very good bag, plenty of space for both small and large things. Looks like the quality is good, hopefully, it will last for a long time.” | Check Price |
|
Away F.A.R. Laptop Messenger Bags
|
It has all of the features you’d want in a bag to take anywhere, including multiple compartments for a day’s worth of sightseeing, an adjustable strap that allows you to carry it as a crossbody, and a 15” laptop pocket. | Check Price |
|
Kenneth Cole Faux Leather Messenger Bag for Women |
It has a classic, vintage look. Inside there are roomy compartments, a 15” laptop sleeve, and additional pockets for keeping your phone and smaller objects handy, like pens. | Check Price |
| Best Convertible Messenger Backpack | ||
|
CoolBELL Convertible Messenger Bag Backpack
|
“Absolutely awesome hybrid case. Lots of areas to put all of my items and has plenty of space inside!” | Check Price |
|
Fossil Camilla Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
|
“ Great looking and very functional. I have a lot of Fossil bags. but this is one of the most well designed I’ve ever seen.” | Check Price |
|
ECOSUSI Women’s Bow Convertible Backpack
|
“It's the perfect combination of feminine and practical without having to spend a fortune.” | Check Price |
|
ECOSUSI Women’s Convertible Vegan Messenger Bags
|
“Love, love this bag! Exceeded my expectations for such an economical bag! It's a beautiful bag that is very feminine, unique, looks professional, and I use it everyday for work.” | Check Price |
| Best Messenger Purse | ||
|
Travelon Anti-Theft Small Messenger Bag for Women
|
“I bought this for a recent trip to Europe. It was the perfect size to carry a day's worth of touring necessities—camera, wallet, hat, phone, iPad, maps, travel booklets, souvenirs. I felt safe even in London and Amsterdam.” | Check Price |
|
Fossil Kinley Messenger Bag Purse
|
I’m in love with this purse. It’s gorgeous and practical. Oh, and the best part is that IT GOES WITH ANYTHING!“ | Check Price |
|
AmHoo Crossbody Canvas Messenger Bags
|
“I used this as a combo purse, carry-on, shopping bag on a couple recent trips. It's the most versatile bag I've found in ages. It fit an iPad, small umbrella, shopping totes, phone/chargers, a small toiletry kit, a light nylon windbreaker, snacks, and a small water bottle! It's got tons of pockets. The zipper on the back which accesses the inside (without opening the flap) is a great convenience too. It's a purse that does the job of a backpack.” | Check Price |
|
Vera Bradley Cotton Triple Zip Mini Messenger Bag
|
“Another Very Bradley hit! I love this little crossbody gem. I don't need a big bag as I don't carry a lot of extras. Money, credit cards, lip gloss, cell phone. This little purse has space for what I need with room for whatever else I might want to take with me on any given day.” | Check Price |
What do you think is the best messenger bag for women? Share your faves in the comments!
For more travel bags, please read:
- Best Travel Day Bag: How to Choose the Right One
- Top Anti-Theft Purses
- Best Laptop Bags for Travel
- Best Day Backs for a Day Spent Sightseeing
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My favorite messenger bag is the canvas and leather book bag made by Rough & Tumble a small shop in Maine. I’ve had it more than 7 years and it’s still like new. It lays flat against my body. It has a myriad of compartments that are functional for my iPad, paperwork, pouches, lunch, umbrella, jacket, hat, sweater, and toiletries. I’ve used it when I had to grab and go in 2016 to drive my sister and niece back home for my nephew’s funeral. It held personal paperwork and I brought my laptop backpack holding business paperwork. Messenger bags are great chameleons and can go from board meeting to casual café lunches to road trips no problem.
Thank you for sharing your favorite messenger bag with us, sounds perfect! ?