TheInsider Picksteam writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.The Insider Pick:Messenger bags are a great choice for commuters, students, and anyone looking for an alternative to a backpack. After looking at aton of options, weve found that the Chrome Industries Citizen is the best overall messenger bag for everyday use.When I have to carry a lot of heavy stuff, I usually use a backpackand between my computer, iPad, headphones, sometimes a camera, a water bottle, and other gear, my commute load can definitely weigh me down. When they're built well and have padded shoulder straps, backpacks are great because they help you manage the load by distributing the contents weight evenly and securely.But there are definitely downsides. Backpacks arent great for when you need to reach something in your bag quickly or while youre on the go, and theyre a bit inconvenient if youre worried about pickpockets. Personally, I find backpacks annoying on crowded subways. They take up too much room, which means that you have to take it off your back and hold itespecially a pain when youre holding a cup of coffee in one hand and the handrail with the other.Enter the messenger bag. Originally used by bicycle couriers in New York City, the design is based on the types of bags used by messenger services as far back as the Pony Express. Messenger bags are an extremely popular alternative to backpacks, partly because they can usually carry the same amount of gear, but they are easier to access since you can simply shift the bag to your side or front. I prefer it on the subway, too, for the same reason. If its crowded, I can just shift it in front of me, rather than having to take it off and hold it.Just like backpacks, there are lots of different designs, qualities and prices among messenger bags, enough to fit any budget or need. Weve looked at a ton of bags to find the best options, and weve narrowed them down here. Read on to check out our top picks. You can also check out the best travel backpacks and our guide to the best backpacks for students of all ages.Although the Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger Bagis our top pick, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag, the Timbuk 2 Classic Messenger Bag, the J.Crew Abingdon Messenger Bag, and the Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Messenger Bag.SEE ALSO:The best travel backpacks you can buyThe best messenger bag overallWhy you'll love it:Roomy and durable, the Chrome Industries Citizen bag makes it easy to carry heavy loads whether on bike or on foot.Chrome Industries makes a few different backpacks and messenger bags that are well-adapted to cycling and city life, but the Citizen messenger bag is one of the most popularand for good reason. This timeless bag was designed for biking, and it has an iconic, durable design with space, space, and more space.When you open the bag, theres one huge main compartment that takes up most of the bag. There's no padded laptop pocket, no internal dividers, and nothing else to take up space. Even though the contents of that main section are less organized, theres more room for all your gear. You can use a laptop sleeve to protect your computer and pouches or other sleeves to organize smaller items. A larger slash pocket on the front of the bag can fit a bicycle U-lock or other items, while a slightly smaller slash pocket in front of the bag closes with a zipper and sits next to a few pen and pencil pockets. The bag is large enough to carry a laptop up to 17 inches, notebooks, pens, documents, chargers, maybe a change of clothes, and just about anything else you might need.The main compartment is lined with a removable water-resistant tarp thats held in place with velcro, in case you need to dry it later. You can actually use this as a makeshift divider, putting items between the bags outer shell and the tarp. It's a great way to keep dirty gym clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The outer portion of the bag is built with an abrasion-resistant fabric and comes in a ton of color options. The shoulder strap has a seatbelt buckle so that rather than having to swing the bag over your head, you can just pull it around your body and click the buckle into place. You can keep the strap adjusted shorter, which makes it easier to carry heavy loads or ride a bike. Theres also a quick-adjust strap which makes changing the length a breeze. Importantly, the strap is well-padded and tons of reviewers attest that the bag is very comfortable to carry.Pros: Lots of space, comfortable to carry, very durableCons: Doesnt come in multiple sizes, may be bigger than some are looking for, wouldnt work well for a formal officeBuy the Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger Bag on Amazon for $129.40 to $159.72 (price varies by colororiginally $140.00)The best messenger bag for laptopsWhy you'll love it:The Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag is a well-designed bag that's built to manage any commute, from bicycle to subway to airplane.Timbuk2 was founded in 1989 when a San Francisco bike courier set out to design a new, efficient messenger bag. Since then, the company has perfected its original model and built a number of variations and other kinds of bags, like backpacks and luggage. If the company sounds familiar, that might be because Timbuk2 has appeared on Insider Picks guides in a recent article on travel backpacks.The Command messenger bag is one of Timbuk2s newer designs and was built for organization. The bag is generously endowed with pockets, buckles, and zippers for all your needs. When the bag is closed, there are three side entry pockets on the front that you can still access, and each one is closed securely with zippers. One smaller pocket is felt-lined, making it perfect for a smartphone or other electronics. The largest side pocket sits behind it, and is big enough for a bicycle U-lock, a magazine or newspaper, or a tablet, while the third pocket is on the other side of the flap and fits items like a power adapter or sunglasses.Spinning the Command around, the laptop pocket is accessible through a zipper on the back of the bag, completely isolating it from the main compartment underneath the flap. The pocket is well padded, and theres a second pocket for a tablet. You can also separate the laptop to conform with TSA standards when traveling. On the back of the bag, outside of the laptop section, a luggage handle pass-through lets you place the bag securely on top of a roller bag.The inside of the bag is extremely organized, which is always a welcome feature for a bag youre commuting with. Interior zip pockets keep smaller items accessible, while pockets for pens, pencils, and other supplies keep the essentials handy. Theres an exterior pocket for a water bottle, which can fit just about any type of bottle. At the top of the bag, a padded handle makes carrying the bag by hand a breeze. Like many Timbuk2 bags, the shoulder strap has a quick-release buckle, which lets you lengthen and shorten the strap with one easy motion. It's a real help if youre biking or carrying a heavy bag. The bag is lined with a weather-resistant material to keep your belongings safe whatever the day may hold. There are many color options and multiple sizes of the Command bag available, so make sure to check the dimensions to see which one you need.Pros: Padded handle, adjustable strap, tons of pockets and organizationCons: Some reviewers have suggested the laptop sleeve is thinly paddedBuythe Timbuk2 Command on Amazon for $69.95 to $287.29 (prices vary based on size and color)The best classic messenger bagWhy you'll love it:Based on Timbuk2s original design, the Classic Messenger Bag has a traditional look with updated extras.Thats right, weve chosen a second Timbuk2 bag for this list. With more than 25 years in the business, the brand has managed to figure some things out and design great products.Compared to the Command bag, the Classic is relatively minimalist. It manages to be more compact with a simple design and it keeps more inside the bag under the flap. Theres no real handle, save for a small loop of fabric in the back. Although this works for quick carrying, its not sturdy enough for much more than picking up the bag. Theres only one pocket you can access while the bag is closed. This side entry pocket has a zipperand is deep and wide enough for a few essential items like a work ID, a phone, a commuter pass, or maybe a wallet.Once you open the bag, youll notice that there isnt really a padded laptop pocketrather, theres a divider running the length of the interior to bisect the main compartment into two sections. While that does create a section you can use for a laptop, you may want to put your computer in a laptop sleeve to make sure its adequately protected.Inside, the Classic messenger bag has a bunch of pockets to help organize gear and keep weight evenly distributed. An interior water bottle pocket up against one side keeps a bottle or thermos upright and in place, while a similar pocket on the other side can hold an umbrella. A slash pocket near the front can hold relatively quick-access items like earbuds, while a zippered pocket on the outside of the bag that's covered by the flap has a key strap and hook. A hard-to-spot zippered pocket inside the bag and near the front is almost a secret" compartment and has plenty of room for a wallet, a passport, or anything else you want to keep safe. Like the Command bag, the Classic also has a few pockets for pens and pencils, as well as other small office items.The Classic is lined with weather-resistant material and has a quick-adjust shoulder strap. It also comes in a ton of colors and sizes. For cyclists, all sizes except for XS come with an optional, removable crossbody strap for added stability.Pros: Clean, classic design, well-organized with great weight distribution, holds a lotCons: Poorly padded laptop area means you should use a laptop sleeveBuy the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag on Amazon for $39.95 to $228.00 (prices vary based on size and color)See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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