When a backpack reflects a childish school look, and a briefcase is too formal, a smart student knows that a messenger bag is the only choice.
Built for quick access and comfort, these over-the-shoulder bags are extremely functional, providing you a separate portion for your laptop or tablet, along with extra pockets for other college essentials.
You have dozens of choices in the market, but we have made it easy by compiling a list of some best messenger bags for college students. Plus, we will also discuss some buying tips and FAQs.
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A quick view of all college messenger bags.
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| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. CUERO DHK Vintage Handmade Leather Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 2. Berchirly Vintage Military Male Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 3. Leaper Canvas Messenger Sling Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 4. CoolBELL Convertible Laptop Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 5. TIMBUK2 Classic Water-Resistant Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 6. Egoelife High-Quality Canvas Satchel Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 7. WOWBOX Satchel Vintage Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 8. RAVUO Water-Resistant Messenger Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 9. ECOSUSI Cute Messenger Backpack (for female) |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 10. Topfox Men’s Multifunctional Canvas Messenger Handbag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
 | 11. FreeBiz Water-Resistant Backpack/Messenger Bag – Hybrid Bag |
| Check Price On Amazon |
Buying Guide: A section of 5 necessary points
1. Quality & Durability
The first thing, no compromise on quality. Every guy wants the true value of their hard-earned money.
So, it’s recommended that you spend a little time ensuring that you are buying a quality bag.
And it would be best if you also watched reviews because generally, when a product has too many positive ratings, it shows that it is perfect and well-priced from almost every angle.
Durability is also an important consideration. Imagine you buy a messenger bag, but its straps and stitching are going to start to loosen after some days, and its replacement time is also finished. This is the worst experience, and you have no chance except to buy the new one.
We just want you to select only a messenger bag if you feel that it will last you all the way through college.
If you are ever in doubt about your research, then you can go with our list.
Here, we have included those bags that are ideal for your college environment, plus you can also take them anywhere you want.
2. Color
After reading dozens of reviews about jeans, sweaters, including sleeves, color is one of the prime factors for many young people.
Color concerns are not much important for an aged guy. Still, it is a decision-making factor for a young college student because you don’t want a bag with awesome features, material, and color-wise; it reflects the cheap look.
Yes, quality is everything, but your preference should be to go for a bright and versatile color that looks good and attractive.
That’s why our selection of messenger bags includes those renowned brands that offer various cool colors and styles for the complete satisfaction of a color-conscious buddy.
3. Style
When you think of a messenger bag, what style comes to mind?
I bet you are thinking of a single strap bag that goes over your shoulder.
It is a timeless design that the majority of students use. But the style border is not limited to it.
Bags like Leaper Retro, which is very similar to the rucksack, include the features and uses of a messenger bag in the style of a canvas rucksack.
Another is ECOSUSI vegan women’s leather bag; its removable shoulder-strap feature allows it to be used as both: backpack and a messenger bag.
Here, the key point is always to go with a style that suits your purpose best and looks great when you take them on.
So here, we have reviewed and picked those styles that are long-term fashion-friendly and versatile in look.
- For convenience to fashion-minded people, they can follow the daily magazine of LV. Elle and Vogue are also credible sources for keeping your wearing sense up-to-date.
4. Accessories compatible
You don’t want a messenger bag that contains space only for your books, pens, and pencils.
It must contain enough space so that you can put your mobile, tablet, headphones, laptop, and other accessories easily.
Ensure that the inside section where a laptop is kept doesn’t apply too much compression because it can damage the screen, but it doesn’t mean that it’s too loose.
The ideal scenario is that your messenger bag’s pockets and inner sections should be compatible with all your college essentials.
5. Price
We want to add a price factor because we feel for a student, it matters a lot.
The bag with the greatest quality, durability, and material will be the most expensive and obviously high-end.
Price is a one-time factor. If you have a clear budget in mind, then it would become easier to select.
The best case is to select those brands that offer fantastic quality, durability on a student friendly-budget means not too high.
Competition: Backpack vs Messenger bag, What to Select If You’re a College Student
11 Best Messenger Bags for College Students
1. CUERO DHK Vintage Handmade Leather Messenger Bag
Suppose you need some space and pockets for additional luggage or accessories. This can be the shoulder/messenger bag you are searching for.
This thing can cover up pretty much everything. Except for your kitchen sink because the bag is sufficiently little to fit that in. Who needs to carry a sink around with them in any case?
CUERO DHK is the sort of bag that can keep all your college products. They could be college books, your laptop, your stationery, or your headphones.
This actually is the kind of bag that you could fill to the edge. It not only holds your luggage but also gives an amazing look. You can go anywhere with this bag and surely you will enjoy the ride.
The snappy plan and unique look of this bag is the sort of thing that truly integrates an outfit. Another decision that could be utilized for various occasions or events you won’t lament getting a couple of these bags.
After all, they arrive in a variety of shadings to match your outwear. So pick a couple that addresses you and pack your life in them.
2. Berchirly Vintage Military Men Canvas Messenger Bag
The Berchirly bag comes in various sizes and shadings. There are multiple plans to look over. There are countless tones to pick. You will most likely discover something that accommodates your inclination.
This is an excellent, open bag made of genuine cowhide and the best material. These are solid materials that ensure the item will keep going for quite a while.
The single compartment is enormous. However, it highlights one box within and four outwardly, which can be a plus for students. Within the case will fit all that you need to keep.
There are additionally a lot of pockets to store little things. They are ideal for keys, telephones, chargers, or whatever else you may require.
The material is eco-accommodating. It has a vintage appeal to it. The metal snap catches give it a stylish look and secure everything inside the bag.
There are clasps and twofold cowhide lashes in the front to keep everything together. They additionally add to the plan.
The little compartments are not challenging to get to. The side pockets can be reached easily. The design of the bag is quite essential.
Everything is reachable. The large top of the bag covers everything up quite well. The zipper, pockets, plan, and top give it a novel look.
3. Leaper Canvas Messenger Sling Bag
Leaper is a well-known and specialized brand in creating unique backpacks. The brand’s reputation is made even more prominent when there are over a thousand positive student reviews.
The bag is a bit different. It reflects the look of a retro rucksack and contains many of the same features as a rucksack. However, it has only one hanging strap, which makes it a messenger bag at first glance.
Because this bag is worn across your back and we think it is a solid option for those who want an ideal-shaped bag to carry when a larger rucksack or bag isn’t a choice. Plus, the comfort level is awesome because you do not burden one side of your body or drag it along with your bag.
That’s why It is also a nice messenger bag for schoolgirls and boys.
The outer of the Leaper messenger bag is made from soft, durable, and washable canvas with PU leather decoration. In contrast, soft fibers are used for the inside compartments.
This messenger bag has buckles on the top flap, which gives a timeless vintage look. It is magnetic snap closure for easy access.
This versatile organization makes them perfect for school, college, shopping, and a trip with your family.
Inside, there are many pockets and portions. This makes them multi-functional and vintage.
From laptop storage to pen, there are plenty of big and small pockets. Plus, the brand offers 2 sizes:
Medium size
It can fit a tablet up to 10-inches and comes in the 1-side pocket.
Large size
It can fit up to an iPad Pro, 13 inches laptop without cover, and comes in 2-side pockets.
The only drawback with the Leaper canvas messenger bag is that the length of the strap does not fit across the chest/breast of an overweight boy/girl.
4. CoolBELL Convertible Messenger Bag
With measurements of 18.8 x 5.1 x 13.7 inches, it fits up to 17.3 inches laptop. It has even more space for you to keep as many books as you want.
Plus, it is the ideal bag for exercise, excursion for work, school life, or work.
CoolBELL has three conveying styles. You could utilize it as a backpack, briefcase, and messenger bag.
Additionally, the lashes can be covered up when you use them. Why you ought to pick this bag: Pay for one bag and get three bags to use!
It has four external pockets, helping to sort out the things you need to keep and require frequently a spacious laptop compartment and extra pockets.
A special plan laptop compartment with a Telescopic belt gives more assurance to your minicomputer.
You can still keep three days’ garments for voyaging. Open enough for your needs.
The lightweight plan is simple for carrying with you. The top snatch handle offers a brisk in-and-out style. An ergonomic program guarantees the scattering of gravity of the filled bag.
5. TIMBUK2 Classic Water-Resistant Messenger Bag
We all know TIMBUK2 by creating high-quality products.
The brand’s production roots are not limited only to messenger bags. They are also well-known for rucksacks, toiletry kits, and traveling backpacks.
What sets this bag apart from other bags is 100% artificial. The body material is made from 150D poly-tweed – a durable, smoother to touch, and less stiff fabric, plus its TPU lining is water-resistant, making sure that all your inside accessories will be protected from any leakage.
The shoulder strap pad is even more comfortable, and it is fully adjustable for your height with air mesh ventilation and cross-body stabilization.
Awesome construction and artistry are part of their every product. The TIMBUK2 classic messenger bag also includes extra features such as:
- Corner flaps – They fold in to keep the rain out. When it rains, your internals will be protected.
- Low-profile grab handle – since it sits on the rear of the bag and not the top, it seems less gaudy. Surely, meant for a “grab and go” situation and not for extended holds.
- Partially concealed buckle flap closure – makes it closes very smoothly. The Velcro grip and buckle flaps are sturdy, and between them, there’s a secured zipper pocket for quick access.
For your further convenience and money value, the brand also offers four sizes:
1. X-small:
The main portion of this size can fit up to a 9 inches tablet or device with other stuff. So the price tag is the least.
2. Small:
This size can easily fit a 13” laptop with other college accessories.
3. Medium:
The main compartment of the medium size bag is perfect for 15 inches devices with other extras.
4. Large:
The biggest and most expensive. Ideal if you have a 17” laptop or device with many essentials.
6. Egoelife High-Quality Canvas Satchel Messenger Bag
You should get a bad one for your laptop as well because nowadays we need this quite often.
Hence, if you want to buy this messenger bag, you are good to go. It is because it carries your laptop along with all other accessories.
This messenger bag isn’t cushioned at any rate, and various audits express that the internal zipper scratched the actual laptop.
The bag’s material is made quite tough, so there is no chance of the laptop dropping. But it can happen to those students who keep the laptops unarranged.
The Egoelife Messenger Bag is quite possibly the most trending Messenger Bag available on Amazon. So we chose to take it on a turn.
The bag is agreeable to wear, and the organization demonstrates the bag is a perfect decision for voyaging and outdoors.
7. WOWBOX Satchel Vintage Messenger Bag
WOWBOX has incredible storage. No other messenger bag had these many pockets.
A lot of space for gadgets, books, water bottles, and laptops. Simple admittance to little things. These are small things, but it has large pockets to hold many more things.
You wear WOWBOX in several ways. Wear this sling bag over either shoulder serenely or in the front across the chest, which can be quite safe if you fell.
Incorporates advantageous front mobile phone pocket with earphone access.
No seriously throbbing neck, back, and shoulders like with a rucksack! Ergonomically planned, cushioned, breathable lash causes you to fail to remember you’re, in any event, wearing this bag.
It stands tough against wear and tear. Made of sturdy, water-safe polyester material with top-quality zippers and substantial tie cut. Incorporates smart material strips for added wellbeing.
8. RAVUO Water-Resistant Messenger Bag
While picking a messenger bag or shoulder bag, you might be reluctant. Now quit considering other bags.
RAVUO messenger bag is made of high-quality materials. These things can be cool, classy and make your outfit look better.
This best material messenger bag will do everything from adding a scramble of experience to your business by carrying your laptop and that introduction for the workplace.
Stroll in with certainty and lay that bag down on the table in the gathering room.
I wager you’ll get something reasonable of “where’d you get that bag?” from your collaborators.
For the person who requires to get his life altogether and must have everything on him consistently, this bag makes for an incredible blessing.
Treat it to yourself or the man in your life as an extraordinary bag at a tremendous cost.
9. ECOSUSI Cute Messenger Backpack (for female)
ECOSUSI Cute Backpack is another of those names in a style that does a touch of everything, and they do it all well.
This smooth and provocative messenger bag takes the decorations and additional pockets. It shrouds them for a more candid and formal look.
The fold adds some extra assurance for your stuff. The bag is faultless and has somewhat of a retro vibe.
On the off chance that you’re not an enthusiast of the dull earthy colored, get yourself this smooth bag in the dark or the suitably named ECOSUSI.
You indeed can’t turn out badly with this bag hanging off your shoulder.
The incredible thing about them is that you can also use them as a backpack when needed by adding a strap included with your order.
10. Topfox Men’s Multifunctional Canvas Messenger Handbag
If you need something a little more modest, a little less complicated and still need a touch of that vintage Harry styles look. At that point, look no further.
Topfox Men’s bag has a touch of everything, the look, the vibe, and the size, to not disrupt the general flow yet at the same time hold the vast majority of your stuff.
That appears to check a ton of boxes for a lot of folks out there. I realize it accomplishes it for me. Get it in the calfskin, or go for the material style if you need it to take somewhat of a beating.
Provincial Towns thought about each man when making their messenger bags, and the additional idea indeed tallies here.
If you like retro or a vintage style, I have discovered the shoulder bag for you: the dull earthy color, the pockets, and the sewing on this bag all shout Vintage.
You can spruce up, go easygoing, take this bag to executive gatherings or toss your laptop in it and head to class. This bag is smooth, it is polished, and it is sought-after thing at present.
You can add to your troupe just by tossing this behind you and taking off.
11. FreeBiz Water-Resistant Backpack/Messenger Bag – Hybrid Bag
This attractive bag is ideal for any event. Formal wear? Get this bag. An easygoing night out? Get this bag. Outdoors trip, yet need to bring your laptop? Get this bag.
This bag will be close by through any of life’s excursions, and it will make you look great as well. It truly is the most fantastic aspect of the two universes.
Calfskin intonations and a material base, so you don’t have to worry that you spill or get something on it; it can be washed directly off.
Wear pants and a tee or your best dress pants with a coordinating shirt and tie combo; this bag will fit right in.
The FreeBiz Laptop Briefcase Messenger Bag can fit a laptop up to 15.6 crawls in size.
There is a ton of extra room within, guaranteeing you can keep your records, camera, tablet, and cell phone with you consistently.
There is an aggregate of eight compartments in this bag. Three of these pockets are covered up away and have great zippers.
Outwardly, the pack includes an advanced plan that will add to your general design inclinations.
The shoulder lash is additionally produced using great material. It has a cushioned region that guarantees it will feel more profitable while you haul the bag around.
Messenger Bags FAQs
1. Are messenger bags professional?
The answer is yes. You can use messenger bags in a formal environment.
They have a handle on the top, so if you carry them instead of their long shoulder strap or remove it, they will look like a briefcase.
2. Are messenger bags still in style?
Again, yes – messenger bags have been used for several years. Still, today, they are widely used by officers, commuters, and especially college students because they are stylish, easy-to-carry, and their solid craftsmanship makes them versatile for any season.
3. What is a briefcase?
Everyone knows what a briefcase is. In simple words: a rectangular-shaped bag with a carry handle on the top is used by alpha males or business executives.
A briefcase has a top-level professional look. However, the major drawback is you cannot use it when you are backpacking.
4. What is a rucksack?
A rucksack is a bag with two hanging straps which allow you to hang it on your back, typically made of a strong and waterproof fabric.
These bags are extremely versatile and can be used everywhere, including hiking and school.
5. What is a hobo bag called?
A hobo bag is also called a “bindle bag” – a small bag is knotted with a stick, and a hobo portrays as carrying over their shoulder in cartoons and drawing characters (pictured below).
Hobo bags are also called those crescent-shaped bags that are large in size, soft, and flexible. Unfortunately, these tend to slump or slouch when you keep them on the floor.
Conclusion
This is the end of the best messenger bags for college guys. Now I want to hear from you in Yes or No:
- Do you have any above messenger bags?
- What is your favorite brand?
- And what is your style choice: 1) rucksack messenger bag or 2) messenger bag?
Let me know in the comment section. Your comments are highly appreciated.
