Commuters spend a good chunk of their day away from their home, so you’ve got a lot of baggage to carry with you—literally. Of course, you need a good, trusty bag to tag along with you on your adventures. Which style is going to get the job done best so you can get your job done: backpack or messenger bag?
Backpacks are the better bag for commuters who actively transport, carry a heavy load, or prefer the superior organization and space. Messenger bags are better for those who use public transit, prefer a slimmer design closer to the body, and want to come across more professionally.
Your method of transportation and personal needs affect what type of bag is best suited for you. In this article, we will take you through the pros and cons of both backpacks and messenger bags to help you select the best bag to meet your needs. We’ll also give you advice on what to look for in your ideal bag and recommend some of the best products for you to snag your dream style with the click of a button.
Pros and Cons of Backpacks
Backpacks provide a number of benefits to commuters. There is a reason they are beloved by students and professionals alike—they get the job done, and they do it well. Backpacks are a classic way to store belongings while traveling around, so let’s see how they stack up when it comes to commuting.
Pros
- Backpacks provide even weight distribution. If you’re one with chronic neck and back pain, or you want to avoid developing it, backpacks are a fantastic option for providing optimal comfort. Since the weight of your load is not sitting all in one spot, they may ease some of the pain associated with heavy shoulder bags.
- Active transport is easier with a backpack. For those of you who get some exercise on the way to and from work, a backpack is easier to juggle. They don’t bounce around as much as messenger bags, so they are the superior choice during physical activity—like cycling—or even just the five-minute run to avoid missing your bus!
- More compartments lead to better organization. A huge advantage of backpacks is that they typically have multiple different zippered pockets—an organizational dream. Having a variety of pockets to hold items can aid in avoiding clutter and loss of important documents or objects.
Cons
- Backpacks are seen as less professional. While a bag is just a bag, some people see backpacks as being exclusive to students and travelers. If you’re trying to impress on the first day at your new office job, your colleagues may pass some judgment.
- Wearing backpacks may contribute to poor posture. As the bag pulls your back down, you will automatically adjust your stance to compensate. This affects your shoulders, neck, and back, which can lead to pain in these areas of poor alignment. However, it’s still better to carry a heavy load across two shoulders rather than one.
- Public transit and backpacks don’t mix well. Anyone who frequents crowded trains or buses knows that every inch of space is valuable. If you fail to take it off for your commute, beware that fellow passengers might send some annoyed glares sent in your direction. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Pros and Cons of Messenger Bags
While they haven’t been around as long as backpacks have, messenger bags are still a fantastic companion for your daily commute. Since the style of messenger bags are reminiscent of a briefcase, they blend seamlessly into the professional setting. Do they provide all of the practical functionality of a backpack, though? Keep reading to find out!
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of opting for a messenger bag:
Pros
- Messenger bags take up less space. This is extremely important for those commuting via public transportation. No one likes the person who leaves their backpack on, doubling the amount of space they take up on a crowded train car. Luckily, messenger bags sit close enough to your body that this will no longer have to be an issue.
- Messenger bags are easier to access on the go. It’s quick and convenient to simply swing your bag around and grab what you need when you need it. Not having to stop to take it off your shoulder and fumble around as it sits on the ground saves you time and cleanliness.
- Bags that sit in front of your body mean that you’ll never have to question its security. Being able to keep eyes on your belongings is of the utmost importance when you are carrying all the items you need for a day’s commute. Messenger bags can provide some peace of mind since you never have to question whether or not someone is trying to snag anything from it—you can watch out for it yourself.
Cons
- Carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder is bad for your health. Consistently carrying a bag on the same side of the body can negatively affect your body’s natural balance. The other side of the body will begin to overcompensate, which can lead to issues such as headaches, muscle tightness, and arthritis.
- You might not be able to store everything you need in a messenger bag. While one of the benefits of carrying a messenger bag is it’s sleeker, more discreet build, the trade-off is that they’re less roomy.
What to Look for in a Commuting Bag
The best way to decide what kind of bag is ideal for you is by reflecting on your day-to-day life as a commuter. Are you someone who requires maximum size and superior organization? Or do you need a lightweight bag that offers ultimate comfort?
Take a peek through this list and pick out what the most important features in a commuting bag are for you.
Storage
Since you will be away from home for a large portion of the day, your ideal commute bag will be one that fits everything you need to make it through from the time you leave home to the time you return. Maybe this includes your meal, a change of clothes, entertainment for your trek, and all the supplies you need for your work. It’s vital that your bag is roomy enough to fit all of your necessary belongings easily.
The quantity of stuff you need to have on you for the day will play a big role in determining what kind of bag best suits you. If all you have to carry is a laptop and a snack, messenger bags will definitely be your friend. However, if you’re hoping to fit in some gym clothes, a full water bottle, and miscellaneous lunch containers too, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit that in anything other than a spacious backpack.
Ease of Access
Messenger bags are by far the more easily accessible option. If you can’t sit or rest your bag down during your commute, they will be the best choice for convenience’s sake. Standing on a busy subway or bus that doesn’t allow much wiggle room will make it difficult to grab anything from your backpack without causing a stir. To avoid the unnecessary, awkward shuffle, opt for a messenger bag or be sure what you need is already accessible without tugging at your back.
Weight
When carrying a heavy bag, we often think about the weight of what’s inside, but what about the actual bag itself? If you find that you need to lighten your load, but can’t part with anything your bag is storing, consider how heavy the actual material is. A bag made of nylon or Dyneema Composite Fabric can help shed some weight, whereas genuine leather will add some.
Strap Size
As I mentioned earlier, messenger bags can be hard on your body. To better distribute the weight, search for a bag that has a wider strap. This limits the pressure being pinpointed to one area and instead disperses it more evenly. Not only is this better for comfort, but it can also help prevent long-term damage on the shoulder and rotator cuff.
Comfort
The type of bag that will bring you the most comfort in your commute will depend largely on your method of transportation. If you drive to take a crowded train, bus, or subway to your destination, the clunkiness of a backpack might not be ideal for you. In this case, a sleek messenger bag may fit more comfortably as it can sit more comfortably on your lap.
However, if you use a form of active transport like cycling, the even distribution of weight on your back and shoulders that a backpack provides will be ideal. If you need to access any of your belongings on your trip, a messenger bag allows for much easier and quicker access.
As I mentioned, backpacks may provide better support for you physically as they don’t rely on one shoulder to bear all of the weight. For those with poor posture or any sort of back, neck, or shoulder problems, a backpack may be more comfortable than a heavy messenger bag but still beware of muscle fatigue and stiffness associated with carrying lots of weight.
Design
While it may not be at the top of your list of concerns, it’s important to have a bag you aesthetically enjoy the look of. If you don’t love your bag, you’ll never want to use it! Walking into work clad in apparel that makes you feel confident and like your best self will surely boost your mood and how you carry yourself. Look good, feel good.
Security
With the amount of important content filling up your bag, the last thing you’d want is for anything to be stolen or compromised. While not so much an issue if you’re driving or carpooling, public transport can, unfortunately, be a prime spot for theft. Some backpacks are made of knife-proof material, meaning they are unable to be slashed and broken into. This is a great option to keep you safe while waiting on a subway platform or at a bus stop.
If knife-proof material doesn’t give you a strong enough sense of relief and trust, the best way to be safe is always to have eyes on your belongings. A messenger bag can be great for this as you can simply spin it around, so it sits directly in front of you.
Best Bags for Commuting
Now that you know what the most important features in a bag are for you, here is a roundup of some of the best ones out there:
Best Overall Bag: Estarer Computer Messenger Bag
The Estarer Computer Messenger Bag is a fantastic all-around choice for a commuter. Its water-proof design allows for a sense of security in any weather: rain, snow, or shine. It also has large, roomy compartments to fit everything you need to take with you. It is secured with both zipper and Velcro-friendly pockets, so safety is not a problem with the Estarer bag. What more could you ask for?
Best Lightweight Bag: OIWAS Messenger Bag
If you plan on carrying some serious weight, the last thing you want to do is add extra bulk with a heavy bag. That’s why the lightweight OIWAS Messenger Bag makes the ideal commuter bag. Clocking in at only 1.27 lb (0.58 kg)—this messenger bag can still carry a significant load. It also features a padded adjustable strap for premium shoulder support.
Best Budget Bag: Tocode Water Resistant Laptop Backpack
If you’re looking for a great buy without breaking the bank, the Tocode Water Resistant Laptop Backpack is a fantastic option. This bag comes with built-in USB and headphone ports so you can stay connected throughout your commute. It’s also made up of heavy-duty fabric and tons of pockets to meet all your organizational needs.
You might be saving some cash, but you definitely aren’t sacrificing any luxury here. The only one who will know this bag didn’t cost a fortune is you and your bank account.
Best Comfort Bag: Anti-Gravity Extra Large Backpack for Men
Ergonomic backpack designs are vital in preventing muscle pain and stiffness while preserving proper posture. Anti-gravity bags like this Extra Large Backpack for Men reduce the stress of weight on the back by 30% for ultimate comfort. This bag’s shoulder straps and body are padded to relieve pressure on the shoulders and spine.
Best Eco-Friendly Bag: Mobile Edge Laptop Eco Messenger Bag
Why not do your part to minimize your environmental impact by choosing the Mobile Edge Laptop Eco Messenger Bag? Made of non-synthetic natural cotton canvas, the eco-friendly makeup of this bag does not mean that durability is going to suffer. Mobile Edge Ecollection bags are tough while using renewable and recyclable material. Now you can feel good about your purchase while the environment thanks you.
Most Secure Bag: OUTJOY Anti Theft Travel Backpack
Equipped with a variety of safety features, the OUTJOY Anti Theft Travel Backpack ensures you will always feel protected during your commute. This bag bears a combination code lock, secret zipped pocket, and is made of an anti-theft material that is crush-proof and scratch-proof.
For ultimate safety while out at night, a light-reflective strip ensures nighttime visibility. This is the ideal bag for commuters on busy public transit or find themselves traveling in the dark.
Best Spacious Bag: ITSHINY Waterproof Travel Backpack
The extended roll-top design of the ITSHINY Waterproof Travel Backpack increases the bag’s capacity for those times when you need a little extra space. Still, it remains sleek and fashionable in appearance—never clunky. For maximum comfort, this bag bears thick padding for optimal back support, while remaining light and breathable. If the spatial quantity is just as important to you as quality, this is the backpack for you.
Best Splurge Bag: Texbo’s Men’s Solid Top Leather Briefcase Messenger Bag
If you don’t mind spending some extra dollars on your bag—after all, you are using it every day—Texbo’s Men’s Solid Top Leather Briefcase Messenger Bag is the one for you. Made of genuine Italian cowhide leather—this bag exudes professionalism. Whether you’re catching flights or crushing a sales presentation, this top quality briefcase-style messenger bag has your back in every situation.
The handcrafted design of this Texbo bag is made with excellence in mind. You are getting your money out of this bag as it’s complete with durable stitching, reliable zippers, and strong shape, meaning it can withstand just about everything. Best of all, the musty leather smell will make you feel as good as it looks.
Other Options
If none of these bags are really hitting the spot for you, you’re in luck. There are some other options that may be more suited to your desires.
Convertible Bag
If you can’t decide which type of bag would work best for your lifestyle, I have good news: you don’t have to. Convertible bags like this Nylon Crossbody Bag for Women from Lily & Drew have an adjustable, removable strap that allows you to customize it to your preferences for the day. This one can change from a shoulder bag to a crossbody bag to a handbag.
Another option is this Leaper Retro Messenger Bag Canvas Backpack Travel Bag, whose backpack shoulder traps can be zipped together to form a single strap. Wherever you’re headed, this bag is perfect for any location and every occasion.
Rolling Backpack
As you now know, both messenger bags and backpacks can be difficult on the neck, shoulders, and back. The only true solution, aside from simply carrying less, is to find a bag where the weight doesn’t sit on your body. A rolling backpack like this Wheeled Laptop Backpack from Amazon—alleviates the problem entirely. However, if you’d like to carry it sometimes, it also does have adjustable shoulder straps.
Final Thoughts
Both backpacks and messenger bags have various pros and cons. Choosing the best one for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle. If you regularly carry a heavy load, want better shoulder support, and use active transportation like cycling, backpacks are the option for you. However, if you are someone who prefers a sleeker, more professional aesthetic, close-to-body security, and use easy on-the-go access, messenger bags are more suited for you.
