Messenger Bag vs Backpack: Showdown Time

Are messenger bags better than backpacks?

Trying to decide if you should use a messenger bag or a backpack and not sure which one to choose? We are here to help with a review of the pros and cons of each as well as some situational analysis of which is best.

Messenger Bag or Backpack – Which to Choose?

To start, what is a messenger bag? Below is a basic messenger bag to give you an idea of what they look like.

Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What are the main differences between a backpack and a messenger bag? General things that stand out on most messenger bags – they have one shoulder strap that is used to carry them, they have a top loading design that can be secured by buttons or zippers, and are generally smaller than a backpack with less storage area.

The gain compared to a backpack is in specificity of design. The messenger is usually more rectangle or square in shape and less deep than a comparable backpack. This makes a messenger great at carrying documents, files, or notebooks along with a laptop or tablet if – especially if you don’t have a lot of other stuff to carry.

However, this is often a downside as most people do want to be able to carry more – maybe it’s a lunch, a water bottle, or a change of clothes for the gym or after work.

The one strap design of a messenger bag, even when at its most professional and with a well padded strap is still only one strap. This can lead to an imbalance of loading onto one shoulder that causes pain and the need to rotate from one shoulder to the other repeatedly.

A cross-body design can alleviate some of this to a small degree with some dispersion of the load over a larger body space. See example below –

Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are working somewhere that has a stigma around wearing a backpack- maybe you aren’t sure if a backpack is professional or not or there is a question about whether you should use a briefcase instead of a backpack – then a messenger could be seen as a stand-in that is more middle ground. It is usually less formal than a briefcase, but can still be seen as more formal than a backpack, albeit with less features and more downsides in general.

FAQ about messenger bags

• What are messenger bags used for?

• • Messenger bags can be used for many of the same things as a backpack, briefcase, or purse. Their main purpose is to carry things. They excel in carrying folders, documents, notebooks, laptops, and tablets; basically smaller, flat items with a rectangular or square shape.

• Are messenger bags out of style?

• • Messenger bags seem to be on the decline with a lot of focus on backpacks. However, they still have a strong following and market presence. Depending on the circumstances you are in you may want to go with one over the other.

• Are messenger bags good for school?

• • I don’t think that they are as good for school as a backpack. You have the one strap issue putting pressure on one shoulder and if you need to carry more than a few books you will run out of space quickly as well as overload yourself with weight easily.

• What do you carry in a messenger bag?

• • Common items usually carried in a messenger bag are documents and file folders and flat electronic devices such as tablets or laptop computers.

• Are messenger bags professional?

• • Messenger bags can definitely look professional. Check out the example below to see what we mean. The color, material, and fashion of the bag will have the most bearing on its appropriateness for a professional environment.

Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

• What do you think is the biggest problem with using a messenger bag?

• • It is the one shoulder carry and resulting possibility of imbalanced loads and shoulder pain and pressure.

• Which is better for everyday use?

• • Generally speaking a backpack is going to have more versatility for everyday use than a messenger. However there is no accounting for personal taste or style so if you have a strong preference one way or the other you can make it work. From a fashion sense there may be no right or wrong.

• Should Bike Commuters Use Backpacks or Messenger Bags?

• • Bike commuters carrying a messenger bag will be impacted by the same things we have mentioned – one strap design leading to imbalanced loads, possible shoulder pain, and a need to move the bag from shoulder to shoulder. None of these things seem ideal to have happen when riding your bike. Especially anything that may throw off your balance or lead to imbalanced loads.
  • A bike commuter using one of our best cycling backpacks will have a much easier time maintaining balance and carrying everything they need than one with a messenger bag. If you do decide to go with a messenger make sure that you get one with a well padded laptop compartment if you take a spill while riding.

Scenario analysis – Do You Choose Messenger or Backpack?

Ok, let’s do some rapid fire questions in different scenarios for how you may be using your backpack or messenger and see which one comes out on top. Ready, Go!

Messenger or Backpack for College student

Backpack all the way. Generally heavier loads, longer walk or commute times, and comfort needed all support the backpack.

Messenger or Backpack for Work

Backpack most of the time. If, big if, you are in a setting where backpacks just won’t work, but you don’t want to do a briefcase then look at the more professional looking messenger bags as an option.

Messenger or Backpack for Laptop or Tablet

A backpack wins most of the time here as well. If this is almost all you are carrying and the alternative is a purse, but you want a little more room then a messenger would work.

Messenger or Backpack for Biking To work

Backpack. As covered in the FAQ’s, a backpack wins over messenger here.

Messenger or Backpack for Public transit

A messenger can be more slim in many cases so you may be less likely to bump into people on public transit using it compared to a backpack. However, be aware that is more a function of your loss of storage space than an inherent superiority of the messenger over a backpack.

Messenger or Backpack for Heavy load

Backpacks with more than one strap and a design focused on support will almost always win out over a messenger if you are carrying a heavy load.

So, summarize it for me: How do you choose between a backpack and a messenger?

It primarily comes down to how you will use the bag and the level of comfort you desire. You can find backpacks you can wear professionally as well as professional looking messengers and you can find most minimum features of one in the other.

However, you can’t find a way to get past the discomfort of a one strap solution on a messenger if it bothers you. You also can’t carry as much in a messenger as a backpack if you need more space. So those two considerations are decision makers even though there are other personal preferences to consider that may be deal breakers for you specifically.