You bet they are! Moreover, we see more men using messenger bags than women these days. A modern day messenger bag usually comes with a ½ flap or full flap over and is worn across the shoulder to the hip. The traditional messenger bag can also be called a mail bag, man bag, shoulder bag and book bag. The book bag is a popular bag for student campus.

Since the 1950’s this type of bag was used by utility linemen to carry their working tools whle climbing utility poles. These bags are often referred to as a mail bag as they have been used by the Pony Express riders, postal workers, and in New York City the bags were adopted by bicycle messenger companies. I understand the UK Royal Postal Service uses these style messenger bags to deliver the post. Since most of these workers were men, we do think these bags are very manly! Some organizer styles are referred to as a "Man Bag ."

With that short history in mind, we wanted to bring to light some of the fantastic features in the modern day leather messenger bag, so that male and female travelers can effectively evaluate whether a messenger bag may be more suitable than a more traditional carry on or laptop case. Having sold plenty of these bags, we thought we could provide some useful tips that may help you to evaluate this type of bag.

1. Size matters – Messenger bags come in all dimensions, but usually a north/south or east/west version and can weigh anywhere from 2 lbs., usually maxing out at 7 lbs, empty!
2. Closure – Some models have magnetic closure, some are equipped with computer safe magnets for the laptop messenger models. Other closure options are are tie down, buckle down, snap down or just a flap. On the flap over models, most bags to have an additional snap underneath the flap.
3. Strap – Most models do have an adjustable feature, but not all have a comfort fit or contoured strap to protect the collar bone and chest. Strap width is important and is in direct relationship to the weight and size of the bag. Some straps also come with a non-slip shoulder pad that will also absorb some shock. Some straps tuck inside and hide away or detach so the case can be hand carried.
4. Material – Some are made of Italian or cowhide leather, man-made leather, canvas, waxed canvas, nylon, ballistic material, and cloth. Again, this is an issue of weight and image/style.
5. Lining – Some models feature suede leather lining or finished leather lining, others provide nylon or a washable ballistic fabric. My personal favorite would be a washable nylon lining.
6. Organization – Most modern messenger bags have organization provided for cell phone/blackberry, media, pens, mail/file compartments, even a computer laptop.
7. Laptop Messenger Bag – Some messengers have a dedicated laptop compartment which has bottom and side protection for the carriage of a laptop, compartment sizes vary, but most accommodate the 12 inch and 15.4 inch laptops. Others will carry your wapping 17 inch laptop screen! Keep in mind, sellers advertise these laptop sizes by measuring the screen width diagonally, so be sure to get out your ruler and physically measure your laptop, all 3 dimensions and compare to the inside laptop compartment dimensions. Many models feature a north/south or vertical storage for the laptop. Also add the weight of the laptop to the weight of the bag your are considering to determine if this is agreeable to you and still falls within the airline weight regulations, it should not be a problem.
8. Man Bag – This type of messenger can also be referred to as international bag or a man purse. Typically this model is a messenger style bag which features an organizer for a man’s personals, i.e. wallet, cell phone, passport, documents, etc.
9. Backpack Messenger bag – A few models out there will convert to a backpack for those of you who do not want the shoulder to hip carriage.
10. Quality – Look for very tight machine or hand stitching and quality hardware if straps are detachable.
11.  Styles - Whether its a traditional flap-over mail bag, organizer men's bag, shoulder bag or Designer Messenger Bag, you can find a wide variety to choose from at our eBay Store!


Check out these Fantastic Leather Messenger Bags in our eBay store!

Jack Georges (former, original Coach Leather designer) Platinum Collection JG 8475 Laptop Messenger Bag can be found in our Gift Items Etc. eBay store, in Black.


Le Donne Collection Vertical Laptop Messenger Bag can be found in our Gift Items Etc. eBay store, in black, cafe and tan.

McKleinUSA horizontal (north-south) R Series 84794 Laptop Messenger Bag can be found in our Gift Items Etc. eBay store in black and brown.

Le Donne Collection Classic Messenger Bag, full flap over mail bag A202 Leather Messenger Bag is found in our Gift Items Etc. eBay store in black, cafe and tan.


Jack Georges Metropolitan Light Collection, 840 Men's Bag, organizer man bag can be found in our Gift Items Etc. eBay store in black.

We hope you enjoyed our review/guide on Messenger bags Messenger Bags (click for all Messengers in our store).



Ya'll come back now, ya hear!