A short history of messenger bags
The first messenger bag was designed for both postal workers and bicycle couriers. These two groups of people had to deliver large numbers of materials while on the move, and needed easy access as they went door to door. Messenger bags allowed for easy carrying as well. As time went on, these bags became more and more popular with the general public—people saw how much use postal workers and bicycle couriers got out of them, and realized they were a great option for the workplace.
While they still serve an extremely practical purpose nowadays, messenger bags have also become a fashion statement in cities across the United States. You’ll be hard pressed to walk down a busy street and not see a well-dressed man with a leather messenger bag.
Form and function
In addition to being a fashion statement, messenger bags have been gaining even more popularity as a result of their practical benefits. Aside from granting the wearer easy access to whatever they may be carrying, messenger bags are quite often extremely durable, and can handle carrying heavier weights than the average bag. They are especially designed to provide both comfort and stability while carrying a wide variety of items, without compromising style.
Messenger bags are also well known for being easily organized, as well as offering the wearer a large amount of space in which to carry their personal items. Messenger bags are often used to carry anything from a laptop and chargers to business letters and a suit jacket. Thanks to their forward-thinking design, messenger bags have a large variety of uses as they contain pockets both inside and out, meeting the needs of almost anyone.
A stylish alternative
One of the major uses of the messenger bag is as a replacement for traditional backpacks in school and college settings. The one-strap design is a great fashion statement, as well as a more comfortable method of carrying books across campus. One of the biggest benefits to students is that these bags are versatile. They can be used on campus, around town, at the gym, and while traveling. You’re no longer required to have separate school and life supplies.
Messenger bags are also a great option for the constant traveler. They’re roomy, allowing you to cram even your last-minute items into the bag before heading out the door. They also fit into the overhead compartment of a plane or bus (and even if your lap), allowing you to miss out on checked-baggage fees. When you’re making your away across town or across the airport, it’s also an added benefit to have your bag at your side—it’s easier to avoid pickpockets if your entire bag is always in your peripheral vision.
Great for outdoors
These types of bags are also good for anyone who constantly finds themselves outside, whether that be on a bike or hiking. Messenger bags can fit into nearly any space (dependent on what you have inside of them) and are made of heavy-duty material so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear. Depending on the type of material your bag is made of, water damage may not even be a worry. This makes messenger bags very useful for anyone who is looking for a versatile bag option.
Most people don’t think about this use for messenger bags, but they’re a great replacement for a diaper bag. Their built-in storage compartments are perfect for all of the products your baby may need, and the over-the-shoulder design allows you to have one hand holding your baby and one hand searching for what you need. In public settings, it can be great to have a stylish, professional looking bag rather than a bulky diaper bag. It also serves the added benefit of turning into a traditional messenger bag when your baby has outgrown their need for it.
A versatile bag!
Come to think of, messenger bags are useful in just about any situation. That’s one of the great things about them! You can carry laptops, phones, documents, clothing, and even more. The bag doesn’t limit what you’re able to bring along. And even better? The multiple organizational options allow you to be as organized (or unorganized) as you’d like to be. Running out of the house? Cram everything in the main compartment. Getting on a plane? You can keep everything right where you need it. The possibilities are endless.