Should I Get A Messenger Bag Or Backpack?

How do you make this difficult choice between two great options?

Whether you are a full-time student or a full-time worker, you are constantly carrying things around with you. Especially these days, we always have our phone, our tablet, our laptop: all of our technology on the go at all times. Many of us commute into work or school and always need something to keep us entertained. This is why we always have something to carry our personal belongings with us.

Now, there are thousands of options of bags on the market today that it can be very difficult to know what one you should buy, especially with so many options. It is essential that you do your research and discover what you are going to be using them for. This is going to help you decide the size of bag you need and what specifically you should be looking at.

Right now, there are two main types of bags on the market that people are buying: messenger bags and backpacks. We are familiar with both, as they are incredibly common, but what one is better? What one should you be investing your money in? What do they have to offer? These are the questions we are going to dive in today, to point you towards finding the perfect bag on the go.

A Messenger Bag

So before we compare the two, let’s first see what each of them can do. So, what is a messenger bag? Well a messenger bag, also known as a courier bag, is a type of bag that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that goes across your chest. Usually the bag will rest on your side or the lower back. What is funny about these bags is that they were first used by mailmen and women across the country, until they came into high fashion. These bags are often made out of a kind of cloth, natural or synthetic, but they can also be made out of leather.

Similar to any other type of bag, messenger bags are meant to help you carry personal belongings while you are on the road. They feature a flap open case that you can carry items such as laptops or tablets, or even clothes. Messenger bags are often water resistant so you can use them out in the rain, and are often more durable than other over the shoulder bags you can find on the market today.

A Backpack

So, a backpack is a bit more well known when compared to a messenger bag. We all know what it can do. Instead of having a strap that goes over one shoulder, a backpack is a sack that is secured with straps that go over your shoulders. These are used more often by hikers and students to carry a huge load of things to and from school or work. They were originally used by hunters way back years ago, as an easier way to transport game back to their tribe. There are many styles of backpack designs but they all serve the same purpose: to move your things from one place to the other.

Comparison

So now since we have dived into the two types of bags, what one is the best? Well, to be honest, it all depends on what you are using your bag for. First of all, backpacks are meant entirely to carry a lot of items. They are normally not meant to be used in a workspace but rather on a hike or going to school. Messenger bags on the other hand are great for smaller amounts of items on the go. They are great to be used on bikes and do not take up as much space.

Backpacks are meant to be used in the outdoors or on travel settings. They are primarily to be used in schools. As for a messenger bag, they have a bit more of an urban feel and are great under hot conditions as there is less body contact with them.

Now, backpacks you can organize really easily as they come with a lot of different compartments to store your things. This includes multiple zippers and other little areas. Now, messenger bags are usually used for carrying fewer amounts of things, as they do not have as many compartments as a backpack. They are great for a couple books and a laptop, or whatever you prefer.

What Do We Think?

So, after looking at both a messenger bag and a backpack it is now up to you to choose what one is going to be the best for you. Here are a couple of things to think about before making a purchase:

Fashion

While this does not matter for a lot of people, it certainly matters to others. It is known among the fashion community that messenger bags are definitely more in style than a backpack. This is certainly true when it comes to wearing something to work, as hardly anyone carries a backpack around anymore.

What You Are Carrying

If you have a lot of things to get places, a backpack is definitely going to better for you, as they are bigger and have a lot more storage space. However, if you only have a laptop and maybe a couple snacks, a messenger bag is going to be fantastic.

Your Back

Here is where things get tricky! A heavy backpack has been known to be detrimental for your back. It pushes down on your shoulders and is going to hurt your posture. We believe messenger bags are much better for your back, as they strap around one shoulder. No matter what you are carrying we recommend that you do not pack it too full or take turns with someone carrying it, as it is going to hurt your back.