Are you looking for a stylish women’s laptop bag but only finding the usual male oriented ones? Or maybe a messenger style but can’t find one that protects your laptop well and looks professional enough? Well, some of the best laptop messenger bags for women don’t even look much like laptop bags and that’s what’s so nice about them!
However, when it comes to travel, an everyday laptop messenger bag is usually not good enough. Very often, the padding is thin and if there are enough organizational compartments, they are not secure. Here are some things you need to look out for to see if a messenger bag is good for travel.
Women’s carry on laptop messenger bags should have all the benefits of a proper laptop bag in that –
- There should be a dedicated laptop compartment or sleeve that is properly padded.
- There should be enough space and compartments to fit all accessories.
- The main laptop compartment should be zippered or buckled shut and not just Velcroed shut.
- The shoulder strap should be ergonomically designed and well padded.
- The bag should be comfortable to carry while walking as opposed to bicycling.
So, let’s look at five female-friendly laptop messenger bags that are great for travel. Pair these with a carry on bag to complete your luggage needs.
In addition to the laptop messenger bags for ladies we review below, check out the Kensington Contour Balance Notebook Roller Bag in Onyx if you want a feminine looking traditional laptop bag that is designed for the ultimate comfort-carry experience.
We have also reviewed laptop tote bags and laptop backpacks.
Table of Contents
Best Messenger Bags for Travel
Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger Bag
We’ve been searching for a versatile messenger bag that would meet specific needs for traveling, professional use, and safe laptop storage but with a sporty feel. Luckily, we found the perfect option in the Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger Bag.
One of the best features of this bag is its design, which makes it ideal for travel. It comes equipped with a high-quality seat belt buckle that keeps the bag securely behind your back and can be easily buckled and unbuckled. Additionally, it is street-tested and looks both sporty and stylish, which is a bonus.
The Citizen Messenger Bag also has a weatherproof tarp liner, which is a must-have for for rainy days. It is made from military-grade material, ensuring that your laptop and other belongings are secure and protected from any potential damage. Furthermore, the bag is spacious enough to accommodate a 17″ laptop.
The bag features adjustable shoulder straps and compression straps that help to keep valuable belongings safe and secure. It is very durable and has proven to be very resourceful, meeting all of your needs and more.
Overall, we’re extremely satisfied with the Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger Bag. It is comfortable to wear, practical, and durable, and the safety buckle is a game-changer. The materials used in its construction are of exceptional quality, making it a smart investment for anyone in need of a reliable messenger bag.
Pros:
• It is travel friendly and very well constructed.
• Keeps your stuff safe and secure and comes with a weatherproof tarp liner.
• It can accommodate a 17″ laptop, which makes it even more convenient.
• This bag is durable and comes with exceptional straps, and is street-tested.
Cons:
• The length of the main strap is relatively short, which shouldn’t be a problem for most women but may cause difficulty for tall or large people.
• The strap pad isn’t thick enough to be comfortable if you pack very heavy items into the bag.
Mission Workshop Monty Messenger Bag
I understand how difficult it is to find a functional and fashionable women’s messenger laptop bag. The Mission Workshop Monty Messenger Bag is the ideal combination of style and utility.
The ample interior and sturdy construction of this courier bag make it perfect for transporting laptops and other necessities. It has a roll-top closure that protects my laptop and other electronics from the elements, and it has plenty of other storage space for my valuables.
The bag has a front open pouch that can fit a laptop up to 13 inches in size, and a bigger main area that can fit a laptop up to 15 inches in size. The external dimensions of the bag are 16 inches by 10 inches by 5 inches, which is more than enough room for my necessities. Extra space can be found in the one interior zipped compartment and the two utility areas.
The bag weighs 2.75 pounds, which is a bit more than the average weight of the best messenger bags for women. However, I find the removable cross-chest brace to be both practical and effective.
You can get the Monty Messenger Bag in a broad variety of hues, from black to red, and from blue to green. That way, you can find a purse that complements your individual sense of style.
The Mission Workshop Monty Messenger is a great buy because it combines good looks and useful features.
Pros:
• This messenger bag is spacious and durable.
• It comes with a weatherproof top flap.
• There are not one but two compartments for you to store your laptop.
• It comes in a variety of colors options for you to select according to your taste.
Cons:
• Doesn’t have a lot of pockets.
• The laptop compartment is not padded.
Women’s Vegan Leather Laptop Messenger Bag
Kenneth Cole REACTION Grand Central Pebbled Vegan Leather Slim Messenger Bag
We highly recommend the Kenneth Cole REACTION Grand Central Messenger Bag for its stylish design, durability, and organizational features.
After using this bag on my daily commute for a few days, I was thoroughly impressed by its stylish design and top-quality materials. The vegan leather not only looks professional but is also water-resistant and lightweight, making it very practical in various weather conditions.
The bag has a main compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop, as well as a padded tablet pocket for extra protection. Moreover, there’s ample room for other essentials like notebooks, pens, chargers, and personal belongings. The flap closure with double magnetic snaps keeps the main compartment safe. The rear exterior open-top pocket also provides quick access to frequently used items.
Overall, we found the Kenneth Cole REACTION Grand Central Messenger Bag to be a great choice for women seeking a classy and functional laptop messenger bag. Ideal for school, work, and travel, this bag strikes the perfect balance between style and utility. However, keep in mind that the flap closure and shoulder strap may not suit everyone’s taste, so consider your personal preferences before making a purchase.
Pros:
• Stylish and professional appearance.
• Spacious with a padded tablet pocket.
• Durable vegan leather and tear-resistant lining.
• A bit larger than expected but that’s a good thing in terms of capacity.
Cons:
• Adjustable shoulder strap could be more comfortable.
• Flap closure may not suit everyone.
Best Mini Messenger Bags
TIMBUK2 Classic Messenger Bag (In Small and Medium)
The famous Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag has a classic design and a variety of essential features that make it perfect for everyday use but is the best travel messenger bag for everyone. One of the standout features is its spacious and functional internal space that can easily accommodate a 17″ laptop, an iPad, or other daily essentials you need to carry around. It also has a hidden internal pocket for a water bottle and Napolean-style side-entry pockets for easy access to your stuff without having to open the flap. Plus, the bag is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.
What sets the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag apart is its lifetime warranty, making it a reliable investment. The bag also has creative and extra features such as a comfortable handle for lifting the bag, flab buckles with bottom compression straps that can be tightened for added security closure, easy-to-clean TPU liner, adjustable air mesh shoulder strap with pad, and a cross strap for extra stabilization. The cross strap does not come in the extra-small version, however.
Pros:
• The bag is water-resistant and durable.
• It is spacious and can easily store and carry a 17 inch laptop.
• The strap is soft and well padded and distributes the weight well.
• This messenger bag comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
• The strap may feel too short for large people.
• The pockets are quite small.
Also read our full and in-depth review of the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger if you want more details.
Michael Kors Jet Set NS Travel Messenger Bag
The Michael Kors Jet Set Large Messenger Bag is the ideal choice if you’re searching for a chic and practical messenger bag for your travels. This bag is ideal for female travelers since it is made from the brand’s characteristic PVC and has a roomy and well-organized inside.
The bag is a stylish and practical option for your next trip. The bag’s top zip clasp ensures the safety of your valuables while you’re on the go. Elegance is added to your travel outfit with the silver or gold tone hardware and brand medallion that adorn the bag’s outside, depending on the color you choose.
The bag’s inside has three open compartments and one mobile phone pocket, so you can quickly find what you need even while you’re on the go. The bag may be carried in a variety of ways, including by its twin handles, which have a drop of 9 inches, or by its adjustable strap, which can be worn across the body or slung over one shoulder.
The MK Signature print exterior and polyester lining of the Michael Kors Jet Set large Messenger Bag guarantee its durability and longevity. The bag’s approximate weight of 1.3 pounds makes it manageable to carry even when stuffed to capacity with your accessories, toiletries, and other travel necessities.
For female travelers searching for a practical and well-organized method to carry their belongings, this is a chic and practical option. In addition, the manufacturer provides a limited guarantee for a full year, so you may buy with assurance.
Pros:
• Stylish and elegant design perfect for any outfit.
• Spacious interior and multiple pockets for organization.
• Durable polyester construction with a reliable zipper closure.
Cons:
• The material is a bit stiff.
• The top opening is a tight fit.
Canvas Crossbody Messenger Bag
Leaper Canvas Messenger Sling Bag
Finding good quality, classy, practical, and professional messenger bag is tough. This Leaper Canvas Messenger Sling Bag, which is constructed of washed canvas and decorated with PU leather, is meant to be both practical and stylish. It’s ideal for casual businesspeople on the go who need to carry a small laptop or tablet due to its compact size, adjustable strap, and many compartments.
The Leaper Canvas Messenger Bag Sling Bag is constructed with a sumptuous material within the main compartment and a soft and sturdy washed canvas outside. The bag’s PU leather embellishment raises its already high fashion level, making it perfect for trips as well as everyday use. The bag is not only fashionable, but it also serves its purpose thanks to its many compartments.
This bag is perfect for a day vacation or a day of shopping because of its small size and light weight. It provides enough space for your iPhone, wallet, snack, tickets, and magazines, as well as a thin laptop (up to 13″) without a laptop cover or case. The several compartments are ideal for storing and transporting all of these stuff.
The buckles on the top flap open and close smoothly, ensuring everything stays safe, and the zippered pocket on the top flap is ideal for storing documents like tickets and passports. The strap may be adjusted to fit snugly over your back and chest, making it perfect for all-day use. You may wear it over one shoulder, sling it over your body, or even use it as a crossbody bag.
Despite the fact that it is not watertight, it may be taken along on a wide variety of outdoor activities. This bag is a wonderful present for friends and family that value elegance, convenience, and utility in a tote.
Pros:
• Many pockets for organizing items.
• Durable and can carry heavy weight comfortably.
• Hands-free design with comfortable fit.
• Good quality for the price.
Cons:
• Bottle holder pocket is not deep enough.
• Carabiner clip is fragile and prone to breaking.
Sweetbriar Classic Vintage Messenger Bag
The Sweetbriar Classic Vintage Messenger Bag is an excellent option if you’re shopping for a fashionable and practical messenger bag. This bag is not only long-lasting thanks to its 100% cotton canvas construction with metal embellishments, but it also has plenty of big open pockets for all your necessities.
The Sweetbriar Classic Vintage Messenger Bag was made with the user’s daily, academic, and travel requirements in mind. It has plenty of storage space, including a huge main compartment, front pockets, and side pockets. The main compartment is large enough to hold unpadded computers up to 15.6 inches in screen size. A zipped compartment on the inside is perfect for stowing away your personal things.
The bag’s cushioned, length-adjustable shoulder strap and top-rear carrying handle make it comfy to carry about. This messenger bag, too, is constructed from robust materials that will last for years. The Velcro fastener on the front flap of this vintage military shoulder bag adds a rough touch to the otherwise stylish design.
The rich cotton canvas of the Sweetbriar Classic Vintage Messenger Bag gives it a timeless and sophisticated appearance. It’s ideal for female travelers who value style without sacrificing practicality. The bag’s adaptable style makes it ideal for any event.
Pros:
• Good size and holds more than you think, with one large main compartment and useful front, side, and interior pockets.
• Comfortable to wear, with a padded, length-adjustable shoulder strap and a convenient top-rear handle.
• Neutral and lightweight design, suitable for everyday use, school, college, basics, and travel accessories.
• Good quality for the price.
Cons:
• Durability may be an issue, with some customers reporting holes developing after a couple of years of use.
• Strap design could be improved, with some customers reporting that the metal rectangle that connects the strap to the bag flips sideways and the shoulder pad flips upside down. The length adjuster may also require frequent adjustment.
• A 15.6″ laptop will be a tight fit if you pack other items as well.
Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
If you’re looking for a bag that can be worn in two different ways, look no further than the convertible backpack messenger bag. It may be transformed from a backpack to a messenger bag and back again thanks to its adjustable and repositionable straps. This form of bag is created so that the user may choose the carrying method that best meets their requirements and preferences. Commuters and travelers who require a bag that can be utilized in a variety of settings often choose this one.
CoolBELL Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag
For all travelers, but especially women who need to bring their computers, the CoolBELL Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag Shoulder Bag is a great companion. This bag is ideal for travel, business trips, school, and work due to its adaptable design, roomy inside, and practical features.
The bag’s dimensions of 18.8 x 5.1 x 13.7 inches allow it to accommodate up to a 17.3-inch laptop and yet provide space for two to three days’ worth of summer attire. For travelers who value efficiency and want to save weight, this is the perfect design.
The bag may be carried in three different ways: as a backpack, a shoulder bag, or a messenger bag. The backpack messenger bag combo straps can be adjusted and concealed, allowing you to quickly and simply transition between these three looks.
The bag’s back strap system is soft and adjustable, making it a breeze to sling over your shoulder. The backpack straps may be stowed away in the back pocket when using the shoulder bag or messenger style, and the shoulder strap can be detached for convenient hand-carrying.
The wider luggage belt at the back is another convenient addition to this bag. The bag may be attached to the telescopic handle of most luggage trolley types, allowing you to free one hand while traveling. When worn as a backpack, the bag’s genuine leather handle tucks away into two outside compartments.
The bag’s four outside pockets make it easy to keep your belongings neat and easy to access. The problem of losing stuff won’t be an issue anymore!
Your laptop will be secure within the spacious laptop compartment, which also has a separate accessory section. Your laptop is safe throughout travel thanks to the telescoping belt in the laptop compartment. There’s enough room for a laptop of up to 17.3 inches in this bag, plus clothing for overnight travel.
Because of its lightweight construction, this bag is a breeze to transport from place to place. The bag’s top grab handle makes it easy to grab and go, and the ergonomic shape keeps its weight well distributed.
Pros:
• Good amount of storage for binders, notebooks and folders.
• Versatile as it can be used as a briefcase, backpack, shoulder carrying case, or messenger bag.
• Comfortable and efficient to wear on the back or as a briefcase with low weight loads.
• Hidden features such as spill-resistant lining in the front outside pockets, and space to route a charger through the backpack straps.
• Stylish and well-made with thick foam padding on the back of the laptop sleeve and a cushioned shoulder strap.
Cons:
• Room can run out quickly, especially for larger items.
FAQs
As long as it is specifically made for laptops, a messenger bag may indeed hold a laptop. The messenger bag provides fast and simple access and, in certain designs, may also function as a briefcase. A laptop may be stored safely and securely in a padded compartment found in many messenger bags. Make sure your laptop fits comfortably by checking the measurements of the laptop compartment. If you want to bring a laptop and other belongings with you, get a messenger bag that is large enough to accommodate them.
It’s difficult to choose a single brand as the best for messenger bags because it really depends on individual preferences and needs. However, if I had to choose one brand, I would recommend Timbuk2.
Timbuk2 offers a wide range of messenger bags that are stylish, durable, and functional. They are known for their high-quality materials and attention to detail, which ensures that their bags can withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, Timbuk2 offers customization options, allowing you to choose the size, color, and features that best fit your needs.
One of the standout features of Timbuk2 messenger bags is their laptop compartments. They offer padded laptop sleeves that can accommodate laptops of various sizes, ensuring that your device stays safe and secure during transport. The bags also offer plenty of pockets and compartments for organizing your other belongings, such as your phone, wallet, and keys.
A messenger bag is worn across the body and typically has a single strap that goes over the shoulder. It is designed to be worn while commuting or cycling, and often features a laptop compartment.
A shoulder bag is worn on one shoulder and typically has two shorter tote straps along with one long adjustable shoulder strap. It is often used for carrying everyday items such as a wallet, phone, and keys.
A satchel is a type of bag that is worn over the shoulder or across the body. It typically has a flap closure and a structured shape. It is often used as a fashion accessory and can be used to carry a laptop or other items.
It depends on personal preference and needs. Backpacks are better for distributing weight evenly and offering more storage space, while messenger bags are more stylish and offer quick access to your belongings. Messenger bags are also better in crowded places or while using public transport if you don’t have any anti-theft features to secure your bag.