Messenger Bags for Back to School

Leather, Canvas, Classic, Cool Messenger Shoulder Bag

Jul 18, 2009

Sometimes called courier bags, a classic messenger bag hangs over one shoulder, combining style, comfort, and easy access to the bag's contents.

Supremely practical, messenger bags are popular with bicycle couriers whose jobs as urban messengers necessitate carrying a bag that’s roomy, comfortable, and a cinch to open and remove parcels while in a hurry. Students from middle school to college like the messenger bag for the same reasons, but also because messenger bags can hold laptop computers and offer more style than the average backpack.

Here are some of the cool and clever messenger bags available from online retailers.

Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag

The Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag, available at Chromebagsstore.com and pictured below, sports the company’s signature quick-release seatbelt-style closure on the padded shoulder strap, allowing for easy one-handed tightening and loosening of the shoulder strap and quick removal of the bag. Made of rugged industrial strength nylon with a waterproof liner, the bag features a large compartment, one zippered pocket and open slits for pens, pencils, and the like. Choose the right shoulder version for easy left-handed access or the left shoulder design for right handed folks. Dimension: 22.5 inches wide by 11 inches high by 7 inches wide. Price: $140. Flat rate shipping is $8.

Fossil Leather Messenger Bag

The classic Fossil Montana Leather Messenger Bag (see photo below) features glazed full grain brown leather with brass buckle closures and is sold at Fossil.com. Organizational pockets, including a window to display identification, grace the bag, which also includes an adjustable shoulder strap. Dimensions: 10.75 inches long by 1.5 inches wide by 11.5 inches high. Price: $168. Shipping is free on orders over $100.

“Too Cool for School” Messenger Bag

Students of all ages can advertise their hip qualities with the “Too Cool for School” Messenger Bag from WiseAcre Clothing Company at Cafepress.com. Seen in the photo below, the lemon yellow polyester bag measures 14 ½ inches high by 12 inches wide by 5 inches deep and includes a main compartment with the slip pocket and a zippered pocket on the front flap. The bag boasts an adjustable two-inch-wide shoulder strap and one clasp closure. Price: $25. Shipping is $5.25.

Wicked Witch Handmade Messenger Bag

Straight from the Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch and her flying monkey henchman decorate the handmade Wicked Witch and Flying Monkey Blue Vinyl Messenger Bag, created by Kittyempire3 at Etsy.com. Measurements: 12 inches wide by 9 ½ inches tall by 4 inches wide. The bag includes a fabric-lined main compartment with one inner pocket. Price: $55. Shipping starts at $8.

Customizable Laptop Messenger Bag

Messenger bags are hip, comfortable, and roomy alternatives to backpacks for students in middle school through college.

The copyright of the article Messenger Bags for Back to School in Family Finances is owned by Judith Zwolak. Permission to republish Messenger Bags for Back to School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.