Gear Guides

How to Choose the Right Messenger Bag

person holding a Citizen Messenger Bag

Looking for a functional bag that’s made to stand up to your daily grind? Our messenger bags come in a range of styles, so you can choose whichever one fits your lifestyle. From ergonomic shoulder straps to convenient laptop sleeves, our messenger bags pack plenty of functionality into an ultra-durable design that will last for decades. Check out our messenger bag guide below to get started.


Citizen Messenger Bag - Our most popular and best-selling messenger bag

Citizen Messenger bag on a woman
  • Capacity: 24L
  • Accommodates up to a 17" laptop
  • Iconic seat belt buckle with bottle opener
  • Ergonomic shoulder strap
  • Made from durable weather-proof nylon 
  • Ideal for commuting, travel, or school
  • 2% of sales go to Citizen Chrome program

Our best-selling bag for a reason—the Citizen Messenger Bag is known for its iconic quick-release seat belt buckle that makes getting in and out of your bag a breeze, and can also be used as a bottle opener. From workday essentials to happy hour, it’s all about balance! Inside there’s a durable tarp liner and a convenient floating bucket liner for separate wet/dry storage. Plus, there are built-in velcro straps to attach your accessory of choice (we’ve got options for everything) —see our Laptop Sleeve, or Messenger Organizer. The ergonomic shoulder strap features a stabilizer strap to keep the bag from shifting while riding. Interested in learning more? Check out our in-depth gear fitter video on our most popular messenger bag.


Mini Metro Messenger Bag - A smaller version of our fan favorite messenger bag

Mini Metro Messenger bag worn by a woman
  • Capacity: 20.5L 
  • Accommodates up to a 13" laptop
  • More compact version of Citizen bag 
  • Ergonomic shoulder strap
  • Made from durable weather-proof nylon 
  • Ideal for commuting, travel, or school

If you’re looking for the iconic seat belt buckle with a more compact bag, the Mini Metro Messenger Bag is for you. It also features a 1000D TPE tarp liner with a wet/dry compartment. Along with the Citizen Messenger Bag, the Mini Metro features an industrial-strength loop for attaching our Chrome Phone Pouch (left shoulder carry only). You’ll also find built-in hook and loop tabs to attach a Chrome Laptop Sleeve, or the Messenger Organizer.


Buran III - Our best and most badass tech messenger bag

The Buran III Tech Messenger with versatile carry strap
  • Capacity: 24L
  • Built-in padded exterior 17” laptop pocket
  • Classic messenger bag style but with more tech organization
  • Iconic quick-release seat belt buckle with bottle opener
  • Reversible shoulder strap for left or right carry 
  • Great for commuting, traveling, school, and work

If you want a crossbody tech bag that doesn’t look like a tech bag, consider the Buran III. It has a similar look to our Citizen Messenger Bag, but with more tech organization and versatility. On the outside, a weather-proof 1050D nylon shell keeps things nice and dry, while the built-in padded exterior laptop pocket fits laptops up to 17 inches. The haul handle also provides an easy option for grab and carry. If you’re left-handed, the reversible shoulder strap makes it easy to carry on either side. Plus, it features an interchangeable stabilizer strap so you don’t have to worry about the bag shifting while you’re on the move. See our in-depth video on our best and most badass tech messenger bag.


Simple Messenger MD - Our lightest heritage messenger bag designed with more room to carry

Simple Messenger Medium worn by a woman
  • Capacity: 15L
  • Padded built-in 13” laptop sleeve
  • Low-profile, lightweight messenger bag for everyday use
  • Adjustable shoulder strap with stabilizer and bottle opener
  • Durable weather-proof nylon shell and interior tarp liner
  • Water-resistant, quick-access exterior pocket 
  • Internal pockets for organization

Built tough just like our other bags, the Simple Messenger MD offers a bit more capacity for extra storage. You’ll get the slim, lightweight design, complete with the durable shoulder strap with the removable stabilizer. Storing your laptop is easy with the built-in 13-inch laptop sleeve, along with internal pockets for organizing your essentials. Check out our in-depth video to see what this messenger bag is all about.


Berlin - Our largest messenger bag built for the pros

Berlin Messenger worn by a man
  • Capacity: 47L
  • Accommodates up to a 17" laptop
  • Designed for professional bike messengers 
  • Iconic quick-release seat belt buckle with bottle opener
  • External strap system to carry oversized packages
  • Four point harness system for large load distribution
  • Side compression straps to widen the bag or tighten up

The Berlin is our largest messenger bag, designed for and tested by professional bike messengers. Whether that’s your gig or you simply want a bag that does it all, the Berlin Messenger Bag has an array of super convenient features. Like all our bags, it’s made to withstand the elements thanks to a durable weather-proof nylon shell and interior tarp liner. The ergonomic shoulder strap has a hook and loop accessory strap for attaching a Chrome Phone Pouch or radio (left shoulder carry only). The external straps and four-point harness system are made to evenly distribute a large load—your shoulders will thank you!


Messenger bags are a classic choice for a reason—and ours are built to stand the test of time. From heavy-duty loads to everyday commuting, we have plenty of options to choose from. 

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