A leather messenger bag is one of the most classic fittings a guy could have. Durability is guaranteed almost always, so it goes for every style and is appropriate for every event. One of the most flexible items you can find is a messenger bag that is formal enough to fly around the globe or just for school or work, and comfortable enough. Whatever the cause you choose to have a classic leather messenger bag, it not only signifies your sense of style, but it is also something that will last for years.
It can feel natural in this day and age to recognize your second home as your office. That means you’ll need something durable and sturdy to bring the essential things to and from any place. The option that you were hoping for is a leather messenger bag. While we can’t deny that a number of people use backpacks, let’s face it, a leather messenger bag looks more elegant and it’s sturdy and durable. With the proper care, it can last you for a long time.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
S-ZONE Men’s Crazy Horse Leather Messenger Bag – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The leather is real, thick, tuff and soft
- The stitching looks good all around
- Inside there are enough pockets for most needs
- The flap has buckles that can be adjusted for the amount you put in
Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Good padding in the laptop
- Interior pockets for pens
- Wide main pocket for papers and documents
- Easy to use clips for the flap
Best Leather Messenger Bags for Men – Overview
If you’re off to your first interview, commuting to work or college on a regular basis, the best leather messenger bags for men can not only reflect the sense of style but will also last you for many years. But as you can learn, not all messenger bags are made equal, quality, and style-wise. Choosing the best leather messenger bag may be tricky from the various leather types, the number of compartments, and the overall style aesthetics. To help you find the perfect bag to match your needs, we’ll not only compare the best leather bags for men available, but we’ll also share some buying guide with you while you pick out the best one.
Leather Messenger Bags for Men Reviews
1. S-ZONE Men’s Crazy Horse Leather Messenger Bag – Best Value
The S-ZONE Men’s Crazy Horse Leather Messenger Bag is made of crazy horse leather with Bronze tone hardware, hand made by professional artisans, and will be more and more glossy after several times of using. This messenger bag design with a wide adjustable shoulder strap and equipped with a moveable mesh pad to eliminate shoulder fatigue. And the strap is durable and removable, you will love this unique bag.
The front flat is designed with twin buckles decoration, zipper top closure, inside with 2 divide compartments for your better organizing, 1 wall zipper pocket, 2 additional pockets for cellphone and wallet, 2 pen holders. You can easily fit a laptop up to 14 inches.
Key Features:
- Made of crazy horse leather
- Easy to carry up to a 14-inch laptop
- Front flat with twin buckles
- Wide adjustable shoulder strap
Specifications:
- Brand: S-ZONE
- Dimensions: 11″ H x 3.5″ W x 15″ D
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- The leather is real, thick, tuff and soft
- The stitching looks good all around
- Inside there are enough pockets for most needs
- The flap has buckles that can be adjusted for the amount you put in
- The flap does not cover the entire opening though. Both ends are exposed to outside elements
2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Colombian Leather Messenger Bag
Travel confidently with the Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Colombian Leather Messenger Bag. This feature-rich business bag boasts a padded laptop computer pocket and a fully-lined double compartment construction that expands an additional 1. 5 inches for greater carrying capacity when needed.
Loaded with features including a fully lined interior, RFID protection pocket, padded laptop pocket that holds most laptops with up to a 15.6-inch screen, a 1.5-inch expansion feature for added carrying capacity, and a rear 2-file divider compartment. Comfortable top leather grab handles, a removable, adjustable padded shoulder strap will help you travel comfortably with ease. A sleek, yet traditional business portfolio perfect for the modern businessman.
Key Features:
- Genuine full-grain cowhide Colombian leather
- Front exterior gusseted zipper pocket
- Rear exterior trolley strap
- Premium self-repairing zippers
Specifications:
- Brand: Kenneth Cole REACTION
- Dimensions: 11.5″ H x 1.5″ W x 15.25″ D
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
- It’s expandable and has pockets for nearly everything
- This thing can handle big loads with ease
- All the stitchings are tight
- The zippered expansion can be closed to make the bag have a small form-factor
- This bag is a bit stiff at first
3. leatherBagsworl United Leather Messenger Bag for Men
If you love products that leave very little impact on the environment, the range of leather goods from Rustic Town will leave you impressed! Crafted by the desert people of Rajasthan, India, the leatherBagsworl United Leather Messenger Bag for Men are carefully crafted using traditional techniques and by skilled artisans to ensure absolute perfection. For extra strength, this shoulder bag is crafted using high-quality thread, buckle, and durable YKK zippers. An olive green heavy-duty canvas lining adds to the durability.
Each of these vintage leather pieces boasts rich artistry and craftsmanship. Although the goods are handcrafted, they don’t compromise on style. This bag is made from genuine leather, this Rustic Town 15-inch messenger bag lasts long. The leather is put through a traditional process called ‘vegetable tanning’ to help retain the original characteristics of the material for flexibility and sturdy.
Key Features:
- Genuine goat leather
- 2 inner zippered pockets
- Durable YKK zippers
- Flap closure
Specifications:
- Brand: leatherBagsworl
- Dimensions: 11″ H x 5″ W x 15″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- There’s padding around the pocket dedicated to the laptop
- Two zippered pockets on the inside
- Magnets keep the flap in place
- Great rustic look
- The shoulder strap can be annoying because it is fixed in one position
4. Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag – Premium Pick
Cover your laptop and other necessities with this classic Samsonite Colombian Leather Flap-Over Messenger Bag. The Samsonite Colombian Leather Flapover Laptop Case is constructed of Colombian premium leather and features a medium-sized form with a lined laptop pocket and three internal pockets to accommodate cords, cables, and other peripherals.
Detailed with antique brass hardware for extra elegance, this laptop case features rear storage for carrying files and papers, plus a slip pocket organizer, pen sleeves, and slots for cards. A single top handle and a detachable shoulder band offer flexible mood- and travel-style carrying choices.
Key Features:
- Leather-wrapped carry handle
- Removable, adjustable shoulder straps
- Durable antique brass handle
- Organizer under the front flap
Specifications:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 12″ W x 4.5″ D
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Good padding in the laptop
- Interior pockets for pens
- Wide main pocket for papers and documents
- Easy to use clips for the flap
- The shoulder strap can be annoying because it is fixed in one position
5. Kattee Men’s Crazy Horse Leather Messenger Bag
Inspired by European culture, Kattee has been committed to producing vintage and functional designed bags for both men and women. They advocate classicism, elegance and durability of our bags’ design and production to provide pleasant user experience. Vintage Crazy Horse leather and special twin buckle decoration freshen up this Kattee Men’s Crazy Horse Leather Messenger Bag.
Designed with top handles and adjustable shoulder strap, you could use it as a handbag, shoulder bag, or cross-body bag. A versatile business bag that can be used in office, meeting, business traveling, or daily life. Strengthened buckles with shining metallic tone add vintage sense to this functional briefcase. Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap offer much more versatilities.
Key Features:
- Crazy horse genuine leather
- Strengthened buckles
- Detachable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Twin buckles
Specifications:
- Brand: Kattee
- Dimensions: 10.3″ H x 3.3″ W x 15.5″ D
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- The leather quality is wonderful
- Outside back zipper compartment is great for you phone
- Very intelligently laid out inner pockets
- Very sturdy construction
- The shoulder strap is a bit long
6. Komal’s Passion Leather Vintage Handmade Messenger Bag
The Komal’s Passion Leather Vintage Handmade Messenger Bag is ethically sourced, full-grain leather hide that is durable and tough. The leather surface has disorderly wrinkles, scars, scratches that present the style of retro and wildness. This is completely natural leather that has not been lacquered or covered in any way. They use Olive green heavy duty canvas for all their bags and branded YKK zippers.
There is a big front pocket for iPad, notebooks, documents, small files, etc, 2 small inner compartments and 1 big inner compartment for carrying larger files, laptop, etc. 2 inner zipper compartments for important documents/paperwork, etc. Other features include a sturdy top handle and adjustable shoulder strap. Easy and comfortable to carry.
Key Features:
- Heavy-duty fittings
- YKK zippers and sliders
- Double cap brass rivets and thick handle
- Premium canvas inner lining
Specifications:
- Brand: Komal’s Passion Leather
- Dimensions: 13″ H x 18″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The stitching is very tight
- The main compartment is pretty big
- The interior is lined with a nice olive green canvas
- It’s extremely spacious and very sturdy
- Pen and pencil pocket should be located in a different divider not in the middle compartment
7. Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Full-Grain Colombian Leather
The Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Full-Grain Colombian Leather is the ultimate professional leather portfolio from Kenneth Cole Reaction. Featuring a sleek flapover construction crafted from a rich full-grain Colombian leather with secure tuck lock. Loaded with features including a spacious fully lined interior, padded laptop pocket that holds most laptops with up to a 15.6-inch screen, and a spacious rear compartment easy access to frequently needed items.
A classic leather flap over, perfect for the modern professional on the move. Front pocket organizer holds a variety of business essentials including a cellular phone. Rear exterior open pocket for easy access to frequently needed items. Lastly, a removable, adjustable and padded shoulder strap that extends 52 inches
Key Features:
- Removable and adjustable crossbody strap
- Top handle
- Two front slip pockets
- Back slip pocket
- Debossed brand name on front flap
Specifications:
- Brand: Kenneth Cole REACTION
- Dimensions: 12.5″ H x 4″ W x 16″ D
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- The bag is fashionable and professional
- Quality leather and construction
- Plenty of compartments for folders and paperwork
- Has a carry handle as well as an adjustable shoulder strap
- The buckles to open the flap is tough to do
8. Visconti Vintage-7 Veg Tan Brown Soft Leather Messenger Bag
The surface of the Visconti Vintage-7 Veg Tan Brown Soft Leather Messenger Bag is designed to scratch easily but these marks will gently blend in over time adding to the unique character of the bag. The long adjustable strap enables the bag to be worn either over-the-shoulder or hands-free across-the-body. Each product comes with its own Visconti dust bag. This is a big bag with good capacity and will comfortably accommodate a4 sized notebooks and files.
There are plenty of compartments and pockets to organize your items. The long adjustable strap is made from leather topped hardwearing polyester and has a sliding rubber shoulder grip for comfort when carrying heavy loads. The interior of the bag is fully lined and the main flap is luxuriously lined with suede. Although not specifically designed for laptops, this bag is strong enough to carry a small laptop or iPad. As no padding is provided, we recommend you use a protective skin/cover
Key Features:
- Antique brass hardware with flap over magnetic closure
- Numerous pockets and compartments
- Rugged, tough and hardwearing
- Long adjustable straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Visconti
- Dimensions: 11.8″ H x 3.9″ W x 14.1″ D
- Weight: 4.45 lbs
- The leather is smooth and it has a really dark rich color
- Plenty of compartments
- Great brown color
- Seems like it would look good on a taller man even without adjusting the straps
- No top handle
9. DHK Vintage Handmade Leather Messenger Bag
The DHK Vintage Handmade Leather Messenger Bag is a perfect companion for your college office and other use. It has three compartments. The big middle compartment is good for large laptops, files, etc. Has a zippered pocket inside the bag. Has an adjustable strap with a shoulder pad for a comfortable carry and a handle on top for convenience.
This bag is a handmade leather bag and you can use olive oil on this bag or any kind of leather conditioner. The bag also has a lot of character since it was handmade you can see small imperfections from little indents to a missed stitch but this just adds even more to the character to the bag.
Key Features:
- Outer pocket for an iPad
- 3 compartments
- Adjustable straps
- Handle at the top
Specifications:
- Brand: cuero
- Dimensions: 13″ H x 5″ W x 18″ D
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- There is quite a bit of storage in the bag
- There is an exterior zipper pocket on the rear of the bag
- Nice thick leather with that “vintage” look to it
- Has a neat vintage vibe to it with the heavy buckles and front/side flap pouches
- The initial finish of the leather is a little “rough” for lack of a better term
10. Viosi Leather Messenger Bag For Men
The Viosi Leather Messenger Bag For Men is handcrafted from high-quality genuine buffalo leather and treated to eliminate color transfer, known for its soft texture and rugged qualities. The padded compartment fits up to 17” laptops and protects during transit and commuting from rain, bumps, and prying eyes. Just latch it with 2 clasps.
Carry your leather briefcase using the sturdy top handle and a fully-adjustable, detachable padded shoulder strap to wear on the shoulder or cross-body for complete versatility. RFID pockets with identity protection function protect data encoded on most IDs, credit cards, and passports.
Key Features:
- Lightweight design is easy for carrying
- The top grab handle offers a quick grab-and-go style
- Three carrying styles
- Genuine buffalo leather
Specifications:
- Brand: Viosi
- Dimensions: 12″ H x 16″ W x 3″ D
- Weight: 4.24 lbs
- The heavy stitching is even and appears to be well done
- The carrying strap is heavy canvas with leather overlay
- The hardware is bronze look and heavy, as well
- The attachment points on the bag for the straps are riveted and stitched
- The color is lighter that how it appeared in the listing
Buying Guide
Leather Quality
Leather quality is the most important element when searching out a messenger bag. One made of poor leather is easy to fall apart. Many bags are labeled genuine leather, and these are often layers of low-quality leather bound with adhesive and often decorated to appear like the leather of higher quality. Although this is certainly not cheap stuff, it is known as the lowest leather category. It’s not going to be the best for daily use and abuse but it’s going to last you a more than decent time.
What you can find in perfect leather products starts with top-grain leather. This form of leather is typically used by luxury labels. Full-grain leather is cut and sanded and rubbed with artificial grain to avoid imperfections. Full-grain leather is the thickest type of leather and is the most robust of any category. Full-grain leather is going to last years, and get great over time. Because it’s thicker than top-grain leather, this hide can emit oils as it gets older and will produce a lovely patina.
Compartments
Where the majority of all the equipment is kept, the main compartment may either be one wide pocket or split into several organizational pockets. If you’re holding a notebook, laptop, pens, phone, etc. a designated pocket for everything will avoid confusion when attempting to locate an object quickly. A messenger bag with a padded organizational insert will also provide better protection for laptops in particular.
Parts
The closing is a standard feature of all bags. This influences your bag’s protection about how simple or hard it’s to open it, but it can also impact usability. Buckles are the best but it can be difficult if you decide to get into your pack many times a day. Clasps are also relatively popular messenger bag hardware. Some do have magnetic closures. Although opening and closing your bag is simple it can be less-safe. Zippers are also fairly common either in the main compartment or in smaller pockets in the interior. Make sure the zippers are smooth and strong, making it reliable and simple to operate through the leather’s thickness.
Durability
You want to be sure while purchasing a leather messenger bag, that it will withstand the test of time. This not only means going with the best leather, such as full-grain or top-grain leather but also ensuring consistent stitching. When the bag arrives to check for any broken ends or stitches that are crooked. The leather bag will preferably have a thick thread and use clear leather grains throughout.
Price
The average price that you pay for a messenger bag depends largely on the leather type. If you want a leather bag that will last you for years and more, you are looking to pay around $200-$500. However, If you just like the look of leather bags, and also want to save some money, then you can stick to a genuine leather bag. These types of leather often cost less than $100.
Frequently Ask Questions
Are messenger bags for guys?
Yes, there is no problem with guys wearing messenger bags. Aside from leather messenger bags for men, there are even tactical laptop messenger bags, normal messenger bags for men, and even laptop messenger bags for men. Even though the market is flooded with backpacks for men, messenger bags still holds a significant position in the bag industry.
Are messenger bags in style?
They are definitely in style, messenger bags are extremely flexible and fashionable. With its rich past background, you know that for the average men, professional, or casual user, you are using a premium product built to be carried around every day. They can look professional, sport, or just plain casual. This versatility gives them the same edge on backpacks.
Are backpacks better than messenger bags?
Many messenger bags are compact, allowing them to carry as many items as a backpack. However, if you frequently carry many heavy items, you may prefer the way a backpack distributes the weight over your back. Backpacks usually have more interior compartments to store all your things. Both backpacks and messenger bags are available in different fabrics and colors, so you can find one that fits your style. Yet overall backpacks have a sporty look while messenger bags appear to be more casual. The bag you pick is going to be a complement to all your looks, so think about what your look should be.
Does messenger bags cause back problems?
If you will be carrying heavy items like books, then wearing messenger bags on one side all the time will cause lower and upper back problems. This is why some people prefer the weight distribution of backpacks.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best leather messenger bags for men as well as our guide on features to look for in a leather messenger bag for men. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.