Messenger Bag and Sling Backpack Shopping Tips and Buying Guide - Part 2

Messenger bags are used by college students as well as young professionals

What are the advantages of Sling Backpacks and Messenger Bags?

There are many advantages of Messenger and Sling bags over conventional backpacks and luggage.

First and foremost, Messenger bags are versatile and can fit a variety of purposes.

• They can be used as bookbags for high-school and college students.
• Businessmen and -women often use them as replacement briefcases and laptop cases.
• Mothers with infants and small children have started using Messenger bags as diaper bags for short trips.

Secondly, they have adjustable shoulder straps that can allow the bag to be carried in a variety of positions on the wearer.

They can can be carried like a purse, over one shoulder. Messenger bags can also be carried slung across the body, with the bag either in front or carried in the rear, making it easy to get in and out of airplanes and buses with narrow aisles.

Because of the variety of carrying positions, it is often easier to get to items that are carried inside messenger bags while they are being worn, rather than bookbags and backpacks.

Messenger and Sling bags also help to keep items organized. They typically have several dividers inside the main pocket or compartment, which can allow books, folders, papers, laptops and other electronic devices to be carried at the same time and still remain easy to access.

What to look for when buying a Messenger Bag?

Although the exact details and features of specific Messenger bags vary and required features depend on the needs and requirements of individual buyers, there are a few general features and items that should be considered essential on all Messenger and Sling bags.

• Padded shoulder strap with non-slip surface helps distribute the weight of books, laptops and reports and keep the bag from slipping off the shoulder while walking long distances.
• Water-resistant materials do more than just keep the inside documents and electronics safe and dry. The same materials that prevent water from penetrating the bag, also help to make the outside of the bag easier to clean.
• Easy to pull zipper tabs make getting into the bag easier and more convenient.
• Heavy-duty ballistic nylon and leather bag materials put together with strong nylon thread and double stitched seams help resist wear and tear as well as help keep bags looking nice longer.

How much should a Messenger bag cost?

Cost for Sling backpacks and Messenger bags is similar as to other bags, luggage and carry-ons. The old adage of “you get what you pay for” is also just as true with luggage as with everything else.

Typically a middle of the road Messenger bag should cost approximately 35-80$.

Anything less than 35$ and you will run the risk of second rate materials being used for the bag materials and hardware such as zippers and swivel attachments, single stitches holding critical components together, and less padding in shoulder straps. A 30$ bag may last 6 months to a year at most under day to day use.

The middle of the road 40-80$ bag will typically have double stitched seams, will have a little more quality in the materials used and will generally hold together for between one to two years. Around the 18 month mark however, stitching will start to come undone, straps will start to have problems with the swivel hardware, zippers will start to stick and material, especially on the bottom of the bag, will start to wear through.

The higher quality bags, 100$ and up, will typically last for 3 years or more. I personally have an American Tourister laptop/messenger bag that I use every single day, that is over 4 years old and looks virtually as good today as it did the day I bought it. However, that bag cost approximately 160$ and is as much of an investment as the laptop that I carry around inside it. Higher end Messenger bags typically have the best zippers, pull tabs, materials, and construction methods.

Which Type of Messenger Bags and Sling Backpack are the Best?

As noted above, I personally favor American Tourister laptop and messenger bags for the quality construction, materials used and durability.

Other quality brands include High Sierra, Timbuk2, Kenneth Cole, Ellington Leather Goods, Victorinox and The North Face. The brands listed here always receive top reviews and customer testimonials and I have never had a problem when testing or using any of the bags made by these manufacturers.

Some examples of top rated messenger, sling and laptop bags are shown below.

Please fee free to share comments or questions you may have about the bags mentioned in either this article or your favourite type of messenger bags.

Baggallini Eco-Fabric Messenger bagg
The Baggallini Eco-Fabric baggs are a collection of remarkable earth friendly bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Each bag is top of the line with lightweight water resistant fabric. The Eco-Fabric baggs are equipted with a variety of extra features and pockets to help you stay organized in your everyday life.

Availability: yes

Victorinox Ground Force Field Master 17 17″ Horizontal Laptop Messenger Bag
The Victorinox Ground Force collection is a durable, yet attractive line from the well known makers of the Swiss Army Knife. Each bag comes with a variety of stylish and useful pockets, as well as a special front zippered Swiss Army Knife pocket.

Availability: yes

High Sierra Sherman Messenger Bag
Hands-free hauling power. With intelligent organizing features like a padded interior computer compartment, neoprene organizer panel and deluxe removable media pocket for your MP3 player, look to High Sierra’s Sherman messenger bag for the ultimate in a day-to-day carry-all.

Availability: yes

Victorinox Werks Traveler 2.0 Laptop Messenger
World-renowned for its lightweight construction, innovative ergonomics and Swiss styling, the Werks Traveler 2.0 Collection is acclaimed by both casual and professional travelers who want value without sacrificing performance. Victorinox designers have applied this philosophy to every piece in this business collection to enhance both your trips and your trade.

Availability: yes

Kenneth Cole Reaction “Risky Business” 3″ Single Gusset Messenger Bag
For years Kenneth Cole has been a leader in fashion. The sleek, urban look of Reaction is distinctively Kenneth Cole. The collection includes multiple business and accessory bags that have as much function as they do style.

Availability: yes