(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best messenger bags

Your challenge here is that you need something professional but not to corporate, sturdy but but not too 'school bag'. Your age will allow you some leeway though, so you dont need to head down the briefcase path.
Even though you don't currently expect to be carrying a computer, a bag that fits that style would be an appropriate place to start.
Something like is:
http://www.amazon.com/Crumpler-Pinnacle-Horror-Laptop-Shoulder/dp/B00KRMTNX6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1410083100&sr=8-6&keywords=Crumpler+bag
Looks like a nice idea, and there is a large variety to suit your budget ( I haven't used this one, I just know crumpler make nice sturdy stuff but they are not the only ones. I also liked this one as it was a subdued colour, but has bright green lining. So a little bit of personality without actually having a brightly colour bag).
. Secure closure is important if you may have it in a variety of environments. A clasp close or magnetic catch handbag really doesn't work ( believe me I tried it once, never again for work) as you don't want the risk of personal items scatter if you've put it down in the factory and someone else has to move it.
Also, try to get something that will age well, that you are not too concerned about getting a little dirty, but can be cleaned. this is so it can become worn in but well loved, rather than tattered with use.

Despite all this waffling on, the most important things are that it securely fits what you need without being too big, and that you are comfortable ( both physically and professionally) carrying it. Usually I've found colleagues hardly notice things like your bag, unless it is absurdly impractical or you make a big fuss about it.

Happy to give you more ideas, or make up some opinions, if you need. I've been a F engineer in settings from mine site to corporate for longer than care to count now, so I. Think I've tried just about every Style of bag in the process.

I'm assuming you're going to be traveling M-Th, so this is based off of that assumption.

• Clothes to pack: 4 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of dress socks, 2 pairs of workout socks, 1-2 workout shorts/shirts, workout shoes, three dress shirts and two pairs of pants. You'll be wearing your dress shoes, a shirt, and pants on the plane on Monday, so you're good with three shirts in your bag. Pants are okay to repeat a day, especially when traveling.
  
  
• Toiletries to pack: Face wash, contact solution & case and spare pair of contacts (if needed), toothbrush, toothpaste, hair products, vitamins, aspirin, and electric razor (if you're a male). Hotels should have shampoo/conditioner/soap, so no need to pack those.
  
  
• Accessories: Portable USB charger (i have this one and it works great), phone/laptop/tablet charger/cables, NICE headphones (seriously, invest in a good pair), wireless mouse, and your standard basic office supplies (notepad, pens/pencils, etc.)
  
  
• Luggage: Never check a bag. Seriously - never. You'll want to spend the least amount of time in an airport as possible, and checking a bag is a huge time suck. I have a samsonite carry-on and after a year and a half of travel it is pretty much on its last legs. It's a nice bag, but I would seriously recommend going with Tumi if you can afford the up front investment - it will last much longer and has an excellent warranty. As for a working bag, go with a good messenger bag (I use [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Xenon-Messenger-Bag-Black/dp/B007B5PP5W/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1404222685&sr=1-1&keywords=samsonite+messenger+bag) and it is great - lots of pockets, good size, and has the strap to hook over a carry-on bag, which is essential. No issues with this bag so far).
  
  
• Other advice: Sign up for loyalty programs and try to stick with one airline/hotel chain. Do some digging to find out which ones will work best for you and then see if they have "Platinum Challenges" or something similar that allows you to earn status at an accelerated rate. If they don't advertise it online, call or e-mail them and ask. The perks of having status are excellent, and if you're traveling a lot it will make it slightly more fun.
  
  That's about all I can think of for now, sorry that's a lot of text. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or want recommendations on anything I've listed above.

I have had two messenger bags over the last few years

1: http://www.amazon.com/David-King-Leather-Messenger-Distressed/dp/B002XT3XZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463868646&sr=8-1&keywords=david+leather+messenger+bag this was a great bag! I loved the distressed leather look at it had lots of neat little organizational pockets that could fit things like notebooks and sunglasses as well as a laptop sleeve (not sure if this is important to you but I dont have a laptop case so wanted to have a protective sleeve).

2: I bought a few months ago was a Kattee which makes a variety of them (http://www.amazon.com/Kattee-Leather-Durable-Briefcase-Laptop/dp/B00GZCC1BS?ie=UTF8&keywords=kattee%20messenger%20bag&qid=1463868774&ref_=sr_1_11&sr=8-11) the one I got was a bit bulkier but it had multiple compartments perfect for books and stuff in one and a laptop and charging cord in the other. It also had lots of small pockets (I really like lots of pockets) and has a great feel to it. I would totally purchases either of these again

Doctor Who Van Gogh Blanket

This isn't $50 but I thought you might like it. Doctor Who Van Gogh Messenger Bag

If I win I would like Doctor Who Weeping Angel

Dang girl have fun spending that money! Thanks for the contest :)

I understand this is a little beyond your target price, but if you can catch a good sale or afford a little splurge, Tumi bags are great. They are designed for travel and business commuting so they have lots of pockets and compartments and thoughtful little details. Not to mention, they are durable and generally a timeless style so they should be a good investment that lasts a long time. Personally, I think Coach has gotten really junky so for the money I think Tumi is better quality.

I have the Voyager Geneva and an older version of this mini messenger/handbag.

Are you looking for something casual or formal? Obviously leather (or synthetic) bags will look more formal, though you can make some canvas bags work with formal attire (i.e. suits or just shirt & tie). It will be hard to find a good quality bag at that price point, but here are a few options:

This bag from Aldo is decent; I have a similar bag from Aldo that has lasted several years.

This bag available from Zappos is also a nice choice

This bag is available from Amazon, though I don't know about the quality, and I'm not a huge fan of the style

This bag also available from Amazon is one that isn't full leather but I think would look nice with both formal and casual attire.

Another similar one available at Amazon.

Hopefully others on here know some other brands that make nice bags and can chime in.

I have this bag which I bought hoping to fit a tablet in it but it was just a little too small, but it's perfect size for a mod or 2 plus accessories. It will fit a mod with a tank on it. For juice bottles if they're unicorn bottles they'll fit best.

Being such a small bag things won't tip over inside it when it's full.

Oh sweet baby jesus I want that DVD. But even the digital copy would be awesome! Game of Thrones is the single best tv show in existence!

So here's some apple products!

• Apple post it note dispenser
  
• Some apple fabric
  
• An apple shoulder bag
  
• And I have to throw this in the just because it's insanely cute: Little Shopper Play set
  
  
  GoTS2DVD
  
  
  
  GoTS2DigitalCopy
  
  

I'm not really a "purse" type of person, I have a more androgynous style and find most trendy purses to be overly fussy. But I do need a bag to carry my stuff in. Think small messenger bag, but nicer. I loved this bag but it fell apart and wasn't great looking. I also have a bag similar to this which I like. Looking for something well made, lots of potential for organization, that would be comfortable to wear while riding a bike.

It entirely sure on the specific one (got it at a big department store a long time ago) but this one looks pretty similar. It’s big enough to fit an iPad and is perfect for what I need. Not sure if this one uses leather or not though. Plambag Canvas Messenger Bag Small Travel School Crossbody Bag Fit iPad Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G1NA0SQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_23wHDb995QAG7

I'm going to guess it isn't that great? The price just seems so high, and they must be paying an arm and a leg for rights to use copyrighted material.

Just compare the two, you pay ~40 more for the all leather bag that has great reviews (I have a smaller version of that bag and love it for my daily commute on the train).

To me you can get better quality for the price point or pay a little bit more and get something way better. As far as the jackets, coats and such go... yeah I'm going to not even touch that as you can find tons of things that cost as much or cheaper that are way better.

http://www.amazon.com/musterbrand-Eve-Online-Eden-Messenger/dp/B00K6DF5OC/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1416594783&sr=8-37&keywords=musterbrand

http://www.amazon.com/Visconti-Crossbody-Messenger-Plus-Leather-16054/dp/B00BF8VUZA/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1416594826&sr=1-2&keywords=visconti+messenger+bag

1. Something that is grey. (Wish List)
   
2. Something reminiscent of rain. (Music)
   
3. Something food related that is unusual. (Candy/Snacks)
   
4. Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!) Breath mints for my doggies because they like to lick my face, which is gross when their breath stinks. (Pumpkin/Petey)
   
5. A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! I read a free sample, and it is absolutely hilarious! (books)
   
6. An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related!
   
7. Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...) (Pumpkin/Petey)
   
8. Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it.
   
9. A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? It teaches that you must face the demons of your past in order to achieve inner peace. And it's hilarious. (Wish List)
   
10. Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain.
    
11. Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.
    
12. One of those pesky Add-On items. (Wish List)
    
13. The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why? We currently have a similar set, but two of the springs have fallen out under my seat, and the back cushion covering is pulling apart. This would be to replace those. (Nice things I don't need right now)
    
14. Something bigger than a bread box. EDIT A bread box is typically similar in size to a microwave. I think this is bigger than a bread box... (Wish List)
    
15. Something smaller than a golf ball. (Wish List)
    
16. Something that smells wonderful.
    
17. A (SFW) toy. (Wish List)
    
18. Something that would be helpful for going back to school. (Wish List)
    
19. Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. This combines two of my current obsessions - reading and My Little Pony. (Books)
    
20. Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.
    
    Fear cuts deeper than swords.

I really like the style of that bag, so I've been looking for similar items for myself that are more affordable. This is the closest I've found so far, and it's got a pretty sweet price tag.

Levi's Genesis

I can't comment on the quality as I don't own it (yet). The reviews seem promising. I'll be picking one up as soon as I can afford it unless something else comes along.

I just got the Navali Mainstay Messenger in blue and it's pretty great. $50 on Amazon. They also have a leather version.

Edit: after looking at the pictures it looks like Amazon messed up and sent me the Boatswain instead.

Did you have a specific material in mind?

After a quick Google I found this Samsonite messenger bag for $40, down from $120. I think it's a good price for a Samsonite bag since it'll be a lot more durable than any Target or Walmart bag. Hope that helps.

I highly doubt that anyone is going to see this post, and it's totally going to get buried under a mountain of snarky comments. But here goes anyways.

Messenger bags. Messenger bags are awesome, hold lots of stuff, and come in so many freaking different styles. From the merely cool-looking to the functional, to the badass-looking There is probably a bag that's just right for you.

What follows here, and only what follows here are a list of messenger bag manufacturers that I feel comfortable recommending:

http://greenroom136.com/

http://www.crumpler.com/us/

http://www.chromeindustries.com/bags/messenger-bags

http://www.bogear.com.au/

http://missionworkshop.com/

Of course, you could always grab a Timbuk2, but for person looking for a really nice bag, these are where to go. My personal favorite is the Greenroom136 Heretic in grey waxed canvas. It has a ripstop nylon inner liner that rises up above the bag's outer shell that can then be rolled down and tucked in to keep water out.

Only the coolest messenger bag ever!!

Happy gift day to all!

Other bags are on sale, too:

• Boatswain waxed messenger bag (olive green) - $39.99
  
• Boatswain waxed messenger bag (charcoal gray) - $49.99
  
• Boatswain messenger bag (sand or navy) - $89.99
  
• Stowaway weekender bag (sand) - $99.99
  
  ETA: Thanks /u/coombstest for pointing out that Amazon has the same deal right now.
  
  ETA2: Looks like the sale is over. You can still grab some of them at the sale price on Amazon.
  
  ETA3: People are reporting that some items are still on sale on Navali's site, and the code WELCOMEABOARD gets you 20% off. Changed the flair back to Deal/Sale.

I got this bag from Amazon and absolutely love it, and it wasn't too terribly expensive.

Messenger bags with firm sides and laptop bags (> 8.5x11) are SO good for stacks of papers held together with binder clips.

This is one I would get if I were ordering today, because I don't want to have to worry about weather and spills. Canvas cleans pretty easily.

I've been eyeing this one. I like the tan leather, and I like that the size is a bit smaller than most.

Hard to find black these days. Brown is way more popular.

http://www.amazon.com/MOLLYGAN-Schoolbag-Crossbody-Shoulder-Messenger/dp/B011J4C7T2/ref=sr_1_1

http://www.amazon.com/Sechunk-Shoulder-Canvas-Messenger-Leisure/dp/B00RLEJCCA/ref=sr_1_4

http://www.amazon.com/Ibagbar-Military-Messenger-Shoulder-Crossbody/dp/B019GQSC4Y/ref=sr_1_11

http://www.amazon.com/Moore-Carden-Multifunction-Shoulder-Messenger/dp/B010WOH1WS/ref=sr_1_74

http://www.amazon.com/Messenger-Vintage-Classic-Shoulder-backpack/dp/B011ZOZLLW/ref=sr_1_94

http://www.amazon.com/Texbo-Genuine-Leather-Briefcase-Messenger/dp/B00XN3RKQ8/ref=sr_1_120

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-military-canvas-messenger-black/dp/B00J8KVJEE/ref=sr_1_164

http://www.amazon.com/Eshow-Casual-Canvas-Crossbody-Messenger/dp/B00GWYTC2A/ref=sr_1_272

https://www.fossil.com/us/en/men/bags/messenger/edison-courier-sku-mbg9256001c.html

http://www.thebay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/thebay/brands/MENS-Accessories-BagsCases/single-gusset-flapover-messenger-0080-524545--24

http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Colombian-Leather-Flapover-Brown/dp/B004XAVT8K/ref=sr_1_2

http://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Cole-Reaction-Come-Soon/dp/B0081X0IDC/ref=sr_1_25

http://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Cole-Business-Messenger-Size/dp/B002E1RSE4/ref=sr_1_27

http://www.danier.com/antoine-leather-briefcase/d/1581_c_360_cl_6336

http://www.danier.com/aiden-smooth-leather-messenger/d/2795_c_360_cl_13099

http://www.asos.com/Tommy-Hilfiger/Tommy-Hilfiger-Story-Messenger-Bag/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5901253&cid=9265&Rf989=6588&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=24&gridsize=3

http://int.debenhams.com/ca/product/designer-brown-leather-despatch-bag/083010317773/?categoryId=839618

https://www.wilsonsleather.com/product/kenneth+cole+split+leather+messenger+bag.do

https://www.wilsonsleather.com/product/marc+new+york+vacqueta+leather+porthole-handle+briefcase+w-+double+buckles.do

Amazon has the same deal going on as well.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4DO7E6/ref=twister_B00M4DO88Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I got this Levi's one and really like it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRGCHTI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How about a messenger bag? I own a couple of Visconti's bags. They're very well built, and incredibly reasonably priced. Here's one example:

http://www.amazon.com/Visconti-18548-Leather-Distressed-Messenger/dp/B0078WGYNA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341995790&sr=8-3&keywords=visconti

I've been waiting for a 30 dollar deal on the charcoal Navali messenger bag but it's never included.
Any opions on this Timbuk2 bag
vs either of these Navali's? The green one is on sale for the same price as well.

This is the bag: https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Allover-Reversible-Messenger-Black/dp/B002X49AZ2 Its pretty spartan on the inside but it gets the job done.

And here's a link to my build and size comparisons. http://imgur.com/a/Zc1qw Let me know if you have any questions or want any specific pictures.

I have this Kenneth Cole bag. I like it.

I'd rather go with something like this

Maybe [this]( https://www.amazon.com/Egoelife-LB-BBPHF18-Quality-Messenger-Traveling/dp/B01EY13KTI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J6T3WMB751BM&keywords=egoelife+unisex+casual+messenger+bag&qid=1555130286&s=beauty&sprefix=egoel%2Cbeauty%2C166&sr=8-1 )?

My Klean Kanteen fits in my bag, but water is very heavy so I try to not lug it around too much for the sake of my back. I've never had it leak though and because I drink it tepid, it doesn't sweat.

Search amazon for "Cartoon Purse" or "Cartoon Bag," there are a lot.

This has been sitting in my amazon cart for months.

An Egoelife canvas messenger bag, amazon link here. Feels sturdy and has quite a few pockets.

This cheap Chinese bag. There are several other oddly named companies that produce the same bag, but with a different name on the front patch.

It's not exactly pretty and it probably wasn't produced ethically, but it's roomy, practical, and the build quality and materials are quite solid for the price. (And when I bought it the price was right... and I'd been checking thrift stores for weeks without luck.)

My guess is $36. 22

Less than $10

Less than $25

Less than $50

Just got my hands on this yesterday: Messenger Bag

Edit: Also available in Brown and Navy!

And the mainstay is available for 49.99

http://www.amazon.com/Visconti-Crossbody-Messenger-Plus-Leather-16054/dp/B00BF8VUZA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1373381402&sr=8-5&keywords=visconti+messenger+bag

This one in tan. Usually just keep my laptop in it.

Samsonite Xenon 2 Messenger

Been using it for about 3 years and no complaints!