After 7 hours of research evaluating 190 products, we picked Rustic Town Handmade Genuine Leather 15 inch Vintage Crossbody Laptop Messenger Bag as our top choice.
Here’s the deal:
A messenger bag is a timeless piece. Many people buy a beautiful genuine leather bag and keep it for the rest of their lives. Picking the best messenger bag for your needs shouldn’t be a difficult decision. However, the industry is loaded with tons of great brands and bags that come in all variety of sizes and styles.
What makes the best leather messenger bag?
A crossbody messenger bag should be practical, fashionable, and versatile. Use your new luggage for work, play, gym, or travel.
What’s next?
Measure your laptop, check your tablet, toss some keys into the pocket and throw it over your shoulder. The perfect leather messenger bag for you should be flexible to your everyday needs while maintaining its strength. You won’t find any faux leather on this list!
#1 Best Leather Messenger Bag Overall
Rustic Town Handmade Genuine Leather 15 inch Vintage Crossbody Laptop Messenger Bag
- Real rugged buffalo leather – each bag is unique
- Suits business or casual
- Adjusts for comfort
- Better than a backpack
Pros
This 100% handcrafted leather messenger bag is better than a backpack for security on busy public transportation.
Product Ratings
Durability
9.9/10
Heavy-duty lining & strong YKK zippers make this messenger bag a durable choice for years and years of use. Each bag is proudly 100% handcrafted by the desert people of Rajasthan, India, using traditional methods. This bag is very, very well made; many people say it’s “even better than they expected.”
Functionality
9.7/10
Quickly find what you’re looking for with three internal pockets and two additional zippered pockets on the interior walls. Extra cushioning ensures your laptop will be safe and sound. There’s also a velcro security strap to keep things safe on-the-go.
Value
9.7/10
This fair trade product is made with 100% real buffalo leather. Each bag is unique and handcrafted. It’s a steal for the price!
Appearance
9.5/10
The leather here is specifically designed to age and become even more beautiful. Choose from brown or dark brown oil-rubbed and distressed leather. Each bag has its own unique character and style.
Overall Editor Score
9.7/10
#2 Most Durable Leather Messenger Bag
Alpha Bravo – Travis Crossbody Messenger Bag by Tumi
- Lasts forever with proper care
- Built for those who are tough on bags
- Casual enough for jeans, classy enough for a suit
Pros
This compact and tough-built messenger bag is formed by durable ballistic nylon with luxurious leather trim.
Product Ratings
Durability
10/10
Durability is where this bag shines! It’s not made from authentic leather but also ballistic nylon for those who need a strong and steady bag for traveling with their laptop, tablet, or important documents. The zippers are very strong.
Functionality
9.5/10
The Alpha Bravo carries all the day’s cargo within its organized and spacious interior. Enjoy zip pockets and wall pockets as well as a pen loop and key leash while a Tumi Tracer® ID tag hangs on the outside. The adjustable crossbody strap is accompanied by a top carry handle. A flap top with magnetic snap closure keeps everything safe and sound.
The compact size is ideal for standard sized documents, tablets, and a good book to read on the commute.
Value
9.3/10
It’s not fully made from leather, so the price may put some people off. But ballistic nylon is a very durable material, the inside is well constructed, and the leather accents are beautiful. We think it’s worth it!
Appearance
9.6/10
Genuine leather trim connects to navy ballistic nylon to form this masculine messenger bag that matches any outfit.
Overall Editor Score
9.6/10
#3 Most Stylish Leather Bag
Kenneth Cole Reaction Laptop Messenger Bag
- Good for the minimalist
- Sleek and professional
- Affordable price
Pros
Keeping up with the office fashion trends isn’t tricky when using the Reaction messenger bag by Kenneth Cole. While still under $100, this bag will have others thinking you spent much more.
Product Ratings
Durability
9.7/10
Luxurious cowhide Colombian leather is very durable and ages beautifully, creating a bag that is uniquely your own. The interior also features a fully lined tear-resistant lining to stand up to daily use.
Functionality
9.8/10
This slim messenger bag is constructed with dual magnetic closures under the leather flap. It features a padded and permanent adjustable shoulder strap that extends 60 inches. Enjoy multiple interior pockets and compartments.
Value
9.5/10
When your co-workers are upset thinking you got a raise, all will be revealed when they simply ask and you let them know where you got such an amazing deal on a sleek messenger bag for under $100!
Appearance
9/10
This is definitely for those looking to make a statement or retain their status in the workplace.
New office workers and executives looking to make a statement both think it’s a natural choice to pick up the Reaction messenger bag. This bag is so sharp it’ll turn heads and have others wondering when you got a raise!
This fashion-forward bag is perfect for professionals and travelers.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#4 Best Luxury Leather Messenger Bag
Logan Messenger Bag by Frye
- Very high-quality craftsmanship and leather
- The ultimate travel companion
- Multiple pockets offer effortless organization
Pros
This durable messenger bag is made of rich, textured leather that will last a lifetime.
Product Ratings
Durability
9.5/10
Here you can expect 100% genuine leather with rich texture. Frye is a well-known luxury brand for leather goods and this messenger bag is no exception. Reviewers report using their bags for years and years with no complaint.
Functionality
9.4/10
Its magnetic flap closure and interior zip keep everything inside safe. Inside, you’ll find ample space and a zippered side pocket for small important items. The shoulder strap is wide and comfortable.
Value
8.9/10
Is this bag expensive? Yes. It’s Frye, a luxury leather brand. But we’re very certain you’ll never need to buy another leather messenger bag again after you purchase this one.
Appearance
9.8/10
Antique dark brown or slate leather is richly textured. Since this is genuine leather, each bag here is unique and builds character with years of use. The inside of the bag is lined with luxurious jacquard fabric.
Overall Editor Score
9.4/10
#5 Best Affordable Leather Messenger Bag
KomalC 15 Inch Retro Buffalo Hunter Leather Laptop Messenger Bag
- High-quality leather material
- Maximum storage capacity
- Durable enough for daily use
- Handcrafted
Pros
Hunting for the right bag on a budget? This is the perfect combination of price and professionalism.
Product Ratings
Durability
9.5/10
The KomalC is a durable bag that can easily help keep your things together while looking stylish. The high-quality leather does not use any PU leather for the strapping material. The hard metal clasps keep your possessions in, and mother nature out. This bag is handcrafted by expert leather artisans.
Functionality
9/10
A messenger bag is normally thought to be used for technology and paperwork. However, the KomalC is roomy enough to please the light packer. While it’s not meant to double as a suitcase, this is a great idea to bring as a carry-on.
Value
9.5/10
Whether you’re a student on a budget or an executive looking for a quality day bag, the KomalC is exactly the right cross between functionality and price.
Appearance
9.5/10
Choose from charcoal black, distressed brown, distressed tan, or distressed tan plain. This leather messenger bag is made from the most beautiful Full Grain Hunter buffalo leather and lined with high-quality canvas.
Overall Editor Score
9.4/10
#6 Best Leather Messenger Bag for Everyday Use
Estalon 16 inch Leather Laptop Messenger Bag
- Perfect gift idea
- Durable for everyday use
- Value for price
Pros
This bag is standard and sturdy. If you’re hauling your laptop and some papers, this is precisely the messenger bag you don’t mind tossing into the passenger seat of your car.
Product Ratings
Durability
9/10
The Estalon messenger bag is the clear choice for the on-the-go who needs to toss their tablet, laptop, and notebook into a bag and hit the next meeting. It’s durable enough so that it doesn’t mind taking minor cuts and scrapes. It hides them well too!
Functionality
9.4/10
This messenger bag is made of superior cowhide leather which is soft and long-lasting. The bag is skillfully sewed with a strong lining to ensure high durability for everyday use.
Value
9/10
This messenger bag is a good idea for the budget-minded, value-hunting, quality-focused shopper.
Appearance
9.1/10
The disordered scratches and wrinkles on the leather surface of this bag present a retro style. The stylish rugged look of this bag makes it ideal for work and travel purposes. Choose from black vintage smooth, brown crazy horse, or tan vintage smooth.
Overall Editor Score
9.1/10