Where to Buy Messenger Bags for College Students

Some people like backpacks. Some people like rolling bags. Some people like to sling their stuff over one shoulder. If you happen to be in the latter group, you’re in the right place. Over the years messenger bags have become a popular must-have item for male and female college students. They definitely have a more stylish, urban look than a traditional backpack. Plus they come in different styles, colors and fabric, allowing you to mix and match on a whim. 

There are lots of different websites where you can buy a messenger bag. But I’m going to suggest Amazon for one primary reason… they’re consistent. Sometimes you’ll find bags being sold on Amazon, but it’s not Amazon that handles the fulfillment. Even still, those third party vendors are generally consistent as far as shipping is concerned.

I know this because I’ve ordered four messenger bags from Amazon over the years. They’ve all arrived in less than a week, all were what I expected from the product description, and the transactions have always been problem free. Plus Amazon has a lot of messenger bag styles and brands to choose from, like: Diesel, Timbuk2, High Sierra, LeSportsac and others.

In some cases, you’ll even find that the Amazon price is cheaper than what you’ll find elsewhere. And finally, if your messenger bag is over $25 and Amazon does the shipping, the shipping is free. I don’t know about you, but free is the magic number in my book all the time!

When you think of messenger bags – as in bike messengers using them to carry their deliveries – know that Timbuk2 is the brand that started the revolution in San Francisco 20 years ago. Timbuk2 messenger bags are known for their extreme durability, making them oh so appropriate for the collegiate lifestyle. Amazon sells a wide variety of styles and sizes ranging from extra small to extra large.

Which one do you need? According to one reviewer, the medium size bag can hold two textbooks, a 15 inch laptop, a water bottle, gym gear, sneakers and lunch. Of course you should always compare the bags measurements to the items you’ll be carrying on a regular basis. That’s the best way to prevent size remorse. 

This is one of Amazons top sellers, and I think I know why. It’s cheap! Not cheap as in poorly made, but cheap as in $15 to $30… perfect for the college student on a budget. I have this one and it is a pretty big bag with nice long straps and pockets galore. I use it for carrying books and groceries on a regular basis.

You’ll find several colors on Amazon, including: olive drab, camo, black heavyweight, and others. The price you pay is dependent on the color and fabric. 

According to a few Amazon reviewers, the Mobile Edge Ultra Portable Messenger Bag seems to be the bag you go to when all other bags fail. The description says it’s big enough for carrying a netbook up to 13 inches, power supply, a notebook and maybe one textbook. There’s a mesh pocket for your water bottle and a padded shoulder strap. The bag itself is made from a durable nylon with silver grommets.

They call this bag the Artist Series because you can draw on it, paint on it or decorate it any way you want. It even comes with a black Sharpie to get you going. It’s big enough to fit your 15.4 inch laptop and a couple of large textbooks. There are also some smaller pockets for your phone, your mp3 player and whatever little doo-dads you have. Dirty it up, throw it in the washing machine, let it air dry and it’s ready for new day.