Best Active Messenger Finalists – The Seventh Annual Carry Awards

A well-designed active messenger should deliver fast, convenient access to your gear. But it should also carry comfortably, keeping the load secure when you’re on the move and taking inclement weather in its stride. Our Best Active Messenger finalists are all up to the challenge. But which one will cross the finish line first? Decide below.

VOTING CLOSED

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Arc’teryx Granville 16 Courier Bag

Arc’teryx’s Granville 16 Courier Bag is a honed offering designed for the user who wants slick, urban-ready aesthetics with outdoor technical performance. Arc’teryx’s industry-leading AC² construction keeps the elements out, while one-handed release buckles and a useful range of pocketing including a padded 15″ laptop sleeve keep your gear accessible and tidy. Add in the ambidextrous shoulder strap with stabilizer, plus the padded back panel that wraps around the body for enhanced stability and comfort, and you’re good to go wherever the day takes you.

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Heimplanet Transit Roll Top Messenger

The performance of a messenger with briefcase-inspired style? Heimplanet’s Transit Roll Top Messenger delivers both. It includes a removable webbing strap when you want to opt for top handle carry in more professional settings, and can be paired with an optional Courier Strap when it’s time to get active. The water-resistant bag is made with eco-friendly DYECOSHELL fabric and adapts to changing loads thanks to its magnetic rolltop closure and G-hook. A thoughtful detail is the position of the protective laptop compartment, facing away from the wearer so the bag can wrap around the body for better comfort and stability on the go.

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FROG.PRO ADEFT BLACKOUT P/01

The FROG.PRO ADEFT BLACKOUT P/01 serves up military-inspired functionality with a strong techwear vibe. An enticing mix brought together in a tough yet lightweight and adaptable messenger. Handcrafted in Italy courtesy of the Italian tactical design brand, it offers a versatile grid attachment system to tailor your carry setup to changing needs. The ambidextrous quick-release strap provides easy access on the move, while the rugged build can tackle anything you throw its way.

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Blue Lug Messenger Bag

It’s safe to say Tokyo-based cycling brand Blue Lug are obsessed by all things bike. And passionate about messenger origins too. The old-school aesthetics of the Blue Lug Messenger Bag give a fond salute to the original messenger bags of decades past, but the design is tricked out for modern use. A choice of six interior pockets including a 13″ laptop sleeve keep your daily essentials in order. And you’ll also find webbing on the front panel under the flap, handy for securing smaller, frequently used items within easy reach.

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Inside Line Equipment Mini Messenger Category One

Inside Line Equipment are a cycling brand dedicated to handcrafting durable, functional bags in Berkeley, California, using USA-sourced materials. The kind of bags that adapt to changing active needs and aren’t afraid to take on demanding use. Bags like the Mini Messenger. Part of their CATEGORY ONE Collection which focuses on premium technical materials for top-of-the-line performance. The Mini Messenger is handmade with VX42 X-Pac material, giving you the benefits of lightweight, weatherproof durability in a sleek, eye-catching aesthetic. Two compartments organize your essentials, with a two-way zipper on the main compartment for easy access.

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PaaGo WORKS Swing-L

Outdoor-ready durability, protection from the elements and multiple carry options make the PaaGo WORKS Swing a solid go-to trail companion for smaller loads. And with its adaptable design, it strides confidently from the wilderness into the urban jungle too. You can pick from medium and large sizes in a choice of fabric options. This version is made with X-Pac material, minimal seams and weatherproof zippers, giving you peace of mind if you’re caught in inclement weather. The Swing offers three carry modes including shoulder bag and waist bag options, as well as the ability to set it up as a chest bag for easy access to outdoor essentials and more comfortable weight distribution when pairing it with a pack. And with a choice of pockets and loops at the ready, your urban and outdoor gear alike will stay tidy and conveniently accessible.

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Fredrik Packers Storage Box Messenger

Sleek streetwear aesthetics, a tough build and a comfy design are things you might expect from an active messenger. But suitcase-style organization? Probably not. And that’s where the Storage Box Messenger stands out, combining all of the above in a bag that transitions nimbly from everyday to travel pursuits. Multiple pockets and a clamshell-style main compartment make getting to individual items a breeze, while the cushioned harness and stabilizer strap keep the load secure on the move.

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AS2OV Waterproof Messenger

Thoughtful pocketing, solid protection from the elements and nailed Japanese street style makes the AS20V Waterproof Messenger an enticing carry companion for active commutes, weekend adventures and travel explorations alike. And while the messenger is not completely waterproof, it is highly weatherproof thanks to its construction. The bag is made with three-layer 305D Cordura fabric with a laminated L-VENT film, taped seams and water-resistant zippers for enhanced weatherproofness and durability.

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D4bgs Shoulder Bag

Big carry brands often get a lot of attention. But there are plenty of smaller brands making top-notch gear that deserves a spotlight on the global stage. Brands like D4bgs, a Ukraine-based brand that handcrafts bags for cycling, EDC and travel use. The Shoulder Bag is crafted with premium components including a choice of X-Pac fabrics in combination with 500D Cordura and YKK AquaGuard zippers. Front and back pockets and rows of webbing let you store quick-access items within easy reach, with a padded interior sleeve in the main compartment for tech devices. The considered design results in a visually striking and adaptable bag that can partner you on a variety of carry missions.

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Topo Designs Quick Pack

Versatile, functional and tough, the Quick Pack is a great option for users who want one bag that can adapt to a multitude of everyday, outdoor and travel needs. The bag can be worn across the body or around the waist and dishes up a padded main compartment and quick-access pockets to keep your gear protected and in check while you’re out and about. The Quick Pack is handmade in Colorado with burly 1000D Cordura that will embrace active use with a little personality. And the stowable waist belt, removable shoulder strap and top carry handles let you easily transition between carry modes on the fly.

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Triple Aught Design Parallax Messenger 15L

Some tactical bags are too overt to fit into a wide range of environments. But TAD’S updated Parallax Messenger delivers tactically-inspired functionality with clean, stealthy aesthetics that suit lots of environments. The updated bag welcomes a smaller size and new pocket layout, with a host of useful features to increase its versatility and user-friendly design. The USA-made messenger has magnetic Fidlock buckles for quick, convenient access. Bottom straps can compress the bag and secure bulkier items. And there’s also a range of attachment points and pockets to customize it to your organization preferences. The bag has flexible carry covered too, with an adjustable strap for cross-body or shoulder carry, a removable stabilizer strap, and a top grab handle. Add its durable, weatherproof VX-21RS shell and water-resistant YKK zippers to the mix and you’ve got a quality piece built for adaptable performance.

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ORBITGear R231 VB-WXBK “ADV Black Bustard VB”

ORBITGear are killing it with their blend of technical construction and stealthy streetstyle aesthetics. And the R231 VB-WXBK “ADV Black Bustard VB” is a fine demonstration of their craft. The Jakarta-based brand makes their gear in-house and this messenger exudes quality with its tough, weatherproof build featuring a choice of X-Pac materials, one-handed magnetic Fidlock V-buckle closures and water-resistant zippers. A range of pockets and space for a 15″ laptop takes care of day-to-day gear, while the comfy shoulder strap and stabilizer strap keep you moving smoothly and securely.

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Nomatic Messenger Bag

One bag to take you from the daily commute to zipping through airports? The Nomatic Messenger Bag steps up with its excellent access, adaptable organization, and durable and weatherproof build backed by a lifetime warranty. The organization really is top-notch, with wide-opening compartments and a variety of pockets to handle diverse everyday, work and travel items. Plus the bag comes with two interchangeable organization panels to cater to changing loads. The messenger also delivers nifty features such as a retractable key leash, magnetic water bottle pocket, a removable sunglasses shell, and luggage passthrough sleeve. Plus custom magnetic strap buckles enable 360-degree movement, with an easy-adjust strap length for added functionality. And if you want briefcase-style carry, simply remove the shoulder strap and use the top carry handle.

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Timbuk2 CMB2049 30th Anniversary Messenger Bag

San Francisco’s Timbuk2 celebrate their 30th anniversary in style with a messenger that salutes classic design while working in futuristic details that hint at its enduring functionality, the kind you’ll be enjoying for years to come. Aimed at active urban commuters, the bag features reflective details and a lightweight, durable and water-resistant build backed by a lifetime guarantee. A ceramic printed panel helps protect gear from the elements, while the padded laptop compartment and handy range of pockets keep your everyday items under control. Plus its expandable design lets you squeeze in extra when larger loads beckon. The messenger also keeps you moving comfortably with its padded, breathable back panel and ambidextrous shoulder strap.