Ten Best Vintage Style Messenger Bags

Form or function.  If you had to choose between one, what would it be?

Good news, you don’t have to choose.  The travel messenger bag delivers both.

If we had to single out our most prized piece of travel gear, there would be many contenders, but none would top the vintage style men’s messenger bag.  The right bag perfectly accommodates all of our essentials, puts them at our fingertips at a moment’s notice, and is built to last.

It’s also got classic style to spare.

What Are the Best Travel Messenger Bags for Men?

Whether you’re looking to cut a figure in an airport, on the busy streets of a world-class city, or off the grid, a vintage bag is the perfect, indispensable union of form and function.

Our taste runs to the classic, and so we’ve compiled our list of our ten favorite vintage style men’s messenger bags.  Each of these bags meets our criteria for excellent for craftsmanship, utility, and durability, and each would be a valued addition to any traveler’s collection.

For sure, some of these are luxury indulgences, but when traveling, great gear is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Satchel & Page Mailbag

Inspired by an early 20th Century mailbag, this and all Satchel & Page bags are hand-built by seasoned artisans, and carry a lifetime warranty.  For those looking for a lower-profile bag, the brand also offers a Slim version.  

Specifications:

• 12″, w x 16″, d 4.5″ h/ 4 lbs
• Tanned and finished in Ponte a Egola, Italy
• Certified by the Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium
• Gold Rated for Sustainability by LWG
• Hide Origin: French Cowhide Shoulders
• Thickness: 6 oz. for bag, 8 oz. for flap, handles, and straps
• Hand-hammered, solid copper rivets
• Antique brass hardware

Purchase here: Stachel & Page Mailbag

2. Ghurka Harlow IV No. 206 Vintage Chestnut Messenger Bag

A slim profile that unites classic style with modern minimalism, perfect for the urban voyager looking to go light without sacrificing style.

Specifications:

• 14.5″ x 10″ x 2″
• Interior pocket with 2 compartments
• 2 exterior pockets
• Cotton twill interior lining
• Signature post/tab closure
• Unique registration number for each bag

Purchase here: Ghurka Harlow IV No. 206

3. Carbon2Cobalt Overlander Bag

Outstanding retro styling combined with ample storage space make this perfect for when work is on the agenda, or for those trips when you’re planning to return home with more than you left with.  

Specifications:

• W16″ x H12″ x D6″
• 6″ deep with expandable (2.5”) front compartment
• lockable main compartment
• 1 protected exterior pocket
• front zippered pocket
• Vintage leather with canvas interior

Purchase here: Carbon2Cobalt

4. Levinson Leather Goods Pine Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag

Size, simplicity, and style in distinctive Buffalo leather make this a great all-around choice for both travel and day-to-day use.  

Specifications:

• 19L” x 13”H x 7”W (large size)
• 17L” x 13”H x 5”W,
• Full Grain Water Buffalo Leather
• Accommodates 17” laptop
• Dual side pockets
• Flap-protected front pocket
• Canvas interior

Purchase here: Levinson Pine Buffalo Messenger Bag

5.  Maxwell-Scott “The Jesolo 2” Leather Satchel

A classic in style and craftsmanship from an artisanal brand committed to sustainable practices.  Simple styling and the finest quality materials make this an excellent choice for that timeless sophisticated, classic look.

Specifications:

• Dimensions (ins): W15.7 x H11 x D5.1
• Weight: 4.4 lbs
• Handmade in Italy
• Three color choices
• Accommodates 15” laptop or Macbook
• Two protected front pockets
• Full grain, highest quality leather
• 25 year warranty

Purchase here: Maxwell Scott Jeslo 2

6.  Edmund Leather Vintage Messenger Bag

Crafted from thick, South American Cowhide, this bag sports traditional styling with a tastefully subtle modern accent.  Excellent storage and quality in a durable, sophisticated bag.

Specifications:

• 13.25 x 11.5 x 4″
• Three divided sections
• Zipper top padded divider pocket in main section
• Front zippered pocket and two snap pockets under flap
• Nylon-lined interior
• Lightweight and sleek design
• Antique Brass hardware

Purchase here: Edmund Leather

7. The Real Leather Company “The Sitka”

Beauty and brawn combine in a uniquely styled brown and black buffalo leather bag that will surely draw the attention of travelers and locals alike.  Spacious, rugged, and solid, it’s an excellent investment.

• Dimensions: 18″ L x 13″ H x 6.5″ W
• Weight: 4lbs, 15oz.
• Top-grain water buffalo leather
• Flap-over design with buckle clip closures
• Zippered main compartment
• Two exterior side pockets for easy access items
• Rear zippered pocket on the back of the bag
• Adjustable, removable, non-slip, shock absorbent leather strap designed to reduce shoulder strain
• Padded laptop compartment fits and protects up to most 16-inch screen display laptops (diagonal measurement)

Purchase here: The Sitka

8. Levinson Leather Goods Leather Messenger Bag

Our second entry from Levinson Leather Goods, this one boasts an “in the family for generations” look.  Coming in two sizes and ample storage, this is a fine choice for both the business and leisure traveler.

• 18L” x 13”H x 5”W (large size)
• 16L” x 12”H x 4.5”W (small size)
• Water Buffalo Leather
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets
• Buckle front closure
• Canvas lined interior

Purchase here: Levinson Leather Classic

9. Frost River Saganaga Travel Satchel

One of two canvas entries to the list makes the cut for its unique style, quality construction, and simple clean lines.  With plentiful storage, this bag comes in two sizes, and is constructed in the U.S.

• Waxed Canvas material
• 7.5in H x 9.25in W x 3in D (small)
• 10.75in H x 14.25in W x 3.75in D (large)
• Magnetic snaps- little: 1 snap, big: 2 snaps
• Shoulder Strap:  Little: 1.5in, Big: 2in cotton web with adjustable brass slide
• Lifetime Warranty

Purchase here: Frost River Saganaga

10. Nutsac Satchel 11

For those seeking a low-profile bag, this waxed canvas messenger bag is one for you.  One unique component of the Nutsac brand we really appreciate is that you’ve got the ability to add multiple mods, so that your messenger bag can truly reflect your personal style and needs.

• Dimensions: 11″x7.5″x3.0″
• Weight: 1.10 lbs/ 0.52 kg
• Full-grain leather
• Waxed-canvas (water resistant)
• Accommodates ipad or similar sized tablet
• Metal hardware
• Heavy duty cotton strap w/mesh pad
• Lifetime guarantee

Purchase here: Nutsac Satchel 11