Backpack or Messenger Bag. What’s the difference and why?

The messenger bag and backpack are the common carrying options that many people use today. In this article, we’ll cover factors and aspects of each bag that make them a perfect carrying choice in their functionality and uses.

What is a messenger bag?

backpack or messenger bag

Today, messenger bags are becoming more popular since they are fashionable and convenient to use. They are majorly used by business professionals, office workers and college students. A messenger bag comes with a broad strap that ensures a comfortable carrying experience. Also, the bag allows one to carry heavier items without much effort since its weight is evenly distributed on the shoulder and back. These bags aren’t just trendy sling bags; they can be used as laptop bags.

What is a backpack?

what is a backpack

A backpack is simply a cloth bag carried on one’s shoulder and is secured with 2 thick straps. Backpacks come with different designs and are generally used by hikers and students. They are better than handbags since they allow heavy loads for long periods. There are some durable backpacks which can go through rough uses meaning that they can last for many years. These durable backpacks are made from nylon and leather.

Backpacks have strong zippers, and strong straps which ensure the belongings being carried are secure. A high-quality backpack has quality thread material and properly done sewing. Backpacks with double stitching are more durable and have a long life.

How to choose between a messenger bag or backpack

If you’re comparing backpack vs messenger bag, and you want to get a suitable bag, then you first have to check the bag design that suits your needs. In most cases, backpacks tend to be more casual when it comes functionality and style. Backpacks have versatile use. On the other hand, messenger bags are related to briefcases in their usage, which makes them a great option for connoisseur situations. Nowadays, messengers bags come with different designs and styles and are used more casually every day.

Another rule is that these bags are taken as style and fashionable forward bags. At the same time, backpacks also come in different styles depending on the manufacturer. In most cases, backpacks are used by college students because they are functional since one can carry heavy loads such as books easily.

Below are some things to consider before deciding between backpack vs messenger bag:

1. Style

This largely depends on personal preferences. Backpacks tend to be a safe choice with various designs from different brands. On the other hand, messenger bags offer a more professional style that suits an office setting or college campus.

2. Storage

capacity Storage capacity depends on your needs. Most backpacks have a smaller storage capacity whereas messenger bags are almost similar in size unless you select an oversized one. However, if you want a bag with better storage, then you should get a huge laptop messenger bag to carry everything you need with ease.

3. Carrying experience

If you want a less stressful day, then carrying experience must be considered. Depending on your preference, you must make the best choice. However, many people tend to prefer the dual straps backpacks over the shoulder style of the messenger bag. Both backpacks and messenger bags are suitable for carrying items, although messenger bags are a great choice when it comes to carrying heavy loads for some time. You don’t have to carry a messenger bag for a long period since it can burden your shoulder.

Messenger bag or backpack? Head to head

Backpacks are the best option when it comes to carrying medium to heavy weight items. They are also good for long journeys. Their stylish trapping and carrying technique ensure that the load weight is evenly distributed on one’s shoulders and supports the back through balancing.

Comparing messenger bags with backpacks, they have some disadvantages. Messenger bags put a load on one shoulder and don’t balance your back. Carrying a shoulder bag every day with plenty of loads can result in postural damage which can make you get back and spine problems in the future. Below are 5 ways a messenger bag differs from a backpack:

a. Space and volume of a messenger bag and backpack

You’ll be absolutely wrong to think that the messenger bag is superior in terms of space and volume. On the other hand, you’ll be wrong again to think that backpacks have better space and volume. You need to understand that both messenger bags and backpacks have the same space and volume.

The only difference that you’ll notice is that messenger bags are quick and easy to load different things unlike backpacks which take a much longer period due to its numerous pockets. If you want to place a 15-inch or 17-inch laptop, then a backpack is more efficient than a messenger bag.

b. Accessing items

A messenger bag is carried on one side, meaning that you can easily access your stuff in the bag like taking your pen or cell phone. On the other hand, it’s not easy to take things out of a backpack. A backpack has zippers and flaps behind your which make it trickier to get stuff much faster, although some types have pockets on the straps at the shoulder to keep small items such as pens or a cell phone.

c. How much you can carry

In most cases, a messenger bag can carry similar volume like a backpack. However, if you want to carry heavy loads every now and then, you should consider backpacks instead of messenger bags, simply because backpacks distribute weight evenly on both shoulders and offers support to the back. Additionally, it’s easy to organize things in backpacks since some brands have more compartments.

d. Are you riding a bike?

When it comes to riding a bike, backpacks are the best options to go by. This is because both of your hands are free as the backpack hangs right on your back. However, some individuals have the feeling that backpacks are uncomfortable to them while riding a bike. In some cases, you’ll find people who prefer messenger bags when cycling.

e. Comfort

Wearing a heavy backpack for too long for instance when walking to school, around the school and back home can be tedious and hence you should find one with padded straps. You’ll also find some backpacks with additional waist straps used when one wants to carry heavier loads. On the other hand, a messenger bag has a sliding shoulder pad which helps when one wants to carry heavier loads.

Pros and Cons of messenger bags and backpacks

Pros of Messenger bags

Easy access

They have a landscape orientation’, which makes the opening to be the widest part. This big opening creates easy access; you don’t need to struggle to get deep to get what you need. –

Less sweaty

There’s less contact with your body when carrying a backpack, meaning that your back will breath more easily.

The messenger swing

A messenger bag has a single strap which allows one to swing it around the body easily without removing it.

What about the Cons?

Single strap

The single strap means that the bag will be carried on a single shoulder. Carrying a heavy load for a long period can make you uncomfortable.

Limited capacity

A messenger bag comes with a style that doesn’t scale up well. However, there’s a limitation of space especially if you require a much huge space on daily basis.

Less stable

A messenger bag has a bad reputation when it comes to stability. In case you’re moving or cycling, the bag swings around every now and then.

Pros of backpacks

Great for heavier loads

Backpacks come with two straps meaning that the weight of your load is evenly distributed on your shoulders. This makes them more comfortable to wear even for longer periods.

More versatile

Backpacks can be used for many activities ranging from walking around the city, hiking or climbing. Their versatility means that you don’t need many bag styles at home.

Efficient in packing

A backpack sits vertically on one’s back, which makes it easier to pack different stuff. When loading, you can easily bring the weight near the shoulders so that carrying it becomes easy.

And the Cons?

Easier for pickpockets

A back only sits on ones back. This sounds obvious although it can be a challenge if the things you’re carrying at a security risk simply because it’s not easy to see what’s going on behind you.

The rummage problem

Backpacks have a portrait orientation meaning that their mouth tends to be smaller in size, while their body can be quite huge. This makes it hard to reach the bottom. Find a bag with a brighter liner so that you can easily get what you want from the bag.

Less smart

In most cases, backpacks have a poor reputation in an office setting. Pairing a suit with a backpack sounds a bit funny.

In conclusion

These are some of the pros and cons of messenger bags and backpacks respectively. Depending on your taste and preference, pros and cons of each bag, you can make a decision on which one suits you depending on your needs.

If you’d like to read more about the latest styles and brands, don’t forget to check out our reviews on backpacks for men, backpacks for women, and if you like the premium stuff, leather backpacks.