Stylish Messenger Bags and iPad Bags for Men

Thanks to the development in recent years of a whole range of messenger bags for men that range from casual to smart, the days of being limited to a choice of old-fashioned briefcase or unfashionable backpack are over. Men's messenger bags have gone from being brightly colored holdalls carried only by postmen and crazed cyclists to legitimate work wear and travel gear. They are also incredible adaptable and will comfortably carry anything from an iPad all the way up to a 17inch big screen computer or MacBook.

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Messenger bags had their origins in the simple canvas or PVC shoulder bags that are still favoured by bicycle messengers. Because of their origin as practical carry gear, there is little to differentiate the typical mens messenger bag from a cyclists one.

Most are characterised by a large compartment, sometimes divided, and a large flap on top with a quick and easy closure made of Velcro or using simple buckles. And the basic attributes that attracted this no-nonsense crowd underlie what makes them so practical for the rest of us.

For a start, they can usually hold quite a bit but don't bulk out when full or get shapeless when empty. So you can safely carry documents home without them getting squashed as they would in a backpack. At the same time the single shoulder strap allows you to swing it right over you and wear it low. When cycling to work mine usually rides half-way down my back and rests on my lower back. Carried this way the weight doesn't bother me at all. Mine isn't a dedicated laptop messenger bag though I often just sling a notebook computer into the main compartment. If you have an iPad you'll find that messenger bag make great iPad cases. Either get one with padding built in or just use a sleeve for a little extra protection. The same is true for other small computers such as Netbooks that will just tuck away. The versatility of a good messenger bag is a huge winner because you aren't limited in the same way as you would be with something like a dedicated iPad messenger bag. If you want to carry a full-sized MacBook Air, you can usually do so just as easily as with a really small laptop or tablet computer. Another great advantage is that I also find that there is enough space for me to carry all I need for a short overnight business trip.It does, however, take some careful folding of my spare shirt not to look completely creased the following day.

And because of the way it rests on my back, I don't even notice any extra weight while without even really noticing any difference while on my bike. The time I do notice the load is when walking around. Even carried cross shoulder it can get tiring if you've packed too much into your bag. One thing you may miss having is a little handle on top as most briefcases do. When picking it up you often have to use the main strap which you may find annoying.

This is the a classic, the daddy of them all if you will, and perhaps the one with the most retro cool look. Forget the 1980s, the look on these goes almost back to World War 2 dispatch riders. Many come with really beautiful brass tacks and fittings. The trouble is that they are heavy relative to more modern materials and they don't offer a huge amount of protection against bad weather. They also provide little protection or padding against knocks and drops for your laptop. Messenger bag enthusiasts still love them for their vintage look. Canvas messenger bags are also pretty reasonably priced and will only set you back $20 or so.

For a much smarter, more corporate look you might want to consider checking out some leather messenger bags for men. These are a lot pricier. A decent leather messenger bag will set you back upwards of $100. There are some cheaper ones but the best ones such as those made of Italian leather can easily cost $250 or more. These often have a fine level of finish with magnetic closures and several zip closures and pockets to hold pens, a wallet and other essentials.

The other thing you might want to look at a leather iPad bag. There is a great range of iPad cases for men that feature a vertical case with really beautiful black leather.

Messenger bags also make great carriers for iPads since they can be made really slim and a little bit tall. That way they sit comfortably against the hip.

The most popular option is the Case Login eSling. this is really, really compact (check out the picture from Amazon below) and it also has loads of space for all the other bits that you might need such as earphones, chargers and mobile phones. It also makes a great netbook messenger bag. Just don't think you can cram too much into it. Even an extra cordless mouse or a book will leave it bulging. This bag really is for traveling light.

The classic vertical iPad Messenger Bag available from Amazon seems to have been designed with netbooks in mind. Don't let that put you off. It is really slim and offers a great way to carry your iPad in a much smaller package than you would get using a normal-sized bag.

Whether you are looking for something really stylish or just something rugged there is also a great range of men's iPad bags available.

I'm a great fan of the Case Logic bag (shown to the right here). It comes in two sizes, Midsize and small. The small one is perfect for small notebooks (netbooks) and it will also hold an iPad nice and snuggly. It even comes with a 25 year warranty and it is hard to beat on price.

Another good budget iPad bag is the Targus Crave Slipcase, which is also designed to hold an iPad. It has a good level of padding but that doesn't make it too bulky. Targus is not ususall known for its great sense of fashion, but it makes really good laptop bags.

There is one exception when it comes to great looking bags and this is the Targus Hughes Leather iPad case, which just looks beautiful. It is one of a number of really stylish iPad bags available, but you will end up paying quite a bit more.

Another one that I like is the classic vertical iPad Messenger bag (also shown to the right). It is small, does not cost the earth and has a lovely classic look and feel.

Laptop messenger bags for men usually have a padded and waterproof pouch built in to provide some protection for your computer. Barring a few exceptions they also usually look more casual or trendy than corporate. Many have reflectors and other bright colours built in, which may suite you when on a bike but not when trying to make a presentation in the boardroom.

They also usually have all the little accessories needed to make a bag really convenient such as a key ring tether and little accessory compartments for holding small items such as USB Flash Drives or external hard drives. I find these essential when travelling as you have to empty your pockets to clear security and at least I know my keys, change and phone are all safely stowed and not likely to be left behind at the security gate.