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The tactical bag provides a unique take on organization, security, and portability not found in a traditional messenger bag or backpack. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a business associate, or are simply in need of an organized bag to hold important or sensitive items, the tactical messenger bag may be the right choice for you.
What is a Tactical Messenger Bag?
A tactical messenger bag is a versatile carrier that uses dedicated compartments to store and efficiently carry materials that are convenient for a wide array of uses. They are used to remain on the go while frequently revisiting the materials needed as you move.
Historically, messenger bags were created for mail services to help store and deliver messages and materials sensitive enough to not be let out of sight.
As the times have shifted, they have become suited towards a diverse amount of professions including campers, photographers, lawyers, teachers, officers, and outdoorsmen. For anyone who wants to be ready for more than a normal commute, the tactical messenger bag may be the right call.
Why Use a Tactical Messenger Bag?
It can be difficult to identify which kind of bag is the right option, as there are many to choose from. Backpacks, satchels, and duffel bags are all in the running, but none work quite as efficiently as a tactical messenger bag.
They pair the comfort of a slim commuter bag with the compartmentalization military and law enforcement gear demands. Although built with active users in mind, that combination works just as well for everyday carry. They can be adjusted to meet your comfort level and have a secure closing for privacy and security. The versatility of a tactical messenger bag allows them to be an appropriate attachment for a formal business meeting or an outdoor fishing trip.
They are specifically convenient as the materials in the bag are stored and accessible in an easy-to-reach manner. They handle several jobs at once, are more manageable than a traditional backpack, and in many cases can help carry much more specifically targeted supplies. If you’ve ever found yourself losing pens, papers, or supplies at the bottom of your backpack, then a messenger bag may be the appropriate substitution.
What Materials are Tactical Messenger Bags Made From?
You will find that the materials used to make tactical messenger bags vary based on utility and style. While many are made using durable, breathable materials such as polyester or nylon, others can be made using leather or canvas. If you’re going to be in an area where your bag might be wet or exposed to other elements, the leather option is perhaps not the best for you.
What is MOLLE?
The MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (source) is a standard used to allow compatibility between a wide variety of pouches and accessories. A standard for military use, tactical messenger bags with a MOLLE system can be significantly expanded and customized.
Traveling with a Tactical Messenger Bag
When traveling, it’s important to keep some of your essential items on your person, such as identification or passports, currency or credit cards, and a camera for sightseeing. It’s a pain to have to lift a backpack off of our shoulders, hoist it around, and retrieve our items from the pack, only to have to replace it and repeat the process soon after.
With a messenger bag, you not only have quick and easy access on your travels, but you can guarantee yourself the peace of mind of having items of value in front of you. If pickpocketing is a concern, the tactical messenger bag will help. Their convenient size also makes them great for light travel, as they can fit into any overhead compartment on a plane, train, or a bus.
Due to heightened security measures in airports all over the world, it is also beneficial to have a smaller bag so that you can pass through checkpoints easily. Simply open your bag, display its contents, and you’ll be on your way in no time.
To help minimize your selection process, here is a list of some of the best tactical messenger bags while highlighting some of their most notable features. Here’s a quick list, the details are after the table:
Berchirly Men Vintage Military Canvas Messenger Crossbody Bag
DimensionsVaries - Smallest is 12.6 x 11.4 x 4 inchesWeightVaries - 2.2-2.8 lbsMOLLE?No
This vintage-style messenger bag is best suited as a comfortable yet practical bag. With an interior design that matches the exterior and aged brass buckles, it makes for a particularly aesthetically pleasing bag. Its made of high-density canvas and 100% cow leather for a durable approach.
This bag is available in a range of colors (black, various brown shades, army green and navy) and a range of sizes that will fit a 13 inch to 17 inch laptop. The old-fashioned design makes it perfect for everyday usage regardless of whether your target environment is the rugged outdoors or if you want to maintain a subtle indoors approach.
Key Benefits: Vintage style, comfortable, and practical.
5.11 Tactical Unisex Overwatch Messenger Bag
Dimensions19.5 x 14.2 x 1.9 inchesWeight2.6 lbsMOLLE?Yes
This tactical messenger bag from 5.11 is designed to be practical but stylish. Made from 100% 500D Nylon, this bag is rugged enough for work in the field, but its trim style doesn’t look out of place in an office or a swanky hotel lobby (so long as you don’t trick it out with a lot of attachments to the external MOLLE - that changes the look quite a bit).
The 18L capacity of the main compartment, together with the many internal and external slip pockets provide a lot of carrying capacity and organization (there’s even an external bottle holder). The strap comes with a shoulder pad and the rear panel is a soft mesh - both give significant added comfort.
Key Benefits: Stylish, comfortable, and practical.
Direct Action Messenger Tactical Bag
DimensionsVaries - smaller size is 9.4 x 13 x 4 inchesWeightVaries 1.89 to 3.0 lbsMOLLE?Yes
Switching it up now with a more military/law enforcement oriented bag. Available in a range of camo and outdoor-oriented colors, this bag is made of high quality Cordura 500D, treated to give it a water-resistant coating.
The main compartment is lined with velcro allowing the possibility for additional customizable space. There’s a full-width rear zipped pocket, a padded internal laptop sleeve pocket, laser-cut MOLLE system and sturdy YKK zippers. Combined with the double stitching, this is a tough bag. What it’s missing is other external pockets, you have to open the main flap to get inside. This adds security at the expense of easy access.
This bag has a tough and sturdy appeal, making it both visually drawing yet still secure and protected thanks to its internal compartments.
Key Benefits: Designed for military/law enforcement, functional, and secure.
Allen Pride6 Fort Tactical Messenger Bag
MOLLE?No
Allen has retired the Base; the Fort is the current bag in the same Pride6 line, in grey with black enhancements. Perfect for safely transporting your laptop, tablet, or any other fragile electronics, you can enjoy a virtually hands free commute knowing all of your valuables are securely stowed.
This bag boasts adjustable features such as the holster and the padded strap, a variety of zippered pockets to keep your items from moving around too much while you are in transit. Made of double-layered Endura fabric, it is tough and waterproof.
Key Benefits: Weatherproof, organized, and adjustable.
First Tactical Summit Side Satchel
Dimensions12.5 x 10 x 4.5 inchesWeight1.75 lbsMOLLE?No
First Tactical discontinued the Ascend messenger, and the Summit is what they sell in its place — a deliberately smaller 8-litre side satchel rather than a full laptop messenger. Available in black and coyote tan, it’s the pick here if you want something that carries a tablet, notebook and the day’s essentials without the bulk of the bigger bags on this list.
It won’t take a 15” laptop, so treat it as the compact option rather than a commuter bag.
Key benefits: Compact 8L profile, tough nylon construction, black or coyote.
Which Bag is the Best? (Buyer’s Guide)
When purchasing a tactical messenger bag, it is important to have an idea of what will work best for you as there is a wide variety of options. The main questions to ask yourself are:
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What am I carrying? Does this bag require laptop protection, are there enough pockets if I’m carrying a lot of smaller items that need organization?
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What do I need immediate access to? Is it ok to open the whole bag, or are there some things I need immediate and regular access to (in which case external easy-access pockets are a must)
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Where will I be taking this? If you’re more likely to be found in the boardroom than the backwoods, then perhaps you want something that blends in a bit, rather than rocking full camo with half a dozen external MOLLE attachments
They are secure, durable, resourceful, and (can be) stylish which means there are also a multitude of options. It is difficult to rate the “best” tactical messenger bags as you will need to find the one that best suits your personal needs. There are plenty of questions to consider including the size, weight, material, comfort, durability, and style, which only allows you to be more satisfied with your purchase.
Having said that, we do have a favorite. As a great all-rounder that can go anywhere, but is still expandable as needed, our choice is the Overwatch Tactical Messenger Bag from 5.11 Tactical:
