Written By: Miles Watts, Staff Writer
HIDDEN GEM: Despite being more niche, messenger bags should be considered as much as backpacks when choosing how to carry one’s belongings.
While most students prefer backpacks for their large storage capacity, messenger bags or satchels are worn by a small percentage of people. They offer a more striking look as they are not always worn behind and have a significantly smaller amount of space compared to some backpacks. Both have their merits and their disadvantages, and even though satchels are more niche, they are just as viable as any other backpack.
Upsides
At first glance, a satchel may seem pointless due to the smaller amount of space. Why choose to be able to carry less? But this is where its strength lies: having less room to work with forces the wearer to be creative with their space. It acts as a “filter” as to what they truly need and what they do not, as the bag encourages only carrying what is necessary. This prevents the person from overstuffing their bag and carrying too much which can lead to back aches and troubles. However, if a messenger bag is overstuffed, it will cause the wearer more pain as all the weight is supported by one shoulder. This one-shoulder way of carrying has its upsides too, as it allows it to move freely. This allows the user to be able to easily access anything they might need from it, while backpacks are not as convenient due to being completely on the back and the use of zippers to keep items inside secure. It also gives the person more freedom as to how they might want to wear their satchel, as they can wear it in the front or on the side. And many types of bags include a separate strap to keep them more secure when doing activities such as biking. Messenger bags also tend to have more variety in their appearance too. They come in all sorts of styles and sizes for any occasion, whether one is camping or at an office. Meanwhile, all backpacks generally have the same shape. Satchels also tend to be more customizable, as many companies, such as Timbuk2, have customizable colors, and the person can vary how many pockets they have. It is clear to see that messenger bags have plenty of viable reasons that make them an attractive choice for carrying one’s valuables. However, there are some places where they fall short compared to backpacks.
Downsides
The most apparent downside to messenger bags is the significantly smaller amount of space they can hold compared to a backpack. They can still hold a considerable amount, but they cannot compete with traditional backpacks. It is also very easy to overstuff satchels due to their smaller storage capacity, which creates strain on the shoulder and back if it is too full. And that pain is stronger as it all centralizes into one spot, while a backpack more evenly distributes the weight. Due to the limited space, it may take a while for the person to find the proper orientation in order for the bag to hold the most stuff while also being as light as possible. The strap, while convenient, makes them a bit unwieldy compared to backpacks due to their free movement. This is especially apparent when running with one, although additional straps to hold the bag in place diminish this issue. Backpacks are also less likely to cause soreness if they are not too heavy due to their even weight distribution and can be more comfortable than a messenger bag. Overall, satchels have their specific strengths and weaknesses, which might be suited to different types of people.
Is A Messenger Bag Right for You?
While satchels are a worthy option for carrying belongings, they are not suitable for everyone. If you tend to need to carry around large quantities of items or large books, then a backpack would be a better choice. However, if your items are mostly small and lightweight, a messenger bag might be a good choice due to their numerous small pockets. Backpacks might be a better idea for those who are travelling or have a long day ahead of them due to their large storage capacity. However, for corporate or smaller commutes, a satchel is a good option for a stylish and sleek way to carry your laptop and other accessories. Generally, if you need/value more storage for holding bulky, heavy items, a backpack is the better choice. However, messenger bags are the superior choice when needing to carry a smaller amount of items without the need for a ton of space. Either way, a messenger bag is a good way to spice up your day-to-day life when you carry your belongings with you.