Messenger Bag vs Backpack - Which One Is Best For You

[@davidstoyanoff]

I have a leather messenger bag that I love. Looks more mature or age-appropriate, whatever. But for travel I like a backpack especially running through airports

[@40OverFashion]

Good point, thanks for commenting!

[@willpoole7593]

Timely video, John! I find there are uses for both the messenger bag and backpack. The messenger bag is great for everyday use. I prefer leather because it elevates the look of the bag which, for me, is more appropriate. The leather backpack, on the other hand, is great for travel, i.e., international travel, because your essentials are always on hand, and you still look put together and age appropriate. Also, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks Will! Great points for sure! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jamesherrera7995]

Messenger bag fits my needs...again living in Chicago, messenger bag seemed more safe/secure than a backpack sitting on my back for anyone to access and more practical on public transportation and hopping in and out of cabs/Uber.

[@40OverFashion]

Great point James, thanks!

[@raymondwinger1840]

Cargo all the way. Easy access and functionality of the day. Plus room for lunch. 40-year-olds Rock!

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks Raymond!

[@josephmaschak8652]

Messenger bag gives a better appearance. Backpack much more functional if you carry an assortment of items. Sometimes it just comes down to priorities.

[@40OverFashion]

Great points Joseph! Thank you!

[@MTobin1000]

I've been looking forward to this bag video for a long time....yes, more of these. briefcases and leather weekender bags too. Thanks John.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks for your comment, and for watching!

[@wadebolderman3250]

Great idea, John! I’ve been using a leather messenger bag for 10 years now. My daughter gave it to me, for my birthday. I have nearly worn this thing out, but I’m not ready to give it up yet. When I do, I’ll probably be retired by then.

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you Wade!

[@aseemb85]

Great video... This is such an untouched topic not many men look for such details.. I am a pure messenger bag person...

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much!

[@joseguilhermesantos7148]

Jonh! Please could you tell me what capacity the mahi city backpack has? Do you think its like 17 liters? Thanks you're awesome!

[@DavidSaintloth]

I just bought two of the Mahi mini laptop satchels last month. Love love love them perfect for my 13" work laptop. Super quality only would like a thicker strap but I could always have a thicker strap made. Was looking closely at their messenger as it's not too big...some of the ones I've seen are a bit too "loud" for me with the over size and buckles and pockets. I like minimalist but super functional gear.

[@40OverFashion]

Glad to hear you like them!

[@Acarsfault]

The problem with the briefcase is that there’s no zip below the flap. So everything will fall out if you don’t keep it upright all the time. For example, unusable when you travel by plane and store it in an airplane overhead compartment or in your car. You may loose your passport....

[@brucejensen5762]

I have both. My backpack is canvas and leather; perfect for the gym or if I'm out on my bike. I have had it for over 20 years and I love it. My day bag is all leather. I have recently started working on a family history. I often walk down to a local coffee shop and all I need slips perfectly into the bag...laptop, notepad, pens, phone and wallet....it's my home office. Function first, form second. If you overpack a suitcase you will overpack anything.

[@40OverFashion]

Great points Bruce! Thanks for commenting!

[@robertwong7452]

love those bags John...I love carrying bag not just for laptop but otherwise...thanks

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you Robert!

[@benjaminbrown5245]

Great video and I am so with you I am a business owner and I am a working pianist for a living. So I have been watching on KZbin and when ever a lot of guys hear the word backpack they think of immaturity and school boy. This is far from the truth. Number one it really depends on the backpack that you have. I have both bag and backpacks plus a rolling commuter briefcase. It all depends on what you are doing and how much you are carrying. Sometimes when I go to work, I carry my work bag and other times it is my giant commuter backpack or mainly these days it is my rolling briefcase. A lot of guys think because someone has a backpack means it is school boy but this is wrong. Their are different types of backpacks and the school backpack is a pack in its own. It is not made for backpacking or going to work. Those kinds of pack are less strengthened and the material is not that of a commuter backpack or hiking backpack even. They are totally different backpacks so when we hear the word backpack we can’t stereo type and say it is school boy. If you have a commuter backpack you are not a school boy. It is a pro backpack. If you are wearing a hiking backpack yo sure not going to say this guy is a school boy same thing with the messenger bag. If you see many people in school use a messenger bag as well so it all depends what the person is doing. I totally agree with you. Great video and yes. I have actually all 3 types of transport to carry stuff to and from work.

[@seventyeight4237]

Thanks for putting this comment together Benjamin. Very insightful and helped me think through this question.

[@chasjaka]

This is basically a commercial. Please don't sell companies to us. I know we have to make money, but your style advice is what brought me to you and I subscribed. More paid for advertising/sponsorship will lead me away. Happy Thanksgiving by the way!

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback.

[@sunsetsandboats2983]

In my view backpacks cannot be used in a business environment. Men wearing a suit and back pack looks terrible in my view.

[@neilschipper3741]

I already do a lot of the things that you talked about on your videos but you pop it up a notch. I'm 65 don't drive and walk with a cane I use a messenger bag when someone picks me up but daily I use a backpack, a bright colored one so I am saying by people driving. I'm going to go check out the one you spoke about today. Now my time to to share something with you. We have the same hair color and beard color. I brush my teeth with hydrogen peroxide every other day. After about a month I noticed my beard had a more Blended color. I started using the hydrogen peroxide on my hair before shampooing and over a month my hair color has really Blended in nicely no more real dark areas. thanks so much for your tips and advice and have a great Thanksgiving.

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much Neil!

[@jong5642]

Hey John, nice backpack. Is that a Brown or Dark Brown/Mahogany on their website?

[@karlsenula9495]

Love to get a canvas messenger style bag, perhaps with a cross body shoulder strap, to use as a stylish carry-on for a trip to Europe next year instead of the sport style back pack I have been using. Not sure where to get it though - guessing on-line would be best ... any suggestions where to look?

[@40OverFashion]

Hi Karl! I suppose I'd start on Amazon since the only canvas messenger-style bag I have is a camera bag. I do remove all the velcro dividers from time to time and use it as a carry-all. :)

[@imbiscarra73]

Please do a compact EDC briefcase

[@Gururaj90]

Congratulations on reaching 150k subs. A nice video as always 🙂

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much!

[@juansethos2586]

Interesante video John, las mochilas, bolsos mensajeros, etc., se han vuelto un complemento casi indispensable en el día a día de los hombres modernos. Contamos con tantos elementos diarios necesarios a toda hora para desenvolvernos que nos es imposible transportarlos sin un bolso adecuado. Comparto que también me agrada más un morral (el mensajero) para el hombre de a pie o en auto, pero particularmente para trasladarme en motocicleta por la ciudad, prefiero las bandoleras (shoulder/chest-backpack). Que opinas...?, en motocicleta la cruzo sobre un hombro, de a pie, solo colgado del hombro... Saludos

[@birungikenneth889]

Thanks for keeping it informative sir

[@mattmclean4478]

Happy Thanksgiving John. Great video! Bags are my vice, I have a great collection, mostly Saddleback Leather Company. I change frequently from backpack to messanger depending on my attire and mood. Cheers!

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you Matt! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@joshuaandrosebartley896]

Wow I love your backpack!!! I have a little canvas one I carry. I would love to have a nice Leather messenger bag or a nice leather backpack like you have but with Christmas coming up and me having three kids spending that much on a bag just isn’t realistic at the moment. But the one that I have is really nice it’s gray with black trim and black piping so it’s not ugly by no means LOL.

[@40OverFashion]

Totally understand. Thank you!

[@joshuaandrosebartley896]

40 Over Fashion I went to the link for the backpack you had and wow they are actually a lot cheaper than I expected! A nice completely leather backpack is only $130-165 for a beautiful all leather backpack!!!!

[@brianboake8884]

Hey John - I’m heading to Paris in month or so and I do not want to do what I do one vacation in North America - wearing ball caps and my commuter backpack. Is there a stylish small bag that I can wear as a 50 yo man? Are cross body sling bags a thing for me?

[@valentinvalentino1502]

Thanks John and happy 🦃 day

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@rixx46]

The trouble with the leather with either one of these sort of things is whatever you have is already too heavy before you start putting anything into it.

[@gildizon6458]

Although the backpack for me for business is very convenient with huge compartments, it doesn’t go with my corporate wear. I’ll stick with my messenger bag than look like I’m still in college. Good info on this subject.

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@alponca5943]

Very informative video about how to carry the messenger or backpack properly! I personally like the morph that was available a while back which was a backpack with one strap that went cross body in the front while the bag was in the back. But like you mentioned companies have stepped up the look of both styles. Happy Thanksgiving John and thanks for loving what you do and share through your channel!

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much Al! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@ciripaciripa4373]

thx for ur informations pal, by the way.... what's kind of ur watch that u wearing ?

[@David-wo9un]

Thank you for the sponsored video, John. I feel the messenger bag is more appropriate for a professional setting; would you ever recommend a backpack for the work environment? I hope to make use of that discount code today.

[@40OverFashion]

Hi David! I think a messenger bag looks better in a professional setting, but I do understand the function of a backpack. The good thing is, they make some really nice backpacks these days.

[@alvinsanchez967]

If you have to wear a backpack make sure it is a good quality leather backpack. Remove your suit jacket when wearing it because of the straps that will wear out the shoulders of the suit jacket.

[@David-wo9un]

Alvin Sanchez Thank you!

[@drumgodhg2]

Very informative and perfect timing for me. I'm shopping messenger bags right now

[@MTobin1000]

check out Saddleback leather....they have amazing messenger bags too

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you for commenting, and for watching!

[@deegee3195]

Nice John, as usual simple style advice but all relevant to me and my lifestyle... love it, keep it up from England!!!

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you!

[@KyashiTran-san]

Should Backpacks and Messenger Bags be great for going to school with teenagers?

[@brandongonzales3394]

Yup make a video about briefcases and cross back pack

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you!

[@05Rudey]

Both, backpack if I'm hiking, long walks, cycling or if I'm carrying a lot of equipment and it's apart of a multi-bag system, ie backpack, wheeled carry on/Weekender bag and messenger Bag. But If I'm commuting to work, I prefer the messenger type sling bag mainly due to I feel that I'm taking up far too much room on a packed train with a back pack.. Plus, backpacks kinda look funny on people wearing a suit... A bit like cyclists wearing a suit and helmet. ;) I like both, I just lean towards the messenger bag. (Removable Shoulder strap with a carry handle)

[@40OverFashion]

Good points, thanks for commenting!

[@edmundchoy2992]

For travel, nothing beats a backpack as you need ya hands to be free!

[@40OverFashion]

That’s true. Thank you!

[@siegfriedderheld7806]

Happy Thanksgiving John from the very cold and snowy Rocky Mountains!

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@spotsill]

Great informative video with great ideas to think about. I think a messenger bag is more stylish and I used to carry a backpack everyday. Over the past two years however I have become lazy and just use my camera bag ☹️☹️☹️.

[@40OverFashion]

Haha! I have a canvas camera bag that I'll remove the velcro dividers and use it as a carry-all from time to time. :)

[@alphadawg7360]

are they actually durable and good quality? they seem too cheap

[@Jebro439]

Awesome video Happy Holidays

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much!

[@keithosorio8598]

I think the messenger bag is the way to go for us older guys unless you are carrying a ton of heavy stuff.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks Keith! I agree.

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Regarding the subject on hand, I have both bags and love them both, however, I find myself using the backpack more simply because of the freedom of keeping my hands free. Wishing you & yours a great but safe Thanksgiving... Abrazos

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much!

[@salb-newbeginnings5977]

Hey John, Great video!!!! I like the backpack most because of my profession carrying a laptop, folder and alot of the times a change of clothes. And it is great for short trips. Once again great video a d Happy Thanksgiving friend. 🍻

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you Sal!

[@pheelingoode1646]

Unless I'm in an airport, a guy over college age looks juvenile with a backpack on. Lots of other great options out there. Enjoy the channel Have a great Thanksgiving

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you very much!

[@pheelingoode1646]

@@40OverFashion I've never seen the issue of headgear for older guys. This time of year is cold. You re lucky that you have lots if hair but lots of us don't have so much . I'd like to see a video on keeping our heads warm stylishly.

[@helloeveryone906]

Can you do sling bag.

[@JustinHEMI05]

I love my Coronado Leather canvas and bison messenger bag. However, the waxed canvas tends to leave oily residue and stains on paper. It's still relatively new (bought in summer before trip to Poland) and I was wondering what your experience is with waxed canvas. Does it eventually dry, or is this part of owning a waxed canvas item? Thanks and happy Thanksgiving!

[@alvinsanchez967]

Sounds a lot like oilcloth which has to wear off some of the excess oil. I own an oilcloth poncho from Outback Trading that needed to go through that step. Years ago I brought two Maxpedition Anniversary baseball caps one in brown and one in grey. I then waxed my self the grey one and never had an oily residue on my head from it. Beeswax has a melting point between 143 to 147 degrees F. Some form of oil may have also be used with the wax. Mink oil on the leather parts for example. Try drying the exterior and interior of the messenger bag. Cotton cloth wipe (cut up cotton t-shirt), hot hair dryer or the sun to dry the excess oil. Make sure afterward to use a leather conditioner on the leather parts to prevent those parts from drying out.

[@JustinHEMI05]

@@alvinsanchez967 Thank you Alvin!

[@salmendez3954]

Thank you for your video’s happy thanksgiving 🦃

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you Sal! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@miguelvelez6217]

New subscriber, loving the videos you have and because I'm younger, I personally prefer backpacks but have recently purchased a leather one because of this video

[@40OverFashion]

That’s awesome! Thank you!

[@ttop64]

I haven't used or needed a backpack since I was in college. Too bad they didn't have those MAHI backpacks back then. It would have made quite a statement. Have a happy Thanksgiving John. Peace . :)

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@captainsman]

I used to use a messenger bag but as I spend a fair bit of time on my feet to and from work I found the backpack much better for my back. I don't wear a suit or jacket though, backpack would feel/look wrong with a suit?

[@40OverFashion]

I see backpacks with suits a lot, but I feel with a suit, a messenger bag looks better. I do understand the function of a backpack though.

[@joshuaandrosebartley896]

9 people must carry a murse lmao

[@johnayalachef]

Crossbody bags too young? Thoughts 💭

[@40OverFashion]

Hi John! The small fanny-pack style cross body bags are too young, yes. Cross-body messenger bags are not.

[@e.j.volkman7394]

Hi John, always a fan of your videos. Looks like I came in at 174k subs so great work! I purchased a leather backpack from Frye before watching this video, but it sounds like I must be a backpack guy! A video I would like to see is a video on high quality rolling bags. I have a mobile IT business and try to keep my office in a rolling bag-but I want to invest in one that looks more professional.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks for being here! I talked about a compact roller not too long ago. Not sure if it's what you had in mind, but I love this thing.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGKqqo2elNGdadk

[@e.j.volkman7394]

Not exactly, but I like the look of it for when I travel across country to see my son! As always, thank you.

[@Blair338RUM]

Here in Australia you won’t see a guy under 25 using a messenger bag. It’s a real demographic thing.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks Blair! I suppose you’re right.

[@Blair338RUM]

40 Over Fashion Just seems to be the case here in Oz. Happy Thanksgiving, John. 👍

[@glennmoonpatrol8676]

Messenger all the way, and I cant stand kids or anybody, with backpack hanging down.

[@alvinsanchez967]

I agree and as a bushcrafter I can't stand people wearing backpack too low.

[@glennmoonpatrol8676]

@@alvinsanchez967 have no idea what a bushcrafter is. might as well not tie shoes if ypu cant strap on a backpack.

[@alvinsanchez967]

@@glennmoonpatrol8676 It means I practice wilderness survival skills. Carrying everything I need in some type of pack. Depending on the situation what is carried, type of pack, shape, and size.

[@Dravgis67]

IT is just a comercial. Todays video i sponsored by bla bla bla.

[@40OverFashion]

Sorry you feel that way Johan. I appreciate the feedback, but providing value to the public for free is how I put food on the table.

[@vexler5947]

lol man you dont look like a messenger so i wonder what can you know about messenger bags

[@Javi_C]

:)

[@keter8]

No need to use leather. There are multiple humane choices. No reason to use the skin(s) of an animal to carry your items. Aside from that, 👍

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you!