That doesn’t mean you can’t use messengers in less strenuous settings or find shoulder bags that will tackle a little adventure now and then. And in general messengers will wrap round the body more (a rigid design isn’t great if you’re pounding the pedals during a bike ride or trying to move nimbly in outdoor environments).
Features such as stabilizer straps are more common in messengers (again, to assist in load stability during active use). Messengers tend to be associated with more active use (think bags used by bicycle messengers), while shoulder bags play well in sedate settings. So you might have heard the terms ‘messenger’ and ‘shoulder bag’ used interchangeably. And they also tend to get the nod of approval in work settings, where in many cases they bring a more formal and professional feel to your work setup than a backpack. They also tend to draw people who want to carry smaller loads or shed unnecessary carry bulk. For many users, crossbody bags are go-to choices for quick access to gear on the move. But when it comes to access and agility, the best messenger bags and shoulder bags step up for their time to shine.
Backpacks are considered the carry comfort kings.
