Best Tactical Messenger Bags of 2022 – Complete Review

| Last Updated:
September 17, 2023

Finding the best tactical messenger bag might be a task that is daunting at first. But once you have a basic understanding of how they work and what they’re used for, then the search might not be as difficult. A tactical messenger bag will be a great thing to have if you want to store some EDC items, extra tactical clothing, and anything in between.

We were able to track down a few tactical messenger bags that will stand out as the best on the market. And one of them might be yours if you believe it’s good enough for you due to some features and characteristics. Before we get to the review list, let’s talk about when it would be a good time to use a tactical messenger bag and what you need to find in a bag that will work best for you. 

Comparison of the Best Tactical Messenger Bags

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Ergonomic design
  • Side pockets included
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
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  • Includes a laptop pouch
  • Available in black or coyote tan
  • Made from high-quality nylon with waterproof lining
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  • Best for the money
  • Available in three different colors
  • Made from high-quality materials
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  • Ambidextrous design
  • YKK zippers included
  • Available in four different colors
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  • Available in black and camo
  • Constructed from high-quality materials
  • Includes holsters for concealed carry pistols
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When Would a Tactical Messenger Bag Come in Handy?

There are times when a tactical messenger bag will be put to good use. If you have no idea if and when one will be used, here are a few uses to consider:

While Venturing Outdoors

Whether you are camping, at the range, or enjoying the outdoors in your own special way a tactical messenger bag will always come in handy. It’s always important to have tools and other items handy just in case you need them. Depending on where you are, you can also keep some items that are key to your survival in the bag itself.

Pack it and Set it Off to the Side

A tactical messenger bag might be one of the few bags that will stand out as one of the most reliable options for bugging out. If you want to build a bug out bag that will last you days when you are evacuating disaster, a messenger bag might be the best possible option for you. 

While at Work

If you are a member of law enforcement, a security guard, or a first responder a tactical messenger bag will always come in handy if and when you need it to access your accessories for your concealed carry pistol or medical equipment in a life-saving situation. You’ll need the tools and accessories on-hand depending on your occupation, to be stored in a bag that is spacious and will stay packed and organized whether you use them or not. 

What Should I Look For When Buying a Tactical Messenger Bag?

There are a few things that will be important in a tactical messenger bag. If you are looking for one for your own personal use, here are some things that you need to keep your eyes peeled for when you are making a final purchasing decision:

Price

The price will stand out as the deciding factor for most budget shoppers. But it should not be the only reason why you bought it. You need to make sure that the quality and performance is worth the price. In other words, don’t sacrifice quality because you can afford it. But spend it on the best that you can afford. 

Material

  • Your tactical messenger bag should be made from the best materials possible. This will ensure that your bag is hard, if not, impossible to damage in any given environment. There are different kinds of materials that you can look for including nylon (or similar types). The better the material, the better the chance it will last you a long time. 

Storage Space

Not every tactical messenger bag will have an equal number of pockets or storage space. It’s up to you to determine which bag will provide you with enough storage space for any tools and equipment that will be fitting for your intended purpose.

Review of the Best Tactical Messenger Bag

Below is a list of the best tactical messenger bags that are considered the best on the market. As you look through the list, you’ll be able to find one that will be useful to your advantage. Also, look through the features and characteristics to determine which one will stand out as interesting.

Now, we’ll start off the list with our “best overall” choice:

Best Overall:
Leapers Multi-Functional Bag

Pros

  • Superior durability
  • Super comfortable to carry
  • Great for various purposes
  • Plenty of storage space for EDC items
  • Easily adjustable for various carrying positions and fits

Cons

  • Zipper quality could be better
  • Design could be better according to some users
  • May not be appropriate for concealed carry pistol storage

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the new buyers have said that this bag had exceeded their expectations in so many ways. For one, the storage space in the pockets was spacious and allowed people to store their favorite items where they needed to be. One user said that he uses this for storing his medical equipment since he works as an EMT that is always prepared for any lifesaving situation if and when it warrants it. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is a messenger bag that definitely gives you plenty of pockets for you to store just about anything you please. Of course, you’d be hard-pressed to find a good bag that will give you so much space. With so many pockets on almost every side, you’ll be able to organize and pack anything you want to, be it for a bug out bag or if you are using it for when duty calls. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be ideal for anyone who is planning on using a tactical messenger bag for everyday use. It will come in handy in emergency situations where you might be saving a life as a first responder or saving your own life by getting out of harm’s way before disaster strikes. Plus, it’s a bag that will last you a long time. Take great care of this bag and it will return the favor to you. 

Bottom Line

The Leapers Multi-Functional Bag is worth every penny and well-deserving of the “best overall” title. It’s got all the pockets you need and the comfort that you can put to good use while you are venturing outdoors for longer periods of time. Whether you are outdoors or on the job, this messenger bag will definitely be worth having around no matter where you go. 

Runner-Up:
Elite Survival Systems Bags

Pros

  • Spacious storage
  • Excellent durability
  • Great for various applications
  • Comfortable to wear around your shoulders 
  • Resistant to rain, snow, and other weather elements

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were pleased with how this bag turned out as far as quality was concerned. And as expected, they were not disappointed in the slightest when it came to the storage space. About two-thirds of the new users were using this for everyday use. One user said that he uses it as a laptop bag but also uses it to carry some EDC tools whenever he needs them for certain tasks. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This might be one of the best bags that you can put to good use if you want a lot of space, but from a bag that won’t take up too much room. Also, it can come in handy for all of those purposes where you can carry it around every day. Whether you are at school, on the job, or just spending the weekend outdoors this bag is well-built and super durable for all of your needs both indoors and outdoors. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is a great messenger bag for everyday users. It can be used for regular tasks or when you are venturing outdoors and need the things that will be important to roughing it outdoors or vital to your survival when your outdoor excursion somehow takes a turn for the worst. You’ll be ready wherever you are so long as you have this bag packed and ready to go. 

Bottom Line

The Elite Survival Systems Bag is a solid tactical messenger bag that will be ideal for any indoor and outdoor use. Whether you use it as a substitute for a briefcase or using it for outdoor equipment this is the perfect go-to bag that will be useful to you whenever a certain situation calls for it. 

Best for the Money:
Mercury Tactical Computer Messenger Bag

Pros

  • Excellent quality
  • Spacious storage pockets
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Fits laptops and other EDC tools and equipment
  • Molle straps are convenient for additional attachments

Cons

  • Some say the Molle straps are too large
  • Adjustment straps might be difficult at first
  • A few have complained that their pistols may be hard to access from this bag

What Recent Buyers Report

There were new buyers that were getting this not just because it was affordable for their budget, but it was also great for them because it gave them a lot more than what they expected to pay for. This included the amount of space that was included for storage (and even the side pockets gave them more than expected). This was mostly used for every day uses while some have used it strictly for outdoor or occupational purposes (law enforcement or first responders). 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This bag is proven to be one of the best quality bags that you can find anywhere on the market. And for something that has an affordable price tag, you’ll be getting the steal of a lifetime. Not to mention, you have plenty of storage space that will work to your advantage in so many ways. Whether it’s for your medical equipment or for the survival gear in case SHTF, this might be a great messenger bag to purchase without breaking the bank.

Who Will Use This Most

A lot of everyday civilians will consider this as a regular messenger bag but with tougher material and a good amount of storage space that they normally don’t see in standard messenger bags. Let’s not forget, it’s affordable for most budgets. So if you are looking for something that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, this might be a messenger bag that might get your seal of approval. 

Bottom Line

The Mercury Tactical Computer Messenger Bag will be the best possible choice for anyone looking for an affordable messenger bag with plenty of storage space and opportunities to use it to your advantage. Whether it’s for those days at school, the office, or when you are walking the beaten paths outdoors, this is the kind of bag that exceeds so many expectations. This is no bag that’s cheap and flimsy in the slightest.

Best 5.11 Tactical Messenger Bag:
5.11 Tactical Rush Delivery Lima Carry

Pros

  • Really durable all over
  • Simple for organized packing
  • Allows for comfortable carrying
  • Lightweight, even when fully loaded
  • Perfect for right-handed and left-handed users

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

About half of the new users were first responders and law enforcement officials looking for a bag that gave them plenty of storage but didn’t take up too much room in their trunks or backseats. Overall, they had no complaints about the quality and they said it made packing their medical equipment, extra uniforms, and other EDC items easy and well-organized. One user said that he was able to find what he needed in a flash, especially in a situation where he was needed to perform an urgent medical procedure. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The 5.11 Tactical brand is one of the more reliable names in tactical gear and accessories. So, it comes as no surprise that they deliver yet another awesome product that will stand the test of time and constant usage. It’s pretty much what you expect in a tactical messenger bag. Spacious storage, tough quality, and a comfortable fit and carry that will take you places. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you want a tactical messenger bag that will give you ample storage space, this could be exactly what you need. You’ll be seriously impressed with what you’ll get for storage space and what it will be able to fit. It’s great for any application that is useful for indoor and outdoor activities. 

Bottom Line

If you are looking for the best tactical messenger bag that is made by one of the best names in tactical gear and tools, the 5.11 Tactical Rush Delivery Lima Carry might just be what the doctor ordered. With storage space to boot and hardcore durability, this is a bag that will be reliable no matter where you go with it. For a messenger bag that is known for its proven reliability and versatility, why settle for anything less?

Best UTG Tactical Messenger Bag:
UTG Multi-Functional Tactical Messenger Bag

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Pros

  • Really comfortable to wear
  • Has plenty of storage for all of your tools
  • Has the ability to last you years, if not, decades
  • Great for users that are short or average in height
  • Excellent for concealed carry users for storing magazines and extra accessories

Cons

  • Buckle quality could be better
  • May be too small for taller users
  • Some have complained about the “quality control”

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, new users were satisfied with the bag’s storage space. A lot of them said that it gave them a lot of space for storage (some saying more than expected). This was the perfect concealed carry bag that was great for storing extra magazines, accessories, and even a couple of compact pistols. Other EDC tools were able to fit as well. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This messenger bag is the perfect choice for anyone that might have one but turned out to be a bit too big for them due to their overall height. Fear not, this messenger bag is great for the not so big and tall. But you still get so much storage space to work with. So, pack your accessories, your extra magazines, and other EDC tools and you’ll be in business for everyday use or whenever you need to get out of Dodge for a few days. 

Who Will Use This Most

This would be an excellent messenger bag that you can take to the range for a long day of target shooting or competition that will go on all day long. Alternatively, it can do just fine as a bug out bag that will get you through a couple of days while you are evacuating a potential disaster area. 

Bottom Line

The UTG Multi-Functional Tactical Messenger Bag could be the best option for you for carrying all your  accessories, ammo, and everything else you want to take to the range. But you’ll still have just enough space for all of your other tools that will be sufficient for any survival situation you find yourself in. 

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?

It’s always a good idea to be more informed about what to buy. If you are planning on purchasing a tactical messenger bag for all of your EDC needs or any desired application, here’s what you need to know:

Purchase an Extra Bag if You Must

While you may have a messenger bag that will work for all of your typical applications, it never hurts to keep one handy with all of your EDC tools and accessories. You can store it in your vehicle just in case you need to take off without any warning or notice. It will be the perfect portable bug out bag or great for emergency tools that you may need when you are out and about and the worst happens. 

These Can Last You Years

Assuming you don’t purchase a messenger bag that will last you a month, you’ll be sticking with the messenger bag that you will choose for years. That’s because it might be made from various materials that will be hard to wear and tear. Also, since it’s considered tactical there is a good chance that it will last you longer compared to other messenger bags. 

Some Messenger Bags May Be “Too Small” or “Too Large”

While it might not be clothing, there’s a good chance that your overall frame size might play a role in how fitting your messenger bag can be. Some will be designed for those who are of average height and size while some might be considered just right for big and tall users.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best tactical messenger bag, you can find one using the list above. Be sure it’s something that will give you a lot of storage and has the longevity to get you through so many applications or when you need to use it in an urgent situation. No matter how you use it, you’ll have a bag that you can rely on when you need the right kind of tools and equipment. 

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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