From Bikes to Boardrooms: A History of the Messenger Bag

The concept of a satchel with a shoulder strap dates back centuries. Couriers in ancient times and military dispatch riders used shoulder bags to carry messages and maps while keeping their hands free.

For example, army medics and mounted postal carriers relied on cross-body bags for quick access to documents and supplies. These early utility bags – often made of canvas or leather – proved the functional value of the design. By the 19th and 20th centuries, postal workers around the world were issued mail satchels (similar to today’s messenger bags) to deliver letters on foot or horseback, cementing the shoulder-slung bag as standard courier gear. The very term “messenger bag” itself comes from its association with mail carriers and couriers who wore them while delivering messages.

New York City’s bustling messenger scene in the 1980s played a defining role in shaping messenger bag culture. Thousands of bike messengers zigzagged through Manhattan delivering everything from legal documents to fashion samples. The messenger bag became their trusted companion and symbol, with different companies having distinctive colours.

Durability was key – these bags survived harsh weather, constant strain, and even the occasional crash. The creative messenger subculture (including alleycat street races and messenger hangouts) grew around this tool of the trade, further cementing the messenger bag’s gritty, urban image.

Lifestyle Brands Made Messenger Bags Popular

Several brands were instrumental in popularising the messenger bag to a wider audience during the 1990s. In New York, for example Manhattan Portage (founded 1983 by John Peters, who had worked with De Martini) started selling Cordura nylon messenger bags with its iconic red logo label. By the late ’80s, Manhattan Portage offered everything from heavy-duty courier-grade bags to lighter versions meant as everyday accessories. This made the messenger bag accessible to people who just wanted the look, not necessarily the courier toughness.

The cool thing about Manhattan Portage, is that they’re still selling durable messenger bags today that look great and still feature the iconic red label. You’ve probably already seen a bunch of New Yorkers rocking the Vintage Black Messenger without even realising it.

It’s actually nice to see that the brand hasn't caved to the pressures of today’s economy, with the huge impact of fast fashion. It really makes a difference to have a solid bag that lasts for years.

Check out this awesome article on Imaginomix, for waaaaay more detail on the rich history of messenger bags: They’re Called Messenger Bags for a Reason

From war-time dispatch pouches to bike courier workhorses to a fashion-forward accessory, the messenger bag’s journey reflects a fusion of function and style. Each era and subculture that adopted it – military officers, postal workers, freewheeling bike messengers, skaters, students, business professionals – added something to its mystique.

Yet through all of these evolutions, the core design remained remarkably consistent, a testament to its timeless practicality. Messenger bags today continue to be popular, adapting to new needs (such as padded laptop compartments or sustainable materials) while retaining the iconic cross-body silhouette and casual utility that made them famous. 

In short, the messenger bag has proven to be much more than a trend - it’s now an enduring piece of culture, born out of necessity and made a little more chic by us fashionistas. “I take my work seriously, but I do things my way.”