As the name implies, tactical messenger bags originated as a secure and reliable item for carrying important messages . Spacious and practical, this type of messenger bag helped carriers transport letters over remarkable distances. In addition, this reinforced bag provided toughness and durability enough to prevent its contents from becoming damaged during these grueling travels.
Today, these bags have not changed in concept. However, they have expanded their uses and enhanced their capabilities, resulting in efficient ways to carry your most important and sensitive belongings, including your concealed carry gun. If this interests you, keep on reading to find out about the best products of this kind.
Modern messenger bags are a safer and smarter alternative to regular carry bags. Practical, functional and versatile, these bags can help make your life easier. If you want something a little more advanced and to use as a survival pack then take a look at the Seventy2 Survival System Review.
Additionally, they are designed to keep your cargo intact. More than that, however, this type of messenger bag makes it possible for you to carry a concealed weapon without worrying about implicit danger, theft or other negative outcomes.
The Best Tactical Messenger Bag Reviews
1. SOG Responder Bag
Originally designed for enforcement and military activities, this CCW messenger bag is efficient, practical and incredibly tough. Even more than that, it provides almost immediate access to your concealed carry weapon. Due to these characteristics, the item has become popular among outdoor adventure, hunting and extreme sports enthusiasts. Padded and ergonomic, this bag is also comfortable enough to be carried through difficult terrains with ease.
In addition to providing various quick-access pockets for carrying gear and guns, the SOG Responder Bag includes several pockets that are perfect for ammunition of various different types. Located in the perfect position, these external pockets are easy to reach without looking. Apart from being easy to reach, these pockets are spacious enough to carry up to six AR magazines each. Zippered and secured by hook-and-loop closures, these pockets are safe and reliable.
On the inside, the SOG Responder Bag features several MOLLE channels that can help you keep a variety of accessories organized and ready to be used. Additionally, this messenger bag features a belt attachment point that can help it keep itself stable and secure against your body. As if all that wasn’t enough, the bag has adjustable shoulder straps with quick-release buckles, making this bag incredibly easy and quick to put on and take off.
2. The 5.11 Tactical Push Pack
If you are looking for a messenger bag that’ll easily blend in with a more casual style, look no further. Ergonomic, comfortable and fully adjustable, the 5.11 Tactical Push Pack can make your life easier (and safer) without hindering your style. Even better, due to its casual, sleek and subtle style, it won’t make you stand out too much.
In terms of efficiency and practicality, the 5.11 Tactical Push Pack is up there with the best. It features a spacious main compartment that is large enough to carry most objects comfortably and without hiccups. Additionally, it has a smaller top compartment and two large side pockets that can be expanded if needed. Unfortunately, however, this bag does not have extra pockets for ammunition.
Compact and specifically designed to be carried waist side, the 5.11 Tactical Push Pack is, without a doubt, comfortable and ergonomic. Apart from adapting to the shape of your body, this messenger bag allows you to access its contents quickly and effectively. In addition, due to its padding, it does not produce strain or pressure that could result in injuries over time.
3. CONDOR EDC Bag
Condor Outdoor Products is a manufacturer that has been creating tactical and specialized gear for over 20 years. It’s no wonder, then, that this messenger bag by Condor Outdoor Products is one of the best of its kind. Despite having a compact and unassuming design, this bag is incredibly practical and efficient. Additionally, with a multitude of smartly-placed pockets, it can help you carry a range of the most coveted survival essentials that you can pull out immediately if needed.
In order to help you organize your things conveniently, this CCW messenger bag features a double-zippered main compartment with internal sleeves. What’s more, it has a front compartment with internal sleeves and elastic loops, allowing you to keep your most useful items well-organized and at hand. As if all that wasn’t enough, the CONDOR EDC Bag has various secret pockets, even including a specialized concealment pocket with a hook and loop panel, enabling you to get your gun quickly and efficiently whenever it’s needed.
Apart from being practical and efficient, this tactical messenger bag is remarkably comfortable and ergonomic. Its shoulder straps are padded and wide enough not to produce strain or pain over time. Even better, the entire bag is adjustable, making it easier for you to make it your own. Despite being comfortable and lightweight, however, the CONDOR EDC Bag is very tough and durable. Made of high-quality fabric and triple-stitched, the bag is capable of withstanding a lot without breaking or falling apart.
4. Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack
Featuring a multi-functional design meant for carrying a variety of accessories, this tactical messenger bag is nothing if not practical. Large and spacious, it can carry all your tactical and personal belongings in addition to a concealed carry weapon. Purposefully designed, each of its pockets and pouches can help you carry a specific type of item. Even more than that, all the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack’s pockets were created for easy and quick access.
While its design is subtle, the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack is remarkably complex when it comes to compartmental organization and distribution. As a matter of fact, it can be said that this messenger bag can be a bit too complex in its design, making it difficult to know what pocket to reach into at any given time. However, after some practice and with the right organizational skills, this should stop being a problem. At any rate, the bag does have some hits when it comes to pocket and pouch placement. For example, its side compartment for water bottles is perfect.
While not the toughest or more resistant, the fabric that this messenger bag is made of does its job well. However, it’s not as well-suited as others when it comes to intense activities such as outdoor adventures and professional strategic operations. In the end, however, regular people who want to transport their personal belongings and defense equipment safely throughout the day will love this item’s casualness, practicality and comfort.
5. Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack
If you are looking for a messenger bag that is versatile enough to be used in a variety of contexts and situations, this may be the right product for you. Somehow compact and yet spacious, the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack is a good choice for those who need to carry various different items with no specific order. Made of a tough and durable fabric, it can withstand a daily or semi-daily use. Additionally, its design is so reduced that it can even be carried under certain types of clothing.
Without a doubt, this messenger bag is among the most stylish ones on the market. Coming in a variety of colors, the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack can be adapted into a variety of looks. As a result, it won’t stand out too much at any given time, allowing you to carry a concealed gun (or anything else) without anyone becoming suspicious. As if all that wasn’t enough, it features enough straps, handles and modular attachment points to help you carry a variety of accessories and gadgets.
This messenger bag is not only made of 1000 Denier Nylon but also reinforced. Additionally, its Duraflex buckles and hardware provide a kind of toughness and durability that is rarely seen in this type of item. Taking all that into account, it can be said that the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack is a great choice for urban and casual carriers.
Common Messenger Bag Materials
Leather
If you are looking for a material that conveys toughness while also looking cool and elegant, leather is the way to go. Apart from being incredibly durable and resistant, leather bags are stylish and they provide enough space to keep all your essentials organized and protected.
The only downside of leather bags is that they require more care than regular bags in order to maintain their condition.
Canvas
Practical and lightweight, canvas messenger bags are a good option for students and professionals who prefer a more casual style.
Despite being thin and light, the canvas is a remarkably rugged material, allowing it to resist everyday wear and tear as if it’s nothing. Among other advantages, canvas messenger bags dry quickly and are very easy to clean.
Nylon
Despite not being the most good looking choice available, nylon is a good material that provides an excellent balance between price and quality. While not the most resistant material out there, nylon is durable enough to be taken into consideration.
Additionally, nylon is very easy to clean and maintain.
Other Synthetic Blends
Apart from nylon, there are other synthetic blends that provide similar benefits to leather and canvas. Typically, these materials are tough, durable and resistant to external elements.
Some of them are even treated with water-resistant coatings that extend their durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Differentiates a Messenger Bag From a Backpack?
Without a doubt, messenger bags and backpacks have more things in common than things that set them apart . However, there are some key features that differentiate messenger bags, putting them on their own league.
However, the most notorious one by far is that messenger bags allow you to put objects in and take them out while still wearing it. As a result, these bags allow you to achieve your objectives faster and more efficiently.
For that reason, these bags are better than some of the best edc backpacks whenever you are planning on accessing their contents often throughout your journey. Additionally, they allow you to keep your concealed carry gun at hand at all times.
How Much Weight Can My Messenger Bag Support?
The answer to this question varies according to the brand, model and materials of any particular messenger bag. However, most modern messenger bags are designed to carry large amounts of weight without breaking or becoming deformed.
What Can I Keep In My Messenger Bag?
Of course, only you can determine what items you carry in your messenger bags. However, most of these bags were designed to carry certain items in particular.
Some of the most popular items to keep in your messenger bags are:
- Books and notebooks
- Laptops
- Letters and documents
- Electronic devices
- Cables and peripherals
- Tupperware
- Money and other valuables
Can I Use My Messenger Bag to Carry My CCW?
The short answer is yes. Given that the contents of a messenger bag can be quickly accessed without taking it off, they are a great option for carrying a concealed gun where you can reach it instantly.
In fact, many people who buy these products are looking for a concealed carry messenger bag specifically. With all that in mind, in this buyer’s guide, we will feature five of the best concealed carry messenger bag products on the market.
Our Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, all the bags featured in this buyer’s guide have merits and are worth looking into. However, after careful consideration, it is clear that the Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack is the best tactical messenger bag on the market.
Spacious, tough, durable and amazingly practical, this messenger bag has everything you need. As a bonus, it’s remarkably useful for concealed carrying a gun.
I’m Nebojša, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience. My writing covers a diverse range of topics, from technology and gaming to app development and automobiles, all while delving into the intricacies of SEO optimization. Beyond the digital realm, I find solace in nature, inherited from my father’s love for the outdoors. His passion for hunting has influenced me, adding another layer to my appreciation for the natural world.