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Messenger bags can handle a lot of abuse. A good messenger bag can help you stay organized, also.

When you're choosing a messenger bag, think about how you're going to use the bag first. Will you be carrying heavy books? Lots of papers? Gadgets?

If you're going to be toting heavy stuff around, you'll want a wide strap. This will keep you from getting a sore shoulder from carrying the bag. The strap style you choose should depend on what you'll put into the bag.

If you're short, make sure you can adjust the strap to fit you. If it won't retract far enough, pick a different bag.

If you're a professional with lots of papers, pens, gadgets, and small personal items, look for a bag with many pockets inside the main compartment. Bags that have small pouches on the outside tend to spill out when you set them down. Make sure pockets that you'll keep important things in have zippers, not open tops.

Many messenger bags have divided compartments. This can be great if you carry files or papers around which you need to keep in order.

As for material, a strong canvas messenger bag will last you almost forever. Get the thickest material you can find, even if it's an off-brand. Check to make sure it's double-stitched with good thread, and that all the zippers, snaps, etc. are working.

You can throw these bags around and scuff them up, and they should stand up well to the abuse.

There are a lot of different colors and sizes of bag out today. Once you've found a good thick bag that's suited to your needs, get a color that will match your clothes. If in doubt, black is always the right color.

I have two messenger bags. One cost me $45 and has been beaten savagely for the last three years without signs of strain. The other cost $120 and began to disintegrate a few months into its (relatively easy) life.

Cost does not determine quality with these bags. Find a well-made bag and it will serve you well, no matter what the price.

Learn more about this author, A.R. Marth.
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