Messenger Bags & Shoulder Bags
Our messenger bags and shoulder bags take their shapes from military field gear: paratrooper bags, map cases, medic bags and engineers bags, updated for laptops, notebooks and daily carry. The collection is made by Rothco in canvas, leather and tactical polyester.
Military surplus styles include the Canvas Paratrooper Messenger Bag, Vintage Canvas Paratrooper Bag, Vintage M-51 Engineers Bag, Canvas M-51 Engineers Field Bag, Vintage Canvas B-15 Pilot Messenger Bag, Air Corps Heavyweight Classic Messenger Bag, Swiss Military Canvas Shoulder Bag and several canvas map case shoulder bags, some with military patches or imprints. Medic-themed options include the Canvas Medic Bag, a vintage medic bag with cross and a classic bag with medic star.
For work and school:
- Vintage Canvas Tech Bag and Brown Leather Military Tech Bag
- Vintage Canvas Pathfinder and Canvas Trailblazer laptop bags
- MOLLE Tactical Laptop Briefcase and Canvas Briefcase Backpack
- Classic Canvas, Brown Leather Classic and Deluxe Vintage Canvas messenger bags
Tactical shoulder bags include the Flexipack MOLLE Tactical Shoulder Bag, Advanced Tactical Crossbody Bag, Compact Tactisling Shoulder Bag, Tactical Traveler Sling Bag, Venturer Survivor Shoulder Bag, MOLLE Compatible Excursion Organizer and the Concealed Carry Messenger Bag. Shoulder duffles and a double-ender sports bag round out the range.
A note for service members: DA PAM 670-1 allows a shoulder bag in uniform on one shoulder, but not with the strap draped diagonally across your body, and the bag must be black or match a color of the authorized camouflage pattern. Most of these canvas and leather messenger bags are off-duty gear.
How to Choose Messenger Bags
A shoulder bag carries everything on one strap, so weight and layout matter more than with a backpack. Decide what has to come with you every day, then pick the size and pocket layout that fit it.
Laptop Messenger Bags vs. Field Bags
If you carry a computer, pick a bag designed for one: the Pathfinder and Trailblazer laptop bags, the tech bags and the MOLLE Tactical Laptop Briefcase. Check the product page for the laptop size it fits. Field-style bags such as the paratrooper, M-51 engineers and map case bags have fewer internal dividers but more room for a jacket, a water bottle, notebooks and tools.
Canvas, Leather or Tactical Polyester Messenger Bags
Canvas messenger bags are light for their size and take patches, pins and stencils well. Brown leather messenger, tech and medic bags take longer to break in and age into a dark patina with conditioning. Tactical polyester bags such as the Flexipack and Advanced Tactical Crossbody add MOLLE webbing for pouches and are easy to wipe clean.
Sling Bags and Crossbody Fit
Sling and crossbody bags are worn diagonally across the chest, which keeps them stable while walking, riding a bike or moving through a crowd. Adjust the strap so the bag sits at the hip or the small of the back, and swing it to the front when you need the main compartment. Keep heavy items toward the bag's back panel.
Messenger Bags for Travel
A shoulder bag makes a practical personal item on a flight. It slides under the seat, opens without taking it off, and keeps a passport, charger, headphones and a book within reach. The Vintage Canvas & Leather Travel Shoulder Bag and Canvas Travel Portfolio Bag with Leather Accents are built with that kind of trip in mind.
Military Shoulder Bags: A Little History
Many of these designs trace back to issued gear. The M-51 engineers bag, the paratrooper bag and the map case were working bags for soldiers who needed tools, documents and maps on hand. That heritage is why they are so durable and why they look right with a field jacket or flannel shirt.
Messenger Bags and Uniform Regulations
Carrying a Shoulder Bag in Army Uniform
DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 20-2b, lets Soldiers carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder with the shoulder strap, or over both shoulders with both straps. It specifically says a Soldier may not wear a shoulder bag with the strap draped diagonally across the body and the bag resting on the opposite hip. That rules out messenger-style and sling carry in uniform. Uniform color rule: in the ACU or Class B, it has to be black or match one of the colors in the authorized camouflage pattern.
Logos and Other Services
AR 670-1 adds that a shoulder bag carried in uniform may not have commercial logos and its contents may not be visible. Bags with red stars, bio-hazard symbols, medic crosses or stenciling are best kept for off-duty wear. Airmen, Guardians, Marines and Sailors should check DAFI 36-2903, MCO 1020.34H or NAVPERS 15665J, and every reader should follow unit policy where it is stricter.