Person wearing crossbody messenger bag in brown leather while walking outdoors
Person wearing crossbody messenger bag in brown leather while walking outdoors
Efficient organization helps distribute the load
Efficient organization helps distribute the load
Shinjuku Messenger Bag
Shinjuku Messenger Bag
Available in traditional waxed canvas
Available in traditional waxed canvas
High visibility gold liner
High visibility gold liner
Padded tablet/laptop compartment
Padded tablet/laptop compartment
Expandable water bottle holder
Expandable water bottle holder
Zippered pocket for valuables
Zippered pocket for valuables
Expandable pleated front pocket
Expandable pleated front pocket
Full-grain leather flap with water-resistant zipper
Full-grain leather flap with water-resistant zipper
Water-resistant YKK zipper
Water-resistant YKK zipper
Pleated front pocket under the flap
Pleated front pocket under the flap
1.5'' integrated strap. Full-grain leather handle.
1.5'' integrated strap. Full-grain leather handle.
Full Size in Waxed Canvas
Full Size in Waxed Canvas
Three sizes — Compact, Full, 16-Inch
Three sizes — Compact, Full, 16-Inch
Sizes are based on size of device
Sizes are based on size of device
In Waxed Canvas or Ballistic Nylon
In Waxed Canvas or Ballistic Nylon
Brown Waxed Canvas + Chocolate Leather
Brown Waxed Canvas + Chocolate Leather
Navy Waxed Canvas + Chocolate Leather
Navy Waxed Canvas + Chocolate Leather
Ballistic Nylon + Black Leather
Ballistic Nylon + Black Leather
Ballistic Nylon + Chocolate Leather
Ballistic Nylon + Chocolate Leather
Person wearing crossbody messenger bag in brown leather while walking outdoors
Efficient organization helps distribute the load
Shinjuku Messenger Bag
Available in traditional waxed canvas
High visibility gold liner
Padded tablet/laptop compartment
Expandable water bottle holder
Zippered pocket for valuables
Expandable pleated front pocket
Full-grain leather flap with water-resistant zipper
Water-resistant YKK zipper
Pleated front pocket under the flap
1.5'' integrated strap. Full-grain leather handle.
Full Size in Waxed Canvas
Three sizes — Compact, Full, 16-Inch
Sizes are based on size of device
In Waxed Canvas or Ballistic Nylon
Brown Waxed Canvas + Chocolate Leather
Navy Waxed Canvas + Chocolate Leather
Ballistic Nylon + Black Leather
Ballistic Nylon + Chocolate Leather
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Shinjuku Messenger Bag

 

The perfect messenger for urban exploration.

Inspired by the fast-paced Tokyo lifestyle, the slim, lightweight Shinjuku Messenger Bag helps you easily navigate crowded streets and subways. A padded compartment secures your tech, and extra pockets keep necessities organized and easy to access. Available in three sizes to fit different devices. Available in traditional waxed canvas or modern ballistic nylon.

Materials:

  • 15 oz. Waxed Canvas or 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon.
  • Full-grain leather accents.
  • More details here

Dimensions & Weight:

  • Compact:

    11.5” (l) x 2” (w) x 10” (h);  1.7 lbs (canvas), 1.35 lbs (Ballistic Nylon).
    29.21 (l) x 5.08 (w) x 25.4 (h) cm; 771 gm (canvas), 612 gm (Ballistic Nylon). 
    Volume: 3.6 liters

  • Full:

    15” (l) x 2.5” (w) x 11” (h);  2.15 lbs (canvas), 1.75 lbs (Ballistic Nylon).
    38.1 (l) x 6.35 (w) x 27.94 (h) cm; 975 gm (canvas), 794 gm (Ballistic Nylon). 
    Volume: 6.8 liters

  • 16-Inch:

    17” (l) x 3.5” (w) x 12” (h);  2.25 lbs (canvas), 1.85 lbs (Ballistic Nylon).
    43.18 (l) x 8.89 (w) x 30.48 (h) cm; 1020.6 gm (canvas), 840 gm (Ballistic Nylon). 
    Volume: 10.2 liters

Read More Read Less
  • 1.5'' Nylon shoulder strap with optional shoulder pad to lighten heavier loads.
  • Full-grain leather trimmed front flap closes via magnets.
  • Main compartment includes a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet and a zippered pocket.
  • Pleated pocket under the bag's front flap can expand to accommodate loose gear.
  • Two finger pockets inside the front pleated pocket, one of which includes a key tether.
  • Gold, water-resistant liner adds better visibility of contents.
  • Stretchy, interior pocket holds up to a 3-inch diameter water bottle and retracts when not in use.
  • Comfortable, leather quick-grab handle.
  • Comes in two sizes to best fit your needs. 
Read More Read Less

Your Shinjuku Messenger Bag includes a padded compartment for storing your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, iPad Mini and other similarly-sized devices. It protects your tech from the rest of the items in your bag. 


The Compact Size fits :

  • 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard
  • 11" iPad Air with Magic Keyboard
  • iPad Mini
  • other similarly-sized devices

The Full Size fits: 

  • 13" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard
  • 13" iPad Air with Magic Keyboard
  • 13" MacBook Air
  • 14" MacBook Pro
  • other similarly-sized devices

The 16-inch Size fits:

  • 16" MacBook Pro
  • 14" MacBook Pro
  • 15'' MacBook Air
  • 13'' MacBook Air
  • 13" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard
  • 13" iPad Air with Magic Keyboard
  • other similarly-sized devices
Read More Read Less
  • Domestic: USPS & FedEx. Details.
  • International: 4-5 business day delivery. Country duty/tax calculated at Checkout. Details. 

Customer Reviews

Based on 95 reviews
93%
(88)
4%
(4)
2%
(2)
0%
(0)
1%
(1)
K
Karsten P. (California, United States)
Almost perfect for me

Fits my needs extremely well. Whether it's my weekday commute, or weekend strolls, it fits just enough to carry everything I need, while still being light and compact enough to never be in the way. Materials are great, I love that its offered in leather in canvas for a more natural look. Also love that the only dedicated feature is the water bottle pocket, which is out of the way if not needed, but keeps the bottle from sloshing around when it's in the bag. I'm still trying to figure out where to stash my Clipper Card, but maybe I'll put a zinger on the key clip for that purpose.

I do wish there was an accompanying travel bag in canvas/leather that doesn't replicate features of this bag. Having a duffle or backpack or rolling bag that are just a big cavity in the same style without any frills would be great. The existing larger Waterfield bags all have a lot of overlap with this, but since this already covers all my electronics/camera/water bottle/paper needs, all I really need in addition for travel is a simple larger bag to put clothes and shoes into.

I
I.C. (Singapore)
Beautiful & Practical Shinjuku Messenger Bag

This is an absolutely awesome bag! Love the usability and practicality of the design.

G
Gregor S. (Vienna, Austria)
Amazing for everyday work

Perfectly crafted, holds all my essentials needed for doing my job in Software development and the leather flap is a luxury touch that will gain personality over time. The waxed canvas body feels sturdy and has some nice weight to it. Overall a 10 out of 10. Thanks Gary!

I
Ian R. (Toyama, Japan)
Simple, Practical, and Well Built

Simply put, the best bag I've ever had -- excellent quality, perfect size, and stylish. Highly recommended!!

D
Donna R. (Pennsylvania, United States)
Waxed canvas and leather messenger bag

This was a gift for my son, who chose the bag. He is very pleased with it. Just what he needed.

123
Review: WaterField Shinjuku Messenger Bag

Review: WaterField Shinjuku Messenger Bag

WIRED - June 17, 2024

“WaterField’s purpose-built iPad messenger bag is spacious and water-resistant, and will keep your precious new iPad safe in style.”

Rating: 9/10

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Shinjuku Messenger Bag by WaterField

Handheld Gaming Community - March 11, 2025

“The Shinjuku makes a striking first impression with its sleek, minimalist aesthetic that somehow manages to look both professional and ready for adventure.”

Handheld Gaming Community Rating: 9 out of 10

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Every Day Carry: Weekend - The Bag: Shinjuku Messenger Bag

Basic Apple Guy - July 8, 2024

“my bag of choice has been the Shinjuku Messanger Bag by Waterfield Designs.”

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Waterfield Shinjuku messenger bag review – a ruggedly handsome bag

The Gadgeteer - June 26, 2024

“The Waterfield Shinjuku messenger bag takes its styling from the fast-paced Tokyo lifestyle while using waxed canvas and leather to give it rugged good looks.”

Rating: 9/10

Design details

GO BALLISTIC

 

Ballistic Nylon is a resilient textile that blends durability, lightness, and weather-resistance. Its sleek, understated aesthetic makes it an ideal choice for the Shinjuku Messenger, a bag designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIELD TESTED

 

Gary field-tested the compact size Shinjuku Messenger Bag in its namesake neighborhood in Tokyo. In it, he carried his jacket, a water bottle, and various travel necessities. 

 

The bag did not disappoint. It was so comfortable and lightweight, that Gary never felt the need to take it off, even when slurping ramen in jam-packed food stalls. 

 

 


 

SHINJUKU COLLECTION

 

Inspired by the vibrant, fast-paced Tokyo neighborhood, the Shinjuku Collection is designed to help you nimbly navigate your way through crowds. These stylish bags are compact, lightweight, and comfortable to carry.

 

Crafted from traditional Waxed Canvas or modern Ballistic Nylon with full-grain leather accents and premium hardware, these bags are made to last. 


 

CARING FOR YOUR LEATHER BAG
 

The full-grain leather panel on your Shinjuku Messenger bag will develop a beautiful patina over time. We usually recommend leaving it alone and letting it age naturally, but you may want to freshen it up a bit with a leather conditioner from time to time. If so, the leather may darken a bit, so test the reaction first on a spot that's not highly visible.  

 

For the distressed chocolate leather that we use, you can spread the oils around and smooth them out a bit with heat from a hair dryer. Although the leather care video is of another bag, the same process is true for your Shinjuku Messenger bag.

 

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