Waterfield Designs Executive Leather Messenger review: Professional practicality
iMore - September 8, 2019
“When you want to make a statement with your laptop bag, look no further.”
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Device-specific
Fits Apple's M4 MacBook Pro lineup
Handcrafted from full-grain leather, this classic messenger bag has modern features for today’s digital lifestyle: padded laptop and tablet compartments and ample pockets for storing tech gear.
Materials:
Dimensions & Weight:
14.25” (l) x 2.75”-3” (w) x 10.5” (h); 3.25 lbs.
36.19 (l) x 6.98-7.62 (w) x 26.67 (h) cm; 1.47 kg
Volume: 7.5 liters
15” (l) x 3.25”-3.5” (w) x 12” (h); 3.5 lbs.
38.1 (l) x 8.25 (w) x 30.48 (l) cm; 1.58 kg
Volume: 10.5 liters
The Executive Leather Messenger Bag is available in two sizes each with a built-in padded compartment for laptops and tablets. The following devices can fit in these sizes:
Compact - Laptop Compartment fits devices up to 14.09" x 9.7"
Compact - Tablet Compartment fits devices up to 13" x 8.75"
Full - Laptop Compartment fits devices up to 14.25" x 9.75"
Full - Tablet Compartment fits devices up to 13.5" x 8.5"
Was looking for a messenger style sling to replace something that was broken. Something I could use daily for work and for short business trips to carry my laptop, papers and other random things. It was very hard to find something that looked and felt right and that I knew would last a long time. This bag totally fit the bill and after I got it you can tell right away it has all the hallmarks of a well crafted and well thought out bag. It’s also beautiful. The only reasons I have rated 4/5 stars are:
- I ordered the full size bag thinking it would be more useful but it actually turned to be much larger than I thought (much larger than my last bag which admittedly was a tad too small), which is fine except it feels slightly cumbersome and the extra dimension is slightly less useful - ie it’s taller than I would have expected and it’s not like I am stacking things up inside the bag I don’t have taller skinny things to put in it. It also makes the bag a bit heavier and the flap is less convenient to open and close bc it’s larger. I haven’t seen or felt the smaller version but I feel that would have been a better fit for my build.
- very minor comment but the strap feels a bit thinner / nylon-y than I would have expected - my expectation here though is based purely on my prior bag which had a thicker cotton weave type of strap that felt sturdier and didn’t chafe. Meaning for this bag I feel like I need to have the leather shoulder guard on in the right spot otherwise that strap could cut into my neck or whatever it is touching.
Beautiful messenger bag! Great design and beautifully built!
Honestly, spent months looking for the perfect bag. Found a YouTube video talking about water field designs and I can’t say enough how happy I am that I purchased this. It’s a perfect addition to be able to grab a laptop and run on the go quickly and light with all the functionality you expect.
Just received my new Executive Leather Messenger bag and love it!
The quality of the bag is amazing. Obvious care went into the design and construction. The simple movement of the handle towards the back of the back does amazing work for the balance of the weight against the flap; a small but very appreciated bit of ingenuity.
Pay careful attention to the measurement of the laptop pouch; the thickness of your computer will affect its fit and even a quarter inch will make the difference. The provided measurements are very accurate!
iMore - September 8, 2019
“When you want to make a statement with your laptop bag, look no further.”
![]()

The All-Leather Collection brings together premium full-grain leather designs that balance refined style, everyday functionality, and rugged dependability. Each bag is built to last, with smart details that make everyday carry easier. Check out the full collection.
The authentic, full-grain leather we use to make the Executive Leather Messenger is absolutely beautiful. See it, touch it, and you'll be hooked.
The distressed leather develops a beautiful patina, and your bag will age well as the years roll by.
We usually recommend not doing anything to the full-grain leather of your bag, letting it develop it's own beautiful patina over time. However, you may want to freshen it up a bit with a leather conditioner. The leather may darken a bit, so test the reaction first on a spot that's not highly visible, like the bottom of the bag. For the distressed leather that we use, you can also spread the oils around and smooth them out a bit with heat from a hair dryer.
We're proud to offer American-made gear built for the long haul. All our products are designed and made in our San Francisco workshop, where rent is high, labor expensive, and competition intense. We wouldn't go anywhere else.
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