Best Custom Messenger Bags for Employee Onboarding

The best onboarding messenger bag is a medium, office-friendly bag with a comfortable strap, secure closure, and a clean front logo placement that looks professional in day-one photos.

messenger bags

Top recommendations (choose the “right kind” of messenger bag)

1. Best overall for office + hybrid hires: Medium messenger with padded sleeve + zip closure

• Why it works: feels useful immediately (commute, laptop/tablet, essentials)
• Print approach: simple, high-contrast logo on the front flap/panel

1. Best for premium executive onboarding: Canvas-style messenger with bold logo

• Why it works: elevated feel; reads like a personal bag, not a giveaway
• Watch-out: avoid tiny tagline text on textured fabric

1. Best for roles carrying heavier gear: Backpack instead of messenger

• Why it works: comfort + capacity for devices, accessories, and commuting

1. Best for “welcome kit handoff” simplicity (alternative): Tote bag for paperwork-heavy kits

• Why it works: open capacity for handbooks, folders, and swag bundles

Good / Better / Best table (onboarding fit)

What to print (onboarding design rules)

Onboarding items live on desks and show up in internal photos. Print for “professional and repeatable,” not novelty.

• Use a clean logo lockup. One mark, minimal text.
• Prefer high contrast. Avoid tone-on-tone that disappears indoors.
• Place the logo where it stays visible: front flap or front panel.
• If adding personalization (optional): keep it minimal (first name or department) and avoid tiny font sizes.
• Avoid cluttering with slogans. Onboarding gifts are meant to feel timeless.

Still deciding bag format or materials?

• Messenger vs backpacks:
• Polyester vs canvas: 

Quantity planning (onboarding math + buffer rules)

Onboarding is predictable use that to reduce waste.

Baselines

• One per hire is the default.
• Add 5–10% buffer for:
• late additions
• role/team changes
• replacement needs (rare but real)

If onboarding is monthly or quarterly

• Order per cohort with buffer instead of annual bulk, unless storage is easy and branding won’t change.

If you run “remote-first” onboarding

• Choose a bag that packs flat and ships cleanly; keep the imprint simple so it remains broadly appropriate across teams.

Event operations (distribution, remote shipping, and day-one experience)

• In-person day-one: bags should be easy to hand out and look good immediately—avoid models that arrive overly creased.
• Remote shipping: messenger bags are bulkier than smaller swag; keep add-ons lightweight and protect the bag’s front imprint zone.
• Role alignment: if a portion of hires carry heavier daily loads, consider splitting:
• messenger bag standard

Build a kit (high-utility onboarding bundles)

A messenger bag is the “container.” Keep the contents practical and not too heavy.

• Work essentials
• Custom portfolios (paperwork, notebook): 
• Lanyards & ID badge holders (if needed): 
• Tech utility
• Custom power banks: 
• Daily routine add-ons

Mistakes to avoid (onboarding-specific)

• Choosing a bag that’s too small for device expectations. If hires carry laptops, don’t guess pick a size/build that supports it.
• Printing low-contrast logos. Office lighting makes subtle prints disappear.
• Overstuffing the kit. Heavy kits make single-strap bags uncomfortable and reduce daily use.
• Using ultra-trendy graphics. Onboarding swag should stay relevant for future cohorts.
• One-size-fits-all when roles differ. If some hires carry more gear, offer the backpack upgrade path.

FAQs

Is a messenger bag a good onboarding gift?

Yes—when it’s office-friendly and sized for what hires actually carry day to day.

What size messenger bag is best for new hires?

Medium is usually the safest choice for general office/hybrid roles.

Should I use messenger bags or backpacks for onboarding?

Messenger bags work well for lighter daily carry and professional vibe; backpacks are better if many hires carry heavier gear.

What should we print on onboarding bags?

A clean logo with high contrast and minimal extra text.

How many should I order per cohort?

One per hire plus a 5–10% buffer is a practical baseline.

Is polyester or canvas better for onboarding?

Polyester is low-maintenance and consistent; canvas can feel more premium. 

What’s a good add-on that doesn’t make the kit too heavy?

Power banks, lanyards, and a travel tumbler are common lightweight additions.

Where should I start shopping?

Start with messenger bag styles here: