Messenger Bag for work

I love Timbuk 2 bags. They're ballistic nylon, so they can be wiped off with the alcohol wipes you use to wipe down counters, and they've got a ton of little pockets for keeping things in. I swear by them. Plus, if you're really so inclined, you can custom make your own on their website, Timbuk2 Bags - Timbuk2.

Timbuk2 Bags - Classic Messenger 2010 - Ballistic Fabric

This one, in a small. You really don't need much more than that, unless you're hauling a 2 year old child to work every day in your bag. Well... you could maybe get away with a medium. But a large is ridiculous, and an extra large is absurd. I had a large in nursing school and could keep two volumes of med surg books AND my pharm book AND my binders for both classes AND notebooks and never have to take anything out. Now I like to keep my bags smaller so I accumulate less crap.

I love TImBuk2 bags and I highly recommend them! Just don't pick anything smaller than a large. I had mine custom made!

Just from personal experience, I've noticed that while looking really great, the messenger bags tore up my back, especially hauling around big heavy books.
I am currently using a backpack. Theoretically, it puts the strain right on the midline, rather than pulling to the side.

The Healthy Back Bag ( or similar style) is what I have used since 2002.

Healthy Back Bags Sale - Quality Back Bags For Your Back At Low Price:

otessa

How are you managing without a bag for so long? I can’t go anywhere without my bag. A messenger bag is a good idea as it’s comfortable to carry and looks pretty nifty slung across your shoulder. See if you like this Briggs & Riley messenger bag? It is professional looking, but in a non-fussy, non-serious sort of way. You can also check out their shopping tote. It’s a little more feminine in style and has tons of space inside for anything you might need to carry to work.