Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger Bag is a simple, stylish way to tote a Surface Pro

By Daniel Rubino
last updated

Need a customized Surface bag for a day trip to the coffee shop? The Collins Messenger Bag for Surface Pro has got you covered.

Back in 2016, I reviewed the Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger Bag for the Surface Pro 4. Recently, when I stopped by my local Microsoft Store, I noticed a new model of the bag (#1974), and I was surprised to see a bunch of new upgrades and smaller changes.

In case you missed it, I think the Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger Bag is one of the nicest, best-looking "day bags" for the Surface Pro, Surface Book 2 (13-inch), or any laptop that is 14-inches or smaller.

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It's light, slim, looks great, and has just enough pockets for a day out to the coffee shop or friend's house.

With a dedicated pocket for stylus and Surface Pen, and even a specific pocket for the Surface Arc Mouse, the Collins is not some generic PC bag, but a customized Surface accessory. That makes it somewhat unique, and at a price around $60 (though sometimes much lower), it won't break the bank.

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Check out my new video review of the Collins bag and let me know what you think.

Buyer's note: It's not clear from online retailers if they are selling the new model for 2018 featured here or the older one that I reviewed in 2016. Make sure to check before buying, or, if you live near a Microsoft Store walk in and get one there.

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

12 Comments
  • That may actually be the ugliest bag ever made.  Which is saying something.
  • Find a better vertical messenger bag for Surface and I'll take a look. Go!
  • There is a vertical messenger from sfbags.com I've considered purchasing.  Probably price prohibitive for most, but I wouldn't mind seeing a review :)  
  • Search the site for Waterfield
  • https://www.windowscentral.com/waterfields-new-field-muzetto-bag-could-b... That's the one.
  • Everyone has a different taste.
  • Looks like a Purse
  • Was "tote" a verb all along? First time I heard it used like that.
  • It only depends on your vocabulary.
  • Ugly really? Love it and the price
  • With space for a phone and chargers, this is a great way to carry your Surface.
  • is there any real way to check prior to purchasing from Amazon other than contacting the seller directly? Edit: I've noticed that it says the Item Model Number is 19730. I saw 1974 mentioned in the article, so I'm guessing maybe the Amazon link is for the older bag?