I'm talking a REAL messenger, not just a sling. It needs to be able to hold a lot of heavy books and other items. Thans so much!
When I was in college I used an Eddie Bauer messenger that has held up pretty well through the years (my BF now uses it -- it's almost 10yrs old now!). I have also used Timbuk2, though as more of a commuting/work bag and not for school. They are pretty sturdy though so I think it would hold up.
Happy942 -- what kind of Manhattan Portage do you have? I've just ordered the Small DJ but am now thinking that might be too big. I was looking for a utilitarian everyday bag that could hold my staples -- wallet, water bottle, small book, small Moleskines, cell, keys. I was going by dimensions listed online and opted for the Small over the XSmall... I sometimes hate ordering things from online...