ashenNot so long ago we talked about the best travel wallets to secure your travel essentials. While those are all great options to keep your mind at ease while traveling, some travelers tend to be overly secure and that satisfies them. Therefore a crossbody bag for travel serves a far greater purpose than travel wallets for travelers of this nature. Which is why in this post we will present some of the best crossbody bags built for travel and you can choose the one optimized for your needs.
Another reason that people tend to pick a crossbody travel bag apart from security, is the added convenience and stylishness. Nowadays you get designer crossbody bags for travel, leather and nylon made bags and much more. Every tourist definitely possesses a carry-on, large or medium size luggage and a backpack or duffel bag. However, who doesn’t like to keep your luggage as lightweight as possible? Although duffel bags are lightweight they aren’t as convenient as crossbody bags. The perfect example for a crossbody bag utilization is when you are going on city tours and you only want to carry your essentials. In which case backpacks can be a bit too much.
How To Choose A Proper Crossbody Bag For Travel
As we have already mentioned, the selections are vast and extensive for these types of bags. But just like any other travel luggage, there are a few criteria that you need to look into other than fancy looks; Since we are all looking for items that are durable and worth the value, here are some of the crucial facts to keep in mind when selecting a proper crossbody bag for travel.
Material
The vital aspect of any type of luggage. A variety of materials are used for these bags such as Nylon, Leather, Denim and Neoprene. Also it is better to have a water resistant bag just for enhanced protection of electronic items. You don’t want a bag whose structure is deformed after a few rounds of use or the shoulder straps to fray and have thread hanging out. Of course the build material is focused thoroughly in our selections so that you don’t end up with a trashed product.
Security
Remember the RFID feature of travel wallets? well now they have it in crossbody travel bags as well, just for the high end ones though. Nevertheless most of these bags integrate many security features such as lockable compartments, abrasion and slash resistant material and hidden pockets that aren’t easily accessible. You should be particularly concerned about this feature, mostly if you are traveling in crowded areas with congestion.
Weight
Lightweight is everyone’s choice without a second thought. Your camera gear and accessories are already adding weight. Maybe a water bottle to supplement it too. Therefore since these are essentials that you cannot abandon, you are definitely better off with a lightweight bag. The important thing to keep in mind is that no matter how light weight it is, the security should not be compromised.
Straps And Other Features
Adjustable straps are commonly found even in the cheapest bag, yet you should keep an eye out for it. With your outer clothing and for added security, you might want to change the bag placement. As for extra features, it is always wise to choose a bag with internal compartments to keep your valuables separated and secure. And these pockets are found inside and well as outside.
Comfort
Goes hand in hand with the weight. Remember the major reasons for buying a crossbody bag for travel. It’s because we don’t want to burden our shoulders with straps of backpacks that cause major discomfort. Therefore no matter which high class brand you choose or how good the bag looks, it is useless if it isn’t comfortable. Padded straps, if not adjustable straps are the go to option here.
Alright, with these features in mind let’s mark out the best crossbody bag for travel that suits you!
Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Travel Bag
- Cotton & Canvas material
- RFID technology, slash resistant stainless steel panels
- Removable straps
- 3 x 11.5 x 9.5 inches and 10.4 ounces
- Unisex
An all rounder crossbody bag with multiple colors for both Men and Women. Fashion and functionality well balanced along with a few other vitals. The Travelon motto is “If you are watching your bag … you can’t see the world in front of you.” Which is why they have constructed this bag complete with all the security features along with the functional straps and pockets along with the style. The fabric is water and dirt resistant and has a strong zipper closure. The main compartment organizer comes with slip pockets and a zippered RFID pocket. Also you get front and rear zippered pockets for more storage and some versions also feature a water bottle compartment on the side.
The outstanding feature of the Travelon bag is it’s security measures. They call it the 5-Point Anti-Theft Security System. Starting with lock down straps that allow you to literally chain your bag to an object. Next are the lockable compartments and slash-resistant mesh barrier in all 4 sides of the bag. Finally the slash- resistant straps that encloses stainless steel wire and the RFID integrated pockets. What’s more, the bags have a premium design for fashionable travelers, vibrant and vivid to suit most cloth combinations. A good price tag for the durability, lightweight, functionality and security provided.
Pacsafe Metrosafe Shoulder Bag
- Premium quality Nylon
- 13.8″H x 10.2″W x 4.3″D and 1.18lbs
- High quality Anti-theft design
- Well organized interior
A bit more expensive than the Travelon Anti-Theft, the Pacsafe Metrosafe bag features the same functionality and design features though a bit bigger. This bag can even hold a 11 inch Laptop for that matter. The anti-theft measures are designed as follows; An RFID blocking pocket, Cut Proof Material with lockable zippers and eXomesh lining. It is a lightweight, stainless steel wire which is also flexible that runs through your gear and prevents slashing through and stealing your gear. There is also the turn & lock security hook to attach your bag securely to any object.
Additional security is integrated by the lockabout security clip and smart zipper security so that no thief can get close to your belongings. In terms of storage the Pacsafe includes 2 lockable zipper compartments, 2 padded sleeves, 2 zipper interior pockets and 2 side pockets for water bottles. The strap is adjustable from 12.2″ to 29.5″. Colors include black and tweed gray. The only downside is that the RFID pocket is a bit small so you cannot store all your electronic documents here. Recommended as a best cross body bag for travel in Europe because you can dodge security checks because this isn’t a backpack.
Small Canvas Sling Bag
- Canvas material
- 10 X 7 X 16 inches / weighs 1.4lb
- Durable, Lightweight and water resistant
- Multi application
A great option for a small crossbody bag for travel. Since we are only concerned about travel. However this bag serves multi purposes and can be used in day to day life as a chest bag and even a practical backpack though smaller in size. Extremely fashionable with more than 25 colors for you to choose from, thereby appropriate for both Men and Women. The zippered and adjustable straps make it really convenient for the placement of the bag according to your nature of travel. You can even set it as a two-strap backpack. Inside is spacious enough for gadgets, water bottles, books and even a tablet and is easily accessible.
Canvas material is durable, lightweight, water-resistant and abrasion resistant integrated with high quality zippers and brass fittings. You also get a one easy-reach hidden anti-theft pocket. As for customer reviews, almost everyone seems to adore this bag mainly because of it’s multi purpose functionality. They use it as a shoulder bag, chest bag, daypack etc. Large enough for airplane travel essentials, great for day hiking trips because of the perfect weight distribution and it can hold quite a lot of things inside.
Charlotte Crossbody Bag
- Dimensions: 3 x 10.5 x 8 inches; Weight: 11.22 Ounces
- Lightweight and Water resistant
- RFID blocking
- Multiple pockets
- Stylish and Practical
Some of us prefer large crossbody bags for travel. Maybe because of the items we carry that require a bit more space. The Charlotte crossbody bag is one such large bag that can host a lot of accessories. Has 2 zippered outside pockets, 3 interior credit card slots, and a quick-access phone pocket. The strap is adjustable so that you can have the customized fitting for you.
A good stylish crossbody travel bag for fashionable Women alone. The interior is well organized and sorted out and although the bag is larger than the typical Women’s bag, it isn’t particularly heavier. Some customers praise it as an overall functional, stylish and elegant bag that holds your essentials while a few complain about the strange pocket placement and relatively smaller size.
AmeriBag Small Classic
- Dimensions 17″ x 9″ x 6″
- Neoprene-lined strap
- Water resistant and durable
The AmeriBag classic can be distinguished as one of the best men’s crossbody bags for travel. It’s well built and minimalistic. The interior is well organized with a water bottle pocket, pen sleeve, and four slide pockets. The specialty about this bag is its unique, ergonomic design that contours to the curve of your spine, thereby distributing the weight evenly through your back. This way it also reduces the tension and stress on your shoulders and neck. This hands-free bag is suitable not only for travel but also for commuting, hiking, day trips, sight-seeing etc.
Well organized interior, versatile and secure. AmeriBag has been a leader in the handbag industry for over 20 years and is popular internationally for their Healthy Back Bag tote. According to the customers the bag is very roomy, stylish, functional and well designed especially the pocket placement. Although some found it too small to stash all their essentials. Nonetheless almost every customer praises the teardrop design which ensures no stress to your back, shoulders and neck because of it’s perfect alignment with the back.
Baggallini Everywhere bagg
- Nylon material
- RFID blocking
- Stylish and Practical
- Variety of color choices
- Machine Washable
- 9” x11” x 5”, 1lbs
For travelers who prefer really lightweight Cross Body bags for travel this can be the best pick for them. Also the bag is easily cleanable, where you can wipe off stains quickly. Despite it’s bigger size the bag is lightweight as it gets, the material is durable and water resistant and the strap adjustable. The interior is well designed to hold your essentials separately while having them sorted out for easy access. Another handy feature is the quick access phone pocket that is capable of even fitting plus size phones.
Although it is categorized as a Women’s bag, a variety of colors are available making it an idle choice for Men as well. Baggallini is famous for their premium well designed nylon handbags that prioritizes organization and functionality. The removable purse is another thoughtful addition here that supplements the package. There is also a sleeve for the luggage handle so that the bag remains secure. The only downside is the expensive price compared to other bags.
Lewis N. Clark Crossbody Bag
- Plenty of anti-theft features
- Nylon material
- Ample interior space and pockets
- Portable and Lightweight
- 10.5 in x 8.5 in x 3.5 in, 1lbs
Another multi-functional Nylon cross body bag for travel. Usable as a backpack, crossbody bag, or shoulder bag. The external nylon material is durable, water resistant, abrasion resistant and lightweight. As for security the bag contains anti-slash adjustable shoulder strap containing internal stainless-steel cable, Slash resistant panels for the most vulnerable areas of the bag and RFID protection for the card slots. The straps and handle are easy to grip and extremely comfortable.
Contains an Internal zip pocket, passport and key pockets. Exterior locking pocket for phone and plenty of interior space. This bag is specifically for the traveler who values functionality over style and fashion. Therefore if you are looking for something more stylish, perhaps this isn’t the best choice. The customers are very pleased with the bag although they think that it could use a few more tweaks. Such as an outside non security pocket, an attached key leash for compartments etc.
Summary
These are our best picks for crossbody travel bags. As far as we are concerned the list contains Men’s and Women’s crossbody bags for travel, both stylish, functional in different budgets. Make sure to check out the criteria we mentioned at the beginning of the post when sorting one out for you. Also take proper care of them while traveling to make them last longer. We hope this post was both informative and helpful for you who are looking to purchase a good crossbody bag for travel.
