Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

Some Tips for Choosing a Crossbody Bag

Choose a crossbody that can carry all your travel essentials

While it can be tempting to buy the most fashionable, stylish crossbody bag on the market, it’s very important to keep size in mind for your travel crossbody bag. The bag needs to be large enough to fit all of your essentials (think: phone, keys, passport, other important travel documents). Choosing an option that has additional pockets for organization is also a good idea. 

Make sure your bag is made of durable material and has security features

Bringing your crossbody bag on your travels can put a lot of wear and tear on the material of the bag. When choosing a crossbody, keep the material in mind. Leather is a great, durable option that wears well, but nylon is also practical, especially if you are looking for a water-resistant option. Security features are equally important for travelers concerned with keeping their belongings and identity safe. Lockable zippers are great for securing the contents of your bag, while RFID technology can keep your cards and IDs safe from hackers on the go.

Select one with a comfortable strap

While chain straps and thinner leather straps look elegant, it’s best to choose a crossbody strap that will be more comfortable on your neck and shoulders while traveling. The wider the strap, the less pressure it will put on your neck/shoulder. Several options come with very comfortable straps - look for ones with built-in padding or that are made of a softer material so you can travel effortlessly with your bag.

Best Overall Designer Crossbody Bag: Kate Spade Harlow

Kate Spade's Harlow crossbody bag is an ideal option for all occasions, day or night. The bag is large enough to carry all your essentials on a walking tour but won't feel bulky or heavy on the hip when it’s packed to the brim. The Harlow is made with durable pebbled leather and is very easy to clean.

The bag is also extremely functional. It features a smooth top-zip closure that secures your items. A hidden slip pocket in the front and an interior slip pocket allow you to access smaller items. Overall, this bag is a stylish and sturdy option, with a minimalistic design, that is guaranteed to be your go-to bag. 

Check it out at Kate Spade.

Best Overall Multi-Use Bag: The Tote Bag Marc Jacobs

The Jacquard Small Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs is the perfect option for those looking for a crossbody bag with multiple carrying features. The bag can be carried as a tote using the top handles, a crossbody bag, or a shoulder bag using the removable strap. This is one of Travel Merak's favorite bags.

This bag provides plenty of space to carrying all of your daily essentials, with a zipper closure to ensure your items are secured. The stylish design can take you from the airport straight to the beach or a night out on the town without skipping a beat. The beautiful design of the bag features "The Tote Bag Marc Jacobs" lettering on the front and the woven jacquard fabric keeps you looking stylish no matter the occasion. With the removable crossbody strap and removable tote handles, we really like the versatility of this 3-in-1 bag.

Check it out at Marc Jacobs.

Best Leather Crossbody Bags

Cuyana Double Loop Bag

This Cuyana Double Loop crossbody bag is a beautiful, modern design. The bag’s exterior is made of Italian pebbled leather, while the interior is made of soft suede. We really appreciate that this bag is made at a family-owned factory outside of Pisa, Italy.

The interior is quite spacious and contains a magnetic closure on the flap to help secure your belongings. With two pockets on the side and a back slip pocket, there is plenty of space to pack your travel necessities. The crossbody strap can adjust from 16 inches to 24 inches quickly, allowing you to customize it to your preference and comfort. 

Check it out at Cuyana.

Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag

Marc Jacobs really hit the mark with its Shutter Crossbody Bag. Made with leather of the highest quality, this bag really stands out. It has a unique shape and design, with two zipper closures on the top of the bag. The top of this bag is rounded, giving it a cool vibe compared to traditional square bags.

The zipper closures give access to two separate storage compartments in this bag, allowing you to store travel documents on one side of the bag and your other essentials like phone, keys, and makeup on the other side. The adjustable strap can help convert this crossbody bag into a shoulder bag, and the strap is completely removable for those times you want to use this fun bag as a clutch instead.

Check it out at Amazon.

Best Luxury Crossbody Bags

Louis Vuitton Odeon PM Crossbody Bag

Fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton is the ultimate in luxury handbags. However, with the high cost of these bags comes high quality. Louis Vuitton’s Odeon PM crossbody bag is no exception. Made with the company’s signature high-quality canvas (in two colors), this crossbody bag makes a great option for the stylish traveler. 

The Odeon PM is versatile - the strap is wide (for ultimate comfort) and can be adjusted or removed so the bag has 3 wear options: crossbody, shoulder bag, or clutch carry. The bag has a double zipper closure, an inside pocket, and an outside pocket with a magnetic closure for storing all your essentials. While pricey, this 3-in-1 bag is the ultimate purchase for those looking to splurge. 

Check it out at Louis Vuitton.

Prada Leather Shoulder Bag

Another well known luxury brand, Prada, has been a popular option with fashionistas everywhere for years. Prada was one of the major fashion brands to make the crossbody bag a popular option, with its signature black nylon fabric and design being the go-to crossbody bag for years. Prada has revamped several of its handbag styles and now offers many options in leather, for a more upscale look that can take you from airport to evening attire!

Prada's Leather Shoulder Bag is one of the best crossbody bag options from the brand. The design of this bag allows you to wear it as both a crossbody and shoulder bag, giving you two bags for the price of one. This bag has a spacious design for you to store all of your traveling essentials. The removable leather pouch with a zipper is a great addition to this bag and can be used to store your smaller items. Prada's signature logo is featured on the magnetic flap closure on the front of the bag.

Check it out at Prada.

Best Water Resistant Crossbody Bag

Baggallini Crossbody Bag

If you are looking for a great, water-resistant option, look no further than the Baggallini crossbody bag. This is a lightweight option and has plenty of pockets (both inside and out) to help keep you organized. The crossbody bag also features a pouch with RFID technology to help keep you safe when you’re on the go. 

This Baggallini purse also has an adjustable and removable strap. However, the feature Travel Merak likes the most about this crossbody is the fact that it’s machine washable. Nothing ruins a trip like getting your favorite bag dirty so this option is able to be cleaned quickly! 

Check it out at Amazon.

Best Classic Crossbody Bag

Madewell The Simple Crossbody Bag

This classic Madewell bag is perfect for minimalists. The bag is made from vachetta leather and is designed to look better as the leather ages. A feature we like about this bag is the adjustable shoulder strap that can be removed to convert the bag from a crossbody to a clutch. 

The Simple Crossbody bag has a spacious interior that can hold not only your phone, keys, and wallet, but also has room for pens, makeup, or other travel essentials you might need quick access to. 

Check it out at Madewell.

Best Crossbody Bag with Compartments

Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody

The Micah crossbody bag by Dagne Dover has 3 separate compartments that make organizing your things effortless. Despite all the compartments, this bag is surprisingly light and also water resistant, making it a great addition to your collection of travel bags. 

The interior of this bag has a mesh slip pocket to store your smaller items that are easily lost in other bags. On the exterior, you’ll find a phone pocket with a magnetic closure on the back and a zippered pocket on the front. 

Check it out at Dagne Dover.

Best Anti Theft Crossbody Bag

Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft

This Pacsafe anti-theft convertible crossbody bag is a great option to consider if you are concerned about pickpockets and keeping your valuables safe. Made from RFID blocking material, cut resistant fabric, and lockable zippers, this crossbody has the most sought after features in an anti-theft bag. 

The crossbody bag can expand to a larger size, for those trips where you need just a little bit more space for your stuff. Internal pockets allow you to organize everything you need easily. 

Check it out at Pacsafe.

Most Affordable Crossbody Bag

Lightweight Medium Crossbody Bag with Tassel

Deluxity's Lightweight Medium Crossbody bag is a stylish option that comes in 37 colors, including two-tone options. It retails for a ridiculously low price, which proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a quality travel bag. 

The bag features an exterior zippered pocket and tassels, adding some flair. It also has a zippered main compartment and an interior side pocket to hold any smaller items you don’t want getting lost in the bag. Its slim construction makes it a lightweight and non-bulky option for carrying on your travels. This bag is the perfect size to travel with or pack away in your suitcase when you are not carrying it.

Check it out at Amazon.

Best Crossbody Bags for Moms

Michael Kors Jet Set Large Saffiano Leather Crossbody Bag

While this bag is a bit on the pricy side, the Michael Kors Jet Set Large Saffiano Leather crossbody bag is a great choice for those looking for splurge. This crossbody is the perfect size, especially for moms with older children who don't need mom to carry anything and everything for them. The bag is still quite spacious to carry the essentials for yourself and your kids.

Made with saffiano leather, this crossbody bag is not only a great option for travel but for nights on the town (without the kids). The leather is durable and strong, and the gold-toned hardware makes this bag stand out from the rest. We especially like that the crossbody strap is adjustable and detachable.

Check it out at Michael Kors.

Mominside Diaper Tote Bag

This affordable bag by Mominside is one of the best bags for moms that Travel Merak has found. At only $80, this bag gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The bag can be worn a multitude of ways - as a crossbody, tote bag, and backpack. With detachable backpack straps, you can customize how you carry this bag depending on your needs (and how many hands you have to carry it)!

The bag is made from vegan leather and nylon, making it durable and resistant to any spills (and we know with kids, there are plenty of those). A waterproof changing pad is also included, making it easy to change a diaper on the go. With so many pockets for organization and even dedicated insulated pockets (for milk or formula), this is the perfect bag if you are traveling with children!

Check it out at Amazon.

Best Crossbody for Personalization

Tumi Voyageur Tula Crossbody

This crossbody bag by Tumi is perfect for those who love to personalize their travel gear. The detachable leather key ring can be monogrammed, offering that small touch of personalization. Travel Merak really likes that this Tumi bag comes with Tumi Tracer, a free tracking program that allows you to locate your bag if it’s lost or stolen using a unique code assigned to each customer.

The bag features a thick adjustable shoulder strap, 2 main zip-top pockets and lots of pockets both interior and exterior. It is made from a strong, premium nylon and weighs less than one pound. This makes it an excellent choice for traveling, but can also be used for daily activities such as work or running errands. 

Check it out at Tumi.

Best with a Chain Strap

Madewell The Chain Crossbody Bag

Madewell's The Chain Crossbody bag features a chic, chain strap design that adds a bit of flair. This one is even more stylish with a sleek silhouette. The bag is one of the smaller ones on Travel Merak’s list, but it can still hold your essentials like a phone, keys, and small wallet. 

The main compartment has a divider to help keep things organized. The flap is secured with a small button that matches the chain. Overall, this bag is simple and stylish enough to take you from traveling through an airport to a fancy night out in a new city!

Check it out at Zappos.

Best Sporty Look

Lesportsac Deluxe Everyday Bag

 The Lesportsac Deluxe Everyday Crossbody is a great option for a travel crossbody bag - it’s made of nylon so it’s waterproof and stain resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking. This crossbody features 3 exterior zippered pockets in various sizes, making it easy to store all sorts of items. 

The bag also comes with a matching removable pouch, which is nice for storing smaller items. The adjustable shoulder strap is thick and supportive for when you are spending hours on the go. Travel Merak likes that this bag is easily packable so you can store it in your luggage when you aren’t using it. It’s available in a wide range of colors and prints (37 to be exact) so you will have no issue finding one that suits your sporty style. 

Check it out at Lesportsac.

Best Transparent Crossbody Bag

Steve Madden BSCENE Clear Crossbody

The Steve Madden BSCENE clear crossbody is a great bag option if your adventures take you to any sporting events or concerts. Some venues may have restrictions on bags, and we’ve found that a clear bag helps you breeze through security checkpoints. 

This clear crossbody is a functional, yet stylish option. With one main compartment and a flap closure, it’s easy to store your essentials. The bag comes with a removable inner pouch that can be used for days when you don’t want your purse contents to be visible. Overall, this transparent bag gives a cool, sophisticated appearance! 

Check it out at Steve Madden.

Best Crossbody Bags for Men

TINYAT Sling Bag

The TINYAT sling bag is the perfect option for those looking for a durable and efficient crossbody bag for travel. The bag is made of nylon, making it extremely durable and long lasting, so you won't have to worry about rips or tears on this bag during your adventures. Three separate zippered pockets make it easy to store all of your essentials, including up to an 8.1 inch tablet!

The padded strap can be adjusted for comfort and the back of this bag is also padded, providing comfort for long wear. With plenty of storage space and a sleek design, this bag is the perfect option for men on the go.

Check it out at Amazon.

Eastpak The One Crossbody Bag

For a simple yet rugged design, Eastpak's The One crossbody bag is a great option. Made of durable nylon, this bag is perfect for any adventure and has plenty of storage space to free up your hands so you can focus on more important things (like taking pictures). The bag has multiple compartments with zippers to keep your belongings secured while you travel.

For those looking for a bag that stands out from the crowd, The One is available in six different color options, including red and navy.

Check it out at Amazon.

Best Lightweight Crossbody Bag

Baggallini Original RFID Everyday Crossbody

The Baggallini Original RFID Everyday Crossbody bag is a must-have if you are looking for a lightweight bag. Weighing in at only 10 ounces, this is one of the lightest bags on the market that won’t weigh you down during your travels. 

Despite its lightweight design, the bag features several zippered compartments to keep you organized while you travel. Built in RFID blocking technology ensures your identity is safe while you are on the go. The machine washable fabric allows you to easily clean your bag and keep it looking brand new for years to come. 

Check it out at Amazon.

Best Travel Crossbody Bags Review Conclusion

With all the different crossbody bags available, it can be difficult to make a decision on which one is best for you. Travel Merak has taken the guesswork out of it and provided 20 different options that we highly recommend! Whether you are looking for a simple, classic design or one that will keep you secure with anti-theft features, there is something for everyone.

Before making your purchase, be mindful of the features you’ll need on your travels and the design that will keep you organized and comfortable. While our personal favorite is the Kate Spade Harlow Crossbody bag, we are confident you will find the bag to suit your needs in our review!

If you find yourself needing something bigger than a crossbody bag, a good travel backpack will provide you with the extra space you need while keeping your comfortable with two carrying straps instead of one.