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The 9 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, According to Our Editors

From $20 to $275

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crossbody bags for travel collage
PureWow/Original Photo by Stephanie Maida/Away/Original Photo by Catrina Yohay

I don’t know about you, but when I’m traveling, I don’t want to have to worry about keeping a shoulder bag secure or remembering to grab a clutch at *every* sightseeing stop. Enter the ever-convenient crossbody bag. Having a hands-free, anti-theft style like that is always a good bet, whether you’re taking in the scenes of a new city, hitting up your favorite theme park or making multi-city stops on a scenic train. But with so many options out there, it feels impossible to choose. 

Luckily, my fellow editors here at PureWow jetset and road trip quite a bit and offered their recommendations for the best crossbody bags for travel that you can shop now—including budget-friendly buys like this Uniqlo bag that multiple editors swear by to splurge-worthy options like the famous Longchamp Le Pliage bag. Below, find nine of our top choices that you’ll want to snag before your next getaway.

How I Chose the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

When choosing the best crossbody bags for travel (beyond tapping other editors for their recommendations), I considered bags that have organizational features like multiple pockets and a versatile style that can be worn for multiple occasions. Additionally, I ensured the bags would have enough space to accommodate essentials like a phone and wallet, and looked for other thoughtful features like adjustable straps and convertible designs.

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1. Béis The Crescent Weekender

What I Like

  • Separate shoe compartment
  • Water-repellent fabric

What I Don't Like

  • Limited colors available

Béis

PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey raves that this weekender bag marries form and function. “The Crescent Weekender is the oversized bag that gets so many compliments, from its [color] to its just-big-enough capacity to carry a couple pairs of shoes (flip-flops and sneakers) in the zip bottom compartment and pants, shorts, multiple T-shirts and undies plus a small cosmetics case all up top. And it's so lightweight, I carry my laptop around in it when I'm scouting stories,” she says. If you ask me, it sounds like there isn’t much not to love about this bag, and the fact that its price point won’t totally break the bank makes it even better.

Fast Facts

  • Size: 17.5 by 7 by 13.7 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Colors: black, atlas pink, maple

2. Away The Mini Crossbody

What I Like

  • Durable
  • Adjustable strap

What I Don't Like

  • Not as spacious as other options

Away

If you’re looking for something compact but still totally durable, you’re gonna want to check out this mini bag from Away that PureWow VP of News and Entertainment Philip Mutz loves. “It's super cute (I mean, it looks like a mini Away) so everyone comments on it. Plus, it's durable and fits quite a bit for when I'm walking around for the day,” Mutz says. Besides its fun look, it’s also designed with two compartments to keep you organized and an adjustable strap that can be removed if you want to use it as a packing cube, too.

Fast Facts

  • Size: 5 by 3 by 7 inches
  • Weight: 12.07 ounces
  • Colors: jet black, navy blue, coast blue, olive green, sea green, cloud grey, salt white, clay pink, sorbet orange, tango red, translucent green, translucent pink

3. Dagne Dover Jax Fanny Pack

What I Like

  • Spacious
  • Multiple pockets

What I Don't Like

  • Not suitable for dressier occasions

Dagne Dover

Stephanie Maida, PureWow Senior Commerce Editor, calls out this neoprene fanny pack from Dagne Dover as one of her recent go-tos when it comes to crossbody bags. “This may not be the most compact belt bag out there, but the extra room is *so* worth it, especially for travel. Like all of Dagne Dover's accessories, this guy is an organizational dream. There are three interior pockets inside the main compartment, along with two exterior zip pockets, including a large one on the back, so I can keep my passport, wallet and other valuables close to my body but still within reach. Not only that, but it comes complete with an interior key strap, meaning I never have to dig for my Airbnb key. I also love the thick, adjustable strap that fits comfortably on my shoulder. I could totally wear this crossbody for an entire day of sightseeing and have everything I need, including a mini water bottle, inside of it,” Maida said. Plus, the brand calls out that it can fit a Kindle, too, so you can stay entertained through even the longest flights.

Fast Facts

  • Size: 11 by 3 by 7 inches
  • Weight: 12.6 ounces
  • Colors: onyx, dark moss, dune, matcha latte, daylight, washed lilac, pine

4. Uniqlo Round Bag

What I Like

  • Budget-friendly
  • Spacious

What I Don't Like

  • Not as many color choices as some other options

Uniqlo

Whether you’re sightseeing in a new city or hitting up Disney parks like PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, this under-$20 bag from Uniqlo *needs* to be on your radar. Candelario shared, “It’s my go-to crossbody for traveling, especially on a recent trip to Disneyland (at least half of my travel group had one in various shades). It’s so spacious and I can fit absolutely all of my essentials, including a water bottle (!), portable fan and charger.” Um, I’m sold—especially since PureWow Assistant Editor Delia Curtis confirms that it’s totally durable, too: “I have one and I’ve worn it every day for over a year and it’s still held up. [It’s] one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe.”

Fast Facts

  • Size: 11 by 6.7 by 3.9 inches
  • Colors: off-white, black, beige, dark green

5. Wayb The Belt Bag

What We Like

  • Padded phone pocket
  • Unisex style

What We Don't Like

  • Not suitable for dressier occasions

Wayb

Every belt bag touts its spaciousness, but few truly are. Catrina Yohay, PureWow Executive Managing Editor, finally found one in this ultra-functional bag from Wayb. “I love this one for travel specifically, because it's larger than my usual (the lululemon Everywhere Bag) but still sits out of the way and is super comfortable to wear. It's been through many airport security lines and still looks good as new. I also love that it's a gender-neutral design, so depending on our bag situation, either my husband or I can sling it on and run out the door,” Yohay says. And if that’s not enough, it’s made from a stain- and water-resistant nylon material, too, and even features a padded pocket to keep your phone extra safe and secure.

Fast Facts

  • Size: 15 by 4 by 5.9 inches
  • Weight: .45 pounds
  • Colors: twilight, moonstruck, cloudburst

6. Away Featherlight Crossbody

What I Like

  • Multiple organizational pockets
  • Lightweight
  • Machine-washable

What I Don't Like

  • Strap slides when full

Away

Nothing beats a bag that manages to be *both* lightweight and roomy, and this one from Away easily achieves both. According to PureWow Associate Sales and Deals Editor Destinee Scott, it fits tons of stuff. She shares, “I was so excited when I got this bag; it's larger than your average crossbody, so it fits a lot of stuff. It also has many pockets on the inside and outside (there's even one on the crossbody strap) so you can organize your things exactly how you want them. The bag is also super lightweight (almost weightless), so I rarely feel weighed down when I'm carrying it.” She does note that if you overload it, the strap tends to shift around a lot. And while it does include a laptop sleeve, she prefers it for storing a ton of small items when she travels. (P.S. If you want even more room, it comes in a large size, too.)

Fast Facts

  • Size: 13 by 3.9 by 11 inches
  • Weight: .56 pounds
  • Colors: jet black, amaro brown, arctic blue, sage green, salt white, clay pink, misty purple

7. Mali + Lili Josie Bag

What I Like

  • Three separate compartments
  • Comes with two straps

What I Don't Like

  • Doesn't fit a Kindle

Mali + Lili

As for me? One of my go-to crossbody bags is this vegan leather one from Mali + Lili. Though I’m usually traveling with a larger bag that I can carry my pup in when he gets tired of exploring (like this Wild One carrier), sometimes I like to have the essentials within easy reach and add this on, too—especially since I can keep frequently reached-for items like my lip balm and hand sanitizer separate from important items, like my wallet, that I don’t want to risk falling out thanks to the three compartments. It feels lightweight so it doesn’t bother me whether I’m wearing it alongside a bigger bag or on its own, and when you switch from the sporty strap to the vegan leather one, it’s easy to dress up a bit, too. And did I mention that it comes in *tons* of colors?

Fast Facts

  • Size: 7.25 by 5.25 by 2.25 inches
  • Colors: black, blue, blush, brown, denim blue, fuschia, grey, kelly green, light grey, neutral, nude, red, stone, tan, taupe, white, yellow

8. Béis The Crescent Catchall

What I Like

  • Water-resistant
  • Convertible design

What I Don't Like

  • Limited colors available

Béis

Dickey is also *obsessed* with this roomy Béis catchall bag for its versatility. She explains, “It's convertible from a cute handbag to a crossbody and is soft and squishable into any shape—plus, [it comes in tons of] great colors!” Not to mention, it’s spacious enough to fit a 13-inch laptop and the material is water-resistant, so there’s no stress over carrying your electronics and other important items in it.

Fast Facts

  • Size: 10.25 by 7 by 9.45 inches
  • Weight: 1.03 pounds
  • Colors: black, cobalt blue, berry, atlas pink, burgundy

9. Longchamp Le Pliage Energy Handbag

What I Like

  • Lightweight
  • Adjustable strap

What I Don't Like

  • Pricey

Longchamp

While I don’t have this *exact* version of Longchamp’s famous Le Pliage bag, I do own a larger size that I’ve used on several trips, and I think this crossbody style would make a great addition to any collection. In my experience, the nylon fabric of this style is super easy to wipe clean on the inside and outside, which is always a necessity for me when it comes to bags I’ll be toting around on a plane or train. Plus, the crossbody strap is adjustable and removable, so if you want to carry it by the top handles you definitely can. And, bonus, these bags fold up easily, so it’s great to pack in a larger suitcase and then use while you’re sightseeing during your trip.

Fast Facts

  • Size: 9.8 by 9.1 by 6.3 inches
  • Weight: .86 pounds
  • Colors: black, navy, vervain, clay

How to Choose the Best Crossbody Bag for Travel

When it comes to choosing the best crossbody for your next trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the material. Do you need (or want) something waterproof or washable like nylon or canvas? Or maybe you have some fancier plans and need something with a leather or beaded look that has a more elevated style. Whatever your plans are, make sure to choose a material that will suit them throughout the trip. Another thing to think about is the bag’s size. You’ll want to make sure it can fit your most important essentials (like your phone, passport, cash, credit cards, etc.), so I'd suggest a minimum of 6 by 3 inches to accommodate the latest iPhone model—though you'll likely want something at least a touch bigger for extra space. Additionally, consider if you want even more room for extras like a cardigan and sunglasses. Adjustability is one more feature to consider. Personally, I love bags that can switch between a crossbody style and a shoulder bag or clutch to enhance its versatility, and an adjustable strap can come in handy, too, if you’re switching between wearing over thicker or thinner layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are crossbody bags safe for travel?

Yes! Crossbody bags are a great option to keep your items secure while you’re traveling since it won’t easily fall off the way a shoulder bag might, and you can also easily layer it under a jacket for extra protection.

Can you wear a crossbody bag on a plane?

A crossbody bag can make a great personal or carry-on item on a plane. However, just be sure to check your airline’s bag restriction sizes, and if you want to keep it on as you fly, ensure it will fit within your seat’s dimensions.


natalie bio photo e1692204716113

Associate Commerce Editor

  • Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
  • Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
  • Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.