Most travel kits are built slowly over time and are heavily influenced by the type of traveler you are and what types of experiences you’ve had.
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Personally, I’ve always prioritized luggage and bags that are ‘barely-there’. I want them to be as light as possible, as multi-functional as possible, and made of high-quality materials. This approach has served me well as I’ve moved toward more upscale brands, including Carl Friedrik.
But there’s one piece in my travel arsenal that doesn’t get enough credit. That’s my crossbody bag.
Crossbody bags are convenient for travel for many reasons. First, their design keeps them secured against your body, making them harder to compromise for thieves. Second, they come in handy first during a flight or a long train ride—your most important items are in reach, from your passport to your AirPods.
Lastly, crossbody bags are easy to pack and forget about if you realize you don’t need them for a few days. Coupled with a foldable tote, you should have all the travel bags you need, aside from your luggage.
My picks for the best crossbody travel bags are based on three important features. They should be lightweight, they should be functionally designed, and they should be secure. Bonus points for a little razzmatazz.
Best crossbody travel bags
Away crossbody bags: Gender neutral picks from an award-winning luggage brand
If you aren’t sure where to start with your search for the perfect crossbody bag, go with Away. Away is an award-winning luggage brand that took the suitcase scene by storm thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic designs. The brand has nine crossbody bag variations for you to choose from, whether you want a micro-fanny or a see-through stadium-ready bag. The cover image for this article is an Away product.
Baggallini crossbody handbags: Plenty of choices for women
Baggallini is a popular travel brand that has dozens of highly rated products, from weekender bags to backpacks. Their catalogue of crossbody bags is extensive, letting you find the perfect design and size. Plus, they offer bags in a range of textiles, whether you want leather or a lighter synthetic fabric.
Travelon crossbody bags: Stylish anti-theft solutions
Travelon has stylish crossbody bags for men and women. They come in a range of sizes and styles, whether you want a sportier bag or a fashion-forward pick. What makes Travelon different from the other crossbody travel bags on this list is its anti-theft approach. All Travelo bags come with five anti-theft features, including locking compartments, slash-resistant materials, slash-resistant straps, RFID-blocking pockets and slots, and a unique lockdown strap for electronics.
Calpak crossbodies and belt bags: The trendy pick to add to your collection
Calpak is one of the more famous luggage brands serving twenty and thirty-somethings. If you like trendy designs in unique color pallets, look no further. Because Calpak is a luggage brand, you can find crossbody travel bags with unique features, from expandable bottoms to water bottle holders to stroller caddies.
Eagle Creek waist & crossbody packs: Durable picks for men and women
A Calpak crossbody bag will hold up for casual hikes—but if you’re an adventure traveler who loves to put their bags to the test, go with an Eagle Creek product. Its crossbody travel bags are made from durable, lightweight materials that are designed to keep your most precious belongings safe and sound, whether you’re scaling a mountain or just trying to survive the hike to the top of the Cologne Cathedral. They also sell bags in bundles, in case you and your partner in crime want to reinvest in your travel gear.
Bellroy crossbody bags: Sleek and lightweight
If you hate feeling bogged down with a heavy backpack or bag, crossbody bags are perfect for you. In terms of brands, Bellroy’s focus on sleek designs and lightweight materials is hard to beat. They’re designed to go unnoticed as you trek across cities and valleys alike, while making sure your goods are always within reach. In short, if you can’t be bothered with crossbody bags, Bellroy will convince you that they’re worth a shot.
Baggu crossbody bags: my pick
Personally, I prefer Calpak and Baggu for crossbody bags. Baggu is my top pick simply because the crossbody travel bags are so lightweight and modular. You can pack them without worrying about taking up space, just in case you might need one. Plus, they’re easy to clean, whether you need to wipe off a stain or throw the whole thing in the sink for a hand wash. Their Nylon Drawstring Bag is also perfect for packing makeup and toiletries.
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