The best crossbody bags for travel keep your necessities close at hand and free up your hands, whether you’re taking pictures, perusing local markets, or negotiating a crowded airport.
When it comes to travel-friendly handbags, the crossbody reigns supreme. This hands-free design is perfect for adventurers, city explorers, and casual travelers alike, offering both convenience and style in one compact package.
However, not all travel crossbody purses are made alike; some lack durability, comfort, or spaciousness.
We put dozens of possibilities to the test in actual situations all over the world to help you choose the ideal travel companion.
You may carry them on hikes, poolside loungers, and through busy cities. You can also slide them beneath airline seats and tuck them into suitcases.
Because you shouldn’t have to compromise style for functionality, we assessed each bag based on its capacity, comfort, durability, and, of course, style.
We’ve selected our top choices after months of testing in a variety of environments.
Every one of these crossbody bags has proven itself in authentic travel scenarios, from sun-drenched beach days to daily sightseeing in Japan, earning a spot on this list.
Read on to discover the best crossbody bags for travel that will keep up with you wherever your journey takes you.
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Why is a crossbody bag useful for travel?
A crossbody bag is a smart choice for travel because it offers both security and convenience.
Worn across the chest, it’s much harder for thieves to snatch compared to a traditional shoulder purse or tote. It stays close to your body, reducing the risk of slipping off or getting lost.
Plus, crossbody bags free up your hands—perfect for activities like hiking, biking, shopping, or juggling luggage at the airport.
With easy access to your essentials and less strain on your shoulders, a crossbody bag combines practicality with style, making it an ideal companion for any travel adventure.
14 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel in 2025
Whether headed to the mountains or a music festival, a crossbody should always be on your packing lists. Here are the 14 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel
1. Away Featherlight Crossbody Bag
- Why We Love It: It’s the right combo of roomy yet compact, plus it has thoughtful details like a pocket for a passport and a hidden spot in the strap for an AirPods case.
- What to Consider: There’s enough room for a water bottle, but no dedicated pocket, so make sure the lid is on tight.
Because of its well-considered features created with travelers in mind, Away’s Featherlight Crossbody took first place out of all the best crossbody bags for travel.
There is lots of space and organization built in, and the lightweight material is easy to load and doesn’t feel heavy on the shoulder.
The fact that this bag contains a special pocket for your passport and a secret zip section in the strap to store items like credit cards, lip gloss, or headphones is what really sets it apart.
The bag is a fantastic option for any day trips that may come into contact with any dirt because it is not only water-resistant but also wipeable.
2. Hammitt Tony Small Clear
- Why We Love It: The clear design is a must-have for concerts and sports venues, but it’s so cute and functional that we bring it to the beach, too.
- What to Consider: We’d love a nylon strap option, instead of just leather for added durability.
This crossbody is a great choice to have on hand for your upcoming sporting event or concert, as many venues are now only accepting transparent purses.
But because the splash-proof material works so well, you now frequently use it for pool days and beach excursions.
Even though it looks little, you can fit your phone, Kindle, lip gloss, and headphones inside.
This crossbody’s several colorful trim possibilities are another fantastic feature that elevates it above your typical transparent purse in terms of appearance.
3. Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag
- Why We Love It: The small body is way more spacious than it looks and the leather still looks new after multiple trips around the world.
- What to Consider: We found the strap slightly long, even when adjusted to the shortest length.
This Quince crossbody, with its quilted stitching and Italian leather, looks good enough to wear every day, but we’ve also found it to be a great travel companion.
Another benefit is that the square body can accommodate far more than you might think.
You will be able to put a large wallet, a number of lip cosmetics, a small tripod, a compact umbrella, and several pairs of glasses at once.
4. Arden Cove Crissy Mini Crossbody
- Why We Love It; Slash–resistant with a simple, polished exterior makes this a crossbody with plenty of style and function.
- What to Consider: The super compact size is ideal for traveling light, because it just barely fits an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
This crossbody has considered every aspect of travel safety. The Crissy bag by Arden Cove has a lining that resists slashes.
It features zippers, water-resistant nylon, RFID-blocking credit card slots, and even a shoulder strap made of cut-resistant steel cable. Price adores how robust it is without sacrificing style or sophistication.
It’s best reserved for days when you want to keep things simple, as it just has enough space for a smartphone and a few tiny items.
5. Lecxci Sling Bag
- Why We Love It: A padded strap and water bottle holder make this bag perfect for hikes and day trips, plus it comes in several bright color options.
- What to Consider: It’s supposed to be waterproof, but we think water-resistant is more accurate.
It’s crucial to remember that this is also one of the best crossbody bags for travel if your trip itinerary involves hiking or other outdoor pursuits.
With a variety of vibrant color options, the sling bag will stand out amid the trees, and the padded shoulder strap frees up your hands.
Although the lightweight material can accommodate a lot of items, her favorite feature is the outer water bottle pocket that can also be used to hold an umbrella without taking up any interior room.
6. lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
- Why We Love It: There’s enough room to store sunglasses and a Kindle, yet it doesn’t feel cumbersome and the design keeps your hands free.
- What to Consider: The belt loop that secures the end of the strap comes loose sometimes, so the strap can flap around until it’s secured again.
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is exactly what its name suggests. The medium size is ideal for carrying almost anyplace and can comfortably fit your Kindle, wallet, phone, and sunglasses.
This well-liked belt bag is available in over a dozen hues and designs, from lively yellow to traditional black, and it may also be worn across the body.
You’ll be glad to have this crossbody with so much versatility, whether you’re going on a brief jog nearby or flying overseas.
7. Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Bag
- Why We Love It: We’ve filled this bag’s many pockets and compartments to the brim with travel essentials and it still doesn’t look bulky or stuffed.
- What to Consider: It’s the priciest item on this list.
We look to Proenza Schouler’s PS1 bag for a high-end crossbody that can keep up with our world travels.
Even though it is undoubtedly an investment, the classic bag will never go out of style and is versatile enough to be used day or night, which is a huge benefit when packing in a small amount of space.
The several pockets are ideal for holding a passport and other trinkets you may have picked up on the route.
8. UTO 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag
- Why We Love It: This scratch- and water-resistant crossbody has great storage space and can be worn as a clutch or a shoulder bag.
- What to Consider: The zipper on the coin purse doesn’t glide very smoothly.
This crossbody’s three-in-one design allows it to do triple duty without breaking the bank.
With its numerous pockets and detachable straps, this crossbody may be quickly transformed into a shoulder bag or clutch. It’s also quite roomy.
The numerous pockets allow you to fit a phone, wallet, camera batteries, a portable charger, a phone cable, several passports, and hand sanitizer without running out of space.
As if those qualities weren’t enough, the material is water and scratch resistant, which makes it perfect for everyday usage as well as travel.
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9. Kaai Mini Bowler Bag
- Why We Love It: It can fit all your essentials, from your phone and wallet to smaller toiletries, while still being compact.
- What to Consider: A micro-suede lining makes stains such as a lip gloss spill hard to clean.
Don’t let this crossbody bag’s small size deceive you. Essentials are easily stored in the little body, and your phone may be tucked away in a secret pocket on the outside.
The stylish Italian leather shell, which is also waterproof, UV-resistant, and scratch-proof, can accommodate anything from lip balm to sunglasses.
The Mini Bowler can also be carried as a shoulder bag thanks to its adjustable shoulder strap.
A micro-suede lining on the inside gives it a luxurious look, but you should watch out for any items that might spill something sticky.
10. Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag
- Why We Love It: This bag’s soft leather looks and feels luxe, doesn’t dig into the skin, and the crossbody strap is adjustable so you can carry it by hand or shoulder.
- What to Consider: The strap can be worn shorter, but we found it awkward to wear it that way.
This Cuyana crossbody bag is a must-have if style is a top priority. With a broad belted strap that can be changed for a whole different look, the Mini Paloma combines an elegant design with buttery soft leather that doesn’t cut into your hip.
We particularly like how the simple silhouette works well for both day and nighttime wear, and the zip top for extra security.
This bag’s appearance and texture make it clear that quality is not compromised. Additionally, a convenient dust bag is included so you can store the purse in your closet or baggage without worrying about it getting damaged.
11. Wandrd Tech Bag
- Why We Love It: It’s interior is lined with plenty of mesh pockets and pen loops. It can also be clipped onto backpacks to stay organized while traveling.
- What to Consider: You have to purchase the crossbody strap separately.
Even though the Wandrd Tech Bag was created especially to keep tech equipment organized, many continue to bring hand sanitizer, lip balm, and wallets.
You may use it as a belt bag or a sling bag, and the lined zippers and weather-resistant material provide her piece of mind in the event of rain.
The interior is equipped with mesh pockets and pen loops so that everything has a place, despite the bag’s very tiny appearance.
The fact that this crossbody is guaranteed to last a lifetime and can be attached to Wandrd backpacks is a special feature.
12. Free People Idle Hands Sling Bag
- Why We Love It: This crossbody is spacious and stylish, and it comes in seven unique color choices.
- What to Consider: The zipper closure could be smoother and is prone to snagging.
With seven rich and distinctive color options ranging from vivid pink and green to espresso brown, Free People’s sling bag has something for everyone.
Due to its softness and comfort, as well as the fact that its fashionable form is far more roomy than its slim U-shaped appearance.
It is even possible to fit an umbrella and a water bottle inside. This bag is one of the best crossbody bags for travel and daily use when you want to free up your hands while still adding a splash of color to your ensemble.
13. Chico’s Neutral Color Block Camera Bag
- Why We Love It: Two zip compartments keep things extra organized, and there’s enough room for a paperback book.
- What to Consider: There may not be as roomy as a bag with just one main compartment.
This crossbody won thanks to its two main compartments that provide simple access to essentials and its durability. Additionally, this bag has enough of room despite being the ideal travel size.
We have stuffed it with a paperback book, a phone, lip balm, a wallet, and sunglasses.
Its muted color design allows you to spend more time organizing new experiences and less time coordinating with the clothes in your suitcase. Additionally, an additional outside zip pocket elevates the level of organization.
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14. Lo & Sons Nouvelle
- Why We Love It: It’s lightweight, spacious yet compact, and crafted entirely out of recycled nylon.
- What to Consider: We wish the main compartment opened up a little wider.
This roomy yet small crossbody purse, which is made completely of recycled water-resistant nylon, has several pockets to keep all of your essentials in one location and the company’s iconic hummingbird jacquard lining.
A huge zippered pocket with three credit card slots, two mesh pockets big enough to house most cell phones, and a keychain leash that can hold a pair of keys and Apple AirPods are all within.
The main compartment of the bag was roomy enough to accommodate all of our necessities, including our wallet, passports, house keys, wireless earphones, a portable charger, several lip balms, and hand lotions.
There’s also an external zippered pocket that runs the length of the purse, deep enough to fit hand sanitizers and travel-sized perfumes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear a crossbody bag?
Crossbody bags hang diagonally across one shoulder so that both of your hands stay free. While convenient for daily life, these bags are especially useful while traveling when you need to carry shopping bags or luggage. Many crossbody bags are designed to be worn as shoulder bags or belt bags, too.
Do crossbody bags count as personal items on planes?
Just like any other handbag, a crossbody bag counts as a personal item and must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. We always suggest checking the airline’s website for specific guidelines.
Are crossbody bags in style?
Crossbody bags are always in style for their comfortable fit and versatility. They can be worn for work, travel, or everyday purposes and are available in a wide range of styles to suit everyone’s preference.
Conclusion
The best crossbody bags for travel combine style, functionality, and durability, making them ideal for any adventure.
With hands-free convenience and smart design, they keep your essentials secure and accessible.
Whether exploring cities or lounging beachside, a well-chosen crossbody ensures you travel light, organized, and effortlessly chic.
References
- travelandleisure.com – The 14 Best Crossbody Bags, Tested and Reviewed
- chasingthedonkey.com – 17 Best Cross Body Bag For Travel In Europe In 2025
