Best Products Style Travel Bags The 15 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel of 2023 Our favorite overall is the woven Clare V. Moyen Messenger crossbody bag. By Rebecca Brown Rebecca Brown Instagram Twitter Rebecca is a seasoned writer, editor, and producer with expertise in fashion, lifestyle, wellness, and parenting editorial. She's skilled at connecting with readers with engaging, conversational content across print, digital, social media, and video. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 23, 2023 Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact checker, and researcher with more than 25 years’ experience in consumer-oriented content. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Danie Drankwalter While oversized weekenders and wheeled suitcases naturally come to mind when planning a trip, in reality, it’s the smaller purses — like crossbodies — that simplify the travel experience. This style is an easy go-to for more valuable items you want to access quickly, including a wallet, passport, phone, and boarding pass. When shopping for any bag well suited for travel, start by figuring out what you need to fit inside, and what design appeals most. From structured canister shapes to anti-theft bags made with durable fabrics, you have a plethora of crossbody styles from which to choose. Our top pick is Clare V.’s convertible Moyen Messenger bag. It’s so gorgeous you’ll love carrying it, yet it’s also incredibly roomy with space for an iPad Pro, notebook, water bottle, sunglasses, cosmetics case, and more. But, whether you need a sturdy bag for a full day of sightseeing, or something small for just the necessities, we rounded up the 15 best options. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Clare V. Moyen Messenger at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Simple: Madewell Crossbody Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Convertible: Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Bag at Loandsons.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Notag Waterproof Crossbody Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Modern: JW PEI Women's Mini Flap Crossbody at Amazon Jump to Review Best Leather: Cuyana Double Loop Bag at Cuyana.com Jump to Review Best Nylon: Baggallini Cross Over Crossbody at Amazon Jump to Review Best Water-resistant : Lululemon All Night Festival Bag at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Anti-theft: Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vegan: Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Overall Clare V. Moyen Messenger Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Clarev.com Why We Love It: It can be worn with a long strap as a crossbody, with a shorter strap as a shoulder bag, or strapless as a clutch.What to Consider: There are no interior pockets. It may look like a shoulder bag, but this crossbody features two straps that enable you to carry it as a handbag or across the body as the mood strikes. (Or, remove both straps and use it as a clutch instead.) When you unzip the top, you’ll find one roomy main compartment for the essentials, like an iPad, notebook, sunglasses, toiletry bag, and more. Add your own personality by punching it up with the brand’s braided crossbody straps (which are sold separately). While the black zig zag is a sleek bestseller, the Moyen is available in eight earthy shades, from a rich plum to a deep emerald green, and you can shop it in two textures: handwoven leather and traditional smooth leather. Clare V. also offers a two-year warranty and will repair your bag if needed. Price at time of publish: $495 Dimensions: 15 x 11 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Material: Leather | Pockets: None Best Simple Madewell The Simple Leather Crossbody Bag Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Zappos Why We Love It: It’s a no-fuss option and develops a beautiful patina over time.What to Consider: It fits the essentials, but not much else. Simple doesn’t have to mean underwhelming — and this bag is the perfect example. It’s that utilitarian everyday bag with just enough room inside to store a phone and lipstick, plus a few other small items. You can adjust the strap or remove it entirely and carry it as a clutch. The leather develops a patina over time, and is sourced from a Leather Working Group gold-rated tannery, which ensures sustainable leather production processes are used. Price at time of publish: $98 Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Material: Leather | Pockets: One interior pocket Best Convertible Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Bag Lo & Sons View On Loandsons.com Why We Love It: It’s four bags in one: a crossbody, shoulder bag, belt bag, and wristlet.What to Consider: You won’t be able to fit a tablet in there (an iPad mini might squeeze into the larger size, but you won’t have room for much else). This bag is all about versatility. It arrives as a compact crossbody, roomy enough to pop in the essentials. Inside, there’s a small, thin pocket to slip in cards or your phone. The strap adjusts between 16 to 24 inches, and it’s an inch wide so it rests nicely on the shoulder. When you’re ready to go hands-free, adjust the strap to your waist size and slide it down by your belt loop. If you’re headed out for dinner, remove the longer strap and carry it as a wristlet. And finally, extend the strap to morph this into a shoulder bag as you please. The Waverly 2 is available in three premium fabrics: Nappa leather is a smooth, lightweight grain; saffiano leather is more textured and designed to hold up against weather and wear; and the cactus vegan leather is made from nopal cactus. Between the three options, the bag comes in 23 colors and several hardware options. Price at time of publish: $210 Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 inches (small); 8.3 x 5.9 inches (large) | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Material: Leather or vegan leather | Pockets: One interior slip pocket, one interior zip pocket Best Budget Notag Waterproof Crossbody Bag Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It: It’s small and mighty with multiple zippers and pockets.What to Consider: It’s meant to last a season or two — not a lifetime. Traveling is expensive on its own, so this affordable, waterproof bag is an excellent option for your upcoming trip. There are multiple zip and slip pockets throughout, perfect for sliding in smaller items quickly, and keeping important things secure and organized. This crossbody comes in two sizes, and both the small and large options can fit a 9.7-inch tablet. The adjustable strap extends from 27.5 inches to just over 55 inches. The bag is available in several colors, including two that come with an identity-protecting RFID wallet. Price at time of publish: $22 Dimensions: 10.2 x 3.5 x 8.6 inches (small); 12.2 x 4.3 x 9.4 inches (large) | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Material: Nylon | Pockets: Two side slip pockets, four exterior zip pockets, two interior zip pockets, two interior slip pockets The 11 Best Messenger Bags of 2023 Best Modern JW PEI Women's Mini Flap Crossbody Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: It’s a stunning bag made with recycled materials at an affordable price point.What to Consider: The interior compartments are small. Prepare to fall in love with JW Pei’s buzzy mini crossbody, a striking canvas number punctuated by a tan vegan leather trim. Inside you’ll find two compartments and one small zipper. It has a push lock closure and a 16.9-inch strap. This bag will look just as good during the day as it would on an evening out. Plus, if you’re new to the brand, here’s the scoop: JW Pei commits itself to using vegan leather that’s made from recycled plastic. The bag is available in 17 shades, including a green grass lizard and black croc. Price at time of publish: $80 Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.1 × 3.1 inches | Weight: 1.43 pounds | Material: Canvas, recycled plastic bottles | Pockets: Two interior pockets, one small interior zip pocket Best Leather Cuyana Double Loop Bag Cuyana View On Cuyana.com Why We Love It: Chic and modern, you’ll find the Double Loop malleable for any situation.What to Consider: There is no zipper, just a magnetic closure at the top. Cuyana is known for its environmental efforts and simple design, and the first thing you’ll notice about this sculptural beauty is the soft pebbled leather. It sort of collapses inward as you open it up, making it easier than ever to find what you need while a magnetic flap keeps it secure. The strap adjusts between 16 to 24 inches, and it’s an inch wide to reduce shoulder aches. The Double Loop is Cuyana's top-selling crossbody bag, and it’s available in earth tones, including the brand’s top-performing cappuccino, and a deep olive. Made from Italian leather in a woman-owned Turkish factory, the leather is tanned using eco-conscious methods and is certified by the Leather Working Group. Cuyana recommends customers use its leather cleaner and conditioner to help maintain the quality for years to come. Price at time of publish: $348 Dimensions: 8 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Material: Leather | Pockets: 1 main compartment pocket, 1 inner slip pocket, 1 back slip pocket, 2 side pockets Best Nylon Baggallini Cross Over Crossbody Baggallini View On Amazon View On Baggallini.com Why We Love It: It’s incredibly easy to clean.What to Consider: The patterned styles feel slightly dated. Baggallini’s nylon crossbody bag was practically made with the traveler in mind, with more pockets than you knew you needed. Outside you’ll find two small zip pockets and two regular pockets — these are great for items you might be grabbing frequently. Inside the zip compartment, you’ll find a flurry of storage possibilities, with additional compartments and zippers to store secure items, as well as a removable RFID-protected wristlet that’s intended for a phone or credit cards. As a bonus, nylon is often a preferred material for travelers because it can go into the washing machine on a gentle cycle after the trip’s done. Price at time of publish: $90 Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Material: Nylon | Pockets: Two exterior zip pockets, one exterior slip pocket, additional compartments inside Best Water-resistant Lululemon All Night Festival Bag Lululemon View On Lululemon Why We Love It: It’s made of water-resistant materials.What to Consider: If you end up filling the bag up with bulky items you may not be able to fold the top flap back down (though it will still zip). Traveling and messes practically go hand in hand, so you’ll appreciate the way Lululemon’s festival bag stands up to the elements. It’s made with a water-repellent fabric, so you can wipe off spills and water (just don’t go jumping in the ocean with it). Inside you’ll find a large compartment that unzips for easy access, and it has a cute zippered pocket inside that reads “items of importance.” Outside, there’s a drop-in pocket, and a final zippered pocket on the flap. Price at time of publish: $78 Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 8 inches | Weight: Not included | Material: Nylon | Pockets: Large main interior pocket with small slip-in pocket, two exterior pockets The 9 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Anti-theft Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody Bag Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Jcpenney.com Why We Love It: It’s durable and provides peace of mind with anti-slash straps.What to Consider: It’s got a very bare-bones aesthetic. Travel is stressful and the last thing you want to worry about is someone slashing through your bag in a crowded train or area. This anti-theft bag from Travelon offers five points of protection: anti-slash straps and panels, lockable zipper pulls to prevent anyone from being able to sneakily unzip a compartment, an RFID-blocking pocket, and lock-down straps to secure your bag to a chair or seat while dining (and help prevent grab-and-go thefts). Choose between three neutral colors for this crossbody with a strap measuring from 13 to 25 inches, and all have a tethered key clip with LED light inside as well. Price at time of publish: $58 Dimensions: 9.75 x 8 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 9.9 ounces | Material: Cotton canvas with suede trim | Pockets: One interior zip pocket, two interior slip pockets, two exterior zippered pockets Best Vegan Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling Dagne Dover View On Nordstrom View On Dagnedover.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It: The fabric is a soft and squishy neoprene that's lightweight, too.What to Consider: It’s pretty tiny for a full day's worth of stuff. If you want something soft and lightweight, look no further. This neoprene crossbody weighs half a pound, making it ideal for the hero items (keys, wallet, phone) and not much else. It has a main zippered compartment and a stretch back pocket. Inside there are three card slots and a small stretchy loop that you can use to hold lipstick. The lining is made from a recycled polyester, and Dagne Dover uses AZO testing to ensure there are no harmful chemicals used in their dyeing process. Price at time of publish: $75 Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Material: Neoprene | Pockets: One exterior slip pocket Best Personalized Leatherology Meadow Large Satchel Leatherology View On Leatherology.com Why We Love It: There are a trio of personalized monogram options to make your bag unique.What to Consider: Some personalization options require longer processing times. Made of a strong and durable full-grain leather, Leatherology’s large satchel has a dreamy pebbled texture. Loathe bottomless bags you have to dig around in? You’ll appreciate the main compartment’s expanding winged fabric with a two-way zipper, which widens the interior. There’s also a zippered pocket in the front for additional items, and a top handle for a carrying alternative. After you’ve made your color selection (choose from black, camel, or three jewel-toned leathers), put your unique stamp on it with the brand’s personalization service. Deboss your initials right into the leather, get them hand painted, or order the trapunto quilting (a Travel + Leisure editor favorite). Price at time of publish: $240 Dimensions: 7.25 x 10.25 x 4 inches | Weight: Not available | Material: Leather | Pockets: Zippered front pocket with one slip pocket inside, one zip pocket in main compartment Best Organization WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack in Yellow Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: There are a ton of pockets and it’s available in 19 colors.What to Consider: It may feel too casual to use as an office bag or for a night out. If you’re someone who likes all your essentials to have their own separate place when you travel, you’ll appreciate this sling bag. It feels like there’s a spot for everything. On the exterior, there's a cell phone holder right on the strap that fits phones up to 7.5 x 3.5 inches, and there’s a zip pocket with a hole for wired headphones. The strap can be clipped to hang on either shoulder comfortably, and there are two mesh pockets on each side that are intended for a water bottle or umbrella. Inside there are compartments galore, a key hook so you don’t lose track of your keys, and a padded pocket for a tablet. Price at time of publish: $35 Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Nylon | Pockets: Two side mesh pockets, one zip shoulder strap pocket, one exterior zipper pocket, additional compartments inside The 10 Best Weekender Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Bucket Alo Utility Crossbody Bucket Alo View On Aloyoga.com Why We Love It: It’s sporty and roomy, with an easy-to-close drawcord.What to Consider: It’s a bit small and too floppy to stand on its own. Alo’s nylon bucket bag has a wide opening so you can toss items in and cinch it closed. It also features mesh and zip pockets for easy organization, making it the ideal grab-and-go bag for those days when you’ll be out and about for long periods of time. Wear it with your jeans or workout gear — it looks great with both. Price at time of publish: $78 Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Material: Nylon | Pockets: Two exterior mesh pockets, one interior zip pocket Best Minimalist Away The Daily Crossbody View On Awaytravel.com Why We Love It: It’s simple, strong, and versatile — just what you need.What to Consider: Its minimalist appearance may be too plain for some travelers. If you’re one of the many people who’ve jumped on the Away luggage bandwagon, you’ll be pleased to know the brand’s vast offering has all your travel needs in mind, including the perfect crossbody bag for jet-setting. This one’s a slick, minimalistic option that’s perfect for everyday items, and it’ll hold up to any unforeseen messes you encounter while traveling thanks to its strong, water-resistant nylon construction. The main compartment features a clamshell opening so you can find what you need quickly, and inside there are zip pockets, a detachable key clip, and even a spot for your phone. Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds (with strap) | Material: Nylon, leather | Pockets: Exterior zippered pocket with inner slip pocket, one zip interior pocket, one slip interior pocket Best Canister Shape Paravel Crossbody Capsule Paravel View On Tourparavel.com Why We Love It: The structured shape is both rugged and polished.What to Consider: It won’t fit a tablet. Designed using a cotton fiber ecocraft canvas that’s made from recycled bottles, this Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified bag strikes a remarkable balance between being utilitarian and stylish. It’s trimmed with a luxe recycled vegan leather, and inside you’ll find a water-resistant lining and enough space to pop in essentials like a wallet, sunglasses, and keys. If you like to travel light, the Paravel Capsule crossbody can easily become your next go-to. It’s made with a sturdy crush-proof fabric, so no need to worry if you accidentally knock it into something either. The bag comes in four colors with solid straps, but striped, monogrammable straps are also sold separately. Price at time of publish: $265 Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 0.88 pounds | Material: Canvas, vegan leather | Pockets: No Tips for Buying Crossbody Bags for Travel Make sure it fits your essentials If you're someone who travels light, then the sky’s the limit in terms of bag size. However, if you need space for a water bottle, notebook, tablet, wallet, and more, you should pay attention to the measurements carefully. Also, consider where and when you’ll be using the crossbody, and if the material needs to be waterproof or water-resistant. Choose a comfortable strap Once a purse starts digging into your shoulder you’ll want to ditch it entirely, so it’s imperative you pick a bag that can hold the weight of your items and rest comfortably on your shoulder. Prioritize safety and security When exploring a new place, whether strolling a crowded city or hiking a new trail, the best bags for safety are those that stay closely strapped to your body. Keeping your items in crossbody bags or even fanny packs when traveling can help minimize theft or loss of items since you'll be more likely to notice any issues. Plus, many crossbody bags are made with thick fabrics and have slash-resistant straps that can help prevent theft. Frequently Asked Questions How do I wear a crossbody bag? Since crossbody bags don’t evenly distribute weight, you may find that switching shoulders helps with your posture. The strap will hang across your body (as the name suggests) and the purse should hit at your hip so that it’s easy to access. When is a crossbody bag useful? A crossbody bag can be especially useful when you’re traveling and need to be able to quickly grab important documents without having to rummage through a tote bag’s worth of clutter. It’s also an easy choice for a day of exploring when you want to have your hands free. Can I wear a crossbody bag on a plane? Crossbody bags are a great option to wear when traveling and are usually considered personal items (if not small enough to slip inside a larger purse). Not only are most crossbody bags small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, but they also provide easy access to important items like passports, wallets, and any tickets. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, Travel + Leisure contributor Rebecca Brown used research and her own personal experience to compile the perfect list of crossbody bags for everything from daily commutes to your next trip. The 11 Best Travel Totes of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit