The best crossbody bags for travel are roomy and secure enough to store everyday essentials without weighing you down. After hours of researching the best options on the market, our winner is the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe, which has an impressive number of pockets, a water-resistant shell and a secure zip-top closure. If you’re seeking a less pricey option, we recommend the Travelon Mini Shoulder Bag, an affordable pick that’s designed with plenty of useful anti-theft features.
The best crossbody bags for travel are durable, secure and have enough space for your essentials.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When selecting a crossbody bag, “look for something ultra-versatile with lightweight fabrication that’s water-and-dirt resistant,” advises Kyle Albrecht, lead stylist at Social Garb. “Also, choose a low-profile bag that only bulks up to the extent you pack it.” We considered over 20 options that check those boxes and suit a variety of different trips, then consulted senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who has visited over 40 countries with various bags. Below, the best crossbody bags for travel in 2025.
Whether you’re headed on a quick trip or a two-week-long European excursion, the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe is a stylish and practical pick (we also rated it the best crossbody bag for travel in our guide to the best crossbody bags). It has six interior pockets plus a detachable pouch that’s great for stashing beauty products that tend to spill. Its two exterior pockets keep frequently used items—like your passport or wallet—within reach. Other helpful features include a secure zip-top closure, detachable crossbody strap, key ring strap and padded top handles.
Amazon
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Colors: 12 total, including Black and Spruce | Materials: Polyester, nylon
What you’ll love:
Affordable price
Slash-resistant strap
RFID-blocking compartment
Keep in mind:
Some reviewers say the material is stiff
Don’t let its budget-friendly price fool you: The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag has plenty of helpful features that make it an excellent choice for a variety of trips. Its five-point anti-theft security system keeps you safe while you travel, as does its slash-resistant fabric, secure zipper pulls and RFID-blocking organizer for extra security. Its front exterior pocket also locks under the magnetic snap flap, keeping your most reached-for items safe. It comes in various colors that can match with any outfit and has a slim, minimalist profile.
Dimensions: 7.8 x 9.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.54 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Mink and Black | Materials: Leather
What you’ll love:
Smooth leather material
Can be worn as a wristlet
Keep in mind:
Limited color options
Simple design
This popular crossbody bag from Quince might have a streamlined profile, but it offers an impressive amount of storage and stylish leather construction. Three distinct compartments (two zippered and one open compartment in the middle) provide plenty of space for your everyday essentials. The center compartment has three smaller pockets for organizing easy-to-lose items like your keys, AirPods and lip balm. Reviewers particularly give this bag high marks for its minimalist design, different strap lengths and sturdy, high-quality material.
Dimensions: 5.6 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Colors: 23 total, including Deep Navy and Cognac | Materials: Nappa, Saffiano or cactus leather
What you’ll love:
Can be worn in four different ways
Available in three types of leather
One zippered inner pocket
Keep in mind:
Genuine leather requires maintenance
Not as spacious as other options
The Lo & Sons Waverly 2 stands out for its versatility, as its innovative design has four different configurations: It can be worn as a crossbody, shoulder bag, fanny pack or wristlet. This versatility lends itself to day-to-night wear and eliminates the need for several bags while traveling. It comes in three leather varieties that have distinct textures: Nappa leather is smooth to the touch, Saffiano leather has a slightly raised texture that’s treated to be weather-resistant and cactus “leather” is a plant-based material that’s environmentally conscious. The bag’s main compartment fits all the essentials, and although it’s not as roomy as other options on our list, customers say the bag is lightweight and well-made.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Colors: 7 total, including Passionate (hot pink) and Navy | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester
What you’ll love:
Water-repellent polyester fabric
Can be worn two ways
Adjustable strap
Keep in mind:
Only has a one-liter capacity
Not as suitable for formal looks
Ideal for casual wear and busy travel days where you need your hands free, the ultra-popular Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag can be worn around the waist or across the body. It’s crafted from water-repellent recycled polyester and its main compartment has three mesh pockets to hold everyday items like keys, wallet, phone charger and lip balm. There’s also one exterior zippered pocket that can be used for your passport and phone—or anything else that you need quick access to. However, take note that this bag is on the smaller side (it has a one liter capacity), so you might want to consider the larger size if you need more space.
Amazon
Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Colors: Black | Materials: Nylon and polyester
What you’ll love:
Spacious interior can fit a tablet
Exterior water bottle holder
RFID-blocking pocket
Keep in mind:
Only available in one color
Not as suitable for formal looks
If you’re heading on an active trip filled with outdoor excursions, the Nomatic Navigator Sling is an ideal travel companion. Its spacious interior includes four pockets (including an RFID-blocking pocket for your cards) and an exterior pocket big enough to hold an 11-inch tablet. Other helpful features include a water bottle holder that zips away when not in use, a cord pass-through for charging devices on the go and tamper-resistant zippers. For extra comfort, there’s a molded EVA back panel and tuck-away stabilizing strap.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches | Weight: 10 ounces | Colors: 6 total, including Cotopaxi Black and Chestnut | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester
What you’ll love:
Ultra-lightweight
TPU coating for extra durability
Can be worn around the waist or across the body
Keep in mind:
Casual design is not suitable for formal looks
Whether hiking, exploring a new city or commuting, the versatile Cotopaxi Coso Hip Pack is built to keep you organized and ready for any destination. It’s made from recycled nylon with a TPU coating that makes it water-resistant, and it can be worn either as a crossbody or around the waist as a belt bag. The top zipper opens to a main compartment, and an interior phone pocket with fleece lining protects screens from scuffs and scratches. There are multiple grab handles for easy carrying, and G-hooks on both sides can be adjusted depending on how much you carry. The design of this crossbody is admittedly more casual, but we appreciate its bright colors and easy-to-care-for material.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She has written extensively about travel bags, including guides to the best weekender bags and the best travel totes.
As part of her research for this story, Louie also gathered key insights and advice from Kyle Albrecht, lead stylist at Social Garb.
The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and used many of the brands in this guide.
How We Chose The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel
We made our recommendations based on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience.
We analyzed several important features, including materials, dimensions, weight and interior organization to assess the overall value and help readers pinpoint the best option for their needs.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the Forbes Vetted editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best crossbody bags for travel. Here’s what to look for.
Material
Crossbody bags are available in many materials, from premium leather to canvas to recycled polyester. To help you determine the best material, consider where and how often you’ll wear your bag. For example, if you travel frequently and go on active trips, consider a material like recycled nylon or polyester, both of which are easy to clean. “A lightweight but durable nylon canvas is an ideal fabric as it’s resilient and stain resistant, so it can handle wear and tear while traveling,” says Albrecht. “And if you spill something, a little soap and water should easily remove the stain.” Leather is a stylish option that ages beautifully and develops a subtle sheen (or patina) over time, but textured leathers like Saffiano are typically more durable. “Genuine leather always wears better than synthetic leather and ages nicely,” adds Albrecht.
Size
It’s important to consider the size and capacity to ensure you purchase a functional bag. You’ll want something that fits the essentials—like your keys, wallet, phone and AirPods—without a ton of excess room that feels unnecessary or unusable. If you want a small bag that keeps your hands free while traveling, consider the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. Meanwhile, the Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L is a better option for those who want extra room to store items like a Kindle, water bottle and packable jacket.
Interior Organization
Staying organized while on the go is essential, so look for a bag with enough interior organization to separate certain items. Being able to locate important travel documents like your passport and boarding pass can make long travel days exponentially easier. Our top pick, the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe, has six interior pockets and two exterior pockets for superior organization while you’re on the move. Our other picks feature helpful compartments (some are even RFID-blocking) so you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel?
The best crossbody bags for travel are durable, secure and have enough space for your essentials. All the products highlighted in this guide are excellent options that our experienced travel team has vetted. The MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe is our top pick, thanks to its water-resistant shell, multiple interior pockets and secure zip-top closure. We also recommend the affordable Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag and Quince’s stylish Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody.
Can You Take A Crossbody Bag On A Plane?
You can take a crossbody bag on a plane, but it will count as a personal item. It must also fit underneath the seat in front of you. If you plan on bringing a larger backpack or travel tote, we recommend stashing your crossbody bag in the larger bag during your flight (then both bags will count as one personal item).
What Type Of Bags Are Good For International Travel?
When packing for an international vacation, the first thing to consider is how long you’ll be traveling. The bag you might need for a month-long trip will differ from what you might need for a week-long getaway. In general, look for a lightweight bag with plenty of internal compartments to keep you organized. International flights have different weight limits, so check the airline’s requirements before you get to the airport. You can usually purchase more capacity ahead of time, but baggage costs can add up quickly.
