9 Great Crossbody Bags for Travel

Crossbody bags are the ideal daypack for travel—they are more secure and foil pickpockets better than over-the-shoulder purses or backpacks, and they don’t immediately mark you as a tourist. The best crossbody bags for travel are ultra-lightweight or have anti-theft features, like these nine great bags.

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Messenger

Travelon’s versatile Anti-Theft LTD Crossbody Messenger can be worn as a crossbody bag, or you can detach the strap and carry it as a clutch. Either way, it’s lightweight (weighing just over nine ounces) thanks to its travel-friendly and easy-to-clean stain-resistant nylon exterior. Like all Travelon bags, this one is designed to be hard to steal, with slash-resistant construction and locking compartments. There’s even RFID-blocking material built into the credit card and passport slots. An internal clip holds your keys securely, which is perfect for travel.

M.Gemi Crossbody Bag

A sharp, sophisticated crossbody optimized to stay in style season after season is a splurge any woman should be willing to make. Handmade in Tuscany, this crossbody from M.Gemi is detailed with sharp linear accents and dressed in rich tumbled leather. It’s a statement piece for sure—and one that’s absolutely worth it.

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Timbuk2’s Messenger Bag is a classic for a reason: It has a padded, air-mesh strap to prevent shoulder pain (even if you overpack it), padded compartments for electronics, specially designed flaps that help keep out rain, an internal water bottle pocket, and a removable cross-strap.

Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Sling Backpack

Pacsafe’s Metrosafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Sling Backpack is a unisex option that holds a ton (including electronics in a special padded organizer pocket). Although lightweight, this bag has a hidden stainless steel wire embedded in the strap, which prevents thieves from slashing it. There’s also a security buckle built in that can be attached to something solid (like a table leg) so you can put it down without worry during a meal.

Baggallini Big Zipper Crossbody Bag

Never dig around in the bottom of your bag for an elusive item again with the Baggallini Big Zipper Crossbody Bag. This purse has five external pockets (including three secure zipper ones) and multiple interior compartments to keep everything organized. The nylon fabric is lightweight and water-resistant, so it will stand up to the rigors of travel.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody Bag

As its name implies, this bag is designed to keep your stuff safe, with anti-theft features such as a security flap, steel-reinforced strap guards, and RFID-blocking pockets. You can even fit this slim-profile crossbody bag under your jacket for extra protection.

Healthy Back Bag Microfiber

AmeriBag’s Healthy Back Bags have a unique, ergonomic design that contours to your back and distributes weight evenly. The microfiber version is the lightest and is also water-resistant. Inside, there are spots for your water bottle, pens, cards, and anything else you need.

Sechunk Cotton Canvas Leather Messenger Crossbody Bag

For days when you need to carry just a little bit more, the Sechunk Cotton Canvas Leather Messenger Crossbody bag is just 8.46 inches by 1.57 inches by 10.24 inches,  so it fits all without being oversized. Fill the leather-trim canvas bag with all your in-flight essentials.

Dagne Dover Andra Crossbody

The Dagne Dover Andra Crossbody is one of the trendiest crossbody bags on our list and comes in a variety of colors. This minimalist bag has lots of organizational pockets to store all your belongings on the go. Wear it as a shoulder bag or across your body.

Don’t see one you like? Check out more crossbody bags from Amazon here.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 9 Ingenious Travel Handbags to Improve Your Next Trip
• How to Make Your Purse Lighter
• 6 Pieces of Personal Item Luggage That Make Great Day Bags

Caroline Morse loves crossbody bags for travel. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline and on Twitter @CarolineMorse1 for fashion and travel photos from around the world.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.