The 9 best crossbody bags in 2024

Crossbody bags are practically built for travel. They keep you organized without weighing you down, provide an easy-to-reach place for stashing travel documents, and are versatile enough to carry everyday essentials while exploring a new city.  

As a travel journalist, I’ve used crossbody bags for more than a decade. During that time, I’ve determined that the best crossbody bags are compact in size, come with excellent organization and storage, and have anti-theft features so you can focus on enjoying your trip.  

Fortunately, several styles fall under the crossbody bag category—including sling bags, belt bags, and messenger bags—that come with a host of benefits. 

We selected as the best overall because of its versatile, unisex design and practical features, such as zippered pockets, water repellency, and comfortable strap. We also appreciate the company’s commitment to sustainability, which includes manufacturing bags with leftover and recycled materials. 

If you’re looking for something specific, we’ve got a few options. These are the nine crossbody bags we think are suitable for any traveler. 

The best crossbody bags for travel 

Here’s everything you need to know about our top picks.

Best crossbody bag for travel overall:  

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Why we like it: The Coso Hip Pack by Cotopaxi is comfortable, stylish, and functional. The outer shell is made from recycled nylon with a water-resistant coating you can easily wipe clean. We like the bag’s organizational features—it has several exterior and interior pockets for things you need easy access to, plus a zippered compartment. 

A fleece-lined pocket is designed to protect your phone but also fits a pair of sunglasses. There’s even a key hook in the main compartment, which I especially appreciate after too many occasions when my hotel key fell out of my pocket or bag.  

The side compression straps are another welcomed detail for cinching the bag in when it gets too full. Lastly, the strap is long enough to wear the hip pack as a crossbody bag, but quickly adjusts back to belt mode. 

Keep in mind: The front pocket is open, so we wouldn’t put anything valuable in there. 

Product details: Capacity: 2 L. | Material: Recycled nylon | Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in. 

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Best crossbody bag for women:  

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Why we like it: Dubbed “the Millennial Birkin,” Uniqlo’s round mini shoulder bag has sold out several times and is a TikTok sensation. Unlike its designer counterpart that costs tens of thousands of dollars, Uniqlo’s crossbody bag is less than $20. So what’s all the hype about? 

This bag proves that simplicity rules. With its rounded shape, the bag conforms to the body’s natural silhouette. It’s complemented by a wide strap that adjusts for wearing as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Inside, there’s a roomy main compartment and two smaller pockets along the side for items like a phone or cards. However, we wish these pockets were zippered because our stuff often falls out into the main compartment. 

While the water-resistant coating is not permanent, we have found that it does an excellent job protecting our belongings during light rain or poolside splashes. It also comes in a wide variety of colors to match any outfit.  

Keep in mind: The water-repellent coating will eventually wash off. There are no zippered pockets inside. 

Product details: Capacity: N/A | Material: Nylon and polyester | Dimensions: 11 x 6.7 x 3.9 in. 

Best crossbody bag for men:

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Why we like it: With a capacity of a gallon and a half, this crossbody bag fits an impressive number of items, such as a water bottle, an iPad, a phone, charging cables, and even a small camera. It’s also very easy to organize because the interior is divided into several compartments and pockets. We also appreciate the ample padding along the back and the bottom, which acts as an additional protective layer in case of accidental drops or bumps.  

According to the manufacturer, the recycled fabric and all the zippers are water-resistant, helping to keep contents dry. The extra wide strap feels comfortable all day and detaches. That means you can easily repurpose the bag into a toiletry case, for example, or a packing cube. 

Keep in mind: The zippered front pocket has a fabric dip that can fill up with water in the rain, so you would have to empty it before you open the pocket. 

Product details: Capacity: 6 L. | Material: recycled woven fabric | Dimensions: 5.9 x 7.8 x 1.9 in. 

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Best designer crossbody bag: Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Compact Envelope with M Lock 4810 Buckle 

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Why we like it: Montblanc’s style blends elegance with functionality. Most importantly, the company is known for not cutting corners when it comes to quality materials. This crossbody was made from cowhide leather and, as its name suggests, was inspired by the design of classic envelope clutches. The top folds over and closes securely with a sporty buckle whose design references climbing gear.  

The structured, hardy silhouette adds extra protection for your things, helping to prevent them from getting squished during transit. Inside, there is one main compartment with a side pocket, which you can customize or carry oddly shaped items such as a camera. 

The shoulder strap is made mainly from sturdy fabric but accented with leather motifs. You can remove it via two side hooks. 

Keep in mind: Leather scuffs easily, so we wouldn’t pack this bag for camping or hiking. The main compartment has only one side pocket. 

Product details: Capacity: N/A | Material: Leather | Dimensions: 9.5 x 3.2 x 7.5 in.   

Best anti-theft crossbody bag: Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Activity Crossbody 

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Why we like it: This Baggallini crossbody bag won us over with its compact size and safety features. It’s a wonderful option for travelers who need to store important documents and cards but don’t want to carry a full-sized bag in transit.  

This bag’s organizational potential is stellar. The main compartment has a zipper that locks to deter pickpockets. When open, it reveals five card slots and two larger pockets along the sides large enough to hold passports. There’s more room inside and in another zippered front pocket. 

The bag is made from lightweight, water-resistant fabric, reinforced with slash-resistant panels and RFID-blocking features to prevent electronic theft. The strap is about an inch wide and made from extra thick woven fabric to be cut-resistant. 

Keep in mind: The strap isn’t detachable and only one of the zippers locks. This is a small crossbody made for carrying travel documents and smaller belongings. 

Product details: Capacity: N/A | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 5.3 x 7.5 x 1 in. 

Best unisex crossbody bag:

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Why we like it: Functionality is a key element to this Patagonia crossbody sling bag, which is just the right size to accompany anyone on their daily adventures. The comfortable sling design doesn’t restrict movement, so travelers can bike, hike, and even ski with it.  

Like the company’s beloved Atom backpack, this one is also made from durable, water-repellent—and lightweight—polyester. But what’s really impressive is the back and strap padding, which helps make this crossbody comfortable enough for hours of exploring.  

A roomy strap pocket with elastic mesh allows you to store larger items like a phone, which remain easily accessible. 

The main compartment has a convenient side zipper and a divider, which is helpful if you plan to carry an iPad or other items, such as water bottles or snacks. A pair of storage straps on the front also come in handy when securing a yoga mat or jacket. 

The adjustable padded strap features a buckle underneath the pocket and slides smoothly for quick access to the main compartment. 

Keep in mind: The thick back padding is not water-repellent. When it rains, we would avoid putting electronics in the strap pocket since part of it is mesh. 

Product details: Capacity: 8 L. | Material: Polyester, nylon, and Spandex mesh | Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 3 in. 

Best cheap crossbody bag: Mini Crossbody Bag 

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Why we like it: This under $20 crossbody bag has many of the features of more expensive styles for a fraction of the price. Constructed to be waterproof, this bag helps protect the interior, which fits many travel essentials from a passport to a spare power bank. But best of all, the main compartment offers a good amount of storage organization, with another front pocket that can fit a phone or boarding passes. Another bonus? The entire bag is made from RFID-blocking material. 

The strap extends for a custom fit and detaches via a pair of hooks, transforming the bag into a document holder you can stash in your backpack. The crossbody bag itself is ultra-light and slim when empty, so it won’t take up much real estate if you need to pack it. 

Keep in mind: The strap is a bit thin, and the side hooks are made from plastic that don’t look very sturdy. Other than the RFID-blocking feature, the bag doesn’t have any other anti-theft capabilities.  

Product details: Capacity: N/A | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 5.5 x 7.4 x 0.7 in. 

Best everyday:  

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Why we like it: The Fjallraven crossbody bag is a great all-around travel bag for any season. The recycled polyamide (nylon) construction is water-resistant, transforming it into a good option for rainy destinations. The roomy main compartment features two mesh pockets that accommodate smaller items like a phone or a passport. There’s another zippered pocket inside, along with a key hook, for good organization. You can place items you need to access quickly in the front pocket, which closes securely with a zipper. 

What we really like about this crossbody is that it easily transforms into a toiletry bag. Just remove the padded strap—a convenient top handle helps with carrying it. 

Keep in mind: There is no padding on the bottom or sides of the bag itself, so be careful when placing fragile items inside. Taller people might find the strap a bit short. 

Product details: Capacity: 3 L. | Material: Recycled polyamide | Dimensions: 6.2 x 9.4 x 2.7 in. 

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Best versatile: Original Crossbody HydroBag 

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Why we like it: Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference, and this crossbody bag proves it. How often have you explored a city with a water bottle in hand or gone to a music festival and wished for someplace to store your drink? That’s why we love this “hydro bag.” It incorporates a pocket that holds a standard 32-ounce bottle or containers up to 3.5 inches in diameter. 

That compartment is water resistant to prevent leaks into the two smaller, zippered pockets. These pockets are organized to hold items like passports, phones, and wallets.  

The strap is removable and extra wide for maximum comfort. It reaches about mid-hip on someone 5 feet, 8 inches tall. The bag’s thick, puffer construction also means you likely won’t notice if your cup is extra hot or cold. 

As a mom of a 5-year-old, I can also vouch for this bag’s functionality for trips to the playground, where carrying a bottle of water, hand sanitizer, and a snack is a must. 

Keep in mind: While we appreciate the extra wide strap, some might find it too wide—it measures two inches. 

Product details: Capacity: 32 oz. bottle | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 11 x 5 in. 

How we chose the best crossbody bags for travel 

Several factors went into determining the best crossbody bags for travel. At the top of the list was my experience as a travel journalist and as someone who has used crossbody bags for at least two decades. Additionally, I reviewed product descriptions and competitor articles. I also considered brand reputation and known production practices. Other factors included: 

• Third-party reviews: We all have different travel needs and preferences, so we considered products with overwhelmingly positive reviews from fellow travelers, editors, industry experts, and other product review sites.  
• Materials: Crossbody bags are often used to store valuables like travel documents, credit cards, keys, and wallets, so it is essential that they are made from tough, long-lasting, and ideally, water-repellent fabrics that can withstand the elements—and a busy travel calendar. 
• Storage and size: Part of the allure of crossbody bags is that they fit a day’s essentials without weighing you down. The perfect crossbody for travel accommodates important belongings, such as passports and wallets, along with everyday items. It should provide enough storage space—and pockets—without being bulky and getting in your way. 
• Comfort: A comfortable crossbody bag must have a strap that doesn’t cut into the shoulder and is long enough to accommodate taller people.  
• Versatility: Features like adjustable and removable shoulder straps and multipurpose pockets add to a bag’s functionality and multitasking potential. 
• Design: There are several types of crossbody bags, such as sling bags, messenger-type bags, and belt bags, each with pros and cons. 
• Brand reputation: Companies that specialize in manufacturing high-performance, high-quality products for travelers often invest in the best materials and update the design of existing best-selling styles for functionality. 
• Sustainability: Fashion can be wasteful, so investing in products and companies championing sustainable practices and local communities is important. 

Tips for buying travel crossbody bags 

Look for the following things when buying a crossbody bag for travel: 

Material 

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are two of the best for crossbody bags. They are lightweight and durable and often manufactured with water-repellent and stain-resistant coatings. Leather is another good option, but keep in mind that it’s heavier and develops a natural patina over time. 

Types of crossbody bags 

Crossbody bags come in several design variations. Lately, hip packs or fanny packs have become a popular option, as they can be worn across the chest as a crossbody. That’s great for travelers who prioritize ease of accessibility and style. Sling bags are often worn like backpacks, so they don’t get in the way of activities like biking. Traditional crossbody bags usually sit on the side and are a more comfortable alternative to shoulder bags, providing quick access to your belongings (they are excellent for airport travel and city trips). 

Shoulder strap 

Pay attention to the shoulder strap’s length and width, depending on how you plan to wear your crossbody bag. Removable and adjustable shoulder straps are best since they allow you to customize the fit and look of the crossbody bag. I’ve often used a small crossbody bag as a toiletry bag after removing the strap and packing it in my carry-on. 

The width is important because the thinner the strap, the higher the risk of it cutting into your skin when it becomes heavy. 

RFID blocking and other anti-theft features 

Pickpocketing and identity theft are real threats while on the road. That’s why companies often offer crossbody bags made from RFID-blocking fabrics or feature RFID-blocking sleeves that protect personal data from remote scanners.  

Other anti-theft features include locking zippers, extra-thick straps that are difficult to cut, and hidden, slash-resistant pockets. 

Organization 

Crossbody bags may not be as large as carry-ons or duffle bags, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for good internal organization. Card slots, slide pockets, and zippered compartments will help you better organize your belongings and prevent them from ending up in a messy pile. Exterior pockets could be a good solution for carrying water bottles or items like hand sanitizer, lip balm, or liquids that might otherwise spill or stain important documents. 

Frequently asked questions 

What size crossbody bag should I get? 

I often wear my crossbody in addition to a carry-on roller bag, so I prefer small to medium-sized crossbody bags. The smaller the bag, the easier it is to carry around for long periods, so I tend to buy crossbody bags that fit only daytime essentials. That way, I’m also not tempted to overpack it. For everything else, I bring a travel backpack or pack the extra items in my carry-on. 

When exploring an urban destination, I opt for smaller crossbody bags or a hip pack that I wear across the chest. 

What are the different types of crossbody bags? 

The most popular crossbody bags are hip or belt bags that can be worn across the chest. Messenger bags are another option. However, they are more popular for commuting rather than long-haul travel. Sling bags are an excellent option for active travelers looking to practice their favorite sports and hobbies without having a bag in the way. 

Traditional crossbody bags are a great all-around option. Depending on the design and construction, they can be dressed up or down (for example, a leather wallet bag or a bucket crossbody can also be great as an evening accessory).  

Are crossbody bags good for your shoulders? 

Crossbody bags distribute weight more evenly, which doesn’t put as much strain on just your left or right shoulder like totes, for example. However, it’s also important to note that you should not overpack or carry a heavy bag for long periods—regardless of the style— because it might lead to back and neck pain and muscle strain.