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12 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel That’ll Hold All Your Stuff Without Messing Up Your Vacay Outfit

No cringey tourist vibes here!

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crossbody bags for travel
Monos/Hannah Chubb

Between cross-country road trips, transatlantic flights, and weeks spent walking European cities, I can say this with confidence: traveling without a crossbody bag is a nightmare.

I’m usually a shoulder bag kind of girl, just because it fits my vibe more. But when I’m on my feet for hours—running through crowded airports or touring a new city—the last thing I want to think about is my stuff. Enter: A good crossbody. It keeps everything close and secure, and it's so easy I barely notice it. It just moves with me, and I can be totally hands-free. Here are some of the ones Cosmo editors love:

Our top picks for the best crossbody bags for travel:

Ahead, I rounded up the 12 best crossbody bags that really deliver on style, function, and reliability—ahem, perfect timing for all your upcoming travel plans this year! With five-star ratings and tons of rave reviews, these belt bags and crossbodies will fit all your travel essentials (some even have a dedicated pocket for your emotional support water bottle) without weighing you down. From water-resistant picks that can handle a waterfall hike to sleek leather styles that’ll fit right in on the streets of Paris, these are the ones you’ll want to bring on every trip.

1
best water-resistant crossbody bag

Quince Revive Nylon Foldover Crossbody

Revive Nylon Foldover Crossbody

Can confirm: Quince’s budget-friendly travel accessories are just as good as their luxe, way-pricier designer counterparts. Made from recycled plastic bottles, this minimalist option is both sustainable and functional, boasting two separate zipper compartments, a foldover design, and a hidden back pocket to keep your phone easily accessible.

This one is available in half a dozen color options and even comes with a dust bag for storage—and yep, you better believe that nylon fabric is ultra-durable and 100 percent water-repellent for worry-free rainy days.

Dimensions: 8" x 11" x 4.7"
Material:Recycled nylon
Weight:1.06lbs
2
best crossbody bag for concerts and festivals

lululemon All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L

All Night Festival Bag Micro 2L

Listen, I know everyone is obsessed with the internet-famous lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, but I personally think the micro version of the All Night Festival Bag (which has twice the capacity of the belt bag) deserves more hype. Featuring a foldover design and made with water-repellent fabric, this bb has all the perks you'd expect from an A+ travel crossbody—a secure front pocket! An easy-access exterior pocket! An adjustable strap!—without any of the bulk. And ofc, if you would like more than a two-liter capacity, you can always upgrade to the five-liter All Night Festival Bag.

Dimensions:5.1" x 5.5" × 2"
Material: Recycled nylon
Weight:Not listed
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3
best budget crossbody bag

ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag

Unisex Mini Belt Bag

Over 14,000 five-star reviewers agree: This mini crossbody is well worth your $12 (and then some). With a one-liter capacity, this budget-friendly bag is large enough to hold phones of any size and other miniature travel essentials, such as hand sanitizer, AirPods, snacks, chapstick, wallets, keys, and more. Shoppers love the waterproof nylon material on this one, as well as the fact that the wide, sturdy strap can be adjusted to fit around your chest or waist. It even has a discreet zipper pocket in the back for keeping cards and cash close to your chest.

Dimensions: 5.5" x 8" x 2"
Material: Nylon
Weight: .36 lbs

Editor Review

a person posing for a picture next to a body of water
Chaise Sanders

According to Cosmo contributor Chaise Sanders, "This bag has gotten me through college and beyond. It's surprisingly roomy, and I love all the pocket options so I can leave my wallet at home. I usually have problems finding a strap loose enough to go around me, but this one can go super long depending on how/where you'd like it to hang."

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4
best minimalist crossbody bag

Monos Metro Sling

Metro Sling

You may know Monos best for its incredibly chic hardside luggage, but the brand makes some pretty great crossbody bags as well. For instance, the bestselling Metro Sling is available with either nylon or vegan leather fabric, depending on whether you prioritize durability or versatility.

Compact and functional, this sling-style crossbody has everything you need, including a built-in keychain carabiner, a full-length back pocket for valuables, and a zippered main compartment with one interior zip pocket and three sleeve pockets for keeping your everyday essentials organized. Oh, and you can also wear it as a belt bag if you so choose!

Dimensions: 5.5" x 10.2" × 2"
Material: Vegan leather or nylon
Weight: 0.70 lb

Editor Review

a person posing for a picture
Hannah Chubb

"I'd like to say my fiancé is my go-to travel buddy, but it's actually this sling bag from Monos," Cosmo contributor Hannah Chubb says. "It fits a mind-boggling amount of stuff (like, everything you could ever need while sightseeing) and goes with every outfit ever. I recommend it to everyone—especially if you’ve got a Eurosummer vacation planned."

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5
most organized crossbody bag

Nouvelle Crossbody Bag

Nouvelle Crossbody Bag

Wasted space? The compact Nouvelle bag from Lo & Sons doesn't know her. Lightweight yet roomy, this chic bag offers some of the best interior organization I've encountered in a crossbody, including two mesh pockets, one zip pocket (which can fit iPhones of all sizes), and three card slots.

It's also got an easy-access zip pocket in the front for anything you want to easily grab, a cushioned strap for comfy wear, and a key leash for attaching your valuables. And while it's made with recycled nylon, the minimalist design makes this one work for either day or night, IMO.

Dimensions: 7" x 9" x 3"
Material: Recycled nylon with vegan leather trim
Weight: 0.7 lbs

When I think of go-to travel brands, Away is easily in my top three—so it’s no surprise they make one of the best crossbody bags out there. It’s ultra-lightweight (under half a pound), but still manages to fit all your essentials—phone, keys, wallet, even a couple of lip glosses—and remains easy and comfortable to carry.”

The layout is super easy: a main zip compartment, a front zip pocket for quick-grab items, and a hidden pocket that’s perfect for stashing valuables like cash or your passport. Everything stays organized and within easy reach, which is exactly what you want when you’re on the move. And the best part? It’s machine-washable, so you can toss it in with your regular laundry after a trip.

Dimensions: 7.4" x 1.5" x 4.7"
Material:Polyester twill, polyester lining
Weight: 0.3 lbs
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7
most spacious crossbody sling

Caraa Sling Medium in Orchid

Caraa Sling Medium in Orchid
Credit: Caraa

Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend, a hiking trip, or a weeks-long vacation in Asia, this medium-sized bag is clutch (just ask the reviews). It also comes in small and large, but this one hits the sweet spot—it fits a ton but never looks stuffed or oversized. Seriously, it can even hold a Kindle.

It has eight compartments, which feels borderline magical because you’d never guess it from looking at it. Honestly, it’s basically Mary Poppins in belt bag form. And to top it off, it’s water-resistant, so you don’t have to stress if you get caught in the rain.

Dimensions:7" x 15" x 4"
Material:Recycled and water-repellent nylon
Weight:13 oz

Chic crossbody bags that are actually travel-friendly? Like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It’s hard to find one that really nails both style and function—but this one from Cuyana does exactly that. The compact shape is deceiving, in the best way. It fits more than you’d expect: sunglasses, wallet, keys, your phone, everyday beauty essentials, and then some. Inside, there’s a slip pocket and a key loop, which make staying organized possible rather than chaotic.

And of course, we have to talk about the details: the gorgeous Italian leather and gold hardware make it feel elevated and polished. It’s a bag that works for both sightseeing and dinner.

Dimensions: 5 in. x 8 in. x 4 in.
Material: Signature soft Italian pebbled leather
Weight: 1.1 lbs
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This one’s for the parents who’ve been on a never-ending hunt for a crossbody that actually fits everything—because somehow, most bags just don’t cut it for you and your little one. It’s got smart, real-life features like a built-in wipe pocket and stroller strap compatibility to make those on-the-go moments way easier. And yes, there’s a spot for all the things—extra clothes, bottles, toys, snacks, plus your own essentials—so you’re not digging around in chaos.

The adjustable strap lets you wear it your way, and the water-resistant material is so clutch for all the inevitable spills that come with baby life.

Dimensions:15" x 9.5" x 6"
Material:Recycled nylon
Weight:1.15 lbs

I’m obsessed with a crossbody that basically does the job of three bags in one—and this one from Athleta is exactly that. The adjustable strap means you can wear it however you’re feeling that day: as a sling, a longer crossbody, a shoulder bag, or even a waist bag. It’s super customizable, whether you like your bag snug and close or a little more relaxed.

And reviewers can’t stop talking about how much it fits—like, all your essentials (phone, passport, wallet, lip balm, keys, and then some)—without feeling heavy. Plus, the vertical design has a chic look to it and keeps it closer to you.

Dimensions: 8.4” x 6.6” x 2”
Material: Polyester, recylced polyester
Weight: Not listed
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If you want something with built-in anti-pickpocket features, this top-rated Amazon find is one people swear by. It’s got locking zippers that hook onto side rings (so it won’t just unzip if someone tugs on it), RFID-blocking slots to help protect your cards and ID, and anti-theft reinforced cables in the straps (just in case anybody tries to get creative, you never know!).

But it’s not just about security—it’s actually super functional, too! You’ve got an easy-access front pocket for the stuff you grab all the time, plus a hidden back pocket that sits close to your body so your valuables stay extra protected.

Dimensions:9" x 12.5" x 3.5"
Material:Polyester
Weight:1.10 lbs
12
most convenient crossbody

Metro Mini Crossbody

Metro Mini Crossbody

This one is always with Kim Duong, our deputy shopping director, when she’s flying. She swears by it for airport days, when you need to stash your phone, passport, and boarding pass fast and grab them just as quickly. The hidden back pocket is her favorite feature: it keeps everything close at hand but still super easy to reach. Plus, the magnetic closure means you can open and close it in seconds.

It’s small enough to not count as a personal item (she just stashes it in her laptop bag before boarding), yet roomy enough to fit all the essentials. So don’t let the sleek, compact look fool you! It fits way more than you’d think.

Dimensions:4.8" × 7.6" × 1.6"
Material:Microfibre vegan leather
Weight:0.50 lb
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Why is a crossbody bag useful for travel?

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Crossbodies have two big advantages over a traditional shoulder bag when you're traveling. First, a crossbody will keep your stuff more secure. When worn across your chest, it's way harder for them to slip off your shoulder or get snatched. Second, they keep you hands-free, which is very helpful for hiking, biking, shopping, and navigating the airport with all your other luggage.

Can you wear a crossbody bag on a plane?

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Yes—and most airlines count crossbodies as a personal item, just like a tote or purse. But before you fly, double-check that yours doesn't exceed your airline's personal item dimensions, since limits vary. And keep in mind: even though a crossbody is small and worn on your body, it still counts toward your item limit—you can't technically wear it as a free third bag alongside your carry-on and personal item. However! If yours is compact enough, stash it inside your carry-on or personal item before boarding to stay on the safe side.

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How to choose the best crossbody bag for travel

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With so many different crossbody bags out there, you'll wanna make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out your new go-to travel bag:

Consider the materials

First, think about where you're headed before picking a material. For city trips or dressier itineraries, a leather crossbody is a great choice. But if your trip involves hiking, beach days, or anything outdoors, you might want to skip leather (full-grain leather is porous and can get ruined by an expected rain shower). Faux leather, however, is typically made from plastics like polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which means it will hold up better against the elements. But if you want a bag that's water-repellent rather than just water-resistant (meaning water will bead off the surface instead of just holding up against light moisture), it's best to go with something extra-durable like nylon.

Prioritize functionality

Of course, you want a bag that looks good in all your vacay photos—but that won't matter if your bag isn't optimized for travel. Consider a crossbody with useful travel features, such as interior compartments for easy organization, exterior pockets for quick-access items, and hidden interior pockets for valuables. And if theft is a concern, you should also prioritize features such as slash-resistant straps (which you can buy separately, btw) and built-in RFID protection (which can help prevent information theft).

Evaluate the storage space

Think about what you'll actually need to carry day-to-day on your trip. A crossbody should comfortably fit your essentials—phone, wallet, sunscreen, and maybe even a snack—without feeling cramped or overstuffed. If you tend to pack more, look for a bag with an expandable main compartment or one that's slightly oversized (but not bulky—you’ll be on the move!). And if you're someone who always has a water bottle on hand, check whether the bag has a dedicated spot for it or at least a compartment deep enough to hold one upright.

Check out the strap length

Nobody wants a crossbody that's way too long—or worse, so short you can't wear it across your chest. Be sure to check both the maximum strap length as well as the strap drop (which is the vertical distance between the bag opening and the top of your shoulder where the strap sits) to make sure it'll be a good fit for your body.

Headshot of Megan Uy
Megan Uy
Associate Shopping Editor

Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok

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