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December 12, 2024

14 Best Crossbody Bags for Travel: Top Picks

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Crossbody bags are the ultimate travel companion, since they’re hands-free and keep personal items secure on your side. Plus, there’s zero stress about the strap slipping off your shoulder.

There are endless styles to choose from, including durable hiking bags, convenient fanny packs, and small wallets. In this article, we’ll cover the best crossbody bags for travel to help you find a chic, safe place for your valuables.

Quality crossbody travel bags for every unique trip

Whether you consider yourself an adventurous traveler or a refined lady, crossbody bags are the perfect choice for your next excursion. Here are our top picks for every travel need.

1. Coach Chaise

A black Coach Chaise.

What we love: Surprisingly spacious.

What we don’t: The zipper tends to stick.

The Chaise is one of our favorite crossbody handbags for travel and regular daily use. Like other Coach bags, it’s subtle enough for a casual lunch but easy to dress up for a classy night out.

This smooth leather purse sports a roomy main compartment, a front pocket with a turn-lock closure, and a small zipper pocket for items you need to keep secure.

Check out ThredUp’s collection of budget-friendly Coach bags, starting at $23.99.

Dimensions: 10.5" x 2.25" x 9.75"

Available colors: Black, tan/rust.

2. Athleta Revive Modular Crossbody Bag

What we love: Versatile, modular design.

What we don’t: Somewhat cramped.

Athleta products are made for activity and exploration, from travel pants to athletic jackets. The Revive Modular Crossbody Bag reflects that with a tactical design, sporting an external sunglasses pocket and a removable earbuds case. 

It also goes beyond a simple crossbody—the lightweight handbag detaches from the strap and becomes a convenient packing cube for larger luggage.

Grab an Athleta bag for your trip on ThredUp, starting at $21.99.

Dimensions: 9.5” x 6.5”

Available colors: Black, chestnut.

3. Madewell The Medium Transport Tote

A brown Madewell The Medium Transport Tote.

What we love: Versatile shoulder/crossbody combo.

What we don’t: The strap is thin and can fray.

We adore Madewell, since this sustainable brand produces long-lasting jeans and convenient, soft leather bags. 

The Medium is an excellent compromise when you can’t decide between a crossbody and a tote. It sits comfortably across your chest but has enough room for large items like water bottles and laptops.

Thrift beautiful Madewell purses on ThredUp, including totes and minibags, starting at $22.99.

Dimensions: 11” x 5.5” x 12.25”

Available colors: Black, tan.

4. Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody Bag

What we love: Roomy and easy to organize.

What we don’t: Shorter strap length.

The Micah Crossbody Bag isn’t the most luxe option, but it’s durable, water-resistant, and convenient. It sports multiple pockets, making organization easy, and provides an accessory leash to keep track of your keys in the depths of your bag.

Browse Dagne Dover favorites on ThredUp, starting at $37.99.

Dimensions: 8.75” x 3” x 7”

Available colors: 10 colors, including tan, olive, and navy.

5. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

A grey Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.

What we love: Totally waterproof.

What we don’t: The placement of the zippers makes it tricky to retrieve items.

From leggings to tank tops, Lululemon offers some of our favorite athleisure gear, and their bags are just as high-quality. This crossbody belt bag is practical, waterproof, and compact. It’s perfect for bringing essentials along on rougher adventures, like hikes and nature tours. And this purse is super versatile—if you love the convenience but not the fit, wear it as a fanny pack.

Browse our selection of Lululemon bags and discover something sporty, starting at $24.99.

Dimensions: 7.5" x 2" x 5"

Available colors: 13 different styles, including neutrals, cherry red, and vibrant blue.

6. Baggallini Central Park Sling

What we love: Travel-specific features, like a buckle for pickpocket protection.

What we don’t: The strap is too long for shorter people.

The Central Park Sling is an attractive crossbody bag specifically designed for globetrotters. It has a heavy-duty buckle for anti-theft protection and many compartments to organize your essentials. We especially love the quick-access phone pocket.

Thrift travel-ready Baggalini purses, wallets, and bags on ThredUp, starting at just $13.99.

Dimensions: 7" x 12" x 2.5"

Available colors: 18 options, including gray, mauve, and red plaid.

7. Vera Bradley Featherweight Crossbody Bag

A Vera Bradley Crossbody bag with design.
Slightly different from the described model

What we love: Easily packable in larger luggage.

What we don’t: Limited space.

Vera Bradley designs striking, patterned bags for travel, so it’s no surprise they made the list. The Featherweight is soft and light (as the name implies), making it a great choice for a packable piece.

We wish the pockets were just a little bigger and more organized, but it’s a great solution for last-minute trips when you can’t bring your Birkin.

Grab one of Vera Bradley’s colorful, convenient bags on ThredUp, starting at $7.99.

Dimensions: 11.5" x 11.75" x 3.5" 

Available colors: Seven options, including dusty blue and floral lavender.

8. Aimee Kestenberg Nylon Camera Crossbody

What we love: Efficient use of space—compact yet roomy.

What we don’t: The nylon strap feels a bit thin.

This crossbody bag is made of durable recycled nylon and sports eye-catching colors like neon green and purple—who says sustainable fabric has to be muted? 

Despite being a minibag, it has a spacious interior that’s large enough to fit daily items alongside a camera (hence the name). As a bonus, it effortlessly converts from crossbody to belt bag.

Check out ThredUp’s collection of Aimee Kestenberg purses, starting at $15.99.

Dimensions: 7.25’’ x 4’’ x 5’’

Available colors: Black, limeade, lilac, and studded black.

9. MZ Wallace Metro Crossbody

A blue MZ Wallace Crossbody bag.
Slightly different from the described model

What we love: Blends practical and chic.

What we don’t: Shorter strap.

MZ Wallace is a luxury brand known for combining functionality with style, and this bag is no different. The Metro Crossbody has an alluring quilted design and leather trim, and it’s lightweight and roomy enough to hold your wallet, phone, and passport.

Plus, it gets sustainability points: each bag is crafted from REC Oxford recycled textiles.

Thrift MZ Wallace’s stunning designer bags on ThredUp, starting at $22.99.

Dimensions: 6.10” x 1.77” x 8.30”

Available colors: Six different styles, including black, marigold, and metallic.

10. Kate Spade Hudson Convertible Crossbody

What we love: Interchangeable straps.

What we don’t: Prone to scratching.

Kate Spade makes some of the best designer bags, and the Hudson is our top crossbody pick from this brand. It holds plenty of items, sporting two exterior pockets and an interior slip pocket.

But our favorite part is the two unique straps, so you can swap between crossbody and shoulder bag styles whenever it’s convenient.

Explore our huge selection of Kate Spade bags, clutches, and totes, starting at $28.99.

Dimensions: 2.5” x 11.25” x 7”

Available colors: Black, tan, periwinkle, and gray.

11. Gucci Horsebit 1955 Small Shoulder Bag

A Gucci Horsebit 1955 shoulder bag gg coated canvas mini.

Slightly different from the described model

What we love: Structured shape provides compact protection.

What we don’t: It’s a bit heavy for its size.

We adore Gucci bags because of their retro designs, attention-grabbing styles, and unique angles. The Gucci Horsebit 1955 is no exception, and it’s the best crossbody bag for women who want something a little more luxe. 

It holds enough to be a useful travel bag, such as a cardholder, phone, lip balm, and makeup. And if you’ve booked any upscale dinner reservations, this purse doubles as an eye-catching statement piece.

Explore our vast Gucci collection and thrift something perfect for you, starting at $89.99.

Dimensions: 9.8" x 7" x 3.1"

Available colors: GG Supreme canvas, black.

12. Prada Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

A cream Prada Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag.

What we love: Sustainable and fashionable.

What we don’t: Not the most durable.

The Prada Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag is the compact cousin of the Re-Nylon Backpack (which is one of our top Prada bags of all time). Both are made from recycled plastic recovered from the ocean, so they’re eco-friendly choices.

Since the shoulder bag is made of water-resistant nylon, you might be tempted to take this on more wild journeys. But it’s still a luxury piece that can be damaged easily, so take care.

Explore our vast collection of Prada bags, from wallets to crossbody bags, starting at $92.99.

Dimensions: 7cm x 23cm x 15cm

Available colors: Black.

13. Louis Vuitton Liv Pochette

A Louis Vuitton Liv Pochette bag.

What we love: Feather light—you nearly forget it’s there.

What we don’t: Pockets are a little narrow.

Louis Vuitton is the ultimate luxury luggage brand and offers many different types of purses, including duffles, handbags, and cute crossbody minis. The Liv Pochette is a slim, “barely-there” bag that contours perfectly to your side. It’s subtle and sleek, ideal for light travel.

The pockets are wide but unfortunately narrow, so it’s best for small essentials, like a cardholder and phone.

Thrift striking Louis Vuitton bags for less on ThredUp, starting at $110.99.

Dimensions: 9.6” x 5.3” x 2.6”

Available colors: Brown, black, and light blue.

14. Lo & Sons Nouvelle

A black L&S Lo & Sons Leather crossbody bag.

Slightly different from the described model

What we love: Top-notch organization, including card sleeves and two mesh pockets.

What we don’t: Narrow opening makes it difficult to retrieve items quickly.

The Nouvelle is convenient, functional, and fashionable to boot. It’s water-resistant and durable, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on style: this bag resembles Prada and Fendi silhouettes. 

And with multiple interior pouches, two zip pockets, and a key leash, you’ll never have to dig around for your items.

Shop sleek, modern Lo & Sons purses on ThredUp, starting at $49.99.

Dimensions: 9” x 3” x 7”

Available colors: Nine options, including black, white, and navy.

How to find the best crossbody bag for travel: Key factors

When you’re ready to add a crossbody bag to your collection, keep these things in mind:

  • Size: Smaller bags are more lightweight but won’t have room for spare travel clothes and a pair of flats. If you need the extra space, remember to pick a purse that won’t get too heavy as you explore your destination.
  • Compartments: Generally, more pockets are better, as they keep your wallet, keys, and phone organized. But some top-notch crossbody bags only have one compartment, so it might be a good idea to snag separate zipper pouches to keep your items together.
  • Fasteners: Travel bags should be secure, so reach for zipper and turn-lock closures. Try to avoid flap bags and loose magnets, as they may cause you to misplace things.
  • Material and fabric: Synthetic, water-resistant fabric like nylon is one of the most popular choices for travel bags. But leather and suede are fine if you’re mainly planning bistro trips and boutique hopping.
  • Packing: If you’re packing a bag into a larger duffle or suitcase, make sure it’s small and flexible enough to fit comfortably in your luggage. And choose a material that isn’t prone to bending or breaking so you don’t damage it in transit.
  • Style: We always recommend considering your personal aesthetic—you’ll most likely avoid using your new bag if you don’t like its appearance. Pick something you adore looking at, and you’ll never want to put it down.

Travel in style with ThredUp’s crossbody bags

Whether you’re going on a girls’ trip to Las Vegas or hiking to a waterfall, you need a trusty purse by your side. To find the perfect fit for your next adventure, shop on ThredUp

Explore our inventory to search for everything from outdoorsy Mosiso bags to preloved Chanel pieces. And if you need other travel essentials, check out our outerwear and loungewear collections. 

Stumped on which bag to thrift? Use our Style Chat to create a travel wardrobe in minutes. See your idea on a generated model and choose from a list of relevant suggestions.