19 Best Crossbody Bags for Hands-Free Travel

The viral Baggu bag is popular for a reason. It holds a lot, and I mean a lot. Water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, tablet—you name it and this thing probably fits it and more. A favorite of senior features editor Megan Spurrell, it also has two interior pockets for stashing small essentials. Made of recycled ripstop nylon, the crescent-shaped bag is machine washable and can be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody, thanks to its long adjustable strap. (It’s available in a small version and a large too.)

Read a full review of this bag here.

One of the most spacious options on our list is Coach’s Bleecker bucket bag—which comes recommended by senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb. The chic handbag can be worn on your shoulder or as a crossbody, depending on the occasion. Made with natural grain leather that’s soft to the touch and ages beautifully, this carryall is sophisticated enough for anything on your itinerary. Inside you’ll find a snap pocket and a removable zip pouch for small accessories.

This roomy bag from Lo & Sons is one of commerce director Madison Flager’s most-used travel bags. Inside you’ll find a few mesh pockets, credit card slots, and a zippered pocket to keep important items secure. On the outside, there’s another zippered pocket on the side that’s large enough to fit your phone or wallet, giving you even easier access to essentials while on the go. It holds a whole lot (Flager has fit a hardcover book inside), and can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. The lightweight bag can even be transitioned from day to night—the strap converts into a shorter top handle, giving it a more elevated, nice-dinner-friendly feel—making it a versatile staple.

My personal favorite is this sporty hobo bag from Athleta. I brought it with me everywhere last summer, from workout classes and airport check-ins to morning walks around Hoboken. The spacious interior is really what won me over. I’m always surprised by how much I can fit inside—even when I think I’ve run out of room, I haven’t. I’m able to toss in my wallet, sunscreen, portable charger, handheld fan, and a bulky sunglasses case with ease (I can even fit a water bottle on hot days). Plus, it’s super soft and not too structured, so I can lay it completely flat in my suitcase and forget it’s there.

Read a full review of this bag here.

Searching for something that’s a little more durable? Look no further than the July Carry Me crossbody, a hard-shell bag that’s both water-resistant and easy to clean. A favorite of Traveler contributor Patrice J. Williams, this practical crossbody comes from Australian luggage brand July, known for designing the world’s lightest carry-on. The Carry Me crossbody features two deep pockets, snap closures on each side, and a removable strap that when taken off, turns the bag into a clutch.

Read a full review of this bag here.

Travel bookings editor Jamie Spain has been raving about Cuyana’s System tote for years, but its petite crossbody version is equaly worth obsessing over. Its got all the perks of the original—including a soft Italian leather exterior, an interior phone pocket, two top handles, and Cuyana’s two-year warranty—but without all the weight that comes with carrying around a large tote all day. Toss in your favorite sunglasses, wallet, and lip tint and you’re ready to go.

MZ Wallace designs some of our top editor-recommended totes and duffels. We equally love this lightweight, diamond-quilted crossbody bag that’s ideal for busy parents or travelers on the move who need something reliable. There’s an exterior zippered pocket for easy access to items like your phone or wallet, and the bag is water-resistant and washable.

If you want something small for concerts, game days, or park-hopping that fits just the essentials, this compact phone bag has you covered. It’s crafted from 100% pebbled leather and looks super sleek while still being extremely functional for your busiest days. The Dillon bag features an exterior slip pocket for cards or tickets, and has enough room on the inside for your phone, passport, and a lip balm.

This lightweight, hand-crocheted crossbody is made from ocean-bound plastic, so not only is it cute, but you can feel good about carrying it too. It’s simple in design, but offers lots of versatility, thanks to its detachable, adjustable strap that allows you to wear it crossbody, as a clutch, or as a shoulder bag.

If you love Longchamp’s original Le Pliage tote (like so many of us do), consider snagging this mini version for those days when you need something stylish and versatile enough to keep up with your back-to-back plans. I love that the top can be fully zipped to keep essentials safe and that there’s a pocket inside that fits your phone. Wear it as a crossbody for a day of sightseeing or remove the strap to hold it as a small handbag for brunch in the city.

Dagne Dover’s 100% vegan neoprene crossbody is ultra lightweight and soft—a crucial detail for travelers carrying this bag around all day. It’s the perfect blend of sporty and stylish; wear it to the airport, on a hike, or on a city walking tour. There are several interior pockets to keep travel essentials organized and it’s just the right size for day trips.

If you’re after a beautiful bag you can effortlessly wear from museum-hopping to cocktail-sipping in Paris, there’s no better choice than this number from Poléne. Crafted with Italian calf leather and a 100% velvet microfiber lining, it’s built to withstand years and years of wear. Its adjustable strap allows you to wear it across your body during the day or as a shoulder bag come nighttime.

Made of lightweight, water-resistant fabric, this sporty crossbody from Fjällräven is a smart choice for travelers no matter what’s on the agenda. It features two interior mesh pockets, a zippered exterior compartment, and a convenient top carry handle. Plus, at $55, it’s one of the most affordable options on our list.

I’ve got my eye on this half-moon shoulder bag from Tory Burch. Its light hue and fun silhouette makes it suitable for daytime, but its pebbled leather exterior lets it work for dinner dates and cocktails too. When you want to be hands-free, simply adjust the shoulder strap and wear it across the body. If you’re only bringing one handbag on a trip, let it be this one.

You know Tumi for its indestructible luggage, but its travel bags are equally impressive. This one’s for the traveler who wants to bring plenty of essentials with them on the go. There are lots of zippered pockets on the inside and exterior of the bag, as well as a key leash and a hidden phone pocket, keeping you and your things organized.

Bagsmart’s under-$20 crossbody bag is a bestseller on Amazon and has earned a stellar rating of 4.6 stars. For something functional and unfussy, this nylon bag has a lot to offer: a dual-compartment design to keep items organized, five card slots, and zipped exterior pockets for your phone or cash.

This casual everyday crossbody features a thick, sturdy strap that supports all of your essentials, plus a little extra. The bag has a zipper closure to keep items extra secure and interior slip pockets for cards or your phone. What we love most: As with everything Rothy’s, it’s sustainably made and machine washable.

If you’re looking for a beachy vacation bag to bring along on your upcoming trip to Positano, look no further than this convertible crossbody from Dolce Vita. This one is all about the details: a structured silhouette, knotted rope overlay, gold hardware, and multiple straps to make it extra functional. Wear it with your favorite summer maxi dress or an all-linen set and you’re ready to live the dolce vita.

This simple, cream-colored bag from Tory Burch is a great bag for day or night. It’s slim yet surprisingly spacious, making it a practical bag to pack without taking up a ton of room in your carry-on. It’s also available in black and a gray-beige shade.